Podcast

Inside INdiana Business Television Podcast

Business News, News

Inside INdiana Business is the statewide leader for Indiana business news. Every week, we spotlight the top business news stories, highlight new companies and emerging technology and feature exclusive interviews with the biggest names in Indiana business.

Episodes
461
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
32 min
On air since
2017
Latest episode
2 days ago

Episodes

461 episodes, newest first

  1. South Bend Data Centers, $135M Tech Hub and Indiana Defense

    Show notes

    South Bend's data center debate is colliding with a $135 million downtown technology project as northern Indiana attracts new investment and jobs. Mayor James Mueller explains why the city wants large data centers to pay their own way, protect neighborhoods and direct new resources back into the community.

    From downtown South Bend, Inside Indiana Business host Gerry Dick examines Colfax Corner, a research and innovation development linking the University of Notre Dame with private industry and projected to bring about 400 jobs downtown. Regional reporter Eniola Longe reports on Elkhart's next $120 million River District development phase and the debut of the Dynasty Sports Film Festival.

    In Fort Wayne, U.S. Sen. Jim Banks' fifth annual defense summit brings military and business leaders together as Indiana's defense sector gains ground. The report examines Lockheed Martin's acquisition of Ultra Maritime and its sonobuoy manufacturing operation in Columbia City, along with concerns over capacity on U.S. 30. State officials report $2.5 billion in committed defense capital investment since 2020.

    Business of Health reporter Kylie Veleta covers BioCrossroads' discussions of artificial intelligence in drug manufacturing, and Evansville startup Anu's $500,000 federal grant to expand automated indoor growing systems. Emily Hawthorne opens The Sensory Shoppe in Greenwood, giving children with sensory needs room to try products before buying them.

    Also covered: Bloomington's recruitment of new residents, a renewable natural gas facility in Greensburg, drone testing in Terre Haute, Indiana University's semiconductor research partnership with imec, a federal grant for Burns Harbor, a new Wabash River boathouse and Marian University's $500 million fundraising milestone.

    32 min
  2. Bloomington's $52M Convention Center Expansion and Crane Growth

    Show notes

    Bloomington's $52 million convention center expansion is nearing completion, more than doubling its meeting and event space ahead of a January opening.

    Inside Indiana Business host Gerry Dick reports from south central Indiana as IBJ Media's Innovate Indiana series examines growth across the 11-county Uplands region. Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson connects Indiana University's football-driven tourism gains, the Trades District and research commercialization to the city's growth plans. The first phase of the Hopewell redevelopment calls for 98 owner-occupied homes on the former hospital site.

    Susan Borries Reed, the new president and CEO of the Bloomington Economic Development Corp., outlines efforts to prepare sites and attract businesses.

    Kyle Werner, deputy technical director at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, discusses roughly $5 billion in fiscal 2026 contract obligations and hundreds of millions of dollars committed to construction through 2035. Nearby WestGate@Crane Technology Park is projected to attract more than $2.7 billion in investment and over 3,700 net new jobs within eight years.

    Bloomington-based Terran Robotics is using artificial intelligence and cable-driven robots to build homes from clay, sand and straw. A one-bedroom home under construction illustrates how the company is combining automated labor with traditional adobe materials to pursue lower housing costs.

    Also covered: Haynes International's $172 million expansion in Kokomo, Mallow Run Winery's planned December closure, virtual reality and AI at the BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit, and a potential Sullivan County nuclear power project involving Amazon, X-energy and American Electric Power.

    32 min
  3. Indiana's $70 Billion Export Economy, Colts and Autism Research

    Show notes

    Indiana's export trade totals $70 billion, and the Colts are expanding the state's reach in Europe. Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon explains why games that count, rather than exhibitions, are central to building an international fan base. Host Gerry Dick talks with Martin Baier, president and CEO of the International Center, about foreign investment, sports diplomacy and the business value of global connections. Indianapolis International Airport executive director and CEO Mario Rodriguez outlines how pharmaceuticals and nonstop flights are strengthening Indiana's ties with Ireland. Visit Bloomington executive director Mike McAfee details a $52 million convention center expansion with more than 20 meeting and event rooms and a 26,000-square-foot exhibit hall. The National FFA Convention and Expo is expected to generate $40 million in central Indiana economic activity. Ginovus CEO Larry Gigerich discusses community opposition to data centers and why companies need to build trust with their neighbors. Eli Lilly and Company proposes more than $19 million for emergency response in Lebanon, including 12 new firefighters. Business of Health reporter Kylie Veleta details an Indiana University School of Medicine study backed by a $7 million National Institutes of Health grant. Nearly 200 primary care clinicians, including 65 in Indiana, will learn to evaluate young children for autism, with a focus on improving access in rural communities. Indiana first lady Maureen Braun shares lessons from opening Finishing Touches in Jasper in 1978, including why passion needs a business plan. In Lebanon, second-generation owners Bob and Kathy Donaldson celebrate 60 years of Donaldson's Finer Chocolates, where family recipes, employee training and customer relationships keep the business going.

