Automakers end 2014 strongly, pushing some to records
Holiday sales, cheaper gas prices and low interest rates pushed U.S. auto sales to big gains in December, helping the industry close out a strong year.
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Brown: R&D key to Interactive’s staying power
Founder Don Brown, 58, has been CEO, president and chairman of Interactive Intelligence since the company launched in 1994. He talked with IBJ recently about the tech firm’s recent milestone, its 20th anniversary.
GE Aviation starts hiring at Lafayette engine plant
The company announced plans for the $100 million factory in March, with officials saying they anticipated hiring more than 200 workers within five years.
Companies explore options for counterattacks on hackers
A growing number of firms are considering ways to break into hackers’ networks to retrieve stolen data or even knock their computers offline. Such actions could push the limits of existing law.
Lilly to sell heartworm line for Novartis deal approval
Eli Lilly and Co. wants to combine Novartis with its own animal health business, Elanco, to create the second-largest animal health company in the U.S.
Auto parts plant preps for $11M investment
The Seymour City Council this week approved a 10-year phase-in of property taxes for the investment by Valeo at its automobile lighting factory with about 1,600 workers.
Simon launches retail startup competition
"Simon Launch" winners will receive cash, support and the opportunity to snag investments from the company's venture capital arm, which is deploying millions of dollars in startups.
Cummins reveals design for new distribution HQ
The building, which will include a 10-story office tower with 15,000 square feet of retail on the first floor and significant public green space, will be built on four acres where Market Square Arena stood.
Homegrown app eases Alzheimer’s care-giving learning curve
Ashley Bryan is on the cusp of launching a website and smartphone application she hopes will ease the learning curve for millions of care givers. It’s called Life in the Moment and it’s billed as a one-stop source for information and tools for managing Alzheimer’s.
IndyCar speeding toward faster times in 2015
One of the big storylines for the next IndyCar Series season is taking shape in the form of speedy new aero kits. But timelines for teams to get kits ready for racing will be tight.
Sixteen firms promise Indiana expansions, 2,100-plus jobs
Nine of the 16 firms who announced their plans with state officials Thursday expect to boost operations and employment in the Indianapolis area, forecasting 933 jobs.
Angie’s List shuffles brass, names third tech chief in two years
Chief Technology Officer Robert Wiseman has decided not to relocate permanently to Indianapolis, opening the door for former ExactTarget executive Darin Brown.
Lilly Endowment gives Conexus $3.6 million grant
The advanced manufacturing and logistics advocacy group will use the grant for programs, outreach and research for the state’s largest industry sector.
Indy Googlers curious about Robin Williams, twerking in 2014
The most-searched subject in central Indiana was the late comedian, but searchers also sought advice on kissing, faxing and sleeping.
Cummins would save $4.3M with distribution HQ tax break
Approval of the deal is essentially guaranteed, as Cummins and Indianapolis officials together have heralded the downtown project and its potential economic benefit.
Navistar closing local foundry with 180 workers
The foundry, located on the city’s east side at 5565 Brookville Road, produces engine blocks and heads. Navistar said the closure process will take place during the first half of 2015 and be completed in the summer.
Sun King to put limits on distribution to avoid state cap
Sun King Brewing Co. said it plans to quit distributing beer outside of the Indianapolis metropolitan area because it is close to hitting the state’s 30,000-barrel-a-year production limit at its downtown brewery.
Not-for-profits learn to tap into Twitter, rivals
A growing number of savvy charities are tapping into the viral power of social media, using popular platforms like Facebook and Twitter to connect with supporters and build awareness along with their spheres of influence.
Upstart advertising agency attracting national notice
The Basement boasts a client list that includes K-Mart, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Procter & Gamble, NCAA and Simon Property Group Inc. The firm’s year-over-year revenue in 2014 has grown at better than 25 percent, hitting $2 million.
After setbacks, Klipsch amps up focus on high end
The Indianapolis-based speaker maker is responding to challenges in its industry by returning to its roots—emphasizing premium products, including home speaker systems costing $2,500 to $10,000.