Indianapolis Business Journal

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.

A flurry of capital projects totaling more than $100 million is proposed for Hamilton County over the next several years, but tensions between the executive and fiscal bodies might delay some of them. Lindsey Erdody reports on the disconnect between the County Commission and County Council. Also in this week’s issue: John Russell profiles Matthew Cook, the new CEO of Riley Hospital for Children, and the challenge of spreading the brand. And in Focus, IBJ checks in on how state officials are lowering the unemployment rate for black Hoosiers.

The Hoosier Lottery is having a banner year and is projecting that it will return more money to the state than in any other year. But was it mostly due to the $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot? Hayleigh Colombo examines the circumstances. Also in this issue, Scott Olson marks the return of home flippers to the real estate market as sales improve. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews a new pizza outpost for Chicago-based Aurelio’s.

A decade-long struggle by Zionsville to keep Wal-Mart outside the town’s boundaries might be coming to an end. Lindsey Erdody details the ruling that will pave the way into the wealthy burg. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell reports on the mounting number of lawsuits plaguing Cook Medical related to its blood-clot filters. And in A&E Etc., we have a double-shot for fans of the Windy City. Lou Harry reviews the new Rush on Main eatery in Zionsville, and Mike Lopresti checks in with gleeful by wary Cubs fans.

Startups in Indianapolis often have barely grown after five years in business, according to a new study. Jared Council reports that the finding has rekindled criticism of the local venture capital landscape. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson details why Broad Ripple advocates expect daytime retail traffic to finally pick up. Anthony Schoettle explains why meeting planners and hospitality officials are embracing gender-neutral restroom facilities. And in Forefront, Gov. Mike Pence and John Gregg debate school-choice issues.