Indianapolis Business Journal

Quiet little Whitestown has been deluged the past two years with announcements, groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for manufacturing and distribution companies. Lindsey Erdody takes stock of the activity and looks ahead to more projects on the horizon. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle reports that Gen Con organizers expect record attendance and best-ever economic impact for the city when the gaming confab unfolds next month. And in Focus, Scott Olson gets the broad strokes for plans to redevelop the former General Motors stamping plant site.

Republic Airways Holdings, which emerged from bankruptcy as a privately held company on April 30, says it’s strongly positioned to tackle the ongoing pilot shortage, Susan Orr reports. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson has the latest on the evolution of Market Tower, which is about to hit the market after millions of dollars in upgrades. And in Focus, Sam Stall asks David and Sherry Williams, the owners of culinary landmark King Ribs Bar-B-Q, about the obstacle blocking the chain’s expansion.

Indiana might be landlocked by most definitions but its waterborne cargo traffic still ranks 11th in the nation. Susan Orr reports that its position might rise if the state expands its port system as planned. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody examines how a little-known consultant who lives outside of New York City promotes the city of Carmel to the national and global media. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews the new Fountain Square eatery Sidekick’s Pizza.

The number of licensed taxi drivers in Indianapolis has fallen every year since ride-hailing services came to town, which has captured the attention of the City-County Council. Susan Orr reports on discussions to overhaul taxi regulation to help even the playing field. Also in this week’s issue, IBJ’s annual edition of Indiana 100 counts down and showcases the biggest public and private firms in the state. And Scott Olson details how low-cost grocer Aldi is revamping its 22 central Indiana stores to help it compete in the cutthroat marketplace.

Efforts to increase and support the ranks of women in technology jobs are emerging in Indianapolis and helping put a spotlight on gender imbalance in the industry. Jared Council has more on Ladies in Saas, Women in Digital and Indy Women in Tech. Also in this issue, Susan Orr reports that a prominent Indianapolis family that filed a complaint against an RBC wealth management broker seeking nearly $20 million in damages recently accepted $3.5 million to resolve the dispute. And in Focus, John Russell explains how central Indiana hospitals are working to become more hospitable.

Landlords across Indiana are feeling the pain from the collapse of Marsh Supermarkets, but none more so than a Canadian firm that had as many as 12 of the grocer’s stores in its portfolio, Scott Olson reports. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explores how Lids Sports Group is embracing changes in shopping habits. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry has a hole-by-hole breakdown of the new mini-golf attraction at Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Our third annual Innovation Issue takes readers to the frontiers of creative thinking and problem solving, although many of the stories boil down to central themes like data and food. “Smart cities” like Indianapolis are using data in new ways to improve government services. Indiana’s quest to become a hub for the so-called “internet of things” requires some expertise with data that zooms back and forth between devices and the internet. And Butler University’s Stephanie Fernhaber is using design thinking to divine solutions to food deserts. Also, check out our master list of innovative ideas that Indiana could borrow from other locales.

In 2006, when Sun Capital Partners bought Marsh Supermarkets, the bet looked risky at best. Scott Olson explains why some experts believe it was doomed from the start. Also in this issue, John Russell sheds light on Eli Lilly and Co.’s choice to lead its lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. And in Focus, Hayleigh Colombo asks whether Purdue University’s lengthening tuition freeze is affecting the quality of its education.

The Maryland-based company that’s buying two Indianapolis TV stations is renowned for its frugality and conservative politics. Anthony Schoettle explores what that could mean for WTTV-TV Channel 4 and WXIN-TV Channel 59. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson outlines an effort to save 16 acres of woodlands along East 86th Street, where a $20 million office-and-retail project is planned. And in Focus, Jared Council explains how bank branches are changing in the era of internet transactions.

Tech companies will be looking to hire thousands of workers in central Indiana over the next several years. Jared Council reports that a shortage of talent to fill those jobs has local companies, education officials and community leaders brainstorming for ways to flood the pipeline. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle details the marketing effort to put a youthful face on the 102-year Kiwanis Club. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti previews the big storylines that will play out this month at the Speedway.

Infosys Ltd.’s U.S. expansion plans not only represent a dramatic change in fortunes for the former Indianapolis International Airport terminal. They’re also a radical departure for the company’s business strategy. Anthony Schoettle examines the risks involved. Also in this weeks issue, Susan Orr has the inside story on the twisty negotiations that led to the $558 million sale of Finish Line. And Scott Olson explains how IUPUI is sharpening its identity and the borders of its campus at street level.

Construction on the $135 million second phase of CityWay is expected to begin in early June, further transforming downtown by adding 400 more rentals to the already booming apartment market. Scott Olson gauges demand as several big projects enter the pipeline. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody explores how central Indiana has benefitted from the consumer trend of splurging on pets. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti wallows in the misery of Indiana sports fans.

When Dow AgroSciences needed to battle a proposed federal ban on one of its most important products, it drafted an army—its farmers. John Russell reports that it appears they’ve helped the company win the fight. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson has a progress report on efforts by University of Indianapolis President Robert Manuel reinvigorate the school’s south-side neighborhood. And in Focus, Lou Harry has details on 20 new attractions across Indiana you can visit this summer.

After decades of heady success and then an aggressive expansion, things started to unravel for HHGregg Inc. Greg Andrews examines what worked during the salad days and how it ended up in the trash heap of failed appliance and electronics retailers. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explores the fate of television news choppers, which have fallen by the wayside after years as fixtures of local TV. And Scott Olson explores the possible backup plan for the owner of beleaguered Marsh Supermarkets: selling individual stores.

Indiana’s largest independent physician group has agreed to be acquired by the nation’s largest health insurer for $184 million. John Russell has the scoop on the latest sign of consolidation sweeping the health care industry. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody investigates what was behind the exit of Jonathon Byrd’s from Grand Park Sports Campus. And Jared Council examines Indiana’s persistent shortage of venture capital.

Here's a little-known fact: The city of Indianapolis has an ownership stake in two of downtown's most luxurious hotels and has received nearly $1.2 million so far from one of the investments. What’s the holdup with the other? Scott Olson has the story. Also in this week’s paper, Hayleigh Colombo reveals early results from the On My Way Pre-K program—as legislators argue over funding increases. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti weighs in on IU’s new hire for basketball coach.

Last year, 31 donors gave big gifts to Indiana not-for-profits, totaling $267 million and setting several records for individual groups. Lindsey Erdody takes stock of a banner year in philanthropy and explains how the biggest deals took shape. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson reports that Marsh Supermarkets appears poised for retrenchment, based on the number of lawsuits targeting the chain for unpaid rent. And in A&E Etc., dining critic Lou Harry reviews The Nook in Broad Ripple.