Indianapolis Business Journal

Fishers has become a mecca for tech companies, but it didn’t happen overnight and it didn’t happen by accident. Lindsey Erdody explains how Mayor Scott Fadness and launch Fishers CEO John Wechsler shaped an environment for supporting startups. Also in this week’s issue, Lou Harry talks with violinist Zach De Pue about his decision to leave Time for Three just as the group crossover group is developing a national reputation. And Jared Council reports on efforts to start coding programs for young girls and minorities.

Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, helps hold the purse strings to the $30 billion state budget, which for some folks might feel like a noose. But Kenley, Senate Republicans’ chief budget writer, is an expert at pulling strings and drawing the line, as Hayleigh Colombo write in her profile of Kenley. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson charts the boom in breakfast spots in central Indiana, and Anthony Schoettle explains why crisis communications guru Myra Borshoff decided to hang out her shingle again after retiring in 2014.

The problems at Tindley Accelerated Schools didn’t go away when Chancellor Marcus Robinson resigned. If anything, the change served only to highlight the challenges still facing the once-lauded charter school system, Hayleigh Colombo reports. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell looks deeper into the Athlete’s Business Network and the credentials of its management team members as the group proposes a $500 million sports-medicine complex. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti runs some intriguing scenarios for Indiana teams during March Madness.

A real estate company that is a newcomer to Indianapolis is making a splash with a $260 million development proposal for a site that Indianapolis Public Schools is selling. Find out more about Hendricks Commercial Properties and the money behind it. Also read about the struggles ahead as the city works to find new uses for the Carrier HVAC plant. In addition, read about a red-hot maker of miniature replicas of cars from film and TV, including "Blues Brothers" and "Starsky and Hutch."

The party is winding down for Cialis. Sales are flattening for the Eli Lilly and Co. blockbuster, and its patent expires next year. John Russell examines Lilly’s marketing and pricing strategy before generics flood the market. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains the challenge facing the Colts as the team tries to sign Andrew Luck for a second contract. And in Focus, IBJ details the renovation plan for IU’s Assembly Hall.

Indianapolis TV stations have been thrown for a loop on two fronts: the addition of a fifth broadcaster with a full plate of news programming, and a new ratings system that has confused advertisers. Anthony Schoettle takes stock of the shifting TV landscape. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell checks in on the Harding Street Station as it burns its last nuggets of coal. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry appreciates an Asian staple at Ramen Ray.

This week, IBJ unveils the members of its Forty Under 40 Class of 2016—a collection of unusually accomplished young professionals who already are making vital contributions to life in Indianapolis. Also in this issue, John Russell diagnoses the looming nursing shortage in central Indiana. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews local stage productions of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Sweeney Todd.”

One of Indiana’s largest home health care providers is fighting for its life after the federal agency that operates Medicare tried to cut off funding for allegedly putting patients in danger. J.K. Wall reports on Nightingale Home Healthcare’s appeal. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody explains how Carmel is trying to pave the way for more urban-style development in its core, potentially cramping the historic style of its Old Town neighborhood. And in A&E, Lou Harry digs into the Great American Songbook Archives & Library at the Palladium.

Score one for Indianapolis tourism officials, who just secured a long-term contract for the city to host the NFL Scouting Combine as a major competitor entered the fray. Anthony Schoettle has the details of the deal. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody reports on the Pittman family dispute that could delay progress on multiple mixed-use real estate projects in Hamilton and Boone counties. And in Focus, Jared Council goes behind the scenes of four major venture capital deals.

Finish Line has shot itself in the foot multiple times over the last several years with management blunders. The athletic clothier just hired a new CEO from within, and is looking to fill at least two other leadership spots. Scott Olson reports on skepticism surrounding the potential for a turnaround. Also in this week’s issue, Jared Council relays evidence that Indiana-based banks have cleaned up their portfolios. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti profiles former Butler standout Zach Hahn as he enters coaching and tries to emulate Brad Stevens.

The water-cooler has become a watering hole, as some firms jump on the trend of offering alcohol on site for employees. Scott Olson reports that local companies as big as Eli Lilly and Co. are co-opting the attitudes of loosey-goosey startups when it comes to mixing the professional with the social. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle reveals that the NCAA has reopened negotiations on its TV deal. And in Focus, Chris O’Malley finds that major Indiana companies are raising dividends again.
 

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard traveled out of state using public money nearly every month this year, logging 79 days on the road. Lindsey Erdody details his trips and both the hard and soft costs of being out of pocket so much of the year. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson examines the repercussions of a shortage in affordable housing in Marion County. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry takes the measure of new fried chicken haven Eagle Food & Beer Hall.

The NBA wants to bring its all-star game to Indianapolis. But it’s not clear local sports officials are ready to make a formal bid to play host, Anthony Schoettle reports. Also in this issue, Hayleigh Colombo reviews the accomplishments of Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration and how they were shaped by the political neoophyte. And don’t miss IBJ’s “Year in Review” package, revisiting the biggest stories of 2015.

The much lauded Tindley Accelerated Schools is in a cash crunch, forcing it to eliminate positions and seek loans to pay its bills as board members raise concerns about lavish travel expenses incurred by the CEO. Hayleigh Colombo details questions about Tindley’s finances and management. Also in this issue, Jared Council adds up the settlements paid by Merrill Lynch related to the alleged misconduct of one of its former star brokers. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti explains how Purdue basketball got its groove back.

Jim Burkhart, who was fired this fall after the FBI raided his home and American Senior Communities’ offices, holds agreements under which he could acquire 63 nursing homes managed by his former employer. J.K. Wall explains how this would work. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody how Carmel has ended up million of dollars short this year, which has left the city scrambling to pay its bills. And in Focus, Hayleigh Colombo previews the hot issues in the upcoming legislative session.

The 48-story Chase Tower is the city’s most prominent skyscraper, so its abundance of unoccupied office space is disquieting for the whole downtown market. Scott Olson reports on its struggles, as well as the potential for a splashy new tenant: Salesforce.com. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle estimates the impact of the global audience descending on Indianapolis for the Performance Racing Industry Show. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry shows how the alleged war on Christmas has done little to dull festivities for the eponymous holiday in Indianapolis.

Here’s a new angle on the trouble suburban businesses are having attracting entry-level workers: It’s not in the best financial interest of those cities and towns to approve developments with houses less than $200,000. Lindsey Erdody explains the property-tax calculation. Also in this issue, Jared Council outlines the next step in the evolution of the prestigious Orr Fellowship program, one of the pre-eminent talent-cultivation engines in the region. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti reveals how city sports officials are trying to lure the college football championship to Indy.

Indiana-based retail firms are hoping to have a holiday shopping season filled with silver and gold, after a tough year that has left them black and blue. Scott Olson makes a list of the new products that Finish Line, HHGregg and Shoe Carnival are pinning their hopes on. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explores how Top 40 dinosaur WZPL-FM recently shot to the top of the local ratings race. And Greg Andrews examines how Stonegate Mortgage is dealing with a reversal in fortunes.