Indianapolis Business Journal

One of central Indiana’s oldest public companies—a trucking insurer long known as Baldwin & Lyons before its recent name change—has skidded into red ink and pursuing “potential strategic partnerships or transactions.” That’s often shorthand for a company putting itself up for sale, Susan Orr reports. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle examines how the city's most popular local radio stations tread the line between embracing deep-pocketed baby boomers while trying to entice a younger audience. And in the latest issue of IBJ’s Forefront magazine, our columnists weigh in on the toxicity of today’s political debate.

When first revealed two years ago, the concept for The Yard in Fishers was pretty simple: a dining and entertainment complex with room for about a dozen restaurants and a hotel. As Samm Quinn reports, the project has evolved into something quite a bit bigger and more complex in its latter planning stages. Also in this week’s paper, Anthony Schoettle explores what the death of Mari Hulman George could mean for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and other holdings of Hulman & Co. And you can find 22 inspiring profiles for the local leaders honored by IBJ this year as Women of Influence.

Technology touches nearly every corner of business nowadays, but even the biggest firms can’t do it all. That’s one big reason why corporate venture capital is on the upswing. Companies like Eli Lilly and Co., Simon Property Group, Allegion and Salesforce have established firms to invest in tech startups and other newish ventures that can help the mothership. IBJ’s Anthony Schoettle reports on how this is playing out locally. Also in this week’s paper, North of 96th reporter Samm Quinn has dialed her focus down down to several blocks near the Monon Trail in Carmel that are in the midst of a dramatic transformation with new developments and construction projects. And in Focus, John Russell profiles academic researchers at Indiana-based universities who also have developed careers as serial entrepreneurs who commercialize their discoveries.

Indiana University Health Physicians has its sights on acquiring Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, adding to its huge physician network. But the neurosurgical firm is fiercely independent and so far is holding out, John Russell reports. Also this week, politics reporter Lindsey Erdody examines whether the "blue wave" that Democrats are hoping for on Election Day is likely to become a reality in Indiana. In addition, Sam Stall profiles Frank Basile, winner of the 2018 Michael A. Carroll Award.

Monument Circle has needed a consistent sense of direction for years, but attempts to spruce it up, organize its programming and make it more pedestrian-friendly have stalled. Hayleigh Colombo reports on two new projects that could spur further upgrades. Also in this issue—and speaking of downtown transformations—Hayleigh has details on plans to create two hotels and an addition to the Indiana Convention Center on Pan Am Plaza. And Susan Orr tracks progress on the $1.5 billion expansion of FedEx’s package-handling hub at Indianapolis International Airport.

With about three weeks to go before decision time in one of the nation’s most closely watches U.S. Senate races, Lindsey Erdody presents dueling in-depth profiles of Joe Donnelly and Mike Braun, including a handy guide to where they stand on issues such as immigration, taxes and health care. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr reveals preliminary plans for the $1.3 billion project on the former site of the GM stamping plant west of downtown. And Sam Stall explores how Crazy Horse Hops became the state’s largest grower of the bitter buds for making beer.

Many hospitals in central Indiana are racking up penalties for failing to fix their patients the first time. John Russell reports that their Medicare payments next year will be docked as a result of having some patients readmitted within 30 days. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn reports that cities in Hamilton County are finally making some progress creating new housing for low- and middle-income earners. And in Explore, Lou Harry has recommendations for hitting the Heartland Film Festival.

An ongoing effort to attract nonstop flights between Indianapolis and places like Asia, Mexico and Europe is in line for a big boost: $20 million in state incentives to lure new international flight service here. Susan Orr reveals what destinations are on the city’s wish list. Also in this issue, Lindsey Erdody charts the rise of the Patachou Foundation, founded several years ago by restaurateur Martha Hoover. And Hayleigh Colombo explores how the creation of the criminal justice center will change both the Twin-Aire neighborhood and downtown.

The Indianapolis hotel market is booming, with about 2,800 new rooms slated to come online in the next five years. That’s impressive—and perhaps too ambitious. Hayleigh Colombo reports on what current room prices and occupancy rates are telling us about the need for more hotels. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Indianapolis became one of two proving grounds for both AT&T and Verizon’s new 5G service—and why it’s a big deal for a city aggressively pushing its status as a tech hub. And Samm Quinn previews the changes in store for Carmel’s second iteration of its splashy Christkindlmarkt.

