Indianapolis Business Journal

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.

The FBI probe of American Senior Communities LLC has thrust into prominence the Jackson family—the intensely private clan that controls the state’s largest nursing home company. J.K. Wall scores a rare interview with family members to discuss their interconnected businesses and how they developed. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody examines how the planned Ikea could change Fishers. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti tries to make sense of the Colts’ season so far.

The Indy Eleven, fresh off their second season, are gearing up to press the General Assembly again to support a financing plan for a new stadium. Anthony Schoettle looks at the soccer team’s continued strong performance and its prospects for legislative success. Also in this week’s issue, Jared Council looks at why the growth in small-business lending is lagging that of other kinds of commercial loans. And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle looks at the tourism plans in the works across Indiana to celebrate the state’s bicentennial.

Although polls suggest the Indianapolis mayor’s race is all but decided, control of the City-County Council is up in the air. Hayleigh Colombo digs into the six most competitive district races, including some of the wealthiest sections of Marion County. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody provides a sneak peek into the $60 million development proposed for the Party Time Rental site on Rangeline Road in Carmel. And in Focus, J.K. Wall examines the strategy for developing the 60-acre 16 Tech life sciences and technology campus north of the IU School of Medicine.

The Indiana Pacers will start the NBA regular season on Oct. 28 at 0-0, but the team is already winning on the financial ledger. Anthony Schoettle reports that revenue streams in the new season are headed in the right direction. Also in this week’s issue, Jared Council reveals which of the city’s tech pioneers have decided to get back in the game. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry finds a lot to recommend about eating in a restaurant located in a grocery store.

A former state senator is taking the reins of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and promising a turnaround in the industry’s fortunes. Anthony Schoettle explains how Tom Weatherwax plans to beef up promotions, draw out-of-state horsemen to Indiana, and lure more bettors to the state’s two tracks. Also this week, Hayleigh Colombo reports on the holdups that have delayed the demolition of more than 150 blighted homes in Indy. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry visits “The Addams Family” at Beef & Boards.

Salesforce.com appears to have scrapped plans to build its own downtown headquarters building and instead is seeking a huge block of space in an office tower to satisfy its aggressive growth plans. Scott Olson and Jared Council have the story. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle looks at the future of daily fantasy sports in Indiana now that legislators are examining how closely the pastime fits the definition of gambling. And in Focus, Chris O’Malley catches up with commercial group in historic Irvington.

Behind closed doors, Gov. Mike Pence and a close group of advisers are searching for a solution to a controversy that could threaten his re-election. Hayleigh Colombo reports on efforts to avoid another ugly debate on LGBT rights and find a compromise amenable to all sides. Also in this week’s issue, J.K. Wall explains how the push to unionize nurses at IU Health’s downtown facilities has stalled. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry tries to bust out of downtown’s new Escape Room.

Welcome to IBJ’s second annual Interview Issue, designed to give you fresh insight into the Indy-area luminaries you thought you already knew. We’ve spent the last two months rounding up 33 of the most fascinating folks in central Indiana, including both mayoral candidates, a Supreme Court Justice, an Ebola survivor, an “SNL” cast member, several entrepreneurs, and a legend of IU hoops. Click here to get started!

Circle Centre mall helped spark a renaissance downtown 20 years ago, and it now could use its own rejuvenation. Greg Andrews reveals that mall giant Simon Property Group is proposing a $20 million renovation to freshen its lighting, seating, food court, exterior and more. Also in this issue, Scott Olson reports that the Indianapolis Zoo has entered an unusual land deal to expand its exhibit space. And in Focus, IBJ takes an in-depth look at the modern design of Cummins’ $30 million divisional HQ under construction downtown.