Indianapolis Business Journal

AUGUST 25-31, 2014

The theme of this week's issue is "comebacks." Scott Olson reacquaints us with homebuilder Brad Davis and Paul Estridge Jr., whose prominant companies faltered during the housing downturn but have re-emerged in new incarnations. Norm Heikens explains how Hoosier incomes are rebouding. And in A&E, Lou Harry shows off the latest great games from GenCon as the nation's board- and card-game renaissance continues. 

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AUGUST 18-24, 2014

Eli Lilly and Co. once was a pioneer in biotech drugs and treating autoimmune diseases, but abandoned the fields in 1991. Subsequently, biotech autoimmune medicines have become best-sellers. This week, J.K. Wall details how Lilly has been trying to get back in the game. Also this week, Anthony Schoettle reports the Indianapolis Indians' stock buy-back offer might be undervaluing the franchise. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Bar Rio.

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AUGUST 11-18, 2014

The cost of the Marion County's new criminal justice center could provoke sticker shock, but the novel way that Mayor Greg Ballard wants to finance it could put voters at ease. Kathleen McLaughlin examines the all-inclusive model that would boil down costs down to a single annual fee. Also in this week's issue, Andrea Davis tells the story of a Zionsville family that turned a summer project into a peanut-butter manufacturing business. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti swaps baseball stories with Indianapolis Indians icon Max Schumacher.

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JULY 21-27, 2014

Two friends have turned their enthusiasm for drones into a manufacturing operation projected to produce up to $10 million in revenue next year. IBJ's Dan Human has the story on AirDroids and its briefcase-sized Pocket Drone. Also this week, Andrea Davis profiles an Anderson-based financial planner who uses cookikng lessons to teach fiscal principles. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry conducts an exit interview with Theatre on the Square's Ron Spencer, a foundational figure in local contemporary theater.

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JULY 14-20, 2014

Growing demand for high-end, low-maintenance living is fueling an apartment-building boom in Indianapolis’ northern suburbs—and raising concerns among some leaders about the risks of adding too much too fast. Andrea Davis examines changing attitudes toward apartments and whether the market can bounce back from the big influx. Also in this issue, Dennis Barbosa outlines a proposal to move Indianapolis police officers into the city's most dangerous neighborhoods. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti visits all five minor-league baseball franchises in the state.

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JULY 7-13, 2014

Ambrose Property Group is making a name for itself by buying struggling office properties and reviving them. This week, Scott Olson focuses on its latest diamond-in-the-rough project as Ambrose takes a stab at rehabbing a 436,000-square-foot complex at 500 N. Meridian. Also in thio week's issue, Kathleen McLaughin details the Indy Chamber's effort to stem membership losses. And in Focus, Dan Human profiles the family firm Pillow Logistics as its owners prepare for a generational shift in leadership.

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JUNE 23-29, 2014

Indiana University Health wants to consolidate its University and Methodist hospitals into one downtown location, a plan that would see one or both facilities close or be converted to another use. J.K. Wall has the story on the plan that will reshape downtown's health care landscape. Also in this week's issue, we present our annual ranking of the largest and fastest-growing companies in the state—the 2014 Indiana 100. And in A&E, Lou Harry noshes at North End Barbecue.

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JUNE 16-22, 2014

Where there's smoke, there's fire, and where there's scorching e-mail, there's Christine Scales. IBJ's Kathleen McLaughlin profiles the firebrand second-term city-county councilor, who is testing the limits of political independence and the patience of both parties. Also in this issue, J.K. Wall examines the struggles of autism therapists and other care providers after the state's largest health insurer cut payments and took a harder line on paying for therapy for school-age children. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews new downtown eatery Plow & Anchor, which occupies a snakebitten location.

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JUNE 9-15, 2014

Heading into summer concert season, Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville has a tough act to follow: itself. Andrea Davis reports that ticket sales have soared in the last couple of years, thanks to imaginative marketing, patron-friendly features and a savvier concert industry. Also this week, Scott Olson details the return of restaurateur Peter George, who’s opening a new eatery on 16th Street. And in A&E, Lou Harry hits Mass Ave to study the second location for Carmel’s Pizzology.

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JUNE 2-8, 2014

Indianapolis author John Green isn't a businessman, per se, but he's practically an industry unto himself. In this issue, IBJ's Lou Harry examines the blockbuster sales of Green's "The Fault in Our Stars," the prospects for the movie version (opening June 6), and Green's mastery of social media and multimedia to create a motivated fan base. Also this week, Scott Olson reports on the hops shortage threatening local breweries. And J.K. Wall explains how IU Health's Saxony hospital is finding ways to cut costs and improve outcomes with a focus on care coordination.>

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MAY 19-25, 2014

One of Mayor Greg Ballard's keys to stengthening Marion County is to attract high-earning residents who can bolster the tax base. But new research shows that the number of people living in low-income areas of the eight donut townships has grown sixfold since 2003. IBJ's Kathleen McLaughlin examines the challenges facing the suburban townships. Also this week, Andrea Davis details how cash-strapped school districts are concocting unusual ways to raise money. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti revisits the saddest day in Indy 500 history with A.J. Foyt and Johnny Rutherford.

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APRIL 28-MAY 4, 2014

In the weeks since the city announced its $160 million deal to help subsidize the Indiana Pacers and Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the one person we haven't heard much from is team owner Herb Simon. In this week's IBJ, Greg Andrews presents a wide-ranging interview with the billionaire that reveals his succession plans and details about team revenue and costs. Also this week, Scott Olson has the scoop on a planned building boom at Butler University. And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle looks at the new ride-share services in Indy.

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