Indianapolis Business Journal

All signs point to University Hospital closing as Indiana University Health goes from three downtown hospitals to two. J.K. Wall reports on the deliberations as IU Health seeks to save money, and it appears that Methodist and Riley hospitals are in the clear for now. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Fox Sports Indiana is trying to bring Pacers telecasts to mobile devices. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry conducts a debate on the improvisational works of Erwin Wurm, now taking shape at IMA.

Infotech firm Scale Computing Inc. has been raising money at a clip similar to other prominent local tech companies in their early days and is gearing up to increase its workforce by a factor of five. Jared Council has more on its growth prospects. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle reports on the remarkable turnaround at Indy Lights engineered by the open-wheel racing series’ new CEO. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry recommends IRT’s new comedy, “Good People.”

Lids Sports Group is grappling with growing pains as it strives to expand its product line beyond hats. In this week's issue, Scott Olson explains how the company is coping with flat sales. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle dishes on a possible location for the $87 million soccer stadium proposed for the Indy Eleven. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Spoke & Steele, the new restaurant in the former Canterbury Hotel.

Two of the longest-serving mayors in Indiana happen to be in neighboring cities that have seen explosive growth since they took office. Andrea Davis examines how Carmel's Jim Brainard and Noblesville's John Ditslear have managed to stay on top. Also in this issue, Cory Schouten explains the $5.5 million legal tussle between Celadon Group and its drivers over fuel costs.

Cummins unveils designs for its skyline-altering new offices. IU Health weighs shuttering a downtown hospital. A big shuffle looms for Indy TV news. Mayor Ballard calls it quits. Find our picks for the year's top business stories and newsmakers in our 2014 Year in Review feature, along with a photo gallery and sports roundup.

WISH-TV Channel 8 and WTTV-TV Channel 4 are at the center of the biggest shakeup in the Indianapolis TV market in 35 years, as the former goes it alone without a network affiliation and the latter takes over the CBS mantle and ramps up a massive daily news operation. Anthony Schoettle explains what viewers, advertisers and other stations should expect. Also this week, Kathleen McLaughlin spells out how Madison County officials are advancing a plan to create a seven-mile reservoir by damming the White River. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews The District Tap on the northeast side.

Hamilton County leaders are asking state legislators for relief from the law that requires all capital projects more than $12 million be put to a vote. Andrea Davis examines the debate over referendums and the need to keep government entities from overspending. Also this week, Kathleen McLaughlin quantifies the narrow demographics of General Assembly members. In A&E Etc., Lou Harry dives into the offerings at Borel’s Cajun & Creole Cookery on the northwest side.

It's easy to think of the glittery Yuletide Celebration apart from the buttoned-down Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, but the month-long holiday extravaganza is an integral part of the ISO's balance sheet. IBJ's Lou Harry details the impact of Yuletide on the rest of the symphony's year. Also in this issue, Kathleen McLaughlin reveals the protections built into the city's recent $17 million deal with Angie's List. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti profiles the three current IUPUI basketball players who are in graduate school.

To the extent that central Indiana defines itself as the national capital for sports on every level, the CEO of the Indiana Sports Corp. is a central player in forging and strengthening one of the pillars of our economy and identity. Anthony Schoettle profiles Ryan Vaughn, which brings considerable political clout and organizational expertise to the position. Also this week, Andrea Davis examines the proliferation of car dealerships on State Road 37 in Hamilton County and what that tells us about the economics of the area.

"The Circus in Winter" was first developed as a musical as a class project at Ball State University in 2010. It since has evolved into a professional production at one of the nation’s leading regional theaters. Lou Harry explains what has to happen next for it to debut on Broadway. Also this week, Scott Olson delves into a $33 million lawsuit between Orange Leaf and a local franchisee of the fro-yo shops. And in Focuis, J.K. Wall details the unorthodox way Hillenbrand Inc. encourages its workers to lose weight.  
 

Failing is good. Failing is necessary. In startup hotbeds across the country, entrepreneurs view failure as a badge of honor and useful tool. This week, Jared Council asks local risk-takers to spill their guts. Also in this issue, J.K. tries to suss out the lesson in the surprisingly low scores for charter schools this year. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry interviews Hoosier (and winner of “The Voice”) Josh Kaufman about his starring role on Broadway.

The $175 million Center for Performing Arts was in danger of becoming an albatross for Carmel after its debut some four years ago. Thanks to new leadership and a strategic plan, it has closed its books on its 2013-14 season with a profit. Andrea Davis details even more ambitious plans to boost fundraising and audience engagement. Also this week, Jared Council profiles a new app from Indiana developers that blends all aspects of music consumption, and Lou Harry drops in on The Grub House, a new greasy spoon.

Charles Venable inherited a shaky situation as the new CEO of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, including disappointing attendance figures and a penchant for overspending. In this week's issue, Lou Harry surveys Venable's first two years on the job as he has tried to right the ship. Also in this issue, Scott Olson notes new investments in the once-blighted Holy Cross neighborhood, and Kathleen McLaughlin shares the state's plans to create a bicentennial plaza by the Statehouse.

Herff Jones is a quiet company, turning the academic merchandise market into a $700 million business with little fanfare. So quiet that it was able to change its name to Varsity Brands Inc. and move its headquarters from Indianapolis to Memphis with few realizing it. This week, IBJ sheds light on the transition and reports that the employee-owned company is for sale. In Focus, Scott Olson spotlights the palatial white elephants in Indy's real estate market. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Milktooth in Fletcher Place.

On a basketball team, Rick Fuson would be both your sixth man and most valuable player--a guy who hustles for every rebound and has a knack for giving you what you need when you need it. Anthony Schoettle reports that these traits made him the ideal candidate to take over as the Indiana Pacers' new president. Also in this issue, we present the Michael A. Carroll Award to Rollin Dick,  the former CFO of Conseco devoted to not-for-profit board service and supporting the arts. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry has a surprising dining review of Broad Ripple's new beer barn Hopcat.

IBJ’s inaugural Interview Issue showcases conversations with some of the Indianapolis area’s biggest thinkers and innovators, from such established executives as Jeff Smulyan to community leaders including Lewis Ferebee, from newsmakers like Angela Braly to up-and-coming leaders like Denver Hutt.

The I-465 and Michigan Road interchange would be the front doorstep to a $25 million sports complex with facilities for hockey, basketball, and volleyball, under a plan from Indiana Ice owner Paul Skjodt. In this week's IBJ, Anthony Schoettle has details on the proposal. Also this week, J.K. Wall has the latest on the legal brawl between Steve Hilbert and hardware magnate John Menard. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry pulls up a seat at Javier's Hacienda, which has taken the place of the fabled El Sol on East Washington Street.