Indianapolis Business Journal

Peter Blanchard examines the conservative backlash in Indiana over what is known as ESG investing and whether state government and its pensions funds should entertain factors such as environmental and social concerns when investing. Taylor Wooten asks what’s next for the IndyRents program, which during the pandemic spent nearly $34 million in federal funds to help local residents cover lease payments. And Dave Lindquist explores the plans of media firm Urban One now that it owns the eight radio stations in the Indianapolis market.

Duke Realty Corp. was founded in Indianapolis in 1972 and became one of the biggest real estate investment trusts in the Midwest. In June, it entered into a $26 billion merger agreement that will make it a small part of a West Coast-based developer. Mickey Shuey documents the last days of Duke Realty. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell charts the escalating tensions between emergency room physicians and insurance companies over reimbursement rates. And Dave Lindquist reports on the effort to boost businesses southeast of downtown by creating a new label for the area: Fountain Fletcher.

A year after many of Indiana’s large corporations and health system began firing employees who didn’t get COVID-19 vaccines, the lawsuits are beginning to pile up. John Russell reports on the continuing split over mandatory vaccinations. Also in this week’s issue, Taylor Wooten explains why the city of Indianapolis is struggling with a big staffing shortage, with nearly one-fifth of its positions unfilled. And Dave Lindquist has a ditty about two music competitions with great international reputations that are trying to raise their profiles in their home city of Indianapolis.

The owner of the Indy Eleven soccer team says he’s confident his plans for a new stadium downtown won’t hinge on asking for more state tax dollars than he already has been promised. But, as Mickey Shuey reports, the potential cost of the project has increased since the Legislature agreed three years ago to help fund it. Also in this week’s issue, Peter Blanchard reports on an effort from mayors in central Indiana to receive what they think is a more equitable amount of state funding for roadwork. And Taylor Wooten reports that the Hoosier Environmental Council has joined some west Indianapolis residents in opposing a proposed wastewater treatment plant.

A provision in the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act authorizes $10 billion to create 20 tech hubs across the nation—three of which should be in the Midwest and in areas not already known as leading tech centers. Peter Blanchard explores Indiana’s chances for getting on the list. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist outlines how artist Lobyn Hamilton is investing in an east-side neighborhood and creating living and studio spaces for other artists. And Daniel Bradley reports on the effort to save trees and other aesthetic features in Westfield and Noblesville as Duke Energy plans a new substation and two transmission lines to serve growing power needs in the communities.

Reporters Susan Orr and Taylor Wooten take a deep dive into the recently announced plans to split IUPUI into an urban campus for Indiana University and an independent satellite location for Purdue University. Local business and tech-industry leaders say they see the effort as a chance to boost the available workforce for local companies, downtown’s roster of research institutions and the region’s economy as a whole. Also in this week’s issue, Peter Blanchard gives us a sense of what to expect from the state committee studying marijuana and potentially ways to regulate it for legal use. And Dave Lindquist examines a new approach to philanthropy taking hold in central Indiana that focuses on collaborating with the communities that foundations seek to help.

Eight years after the Ballard administration prepared to completely rebuild the streets on Monument Circle—work that never commenced—Mayor Joe Hogsett’s team is dusting off the plans and strategizing how to turn the project into reality. IBJ’s Mickey Shuey discusses the potential roadblocks. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley shines a light on the new Motor District Garage Condos, which you could describe as high-end man caves where car collectors can store and commune with their vehicles. And Susan Orr reports that banks in Indiana have begun bulking up their loan reserves as a precaution against a potential recession.

Indiana economic development officials have been working overtime to help the state become a player in the burgeoning microelectronics industry. IBJ’s Mickey Shuey explains why Skywater Technology is a key player in that quest. Also this week, Dave Lindquist takes stock of the sudden surge of chicken restaurants in the Indy area, including Dave’s Hot Chicken, World Famous Hotboys, Naptown Hot Chicken and Slim Chickens. And we’re excited to introduce you to our second annual class of "20 in Their Twenties," a group of up-and-coming leaders in central Indiana.

John Russell explores the potential fate of the clinics that perform abortions in Indiana, in light is the anti-abortion legislation under consideration by the General Assembly. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley details the upcoming demolition of Fishers City Hall and the efforts under way to mitigate disruption in city services. And Taylor Wooten examines the continuing confusion over how best to offer internship programs in the post-pandemic office landscape.

All of the newsgathering publications of IBJ Media have teamed up to produce the Indiana 250, a compendium of the most influential and impactful people in the state’s business, not-for-profit and civic communities. Also in this week’s issue of IBJ, John Russell reports that doctors and hospitals across the state face confusion and anxiety over how anticipated abortion legislation will affect their practices and the care they provide patients. And Mickey Shuey explains how Kite Realty Group Trust’s $2.8 billion merger with a competitor has changed the Indianapolis-based retail real estate company.

