DECEMBER 15-21, 2014

Hamilton County leaders are asking state legislators for relief from the law that requires all capital projects more than $12 million be put to a vote. Andrea Davis examines the debate over referendums and the need to keep government entities from overspending. Also this week, Kathleen McLaughlin quantifies the narrow demographics of General Assembly members. In A&E Etc., Lou Harry dives into the offerings at Borel’s Cajun & Creole Cookery on the northwest side.

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Hamilton County seeks an out to avoid referendum for renovation

December 11, 2014 | Andrea Muirragui Davis

Hamilton County leaders are asking state legislators for relief from a 2008 law that requires all capital projects costing more than $12 million be put to a vote.

Startup car wash chain aims for high-end splash

December 11, 2014 | J.K. Wall

There’s no shortage of car washes around Indianapolis. But the owners of Prime Car Wash think the competition has missed a spot—both here and around the country.

Not-for-profits learn to tap into Twitter, rivals

December 11, 2014 | Andrea Muirragui Davis

A growing number of savvy charities are tapping into the viral power of social media, using popular platforms like Facebook and Twitter to connect with supporters and build awareness along with their spheres of influence.

City plans new TIF to boost west side

December 11, 2014 | Kathleen McLaughlin

Indianapolis planners say the city needs another $7.1 million to prepare the former Central State Hospital campus for redevelopment, but they’re out of resources. A proposal to raise those funds via a new tax-increment financing district around the 142-acre site is moving through the Indianapolis City-County Council with bipartisan support.

After victory in London, cake baker opens local shop

December 11, 2014 | Scott Olson

Gwendolyn Rogers achieved her goal last month of owning a bakery by opening the Cake Bake Shop in Broad Ripple. The former Little House gift shop space now sports cases full of tasty treats that include her popular cakes, as well as pies, eclairs and other goodies.

Upstart advertising agency attracting national notice

December 11, 2014 | Anthony Schoettle

The Basement boasts a client list that includes K-Mart, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Procter & Gamble, NCAA and Simon Property Group Inc. The firm’s year-over-year revenue in 2014 has grown at better than 25 percent, hitting $2 million.

After setbacks, Klipsch amps up focus on high end

December 11, 2014 | Greg Andrews

The Indianapolis-based speaker maker is responding to challenges in its industry by returning to its roots—emphasizing premium products, including home speaker systems costing $2,500 to $10,000.

Live Nation reaches agreement to buy Old National Centre

December 9, 2014 | Scott Olson

The entertainment promoter, which already manages the historic building and performance venue by Mass Ave, has a pending deal to buy it from the Murat Temple Association.

Q&A: Cummins CEO says firm scoped 10 sites for unit HQ

December 9, 2014 | Scott Olson

Officials of the Columbus, Indiana-based company even toured the old GM stamping plant before selecting the former Market Square Arena site.

Indiana lawmakers mostly older, white, college-educated

December 10, 2014 | Kathleen McLaughlin

Demographics of the General Assembly are significantly different than the average Hoosier.

EDITORIAL: Curry, Thomas should explain Bennett investigation

December 11, 2014 | IBJ Staff

Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry and state Inspector General David Thomas should acknowledge the mysteries swirling around an investigation into former state schools chief Tony Bennett and explain to Hoosiers exactly what happened, and how it won’t happen again.

FEIGENBAUM: Crush of big issues await General Assembly

December 10, 2014 | Ed Feigenbaum

Republican supermajorities in 2013 and 2014 left a lot of unfinished business on the table, and that—as well as changes in technology and public expectations—portends an extremely active 2015 General Assembly session.

MORRIS: Lamkin deserving of Whistler award

December 11, 2014 |

I’m fortunate in my job to meet and get to know some extraordinary people. Martha Lamkin is one of those special people who continue to inspire others with tireless community service efforts.

KENNEDY: Failure of imagination could stop here

December 11, 2014 | Sheila Suess Kennedy

There is a fair amount of evidence for the proposition that our fraying social fabric is a consequence of the fear and disorientation produced by ever-more-rapid social change.

BEEBE: Cummins connects in downtown Indianapolis in more ways than one

December 11, 2014 | Mark Beebe / Special to IBJ

When the new Cummins distribution headquarters is completed downtown in 2016, it will change the skyline. But this building is going to—and should—do a lot more for downtown, including bringing increased connectivity to east-side neighborhoods and setting new standards for how we approach design and development of our urban core.

SKARBECK: Main Street is finally enjoying fruits of recovery

December 11, 2014 | Ken Skarbeck

While recent years have been a boon to upper-income groups, evidenced by sales of luxury goods and rising stock prices, the economy now seems poised to provide a boost to the broader population.

HICKS: Politics is driving the minimum wage push

December 11, 2014 | Mike Hicks

Wages are largely determined by labor markets. So, if the minimum wage is set above the market wage, some workers will lose jobs while some will be better paid. There is no disagreement by anyone with a modest understanding of the matter, but low-paid jobs are not the issue.

Indianapolis Business Journal