Indianapolis Business Journal

School districts in Martinsville, Muncie and Perry Township recently have experienced major problems with their busing systems. The common denominator was a start-up consulting firm hired to rework their bus routes. IBJ’s John Russell investigates True Consultant Services LLC and finds the firm’s two leaders had unusual credentials for offering transportation advice. Also in this issue, Susan Orr examines the recent rate hike for subscribers of The Indianapolis Star as revenue declines for its parent company. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry points out fun activities for finishing the summer.

Five years into his job as leader of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Charles Venable has charted a definitive course for the institution that leads outdoors. Lou Harry examines the push to emphasize the museum’s grounds and experiential attractions—some say to the detriment of its mission as a museum. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody reveals that the city of Westfield has quietly purchased the Grand Park Events Center and taken responsibility for its $26.6 million construction loan. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry shows off some of the best games from the 50th edition of Gen Con.

About 35,000 people work in tech fields in the Indianapolis. In the special feature “Faces of Indy Tech,” Jared Council examines the results of a survey designed to learn more about their demographic features. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson explains how robust homebuilding in central Indiana is keeping home prices down. And in A&E Etc., Lou has a raft of features about the architecturally rich city of Columbus, including a preview of an ambitious art-installation project, a review of the new movie bearing the city’s name, and a survey of its culinary surprises.

A local developer is planning to make a big splash on the city’s near-east side by revamping the old Ford Motor Co. assembly plant and moving its headquarters there. Scott Olson reports that TWG now is also looking at buying a big structure next door. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr reveals the surprising connections between the Indianapolis business community and the new independent film about the city of Columbus. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry explains how Sahm’s Ale House has remade a familiar dining spot in Nora.

A growing number of colleges are defying old norms about selling alcohol at sporting events and are using booze to help fund athletics. Anthony Schoettle reports that Purdue is taking the plunge, and other Indiana schools likely will be tempted. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody follows Fisher Mayor Scott Fadness for a day to get a sense of the political up-and-comer’s leadership style. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews 13 new food offerings at the Indiana State Fair.

IndyGo is exercising its power of eminent domain to gain control of property it needs to create the Red Line rapid-transit route. Scott Olson looks at the tensions that have flared up between the transit service and business owners along College Avenue. Also in this issue, John Russell reports on the tough stance Anthem Inc. is taking with customers over ER visits, and Anthony Schoettle profiles WTTS-FM 92.3, what one market observer calls "the rebel of the Indianapolis market."

The quality-of-life amenities that Mayor Jim Brainard has been adding in Carmel have dramatically increased the city's debt. Lindsey Erdody assesses the debt load. Also in this issue, Scott Olson profiles the new owners of the Safeway grocery chain, and Hayleigh Colombo looks at the explosion in vaping manufacturers since the General Assembly revamped the law governing the industry.

The parent company of Circle Centre mall’s sole anchor, Carson’s, is facing steep challenges, with some retail experts wondering whether it will be the next big chain to collapse. Scott Olson delved into new questions about the mall's future. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle examines the challenges for the Pacers’ season-ticket push with an overhauled roster that’s short one superstar. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews a new Greek cuisine option on Mass Ave.

How did executives at Angie’s List go from rejecting a buyout offer of $8.75 per share in November 2015 to accepting one of $8.50 per share less than a year later? Jared Council has the behind-the-scenes story of the twists, turns and 11^th-hour concessions. Also in this issue, Lindsey Erdody explains why fed-up Noblesville officials are working on a plan to eliminate the Architectural Review Board. And check out which central Indiana companies are on the hottest streaks in our annual Fast 25 publication.

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.