    32 min
  4. One Health Research Institute, Mammoth Solar and BiomEdit

    Show notes

    Indiana's One Health Research Institute is breaking ground in Indianapolis, bringing Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health together to accelerate discoveries in animal, human, plant and environmental health.

    Gerry Dick reports from Elanco's headquarters on the White River, where CEO Jeff Simmons describes his vision for the One Health Innovation District. The effort is designed to connect university research, companies and entrepreneurs, giving emerging technologies a route from the lab to the marketplace.

    In northwest Indiana, Doral Renewables President and CEO Nick Cohen discusses the completion of Mammoth Solar, a $1.5 billion development generating 1,300 megawatts of power for an estimated 275,000 homes. He explains how local farmers can raise livestock and crops alongside solar panels while earning income from leased land.

    Business of Health reporter Kylie Veleta examines Indianapolis startup BiomEdit's conditional USDA license for an engineered probiotic intended to protect broiler chickens against necrotic enteritis. Three major poultry producers are testing the non-antibiotic product in flocks totaling more than 35 million birds. The company plans to market it as Optavant once it receives full licensure.

    Other headlines include Hammond's bid for a Chicago Bears stadium, Sweetwater's nearly $37 million Fort Wayne expansion, progress on Indiana University's IU LAB bioscience accelerator, major fundraising at Grace College and Franklin College, and new Southwest Airlines nonstop routes from Indianapolis.

    The World Food Championships also return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where reigning dessert champion Cindy Hawkins prepares to defend her title against an international field.

    Inside Indiana Business is presented by Elevate Ventures, Indiana University, LiUNA and the Indiana Association of Realtors.

    32 min
  5. Downtown Indy’s $4B Transformation, Bears Stadium Update & Purdue’s Earhart Search

    Show notes

    Upwards of $4 billion in development is in the works for downtown Indianapolis. On this edition of Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick, explore the projects reshaping the city—from the Signia Hotel and Circle Centre Mall’s transformation into Traction Yards to new investments around Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Downtown Indianapolis Alliance CEO Taylor Schaffer discusses growth, sports tourism, public safety perceptions, and the future of downtown. In Evansville, the $60 million Vault on Main development brings 161 apartments and new commercial space to the city’s core. Evansville Regional Economic Partnership CEO Lloyd Winnecke explains its significance for the region. Plus, Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. provides an update on efforts to bring the Chicago Bears’ stadium to Indiana. Also featured: agricultural growth along the I-74 corridor, Ball State’s Village revitalization, Indiana’s bid to host the U.S. Space Academy, and fuel costs facing Hoosier farmers. Then, Purdue researchers pursue a possible clue to Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. And in the Business of Health, meet Steve Gilbert, an 81-year-old living with Parkinson’s who credits Rock Steady Boxing with helping him prepare for his eighth marathon.

    32 min
  6. Indiana Farm Costs, I-69 Bridge and Cancer Drug Expansion

    Show notes

    Indiana farm costs are surging as harvest begins, with diesel near $7 a gallon, fertilizer and seed expenses climbing, and August flooding adding another layer of uncertainty for growers across the state.

    Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, explains where pressure is greatest in the farm economy and why commodity producers are especially exposed when input costs rise faster than crop prices. The report also looks at DataOne's proposed $7.5 billion data center at Frankfort's Logix Innovation Campus, a project expected to create about 200 jobs if approved.

    In southwest Indiana, the I-69 Ohio River Crossing reaches a major milestone as work on the Indiana approach bridges is completed, clearing the way for the future interstate bridge between Evansville and Henderson, Kentucky. Indianapolis leaders also continue discussions with Major League Soccer while reconsidering where a downtown stadium could be built.

    The Business of Health examines Telix Pharmaceuticals' planned acquisition of ITM and what the deal means for central Indiana's growing radiopharmaceutical sector. Eli Lilly and Company also breaks ground on a $6.5 billion Houston manufacturing site as part of its broader U.S. production expansion.

    Other stories include a new Community Health Network behavioral health hospital, Amazon expansion, Buc-ee's plans for Greenwood, and the conversion of an 1872 Indianapolis church into a cafe and community space.

