Indianapolis Business Journal

The IndyCar Series and USA Today have agreed to merge marketing, advertising and news coverage in a deal some observers describe as ethically worrisome. As Anthony Schoettle reports, USA Today will produce stories and special sections about IndyCar in exchange for preferred access to series bigwigs and potential advertisers. Also in this issue, Greg Andrews examines how Simon Property Group might proceed with its proposed $22.4 billion acquisition of Macerich Co. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti looks back on great moments in Indy’s history of hosting the Final Four.

The cost of sponsoring emerging NASCAR star and Type 1 diabetic Ryan Reed may be a drop in the bucket for Eli Lilly & Co., which spends more than $445 million annually on advertising. But the investment in Reed is starting to pay off and could help boost Lilly's market share in diabetes, IBJ's Anthony Schoettle reports. Also this week, Kathleen McLaughlin explains how the owners of 20 polluted industrial sites are hiding behind legal protections of a state-run voluntary cleanup program, and Lindsey Erdody reports that pizza and beer could be the key to a commercial turnaround for the Village of West Clay in Carmel. And in A&E Etc., a caffeinated look at the pour-over coffee craze and Lou Harry reviews the homegrown Icarus Ensemble.

White River State Park officials are working on plans to acquire part of the former GM stamping plant site and build a permanent music venue to replace The Lawn. Kathleen McLaughlin has the scoop.  Also this week, Anthony Schoettle unpacks how middling radio station WRWM-FM 93.9 turned the tables on its competitors, rocketing to first place one month after switching its format to old school hip hop. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry says Bent Rail Brewery will be famous for its sandwiches before its beer, and Mike Lopresti lowers the curtain on a Butler fairy tail.

Back in early 2008, ChaCha Search Inc. seemed like it was poised to become a major player in the digital search market. Voice mail pioneer Scott Jones was the prime mover, and some big names in tech were providing funding. In this week’s issue, Jared Council answers the question, “How did ChaCha lose its mojo?” Also this week, Scott Olson examines the sudden disappearance of thousands of downtown parking lots. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Tinker Street, the new eatery from restaurant veteran Peter George.

Anthem Inc. invests a lot in data security, but the health insurance giant still left itself vulnerable on key fronts leading up to the recent theft of 80 million consumer records. IBJ’s J.K. Wall explains how hackers exploited the cracks. Also in this issue, Scott Olson takes the measure of Circle Centre mall on its 20th anniversary and finds room for improvement. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry has a ho-hum experience at Giordano’s.

The arrival of Allegiant could spark a revival of leisure travel and help reverse a years-long decline in passengers at Indianapolis International Airport. Kathleen McLaughlin reports that more carriers could be coming. Also in this week’s paper, Anthony Schoettle details how the online lodging service Airbnb is establishing a foothold in Indianapolis and freaking out hoteliers across the country. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews R2Go, the grab-and-go eatery concept from the founder of R bistro.

This week, IBJ unveils the members of its Forty Under 40 Class of 2015—a collection of unusually accomplished young professionals who already are making vital contributions to life in Indianapolis. Also in this issue, Scott Olson uncovers plans from PulteGroup to build an 800-lot development in Plainfield from 270 acres it has purchased. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti chats with Ball State and NCAA tourney legend Paris McCurdy.

All signs point to University Hospital closing as Indiana University Health goes from three downtown hospitals to two. J.K. Wall reports on the deliberations as IU Health seeks to save money, and it appears that Methodist and Riley hospitals are in the clear for now. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Fox Sports Indiana is trying to bring Pacers telecasts to mobile devices. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry conducts a debate on the improvisational works of Erwin Wurm, now taking shape at IMA.

Infotech firm Scale Computing Inc. has been raising money at a clip similar to other prominent local tech companies in their early days and is gearing up to increase its workforce by a factor of five. Jared Council has more on its growth prospects. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle reports on the remarkable turnaround at Indy Lights engineered by the open-wheel racing series’ new CEO. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry recommends IRT’s new comedy, “Good People.”

Lids Sports Group is grappling with growing pains as it strives to expand its product line beyond hats. In this week's issue, Scott Olson explains how the company is coping with flat sales. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle dishes on a possible location for the $87 million soccer stadium proposed for the Indy Eleven. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Spoke & Steele, the new restaurant in the former Canterbury Hotel.

Two of the longest-serving mayors in Indiana happen to be in neighboring cities that have seen explosive growth since they took office. Andrea Davis examines how Carmel's Jim Brainard and Noblesville's John Ditslear have managed to stay on top. Also in this issue, Cory Schouten explains the $5.5 million legal tussle between Celadon Group and its drivers over fuel costs.

Cummins unveils designs for its skyline-altering new offices. IU Health weighs shuttering a downtown hospital. A big shuffle looms for Indy TV news. Mayor Ballard calls it quits. Find our picks for the year's top business stories and newsmakers in our 2014 Year in Review feature, along with a photo gallery and sports roundup.

WISH-TV Channel 8 and WTTV-TV Channel 4 are at the center of the biggest shakeup in the Indianapolis TV market in 35 years, as the former goes it alone without a network affiliation and the latter takes over the CBS mantle and ramps up a massive daily news operation. Anthony Schoettle explains what viewers, advertisers and other stations should expect. Also this week, Kathleen McLaughlin spells out how Madison County officials are advancing a plan to create a seven-mile reservoir by damming the White River. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews The District Tap on the northeast side.

Hamilton County leaders are asking state legislators for relief from the law that requires all capital projects more than $12 million be put to a vote. Andrea Davis examines the debate over referendums and the need to keep government entities from overspending. Also this week, Kathleen McLaughlin quantifies the narrow demographics of General Assembly members. In A&E Etc., Lou Harry dives into the offerings at Borel’s Cajun & Creole Cookery on the northwest side.

It's easy to think of the glittery Yuletide Celebration apart from the buttoned-down Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, but the month-long holiday extravaganza is an integral part of the ISO's balance sheet. IBJ's Lou Harry details the impact of Yuletide on the rest of the symphony's year. Also in this issue, Kathleen McLaughlin reveals the protections built into the city's recent $17 million deal with Angie's List. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti profiles the three current IUPUI basketball players who are in graduate school.

To the extent that central Indiana defines itself as the national capital for sports on every level, the CEO of the Indiana Sports Corp. is a central player in forging and strengthening one of the pillars of our economy and identity. Anthony Schoettle profiles Ryan Vaughn, which brings considerable political clout and organizational expertise to the position. Also this week, Andrea Davis examines the proliferation of car dealerships on State Road 37 in Hamilton County and what that tells us about the economics of the area.

"The Circus in Winter" was first developed as a musical as a class project at Ball State University in 2010. It since has evolved into a professional production at one of the nation’s leading regional theaters. Lou Harry explains what has to happen next for it to debut on Broadway. Also this week, Scott Olson delves into a $33 million lawsuit between Orange Leaf and a local franchisee of the fro-yo shops. And in Focuis, J.K. Wall details the unorthodox way Hillenbrand Inc. encourages its workers to lose weight.  
 

Failing is good. Failing is necessary. In startup hotbeds across the country, entrepreneurs view failure as a badge of honor and useful tool. This week, Jared Council asks local risk-takers to spill their guts. Also in this issue, J.K. tries to suss out the lesson in the surprisingly low scores for charter schools this year. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry interviews Hoosier (and winner of “The Voice”) Josh Kaufman about his starring role on Broadway.