Recycling advocates have been waiting more than two years for the Hogsett administration to propose a comprehensive, countywide recycling program. Hayleigh Colombo reports that city officials soon will suggest some options. Also in this week’s paper, Lindsey Erdody examines the state’s plan to help extend broadband into rural areas. And in Explore, Mike Lopresti profiles Mike Jansen, the at-home and in-stadium announcer for the Indianapolis Colts.

When Andrew Luck came into the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft, local and national experts saw a bright future for him both on the field and as a billboard for sponsors. Now that he’s back from a prolonged injury, his careers as a quarterback and a product pitchman are both in question, Anthony Schoettle reports. Also in this issue, Lindsey Erdody examines the balancing act attempted by Sen. Joe Donnelly to both keep his Democratic base and appeal to conservatives. And Samm Quinn outlines how Noblesville is trying to attract new development while playing off of its historic charm.

In this week’s issue, Russell takes a close look at Eli Lilly and Co. and the property taxes that the Fortune 500 company pays to Indianapolis. Lilly has appealed its annual tax bill every year since 2012, and a recent request for more than $9 million in tax breaks has cast a rare spotlight on tensions within Mayor Hogsett’s administration between accommodating one of the city’s largest companies and protecting the cash-strapped city’s tax base. Also, Lindsey Erdody details a fundamental shift in how United Way of Central Indiana funds local not-for-profit groups. And in the latest entry for her “One City, Worlds Apart” series, Hayleigh Colombo examines how dental care has become an out-of-reach expense for many Hoosiers.

Despite the yellow warning flags flying all around NASCAR, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has its foot on the gas as it prepares for the Brickyard 400 on Sept. 9. Anthony Schoettle explain the major changes planned for the race and the days leading up to it. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody has an in-depth examination of the money flowing into Indiana’s closely watched U.S. Senate race through joint fundraising committees and Super PACS. And Susan Orr details what’s in store for fans of the Golden Arches when McDonald’s spends $6 billion nationwide to update its stores.

Business leaders are rallying behind a social issue they say could affect economic development—and they’re optimistic their efforts can persuade the GOP-controlled Indiana General Assembly to pass a bill that has failed the past five legislative sessions. Lindsey Erdody examines the chances that a hate crimes bill can pass this help with the help of big business. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn explores how the Hamilton Crossing retail center in Carmel has struggled since intensive roadwork began nearby in 2011 and altered traffic flow. And John Russell explains how Riley Children’s Foundation has been able to raise $500 million over the last 20 years.

Mayor Joe Hogsett vowed to tackle poverty when he announced his run for office, and again when he was sworn into office. His record more than halfway through his tenure includes some concrete programs as well as some missed opportunities, Hayleigh Colombo reports. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell delves into complaints from the organizers of Gen Con that the Indiana Convention Center needs technology upgrades. And Lindsey Erdody explores how heavily U.S. Senate candidate Mike Braun has been leaning on the Republican ad firm that helped put Donald Trump into the White House.

Karen Laine and Mina Starsiak are well-known as agents of change. The stars of the Indianapolis-based home-rehab show “Good Bones” tell Erica Irish about their shifting priorities in the fourth season of the HGTV series. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo outlines the latest plans for Indy Go’s Purple Line rapid transit route. And in Explore, Lou Harry dives into central Indiana’s independent bookstore scene, which has found a niche alongside the mammoth internet retailers.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation, the philanthropic powerhouse behind quality-of-life initiatives such as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, is shifting its mission with an ambitious goal in mind: dismantling institutional racism. As part of her series on poverty in Indianapolis, Hayleigh Colombo explores how far CICF can go toward its goal. Also in this week’s issue, Erica Irish explains how a new owner and chef are working to revitalize the Le Peep breakfast chain. And in Explore, Mike Lopresti checks the resumes of the Colts’ new coaches.

The massive American Senior Communities fraud case might never have come to light were it not for a nearly century-old Indianapolis company that had a chance to participate in the overbilling and kickback scheme but called the FBI instead. Greg Andrews has the story. Also in this week’s paper, Hayleigh Colombo reports that Mayor Joe Hogsett isn’t ready to say whether he’ll run again for the job he calls “the hardest I’ve ever had.” And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle explains how the much-heralded Indiana IoT Lab is helping small businesses get access to hardware, talent and capital.<