    32 min
  7. Indiana’s AI & Defense Push, Bears Stadium Talks

    Show notes

    Where will Indiana’s next wave of investment and jobs come from? On this episode of Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick, Hoosier business leaders gather in Washington, D.C., for the Indiana Chamber’s annual DC Insider event to discuss the state’s economic future.

    Hear from Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks on opportunities in artificial intelligence, microelectronics and defense investment, including what could be ahead for Naval Support Activity Crane. Congressman Frank Mrvan discusses Northwest Indiana’s momentum, South Shore rail investments, the steel industry and the Chicago Bears’ possible move to Hammond—and what a stadium project could mean for jobs and development.

    In the Business of Health, Riley Children’s Health introduces an 11-bed pediatric medical behavioral health unit designed to treat children with medical and psychiatric needs at the same time. Learn how the new unit aims to help families find care closer to home.

    Plus, Marian University prepares for a leadership transition after Dan Elsner’s transformative tenure, General Motors invests in Bedford, Givaudan plans a $215 million production facility in West Harrison, and Indiana’s creative economy looks for new opportunities to grow. We also go inside Shake Up Cocktails, a growing business bringing the flavor and nostalgia of the fair to customers across five states.

    Subscribe for more Indiana business news, economic development updates and conversations with leaders across the state.

    32 min
  8. Ball State's $200 Million Village Plan, Japan Ties and Health Care

    Show notes

    Ball State's nearly $200 million redevelopment of The Village aims to turn the district beside its Muncie campus into a hub for arts, housing and business.

    Ball State University President Geoff Mearns talks with Gerry Dick about the 97-room Cantio Hotel, a new performing arts center with a 425-seat main stage and the Center for Innovation and Collaboration, which connects students with regional businesses. He explains how planned apartments and new amenities could help retain graduates and attract employers to East Central Indiana.

    Also covered: Taylor University's Main Street Mile initiative in Upland passes the halfway mark of a five-year plan backed by more than $100 million in investment. Indiana hosts a Midwest-Japan business summit as the state looks beyond traditional manufacturing to attract investment in life sciences, semiconductors and advanced technology.

    Marian University President Dan Elsener outlines the Crossroads Academic Medical Institute, a partnership with Purdue University and 10 health care organizations designed to recruit, train and retain workers. With 71 of Indiana's 92 counties short on health care professionals, the effort puts rural and underserved communities at the center of a statewide approach.

    Other headlines include plans for a nuclear microreactor at Crane, Shein's automated distribution campus in Lebanon and Zimmer Biomet's headquarters donation to Grace College. Back in Muncie, the coverage follows a proposed cultural corridor connecting downtown, Minnetrista Museum and Gardens and Ball State, along with the Ball Brothers Foundation's century of community investment.

    32 min
  9. Southeast Indiana Growth: River Ridge, Redwire and Canadian Solar

    Show notes

    Southeast Indiana growth is accelerating as River Ridge Commerce Center, Redwire and Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville drive major investment in logistics, advanced manufacturing, space research and energy. From the Ohio River, the program looks at a region shifting from an economy long defined by traditional manufacturing toward a broader mix of logistics, technology and new investment. Lance Allison, CEO of One Southern Indiana, says Clark, Floyd and Scott counties have attracted $3 billion in capital investment over the past three years, while quality of life projects such as Origin Park are becoming part of the region's competitive strategy. A $25 million federal grant for Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville will expand cargo operations and increase heavy-lift capacity. At Redwire's new 30,000-square-foot Georgetown facility, researchers work with NASA and pharmaceutical partners on microgravity projects, including higher-quality seed crystals and 3D bioprinted human tissue. Redwire's SpaceMD venture is focused on health, medical and biotech work tied to space research. River Ridge Commerce Center is also central to the region's energy story. CS PowerTech, a Canadian Solar subsidiary, has opened a nearly 1 million-square-foot solar cell facility backed by a $1 billion investment and expected to create 1,200 jobs at full capacity. The plant is using heterojunction technology designed to increase energy production. Also covered: Lilly's planned acquisition of Merida Biosciences, Purdue Fort Wayne's new music industry building, Harry & Izzy's expansion into Arizona, and other statewide business headlines.

