MARCH 17-23, 2023
The kind of train derailment that forced a mass evacuation in East Palestine, Ohio, is rare, but every city and town with freight tracks running through it must consider the possibility. In Indianapolis, derailment of a train carrying hazardous chemicals downtown would be a massive emergency affecting tens of thousands of people and the city’s economy, Mickey Shuey reports. Also in this week’s issue, Peter Blanchard explores findings that marginalized populations in the Indianapolis area have been enjoying a bigger share of economic gains. And Susan Orr reports that Steak n Shake has shaken a prolonged slump and returned to profitability as it focuses on self-service ordering.
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After Ohio derailment, Indy officials consider impact of potential downtown toxic spill
In downtown Indianapolis, where train lines hug the eastern and southern boundaries of the city’s Mile Square, a hazardous spill evacuation could affect more than 100,000 people—including office workers, residents, business owners and visitors, depending on the time of day.
Read MoreIndy saw uptick in economic growth for marginalized groups
The 2023 Metro Monitor report from the Brookings Institute showed that in terms of inclusive economic growth Indiana rose from 101st out of 192 metro areas in 2019 to 24th in 2021.
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Steak n Shake rebounds with self-service push
Indianapolis-based Steak n Shake has spent $50 million to eliminate table service at its restaurants in favor of self-service ordering—an investment the company says has allowed it to regain profitability after three straight years of losses.
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Developers want to turn Carmel office park into a neighborhood
The city and Philadelphia-based Rubenstein Partners are developing plans to transform the eastern half of Parkwood Crossing into a neighborhood with office space, housing, restaurants, retail, recreation and a new street grid.
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After a decade, Central@29 housing project appears on track
The $18.1 million, 56-unit project is planned for the southeast corner of Central and East 29th streets in Fall Creek.
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Mark Montieth: Sport is no fad
There’s no better proof of pickleball’s ivy-like encroachment into the sporting landscape than what’s happening at every Life Time Fitness location across the country.
Read MoreIndiana 250: Gail Boudreaux
Gail Boudreaux is president and CEO of Elevance Health. Before joining Elevance (formerly known as Anthem Inc.), she spent six years as CEO of United Healthcare. She was named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business and was featured by Forbes as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World. Additionally, […]
Read MoreMade in Indiana: Tomato products by Red Gold Inc.
History: In 1942, Grover C. Hutcherson and his daughter, Fran, decided to support the war effort by canning tomatoes for troops at home and abroad. They purchased and rebuilt an abandoned cannery building in Orestes that had been destroyed three times by fires and a tornado. With Orestes Canning off and running, the father and […]
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Wilshaw developer admits withholding info about SEC troubles
Town of Speedway officials and residents on Monday night learned a development firm involved in its long-delayed $36 million Wilshaw hotel project purposely withheld details of a settlement reached last year with federal securities regulators.
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City-County Council considers further deregulation for taxi drivers
The number of taxis on Indianapolis streets has decreased by 80% in the last decade, prompting the City-County Council to consider changes to help traditional taxis better compete with ride-sharing services.
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About 300 logistics employees affected by change in operations at Whitestown facility
Kuehne+Nagel Inc. said in a notice to the state that it will cease operations with Rockwell Automation when the contract between the companies terminates May 10.
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Indianapolis mayoral candidates clash in first forum
Seven candidates for Indianapolis mayor discussed their policy plans in a candidate forum Sunday, but expected Democratic front-runners Mayor Joe Hogsett and State Rep. Robin Shackleford were no-shows.
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Downtown, Fort Ben are fastest-growing areas for renters
The number of people renting in downtown’s 46204 ZIP code doubled to 5,500 from 2011 to 2020, according to a recent study from California-based market researcher RentCafe.
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Editorial: More creativity needed to win rural support for large solar farms
If rural farming communities have to give up huge expanses of precious land for the wind and solar farms needed to attract large employers, they should also be the site of some of those economic development projects and their high-paying jobs.
Read MoreNate Feltman: Next round of leaders must drive change
There likely has never been more turnover in top city and state jobs in such a short time.
Read MoreRima Shahid: Women’s issues have an economic impact for everyone
Indiana needs young workers, but if young workers see the state as being unfriendly to women, they won’t come here.
Read MoreSen. Todd Young and Jay Timmons: Our manufacturing competitiveness hinges on action
When policymakers support this innovation and job creation, it supercharges manufacturers’ impact.
Read MoreKristen Cooper: Women-owned and women-led companies aren’t the same
A “women-led” company might have several women in charge making important strategic decisions on a daily basis; however, those female leaders don’t have enough equity in the company to control a board/investor-level vote.
Read MoreJalene Hahn: Here’s how to make the most of an inheritance
However large or small of an inheritance you receive, proceed with caution.
Read MoreCecil Bohanon and John Horowitz: Lebanon shows us how to weather a banking crisis
Even with these hardships, the Lebanese people are resilient.
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Crazy King Burrito planning to open 3 restaurants in Hamilton County
Indiana’s first Crazy King Burrito location is expected to open June 1 in Carmel. Other suburban locations for the fast-casual restaurant are in the works.
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Eiteljorg hires Newfields exec Kathryn Haigh as new CEO
Kathryn Haigh will succeed John Vanausdall as president and CEO of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.
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Franciscan Health names new central Indiana chief
In her new role, Lori Price will oversee four facilities: Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Franciscan Health Mooresville, Franciscan Health Orthopedic Hospital Carmel and Franciscan Health Carmel.
Read MoreFishers-based gene therapy firm Genezen appoints new CEO
Steven J. Favaloro brings a background in finance in the life sciences industry to his new positions as president and CEO.
Read MoreLocal software startup Elate lands $4.9M VC investment
Indianapolis-based Elate was founded in 2019 by two former coworkers at another local software firm, Springbuk. Elate offers a platform to help organizations develop and execute their strategic plans.
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