Indianapolis Business Journal

DECEMBER 2-8, 2013

Apple has applied for a new patent that sounds pretty familiar to the folks at Carmel-based ChaCha Search Inc. Analysts and tech wonks now are wondering whether Apple would be best served by acquiring ChaCha. IBJ's Dan Human explores how the question-and-answer service could aid Apple's Siri function. Also in this issue, Scott Olson profiles city development director Adam Thies, a no-nonsense leader taking a proactive approach to turning idle city parcels into tax-generating properties. And in A&E, Lou Harry discovers out-of-the-way eatery Shoefly Public House and its neighborhood vibe.

Front PageBack to Top

Apple buyout in ChaCha’s future?

Apple has applied for a patent that sounds pretty familiar to the folks at Carmel-based ChaCha Search Inc. Enough so that ChaCha founder Scott Jones has suggested that his business is well-suited for an acquisition by one of the largest companies in the world.

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Top StoriesBack to Top

Chase Indiana chairman retiring

Dennis Bassett, who retires at the end of this month, will tell you things might not have gone well for JPMorgan Chase & Co. if it had imported a New Yorker to run its Indiana operations when it bought Chicago-based Bank One in 2004.

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Meridian Plaza’s new owner plans updates

Zeller Realty Group plans to invest $4 million to update a trio of high-profile but underused office buildings along Carmel’s North Meridian Street corridor after acquiring the properties in late November. “The previous owner just ran out of money,” said Mark Vollbrecht, a senior vice president who manages Indianapolis operations for the Chicago-based real estate […]

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FocusBack to Top

OpinionBack to Top

Hicks: Economic geography changed with labor

In 1940, vibrant cities had big factories, rail yards and lots of associated workers. In 2010, vibrant cities had lots of people in many occupations whose product is mostly consumed locally. This doesn’t mean there aren’t a few fantastic towns with factories, but it is the vibrant town that ultimately makes the difference.

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Shale gas will support inexpensive electricity

As stated in the “Natural gas dilemma” article [Nov. 18], there is increased demand for natural gas in the electric energy market in Indiana and across the country. However, I take exception to the theme that this increased demand will drive volatility in the market and harm Hoosier electric and gas customers.

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In BriefBack to Top