Indianapolis Business Journal

IBJ is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Forty Under 40 feature with a class culled from our most nominees ever. You can see the whole package, including video extras and special insights into the most impactful books and mentors, by clicking here. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr explains how federal inaction on a $75 million grant is complicating a City-County Council decision about a tax increase for public transit. And Greg Andrews explains how HHGregg CEO Robert Riesbeck is handling challenges at the struggling retailer.

Lawmakers are advancing a bill that would compel large, online retailers to collect and send sales taxes to the state. Hayleigh Colombo explain how Indiana has jumped into the national debate over sales tax collection. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how the IndyEleven’s window for joining major League Soccer might be closing fast. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry hikes out to The Lit Moose for a meal.

Chris Holtmann’s success as Butler University’s men’s basketball coach this season has a dark side: It ensures his name is in the conversation when top jobs open in the off-season. Anthony Schoettle explains how Butler has tried to keep up with the skyrocketing price of top coaching talent. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell explains why the transplant business is booming at Indiana hospitals. And in Focus, Jared Council takes the temperature of the state’s IPO market.

It’s come to this for HHGregg Inc. after a years-long slide: Analysts are beginning to question whether the appliance and consumer electronics retailer can survive. Scott Olson examines its challenges. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle peels back Dan Dakich’s signature bluster to get a better sense of the man behind the sports-talk mouth and how he’s changed since his father’s death. And Hayleigh Colombo has a complete accounting of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s leadership team and his goal while assembling it.

Gov. Eric Holcomb has his eyes on improving the state’s connectivity via air travel and is pushing a plan aimed at attracting new nonstop and direct flights to and from the Indianapolis International Airport. Hayleigh Colombo has details on the $10 million plan. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson reveals the city’s vision for the GM stamping plant site. And Lindsey Erdody examines the surge in home building in Whitestown.

Neighbors of the site in Meridian-Kessler where a local developer plans to build a $23 million apartment and retail project are taking legal action to stop it. Scott Olson has details. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reveals how a legislator proposes to overhaul the controversial state law regarding vaping liquids. And in Focus, Jared Council surveys local money managers about how the new administration and some of the same old global financial issues could affect markets this year.

TechPoint CEO Mike Langellier explains in a Q&A why more tech companies should considering making Indiana home—and why state officials need to try to make that happen. Riley Hospital for Children is expanding its emergency department to create space for sexually abused patients and psychiatric evaluations. And the Coffin House in eastern Indiana has added an interpretive center to help visitors better understand the slave trade and the home's role in the Underground Railroad.

Well, there isn’t much question about the story of the year, and Indiana was ground zero for some of the biggest moments. We kick off our “Year in Review” issue with the stunning rise of Gov. Mike Pence to the White House, along with a certain billionaire and man of the people. But there’s still current news afoot: Scott Olson reports on the latest development for Indy’s GM stamping plant site. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry looks back on the year’s standouts in the arts, as well as the best new restaurants.

The matriarch of the Patachou family of restaurants is expecting some new arrivals in 2017. Scott Olson has the latest plans from Martha Hoover to create more locations for Public Greens, open a new concept, and move an existing Patachou to another locale. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell has the bracing story of how a small cardiology practice owned by St. Vincent Health started coming apart at the seams, with one doctor accused of abusive outburst and another of overcoding for medical procedures. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry has the scoop on the best movies of the year.  

Hoosier power brokers are anxious to develop the state’s technology sector and trumpet its successes so far. The next folks they need to get on board are their state legislators. Jared Council reports on nascent efforts to bring lawmakers up to speed. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr examines the possible repercussions of the state’s incentives deal to retain Carrier Corp. workers. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry lauds Josh Kaufman’s turn in “Yuletide Celebration.”

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.