Indianapolis Business Journal

Are the state’s workforce development programs a muddled, bureaucratic mess in need of reform? Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma thinks so, and he’s made streamlining the vital but wasteful system a top priority this session, Hayleigh Colombo reports. Also in this week’s issue, Greg Andrews recounts the scene at Eli Lilly and Co. just before Thanksgiving when employees learned that a highly anticipated Alzheimer’s drug had failed its final stage trial—and details Lilly’s next offensive against the disease. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews the Asian-inspired cuisine at Longbranch.

The election of Donald Trump has triggered a burst of volunteerism for groups whose causes were targeted by the president-elect on the campaign trail. Hayleigh Colombo has more on the progressive organizations whose phones are ringing off the hook. Also in this week’s issue, Lou Harry explains how arts groups in the city count on their traditional holiday offerings to help bankroll riskier programming year-round. And Lindsey Erdody details efforts in Noblesville to diversify the area’s housing stock.

It’s crunch time at hospitals around Indianapolis as patients who have reached their insurance deductibles are rushing to get elective surgeries and other procedures before the deductibles reset on Dec. 31. John Russell examines the demand. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle asks Indiana exporters what they think of Donald Trump’s tough talk on trade. And in A&E Etc., gets a gander at the big show featuring new works acquired by the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.

Indiana Democrats trying to pick up the pieces from the disastrous election returns on Tuesday are struggling to figure out the main message to take from the outcome. Hayleigh Colombo explores the options. Also in this week’s paper, Lindsey Erdody examines how the ambitious Midtown development in Carmel is quickly taking shape. And in Focus, Lesley Weidenbener investigates why Hoosiers have been slow to warm to electric cars.

Westfield’s big bet on Grand Park isn’t paying off yet—at least not in the form of profits for the city. City officials contend that was never the point of the 400-acre complex, IBJ’s Lindsey Erdody reports. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo examines how the appointment of former Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann might give Ivy Tech Community College a much needed political reboot with the Indiana Legislature. In Focus, Anthony Schoettle explores the sudden popularity of old barns as event venues. And be sure to check out the profiles for all 23 members of IBJ's Women of Influence Class of 2016.

When Ikea enters a market, other retailers, hoteliers and fast-food chains tend to flock to its general vicinity. But that won’t be the case in Fishers, where local officials are taking steps to control the use of vacant land near Ikea’s future home, Lindsey Erdody reports. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explores what’s next for Emmis Communications Corp. now that the bid to take it private has failed. And in A&E Etc., Max Gabovitch susses out seven places in the heart of downtown where you can find lunches for less than $7.

Billboards and signs across Marion County are urging residents to vote yes for a tax increase to fund expanded transit services. But even if the referendum passes, that doesn’t mean it’ll happen. Susan Orr explains that the final decision will come down to the City-County Council. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle reveals that the Indianapolis Colts are bucking the trend toward lower NFL ratings, despite their disappointing season so far. And in A&E Etc., IBJ’s arbiter of Philly authenticity takes on Pittsburgh cuisine at Primanti Bros.

A tsunami of change is headed toward the decades-old, largely unchanged system for calculating TV rating. Anthony Schoettle reports that local station operators and ad agencies are hyper-nervous about the upheaval. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo takes a closer look at the too-close-to-call Senate race between Evan Bayh and Todd Young. And in Focus, Jared Council explores how banks are aiming services at the “unbanked”—those who traditionally haven’t wanted or haven’t qualified for accounts.

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.