NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2013
The Indiana Pacers are turning to a Mickey Mouse operation in an attempt to improve customer service at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Make that, THE Mickey Mouse organization. IBJ's Anthony Schoettle explains how the Blue and Gold are teaming up with Walt Disney Co.'s Disney Institute. Also in this issue, we belly up to the bar to explain how a new law is paving the way for micro-distilleries across the state. And in A&E, Lou Harry hams it up at Broad Ripple's new Cuban sandwich spot.
Front PageBack to Top
New law paves way for micro-distilleries to open across state
A new state law allows Indiana distillers to obtain a permit to produce and sell spirits by the glass, bottle or case. Previously, they could sell only to distributors, never to the public.
Read MoreHome builders race to meet demand
Slow but steady growth in central Indiana’s new-home market has chipped away at the supply of available lots, leaving developers and builders scrambling to keep up with demand.
Read MoreUnitedHealthcare pulls back from niche
Come January, UnitedHealthcare, the second-largest health insurer in Indiana, will have no major-medical policies to sell to individual Hoosier customers.
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Pacers hire Disney to help upgrade service
The Indiana Pacers recently entered a long-term contract with Walt Disney Co.’s Disney Institute, to polish customer service from top to bottom.
Read MoreGershman co-founder goes solo
A heavy hitter among commercial real estate developers has left the firm he helped found more than 20 years ago, to start his own company, and has taken most of its employees with him.
Read MoreStill nothing for investors, as Fair Finance legal fees balloon
The Cleveland law firm representing the bankruptcy Trustee Brian Bash is seeking approval for more than $11 million in fees.
Read MoreAvon firm enters competitive video game industry to promote reading
An Indianapolis firm that makes software for libraries has teamed with an elementary schoolteacher to improve kids’ reading skills by using books’ longtime nemesis—video games.
Read MoreBank tells tardy borrowers to get job—and offers to help
What if a mortgage lender could help the unemployed/underemployed customer find a job and avoid the roughly $50,000 it can cost the institution to foreclose? Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank began trying that very approach in central Indiana a few months ago, in the form of a re-employment assistance program.
Read MoreNorthwest Indiana restaurants part of El Rodeo raids
The raids at La Carreta restaurants in Merrillville and Schererville were part of a larger investigation that targeted El Rodeo restaurants in the Indianapolis area, Lafayette, West Lafayette and Richmond.
Read MoreLocal law firm reaps $6.3M in fees from BMV class-action suit
Cohen & Malad LLP’s fee represents 21 percent of the $30 million awarded to Hoosier motorists as part of a settlement approved by a Marion Superior Court judge Nov. 12. The BMV was accused of overcharging for driver’s licenses.
Read MoreNew Eskenazi hospital offers heavy dose of artwork
At 1.3 million square feet, the new hospital has plenty of room to display art, most of which was purchased with contributions from donors. The hospital is set to open Dec. 7.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Suburban Indy hospitals see health care reform as ally
For years, the county-owned hospitals ringing Indianapolis have watched warily as the city’s four major hospital systems used their superior size and resources to push ever outward into the suburbs.
Read MoreFELDMAN: Affordable Care Act stirs paradoxes for employers
In addition to managing the complexity and challenges of the Affordable Care Act, employers are assessing the law’s impact on their Worker’s Compensation program. The debate ranges from minimal influence to significant, with many experts hedging their bets with a wait-and-see approach.
Read MoreTABLER: Market is driving trend toward ‘public health’
The movement toward a “public health” model may be the most important current trend in American health care. Because the trend is more a result of market forces than of the Affordable Care Act, repealing Obamacare won’t stop it.
Read MoreHospitals suffer third-quarter swoon
Indiana University Health and Franciscan Alliance saw key parts of their businesses deteriorate sharply, according to new financial reports released by the hospital systems, causing each to slash more than 900 positions.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Panhandling deal should be OK’d
The City-County Council would be well advised to adopt panhandling-ordinance changes passed Nov. 19 by the Rules and Public Policy Committee.
Read MoreMAURER: A mystery to interrupt your feast
You are employed by the ASCAP Detective Agency. Your Thanksgiving has been interrupted by an urgent request to identify a celebrity whose voice has not been heard since 1998. Use the worksheet to help you organize the clues.
Read MoreRUSTHOVEN: An Indiana Obamacare snapshot
Obamacare’s calamitous launch, including the widening gap between promise and reality, continues to consume political discourse. Here’s a quick summary of Indiana’s status:
Read MoreBOSSO: Want to run for office? Think twice
When I was growing up, like most kids, I worked a summer job. During that time, I used to think if everyone had to work in the restaurant industry, the world would be a better place. I was wrong.
Read MoreKim: Save your riskiest bets for play-money portfolio
Having a small “play money” portfolio can help fulfill your fantasy of making a quick killing without endangering your retirement funds.
Read MoreHicks: Let’s debate gay marriage in our homes
I have written that the marriage amendment is a poor use of our legislators’ time, but I believe we should have an honest discussion about the matter.
Read MoreEditorial about Pence entirely wrong headed
IBJ missed the mark criticizing Gov. Mike Pence in its [Nov. 18] editorial about Indiana’s participation in the Affordable Care Act fiasco.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Biosciences institute hits $25M fundraising goal
The proposed Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, backed by Eli Lilly, Roche Diagnostics and other life sciences companies, now has $50 million in start-up funds and has started recruiting a CEO.
Read MoreLaw firm Taft to merge with Chicago practice
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, which includes about 100 attorneys in Indianapolis, expects the merged firm to bill in the range of $175 million to $200 million annually.
Read MoreArizona news exec tapped to lead Pulliam Trust
Gene D’Adamo, vice president of community relations for Republic Media, which publishes The Arizona Republic, will succeed Harriet Ivey as president and CEO of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Read MorePROXY CORNER: First Financial Corp.
Terre Haute-based First Financial Corp. is the holding company for First Financial Bank, The Morris Plan Co. of Terre Haute and Forrest Sherer Inc. It operates 68 banking offices in Indiana and Illinois.
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