Indianapolis Business Journal

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.

Ikea, the 800-pound gorilla of furniture retailing, will swing open its doors in Fishers this fall. But the other players in the market say they’re not worried, Scott Olson reports. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle charts the evolution of Butler Blue from has-been mascot to marketing powerhouse. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti reviews the eight greatest games in Indy’s long history of hosting March Madness.<

The Washington Street corridor on downtown’s east side is springing back to life, thanks to high-profile projects like the new Cummins Inc. office building, the apartment boom and city efforts to stoke more development. Scott Olson takes the wide view of the newly fashionable district. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle catches up with plans to reinvigorate the 76-year-old Indianapolis Speedrome. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews a new interactive exhibit on circus skills at the Children’s Museum.

The owner of the mostly vacant AT&T building downtown has scrapped its plans to redevelop the 20-story tower and is putting it on the market without an asking price, Scott Olson reports. Also in this week’s IBJ, Anthony Schoettle explains how changes to the NFL Combine will boost its impact on Indianapolis this year. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti revisits the last true Cinderella story in Indiana’s single-class basketball era: the Delta Eagles’ 1997 championship game against the Bloomington North Cougars.

Supporters of a proposal to raise income taxes to expand mass transit in Indianapolis have at least 11 of the 13 votes they need to implement the hike. Susan Orr polls the pols to get a sense of how the vote will come down. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson reports that condo construction, which came to a virtual halt after the housing market crashed during the Great Recession, is making a comeback in the city’s core. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti returns from shadowing the Pacers for several days and still doesn’t know what to do about the team.

IBJ is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Forty Under 40 feature with a class culled from our most nominees ever. You can see the whole package, including video extras and special insights into the most impactful books and mentors, by clicking here. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr explains how federal inaction on a $75 million grant is complicating a City-County Council decision about a tax increase for public transit. And Greg Andrews explains how HHGregg CEO Robert Riesbeck is handling challenges at the struggling retailer.

Lawmakers are advancing a bill that would compel large, online retailers to collect and send sales taxes to the state. Hayleigh Colombo explain how Indiana has jumped into the national debate over sales tax collection. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how the IndyEleven’s window for joining major League Soccer might be closing fast. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry hikes out to The Lit Moose for a meal.

Chris Holtmann’s success as Butler University’s men’s basketball coach this season has a dark side: It ensures his name is in the conversation when top jobs open in the off-season. Anthony Schoettle explains how Butler has tried to keep up with the skyrocketing price of top coaching talent. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell explains why the transplant business is booming at Indiana hospitals. And in Focus, Jared Council takes the temperature of the state’s IPO market.

It’s come to this for HHGregg Inc. after a years-long slide: Analysts are beginning to question whether the appliance and consumer electronics retailer can survive. Scott Olson examines its challenges. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle peels back Dan Dakich’s signature bluster to get a better sense of the man behind the sports-talk mouth and how he’s changed since his father’s death. And Hayleigh Colombo has a complete accounting of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s leadership team and his goal while assembling it.

Gov. Eric Holcomb has his eyes on improving the state’s connectivity via air travel and is pushing a plan aimed at attracting new nonstop and direct flights to and from the Indianapolis International Airport. Hayleigh Colombo has details on the $10 million plan. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson reveals the city’s vision for the GM stamping plant site. And Lindsey Erdody examines the surge in home building in Whitestown.

Neighbors of the site in Meridian-Kessler where a local developer plans to build a $23 million apartment and retail project are taking legal action to stop it. Scott Olson has details. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reveals how a legislator proposes to overhaul the controversial state law regarding vaping liquids. And in Focus, Jared Council surveys local money managers about how the new administration and some of the same old global financial issues could affect markets this year.

TechPoint CEO Mike Langellier explains in a Q&A why more tech companies should considering making Indiana home—and why state officials need to try to make that happen. Riley Hospital for Children is expanding its emergency department to create space for sexually abused patients and psychiatric evaluations. And the Coffin House in eastern Indiana has added an interpretive center to help visitors better understand the slave trade and the home's role in the Underground Railroad.

Well, there isn’t much question about the story of the year, and Indiana was ground zero for some of the biggest moments. We kick off our “Year in Review” issue with the stunning rise of Gov. Mike Pence to the White House, along with a certain billionaire and man of the people. But there’s still current news afoot: Scott Olson reports on the latest development for Indy’s GM stamping plant site. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry looks back on the year’s standouts in the arts, as well as the best new restaurants.