MARCH 8-14, 2019
John Russell reveals what has become of the partnership between St. Vincent and Tandem Hospital Partners, which embarked in 2017 on an aggressive mission to develop tiny “neighborhood hospitals” around the Indianapolis area. Tandem essentially has fallen apart, leaving St. Vincent scrambling to take over operations the hospitals. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle reports on the major milestone notched by fledgling Indianapolis-based software company Kerauno: It has landed a $25 million Series A round of venture capital, believed to be a record for Indiana software companies. And Greg Andrews explains how the head of Steak n Shake is planning to whip up a turnaround.
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Tech upstart Kerauno raking in the venture capital dough
The communications-workflow software is super-charging its growth with what many believe is a record haul of venture capital, in the form of a $25 million Series A round of funding.
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Soccer stadium likely would find other uses—especially if it’s downtown
The Indy Eleven would likely need the $150 million soccer stadium proposed by owner Ersal Ozdemir for only about 20 matches a year.
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Entrepreneurs using south-side food makerspace to create businesses
The Food Beauty Center, a new food-focused makerspace in Garfield Park aims to serve entrepreneurs two ingredients for success—collaboration and commercial kitchen space.
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Partner on St. Vincent neighborhood hospitals had big ambitions but flamed out
Just 20 months ago, Tandem Hospital Partners had set up a joint venture with St. Vincent to develop a series of tiny hospitals. Today, the results are far different from what either company probably imagined.
Read MoreJim Shella: Why I’m pulling for Democrat Pete Buttigieg
There is a show business element to presidential politics that causes serious proposals and serious candidates to get lost.
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Bills would let Whitestown, Greenwood, Danville impose 1 percent food-and-beverage tax
Three more suburban communities are seeking to impose a food and beverage tax to help fund infrastructure, public safety and quality-of-life improvements.
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Biglari says Steak n Shake turnaround to start with speedy service
What's wrong with Steak n Shake? Sardar Biglari says a key problem is a failure to upgrade kitchen equipment and design, leaving the chain with “high-cost, labor intensive, slow service.”
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Pacers, CIB talks could extend beyond legislative deadline
The president of the Capital Improvement Board said negotiations on a 25-year deal with the Indiana Pacers are progressing, but a final pact is likely months away.
Read More‘Make ’Em Clap’ to legislative updates
Indy Chamber Chief Policy Officer Mark Fisher injects a little fund into the organization's legislative updates in the form of hip-hop references.
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Barber, Catchings named executive leaders of Indiana Fever
The former chancellor of Western Governors University Indiana and a former superstar player were named Monday to oversee operations of the city’s WNBA franchise.
Read MoreLittle Nugget app turning into big business for new entrepreneur
Carrie Griffith thought there would be a demand for her photo editing and cataloging app, Little Nugget, which she developed during her first child’s nap time. But even she has been surprised at how quickly her new business has grown. Now she’s looking for funding to speed up growth even more.
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Kurt Vonnegut Museum planning to buy building on Indiana Avenue
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is hoping to raise $1.5 million to acquire the building, which would house the museum and a cafe operated by the owners of Bluebeard restaurant.
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Allos Ventures’ focus, patience pay off reliably for investors
Allos Ventures makes investing in early-stage companies look easy. National data shows it is not.
Read MoreCrypto companies complain they’re being shunned by banks
While top-tier banks are getting more crypto-curious—JPMorgan rolled out a prototype digital coin last month—most see the growing number of companies in the industry as they have since day one: ticking regulatory time bombs.
Read MoreOld National CEO stepping aside
Old National has undergone a transformation since Jones joined the bank, shifting from low-growth markets to entering markets that offered a better opportunity for growth.
Read MoreCandlewood Suites lands $10M in financing
Candlewood plans to use the money for extensive renovations at its 142-room property.
Read MoreCentier to open Greenwood loan office
Centier is a family-owned bank with 61 Indiana offices, including two in Zionsville and one each in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers and Westfield.
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Editorial: A more forceful governor is only hope for hate crimes bill
When the governor returns from a nine-day trade mission to France, Belgium and Germany, we hope he’ll not just testify in favor of a stronger bill but meet with legislative leaders one on one to emphasize the importance of passing the hate crimes bill that the business community wants.
Read MoreNATE FELTMAN: Indiana: Flyover state or freedom state?
Our way of life, and government, breeds success, contrary to what the elites would have you think.
Read MoreFrancesca Jarosz Brady: What happened to Indiana’s business Republicans?
The GOP’s dogmatic approach will fail. In the short term, it will chip away at lawmakers’ credibility among voters until elected leaders’ lack of responsiveness drives citizens to demand change.
Read MoreBrad Klopfenstein: It’s time for video gambling terminals in Indiana
The legalization of VGTs would generate millions in new revenue from gambling taxes and fees, money that could be used to fund local roads, schools, and other essential local and state needs without raising taxes.
Read MoreSheri Fella: Trusting yourself provides your truest compass
Trusting in yourself means you can trust your inner voice. So when you hear it say, “I need help” or “I don’t know” or “What am I missing?”, trust it and look around your room of learning.
Read MoreEd Feigenbaum: The 2019 legislative session is less partisan. Here’s why.
After several years of Republican supermajorities and control of the Governor’s Office, the GOP policy agenda has little remaining that might be as objectionable to Democrats as, for example, right-to-work legislation, which sparked the historic 34-day Democratic walkout in 2011, or the repeal of common construction wage laws in 2015.
Read MoreKIM: Buffett says to focus on the ‘forest,’ appreciate ‘The American Tailwind’
Rational people don’t risk what they have and need for what they don’t have and don’t need.”
Read MoreBOHANON & CUROTT: Higher minimum wage hurts those it’s meant to help
full-service restaurants in New York City employed 3,000 fewer workers in December 2018 than in December 2017; the city increased the minimum wage from $11 an hour to $13 in 2018.
Read MoreLetter: Restore bias bill
In today’s economy, the best way to build a broader tax base and a more dynamic business community is to embrace a diverse workforce.
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Lilly to introduce generic version of insulin at half off Humalog’s list price
The move comes at a time drug makers, especially those that make insulin, are facing withering criticism for raising prices.
Read MoreNuvo reinvents itself as not-for-profit, online publication
The founder of the local alternative weekly revealed Monday that the publication has radically shifted its business model in the wake of news that it has discontinued its print edition after 29 years
Read MoreDilapidated Castleton hotel to be revamped as senior ‘resort’ community
The developer behind the $5.4 million plan to convert Castleton Extended Stay into senior living units is seeking a three-year tax break on the project.
Read MoreWith $30M gift, Indiana University renames SPEA after O’Neill
Indiana University has renamed its School of Public and Environmental Affairs after alumnus and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill.
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Area sock maker acquired by founder’s daughter, private equity firm
Martinsville-based For Bare Feet Inc., a 35-year-old manufacturer and distributor of novelty socks, has been sold.
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MIKE LOPRESTI: 18 Hoosier hoops standouts you might not have heard of
Former Indiana high school players are making a difference at schools large and small.
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