It’s transition time for North of 96th

When I agreed to leave the relative comfort of my IBJ cubicle to establish a mobile news bureau in the northern suburbs almost two years ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The big draw was the chance to build something from scratch (and OK, avoiding the soul-sucking commute downtown from Fishers also was a factor). I came up with the North of 96th name and the game plan for coverage: find buzz-worthy business news in Hamilton and Boone counties.

Talk about fertile ground.

Hopefully you’ve noticed the results of that work—hundreds of public meetings, on-the-record interviews and background discussions—in stories on this blog, IBJ.com and the print version of Indianapolis Business Journal.

The geographic focus resonated with readers in the ’burbs and beyond, something I realized when Westfield Mayor Andy Cook greeted me before a City Council meeting with a hearty, “Look, it’s North of 96th!” rather than my name.

It has been exciting to watch the community respond as IBJ improved its regional coverage—and other media outlets started paying attention, too.

Now with the news-gathering machine up and running, I’m ready to let someone else take the wheel.

Today is my last day as an IBJ employee, though I’m writing a few more pieces before I leave that will appear in the near future. Next month, I start work as a senior writer and editor at a Web design and marketing firm in Carmel.

IBJ plans to continue North of 96th coverage with a new reporter at the helm. Although it’s hard to let go, I’m sure my baby will be in good hands.

In the meantime, if you have news tips or story ideas from the northern ’burbs, contact Editor Greg Andrews or Managing Editor Cory Schouten.

And remember, if you see me around after today, the name is Andrea. Right, Mayor Cook?