Indianapolis Business Journal

Westfield’s big bet on Grand Park isn’t paying off yet—at least not in the form of profits for the city. City officials contend that was never the point of the 400-acre complex, IBJ’s Lindsey Erdody reports. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo examines how the appointment of former Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann might give Ivy Tech Community College a much needed political reboot with the Indiana Legislature. In Focus, Anthony Schoettle explores the sudden popularity of old barns as event venues. And be sure to check out the profiles for all 23 members of IBJ's Women of Influence Class of 2016.

When Ikea enters a market, other retailers, hoteliers and fast-food chains tend to flock to its general vicinity. But that won’t be the case in Fishers, where local officials are taking steps to control the use of vacant land near Ikea’s future home, Lindsey Erdody reports. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explores what’s next for Emmis Communications Corp. now that the bid to take it private has failed. And in A&E Etc., Max Gabovitch susses out seven places in the heart of downtown where you can find lunches for less than $7.

Billboards and signs across Marion County are urging residents to vote yes for a tax increase to fund expanded transit services. But even if the referendum passes, that doesn’t mean it’ll happen. Susan Orr explains that the final decision will come down to the City-County Council. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle reveals that the Indianapolis Colts are bucking the trend toward lower NFL ratings, despite their disappointing season so far. And in A&E Etc., IBJ’s arbiter of Philly authenticity takes on Pittsburgh cuisine at Primanti Bros.

A tsunami of change is headed toward the decades-old, largely unchanged system for calculating TV rating. Anthony Schoettle reports that local station operators and ad agencies are hyper-nervous about the upheaval. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo takes a closer look at the too-close-to-call Senate race between Evan Bayh and Todd Young. And in Focus, Jared Council explores how banks are aiming services at the “unbanked”—those who traditionally haven’t wanted or haven’t qualified for accounts.

For more than two years, Eli Lilly and Co. has pushed the message that the worst days are over and a brighter future is just around the corner. John Russell reports that now, finally, Wall Street is starting to believe. Also in this week’s issue, Jared Council explains how Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services is using big data to spot public health trends and save lives. And in A&E Etc., Jared recounts his experience touring the new National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration is mounting a controversial effort to expand the downtown tax-increment-financing district to help spur development in two areas that city officials believe are ripe for growth. Scott Olson has the details. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo explain how the Indianapolis Public Schools district plans to change the way its finances schools to better match money to individual student needs. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Firebirds Wood Fired Grill.

IBJ’s third annual Interview Issue showcases conversations with the people shaping the Indy area, from the incoming CEO of the state’s largest public company to the longest-serving waiter on the staff at St. Elmo. In the governor’s race, John Gregg explains why he thinks this election is about “food, clothing and shelter,” while Eric Holcomb makes the case for why “I am my own man.” You can check out more than 30 Q&As and some video extras by clicking here.

Interactive Intelligence Group Inc. employees are set to ring up more than $100 million in gains from stock options and restricted stock doled out by the company, thanks to the company buyout from a competitor. Jared Council stacks up this windfall against the enormous local wealth infusion from the sale of ExactTarget Inc. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo explores how competition for students is heating up between area schools. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry weighs in on Rebar Indy, the swank downtown eatery that took the place of the dog-eared Legal Beagle.

This week, Jared Council examines Gov. Mike Pence's plan to draw $500 million from the state pension system to invest in Indiana companies. Also in this issue, John Russell takes a look at the shortage of medical residency slots and why it might exacerbate the state's doctor shortage. And in our North of 96th Focus, Lindsey Erdody explores why the northern suburbs are racing to establish themselves as bike-friendly.

With the $1.4 billion sale of Interactive Intelligence Group Inc. announced last week, CEO Don Brown has created and exited three companies. He has plans for at least four more, Brown says in a Q&A with Jared Council. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo examines all of the election-year rhetoric on free trade. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews the exhibit of Don Gummer’s sculptures installed along the Cultural Trail.

OneAmerica Financial Partners Inc. is getting out of the mutual-fund management business after 26 years—a decision that will lead to the dissolving of four funds with a total of more than half a billion dollars in assets. Jared Council explains what’s behind the move. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson recounts the rapid growth of Broad Ripple Chip Co., which now has a deal to distribute out of state. And in Focus, Scott elaborates on the latest phase in the revival of the Herron-Morton neighborhood and new construction booms and retail rebounds nearby.

Construction of a much-anticipated 21c museum and hotel slated to be built as part of a $55 million redevelopment of Old City Hall is not likely to start on time after the owner missed a deadline to secure financing. And this isn’t the only 21c project suffering a delay, Scott Olson reports. Also in this week’s paper, Hayleigh Colombo delves into Mayor Joe Hogsett’s plan to eliminate city pensions for new employees. And IBJ profiles 12 of the city’s most talented and accomplished chief technology officers in our CTO of the Year publication.

Attorneys for the IRS have gotten their hands on an email that appears to buttress their case that Herb Simon received a sweetheart deal when he acquired his brother’s share in the Indiana Pacers. Greg Andrews has more on the massive implications of the email, plus other details of the family deliberations sussed out by the agency. Also this week, Hayleigh Colombo analyzes Mike Pence’s stump speeches about the Indiana economy. And Lou Harry features the best games from Gen Con.

Five years after pledging an astounding $48 million to help Marian University build a medical school, Indianapolis businessman Dr. Michael Evans has only paid one-fifth of that amount. John Russell explains how Evans has struggled in recent years with financial and legal problems—and how Marian is dealing with the shortfall. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports how financial aid and class credits for 51,000 Indiana college students could be at risk. And in Forefront, our columnists are consumed with the state and national elections.

Now that Eric Holcomb has become the Republican nominee for governor, he must race to put together the ingredients for a successful campaign that normally take months of groundwork. Hayleigh Colombo examines his challenges leading up to the Nov. 8 election. Also in this week's issue, Anthony Schoettle explains why WTHR-TV Channel 13 is committing $1 million to Olympics coverage, and Jared Council profiles a father-and-son venture capital firm that's pumping millions of dollars into Indianapolis technology startups. In Focus, Council explores CNO Financial Group's diversification into investments. 

The battle for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat could become the most expensive general election race in the state’s history, political observers say—but only if republican Todd Young proves he can compete with Democrat Evan Bayh. IBJ’s political team explains that the result of the race could determine control of the Senate, and thus could attract national resources. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell explains how the choice of a business lawyer as the new CEO of IPL signals a change in approach at the utility. And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle details how hoteliers are coping with new rules for overtime.

It’s a troubling discovery for a city that stakes so much of its reputation on hospitality. A new report finds that the number of events at the Indiana Convention center and Lucas Oil Stadium—and the total attendance for those events—fell sharply in 2015. Anthony Schoettle huddles with tourism honchos to get to the bottom of the decline. Also in this week’s issue, Max Gabovitch examines the chances that Paul George’s stint on the Olympic team will pad his sponsorship earnings. And check out Fast 25—IBJ’s collection of profiles of the fastest-growing companies in the Indy area.

The Pence administration is brawling with federal officials over evaluating the HIP 2.0 health insurance plan for needy Hoosiers. John Russell explains the fuss over the ways proposed to tell if it’s working. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports that officials finally are closing in on a location for the $25 million state archives project. In Focus, Cory Schouten examines the plan to preserve elements of the art deco Coca-Cola bottling plant on Mass Ave. And in Forefront, thought leaders debate the cost of expanding mass transit in central Indiana is worth it.