APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2015

Social-media analytics firm Geofeedia didn’t have a presence in Indianapolis until October, and now it has committed to hiring 300-plus workers for its local office and is contemplating moving its headquarters here from Chicago. Jared Council explains how the firm quickly took root in Indy. Also in this week’s issue, Kathleen McLaughlin reports on the reservoir of cash awaiting use for economic development in downtown’s TIF district. One critic calls it a “slush fund.” And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti visits Brad Stevens in Boston to get a read on the former Butler coach’s success with the Celtics.

Front PageBack to Top

Formula E series could race at Speedway

April 23, 2015 | Anthony Schoettle

The all-electric Formula E race series has been so successful in its first year that some insiders are talking about its cars competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and even filling the grid of the Indianapolis 500.

Downtown TIF district awash in cash

April 23, 2015 | Kathleen McLaughlin

The Indianapolis downtown TIF district is so flush with cash that the mayor can cover all its debt payments, fund two layers of reserves, and still have tens of millions to spend at his discretion.

Geofeedia mulling moving HQ here

April 23, 2015 | Jared Council

Chicago-based Geofeedia opened an Indianapolis office last December, which now hosts 26 of its 45 employees. It recently committed to adding 336 more Indiana workers by 2020 in an economic development deal with the state.

Fast-fire pizza chains preparing to blitz Indy area

April 23, 2015 | Scott Olson

A pizza war is heating up in Indianapolis. Additional players in the new and trendy fast-fire sector are charging into the area.

Parents of autistic children gird for showdown with Anthem

April 23, 2015 | J.K. Wall

After an Elkhart couple with an autistic son sued insurer Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield this month, autism families around the state started a campaign to get Anthem to change its policy for covering therapy for school-age children.

ITT goes after new federal agency with guns blazing

April 23, 2015 | Greg Andrews

ITT Educational Services Inc. was unable to get a federal judge to dismiss a predatory-lending lawsuit filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, so now it is taking its request to an appeals court.

Brainard, Sharp spar over calculating Carmel’s debt

April 23, 2015 | Lindsey Erdody

The issue has been at the heart of the mayoral campaign in Carmel this year, with incumbent Jim Brainard and challenger and Carmel City Council President Rick Sharp consistently citing different numbers and sources.

Menard to build northeast-side store on vacant-hotel site

April 21, 2015 | Scott Olson

The Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer will build a bigger store near Interstate 465 and Pendleton Pike to replace one nearby at Pendleton Pike near Shadeland Avenue.

Art hotels seeing payoff from galleries

April 24, 2015 | Anthony Schoettle

Will hotel guests pay more to sleep under a Picasso or eat inside a piece of art posing as a bamboo hut? Some hoteliers say they already are.

REVIEW: High-quality art is at the heart of 21c Museum Hotel

April 24, 2015 | Lou Harry

What should we expect if plans go through for the conversion and expansion of the former city hall and state museum into a 21c Museum Hotel? Judging from a recent trip to the flagship 21c in Louisville, the answer is: an expansive venue housing a mind-expanding array of 21st century work. Also, an anchor for the downtown art scene. Plus, a top-tier (and free) tourist attraction.

MAURER: Mickey’s Camp marks 15 years of charity, fun

April 23, 2015 | Mickey Maurer

The summer retreat for men and women is also an opportunity to network, make deals.

RUSTHOVEN: Walker yields to Republican fringe

April 23, 2015 | Peter J. Rusthoven / Special to IBJ

Scott Walker's recent 180 on immigration was a troubling sign. Two years ago, Walker said things like, "The vast majority of people want to come here for the right reasons." And, "If somebody wants to come in and live the American dream and work hard … we should have a system that works and lets people in."

MADDOX: Let’s enshrine golf in the Indiana Constitution, too

April 23, 2015 | Mark Maddox

Thanks to our infamous Legislature, hunting and fishing will be on the ballot in 2016 to become protected rights in our constitution, placing them on par with free speech and freedoms of religion and the press.

FEIGENBAUM: Non-education items destined for budget haircut at Legislature

April 23, 2015 | Ed Feigenbaum

As lawmakers look to return home by April 29, truly partisan measures are not in evidence among the more intriguing unresolved issues, having been worked through, avoided or simply ignored during the first three months of the session.

BOHANON & STYRING: More money won’t improve public education

April 23, 2015 | Bill Styring / Special to IBJ and Cecil Bohanon / Special to IBJ

All of us want better schools for our kids. But beware of how to get there. More money isn’t the answer.

KIM: Fed policy uncertainty fueling market volatility

April 23, 2015 | Mickey Kim

Volatility returned with a vengeance in the first quarter of 2015, as investors grappled with increasing uncertainty associated with Federal Reserve policy, signs the U.S. economy has hit a soft patch, and lowered expectations for corporate earnings.

Stop forced annexations

April 23, 2015 |

Forced annexation in Indiana is heavily weighted in favor of cities and towns. In an involuntary annexation, landowners have two alternatives: Give in, or go to court.

Media was maddening

April 23, 2015 |

The “madness” headline over Peter Rusthoven’s [April 13] column was perfect to describe the hysteria created by the Indianapolis Star regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and its extreme one-sided coverage capped off by Mr. “I’m embarrassed to be from Indiana” Tully.

Indianapolis Business Journal