Indiana lawmakers returning the the Statehouse for a special session this month will consider Gov. Eric Holcomb's plan to send $225 refunds to Hoosier taxpayers. But IBJ's Pete Blanchard reports that not all lawmakers—or political observers—think that's the best use of $1 billion from the state surplus. Also in this week's issue, John Russell explores why hospitals, insurers and health clinics are such tempting and vulnerable targets for hackers. And Dave Lindquist has the story of a group of high-profile filmmakers who have created a visual-effects firm in Indianapolis to meet a need they saw in the local market.

John Russell examines what came of the strategy by Ascension St. Vincent to open micro-hospitals across central Indiana, with designs on upending the traditional hospital model. The idea never took off, and the flagship neighborhood hospital, located in Noblesville, closed in late June. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley has the latest on plans to create the massive LEAP Innovation and Research District in the Lebanon area. And Dave Lindquist pops the cork on the success story behind Mom Water, a hard seltzer manufactured in Indianapolis.

The major stock indexes tumbled into bear territory in the first half of 2022, but many Indiana-based public companies have performed surprisingly well during the market downturn. Susan Orr has more on how the Indiana Index and solid performers like Eli Lilly and Co. are holding the line. Also on this week’s issue, John Russell pulls the curtain back on pharmacy benefit managers, which operate as middlemen between pharmacies, drugmakers and health insurance plans. And Daniel Bradley details the plans behind the $59.1 million expansion of the Boone County Jail, which officials say will help lead to an increased focus on rehabilitation and less on warehousing inmates.

Ersal Ozdemir, majority owner of the Indy Eleven, has purchased the 18-acre Diamond Chain industrial site downtown through his development firm Keystone Corp. to build a soccer stadium and mixed use district that could top $1 billion. Mickey Shuey has the details about the plans and explains why the cost of the project is up so much since Ozdemir first proposed Eleven Park three years ago. Plus, reporter Susan Orr reports about new layoffs in the tech sector—but why those who have lost their jobs appear to have plenty of options. And this week's IBJ includes our annual Fast 25 list, which details the fastest-growing companies in central Indiana. At the top of the list is Lifeboost Coffee. which has grown a startling 866% over the past three years.

Indiana tourism officials are betting big on efforts to bring more visitors to the state, in part with a public campaign that they hope will spur a significant funding increase from the General Assembly next year. Mickey Shuey outlines the $5.6 million campaign they’re calling “IN Indiana.” Also in this week’s issue, John Russell reports that Eli Lilly and Co. is defending itself against a lawsuit charging that it mismanaged its $8.2 billion 401(k) plan, resulting in excessive fees for employees. And Daniel Bradley outlines Westfield’s plans for the $190 million Grand Millennium Center, which will include a library, event center, medical facility and hotel.

As the city of Indianapolis considers selling carbon credits to invest in carbon reducing forestry products, it might be able to turn some sizable local companies into customers. Leslie Bonilla Muñiz writes that corporate interest in carbon neutrality opens opportunities for city programs. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley explains how the not-for-profit Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources helps people with disabilities and mental health challenges by providing opportunities to bond with animals. And Mickey Shuey reports that the Indianapolis Airport Authority has updated its incentives plan to free up more fuel to chase nonstop flights.

In a flurry in late May, Indiana officials announced economic development deals with major manufacturers that would bring more than $4 billion in investment, but experts say the state can’t rest for a second. As Mickey Shuey reports, the competition for big projects remains tight, and the state still must address persistent weaknesses such as its undertrained workforce, the high cost of health care and rising energy costs. Also in this week’s issue, David Lindquist explores why multiday music festivals have trouble taking root in central Indiana—and whether the upcoming WonderRoad fest can succeed where others have failed. And Daniel Bradley details the fight between residents of a 60-year-old carnel neighborhood and a proposed $133 million redevelopment project that would extend up to their backyards.

The latest edition of IBJ’s annual Innovation Issue focuses on the future of energy in Indiana—coincidentally just a few days after the announcement of a planned, $2.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Kokomo. John Russell examines how power storage will be vital to allowing solar and wind energy to thrive. Susan Orr explains how Indiana’s auto industry will need to adjust to disruption as electric vehicles gain traction. And Leslie Bonilla Muñiz lays out how Indiana will need to establish networks of electric vehicle charging stations. Plus, the rise of NFTs in Indiana, how high-protein bugs could be more common on menus, and ways to keep employees feeling energetic and engaged.