Indianapolis Business Journal

In this issue, Cory Schouten takes a hard, in-depth look at the business dealings of Ersal Ozdemir, whose development and construction firm Keystone Group has taken on projects benefiting from millions of dollars in public subsidies. Critics paint Ozdemir as a politically connected opportunist who has been able to bend the system for his benefit. Also this week, Kathleen McLaughlin explores planned changes to U.S. 31 that are worrying Carmel residents. And in A&E, Lou Harry gives northsiders a primer on enjoying ice cream purveyor Graeter's.

When ExactTarget was purchased by Salesforce.com, we initially were worried that it could leave town. Now comes news from reporter Scott Olson that ExactTarget is evaluating sites downtown where it could build a major office tower, both consolidating its local workforce and making room for growth. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle delves into whether the Indy Eleven needs a new soccer stadium for the franchise's long-term success. And in A&E, Lou Harry discusses the trouble he has warming up to the work of Robert Indiana, now on display at IMA.

This week, Chris O'Malley reveals a new niche opening up in weather forecasting that could make the future of TV meteorologists more gloomy—Internet-based independent forecasters who provide more detailed data, sometimes for a price. Also in this issue, Dan HUman explains how a lack of infrastructure is bottlenecking Indiana's wind-powered energy market. And in A&E, Lou Harry takes the temperature of new Fountain Square nightspot Thunderbird.

We only learned a few weeks ago about the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Indy (set for April 25-27), but Anthony Schoettle reports in the latest edition of IBJ that the effort by local tourism officials to land the mammoth event began more than a decade ago. Also this week, Chris O'Malley explores charges by some investors in Angie's List that the consumer review service has significantly changed its business model and concealed fundamental obstacles to reaching a profit. And in A&E, Lou Harry reviews the IRT's take on three short stories by Kurt Vonnegut.

This week, IBJ unveils the members of its Forty Under 40 Class of 2014—a collection of unusually accomplished young professionals who already are making vital contributions to life in Indianapolis. Also in this issue, IBJ's Dan Human points in ExactTarget's new direction—providing the medium for electronic gadgets to communicate with their owners. And in A&E, Lou Harry takes a road trip to Perfect North Slopes in southern Indiana, which has benefitted from the deluge of white stuff this year and has become a perfectly viable entertainment option.

This week, Scott Olson reports that downtown soon could have a new concert venue the size of Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville. REI Investments, which co-developed the JW Marriott, is behind the plan, which would incorporate at least part of the former GM stamping plant on the western edge of downtown. Also in this issue, Kathleen McLaughlin details a push by the Indy Chamber to create a commuter tax that would hit outsiders who work in Marion County. And in A&E, sports columnist Mike Lopresti reveals how Carmel High School has been able to create a 27-year dynasty in state girls swimming.

More than 20 school districts in central Indiana face a transportation crisis, due to a recently passed state law that is draining tax funds from their bus budgets. IBJ's Andrea Davis explains how they're trying to cope. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle regroups with organizers of Indy's bid for the 2018 Super Bowl to take their temperature on how bad weather this year could affect our chances. And on our editorial page, IBJ takes a stand on the effort to amend the state's constitution to ban same-sex marriage.

There's no more pressing safety issue in sports than head injuries, and yet the diagnosis of a concussion can be slow and subjective. This week, Anthony Schoettle reveals how two Indiana University professors are perfecting a portable system that can test for concussions quickly and objectively. Also this week, Chris O'Malley discovers where all the radio DJs have gone since the automation of the commercial airwaves: They're doing Internet podcasts and enjoying the independence of being their own bosses. And in A&E, Lou Harry assays the IMA's contemporary design galleries.

We've been so busy making googly eyes at the spanking-new Eskenazi Hospital that we've forgotten about the 1.2 million square feet Wishard Hospital complex that it replaced. But reporter Scott Olson has the scoop on how Indiana University plans to reuse—and in some cases demolish—those properties to eventually create a life sciences hub. Also this week, Chris O'Malley takes a spin in the futuristic, $65,000 Tesla Model S to see what all the fuss is about. And in A&E, sports columnist Mike Lopresti examines the messy art of arena-naming.

It's time to take a breath and look back at 2013 with IBJ's compendium of the biggest stories and newsmakers of the year. Plus, Lou Harry chooses the top exemplars in the visual and performing arts. And a couple new stories have snuck under the wire on our front page, including Andrea Davis's piece on a new budget flap in Carmel.

This week, find out which major supermarket chain is hoping to expand into the Indianapolis market, starting with an anchor position in The Bridges in Carmel. Also, see what former Cummins CEO Tim Solso has to say about his new job as non-executive chairman at automaker GM. And learn why the IndyCar Series is suing a Brazilian race promoter.

Indiana's largest beer distributor is mounting the latest legal challenge to the state's arcane, Prohibition-era liquor laws. Scott Olson reports that Indy-based Monarch Beverage is suing state officials, arguing the firm  should be able to supply liquor to bars, restaurants and retail outlets. Also in this issue, J.K. Wall reports on the sudden and mysterious exit of Community Health Network's chief financial officer. And in A&E, Lou Harry explores the differences between local chestnut "Yuletide Celebration" and edgy newcomer "The Nutcracker" from NoExit Performance.

We know Herb Simon as a shopping mall magnate and owner of the Indiana Pacers, but he has additional interest (quite literally) in baseball. IBJ's Anthony Schoettle reveals that Simon is part of a consortium looking to raise $100 million to buy several minor-league franchises. It already has purchased a team in Bowling Green, Ky. In Focus, Scott Olson profiles developer Joe Whitsett, who is helping drive the herd of apartment projects headed for downtown. And in A&E, Lou Harry makes merry with the Phoenix Theatre's holiday show, "A Very Phoenix Xmas."

Apple has applied for a new patent that sounds pretty familiar to the folks at Carmel-based ChaCha Search Inc. Analysts and tech wonks now are wondering whether Apple would be best served by acquiring ChaCha. IBJ's Dan Human explores how the question-and-answer service could aid Apple's Siri function. Also in this issue, Scott Olson profiles city development director Adam Thies, a no-nonsense leader taking a proactive approach to turning idle city parcels into tax-generating properties. And in A&E, Lou Harry discovers out-of-the-way eatery Shoefly Public House and its neighborhood vibe.

The Indiana Pacers are turning to a Mickey Mouse operation in an attempt to improve customer service at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Make that, THE Mickey Mouse organization. IBJ's Anthony Schoettle explains how the Blue and Gold are teaming up with Walt Disney Co.'s Disney Institute. Also in this issue, we belly up to the bar to explain how a new law is paving the way for micro-distilleries across the state. And in A&E, Lou Harry hams it up at Broad Ripple's new Cuban sandwich spot.

In this week's issue, Scott Olson reveals that the new owner of the Illinois Building is stirring conversation about an upscale hotel in the downtown landmark. Also in this issue, Dan Human checks in with the Indiana entrepreneur who famously rejected a $200,000 offer from Mark Cuban on "Shark Tank." And in A&E, Lou Harry essays the biennial contemporary exhibit at the Eiteljorg.

The homegrown speaker and headphone maker Klipsch Group in recent weeks released a bevy of new products and launched a marketing campaign headlined by high-profile athletes and a rock band. Anthony Schoettle has details on the products, the push, and the people who will help get the word out. Also this week, J.K. Wall explores the possibility that Indiana could leave $1.2 billion in federal funds for health care on the table. And in Focus, we examine whether the citywide smoking ban that took effect in 2012 has helped boost convention business.