    32 min
  10. Indiana Manufacturing Boom: SK hynix, Rolls-Royce, Caterpillar

    Show notes

    Indiana manufacturing is drawing billions in new investment as SK hynix, Rolls-Royce and Caterpillar expand major operations across the state.Gerry Dick examines what the projects could mean for Indiana's advanced manufacturing economy. SK hynix breaks ground on a nearly $4 billion semiconductor facility tied to high-bandwidth memory for artificial intelligence, Rolls-Royce marks more than $1 billion in upgrades to its Indianapolis manufacturing and engine test campus, and Caterpillar considers a nearly $900 million modernization of its Lafayette engine operation. Conexus Indiana CEO Jay Wirts explains why the investments strengthen Indiana's position in advanced industry, talent development and the reshoring of manufacturing.Agriculture is also in focus. Superior Ag opens a new dry fertilizer terminal along the Ohio River in Rockport, while Beck's Hybrids welcomes more than 15,000 farmers to its Atlanta headquarters for Becknology Days. Beck's President Scott Beck discusses research, new soybean opportunities and the company's commitment to staying family owned and rooted in Indiana.The Business of Health report covers Roche Diagnostics' FDA-cleared Elecsys pTau217 blood test, developed with Eli Lilly and Company to help assess Alzheimer's disease. The program also looks at Ahimsa's stainless steel cafeteria trays, a new documentary on college food insecurity and Ben's Ranch Foundation's work-based animal science program.Plus, South Bend studies a possible Amtrak move to Union Station, the South Shore Line lays out a 20-year strategy, Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon gains a national site designation, and Nate Spangle explains why giving young people a seat at the table matters for Indiana communities.

    32 min
  11. Indiana Flood Recovery, IndyCar, LIV Golf and Grissom Air Show

    Show notes

    Indiana flood recovery is entering a long rebuilding phase after historic rain and winds caused deaths, outages and billions of dollars in damage statewide. Gov. Mike Braun discusses power restoration in northwest Indiana, federal disaster assistance, flood insurance gaps and the push to document losses across affected counties. The program also looks at a major sports weekend. IndyCar brings the Freedom 250 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C., for a one-time race tied to the nation's 250th birthday, while LIV Golf closes its season at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield. Mayor Scott Willis explains how sports tourism, Grand Park and new downtown projects fit into Westfield's growth strategy. Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard reflects on fostering and adopting two daughters with his wife, Kristin, and the team's Books for Youth Backpack event for foster children. In Fort Wayne, IU Health is recruiting 270 nurses for its $421 million, 140-bed hospital, which is expected to create about 500 jobs and open in May. Also covered: The Mill's Bloomington expansion, the Hambletonian Stakes move to Harrah's Hoosier Park in Anderson, and the economic role of Grissom Air Reserve Base near Peru. The Grissom Air & Space Expo returns after a seven-year absence with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, military aircraft and family activities.

    32 min
  12. Terre Haute Growth, Meta Glasses and Indiana Sports Tourism

    Show notes

    Terre Haute growth is reshaping the Wabash Valley, with more than $100 million in downtown investment and a new push around health care, technology and sports.

    From West Central Indiana, Gerry Dick looks at how Terre Haute is trying to build a more diverse economy after decades of manufacturing losses. Mayor Brandon Sakbun discusses the city's higher education assets, housing shortages, infill development and a long-term strategy centered on health care, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and drone technology. The regional snapshot also includes Elanco's more than $130 million Clinton investment and a proposed $65 billion data center campus in Sullivan County.

    Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $100 million Innovation Grove is designed to bring students, entrepreneurs, industry and health care partners closer together. The district includes Rose-Hulman Ventures and a planned outpatient surgery center tied to Union Health and the Indiana Orthopedic Institute, led by Dr. R. Michael Meneghini. In South Bend, Colfax Corner is turning the historic South Bend Tribune building into a research and innovation hub as part of a $750 million project expected to create 400 jobs.

    The Business of Health focuses on Bosma Enterprises and Meta's effort to put Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses in the hands of blind veterans. Bosma workers are already using the technology to read labels, identify objects and navigate tasks at work and home. The glasses are part of a nationwide donation aimed at more than 130,000 blind veterans.

    The program also covers a possible Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond, the Fort Wayne International Airport expansion and Terre Haute's sports tourism strategy. The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course generates about $10 million in annual economic impact and is central to the city's Cross Country Town, USA identity.

    32 min
  13. Indiana Defense Boom, Toyota Expansion and EV25 Flu Trial

    Show notes

    Indiana defense manufacturing is drawing national attention as Indianapolis and Fort Wayne rank among the country's hottest markets for aerospace investment. The state's deep manufacturing base is supporting work tied to aircraft propulsion, missile warning, advanced electronics and next-generation weapons. Gerry Dick looks at how Rolls-Royce, L3Harris Technologies and the Crane defense ecosystem are strengthening Indiana's national security footprint. David Dowell, CEO of ACMI Properties, explains plans for a 1,500-acre National Security Industrial Hub and munitions campus in Bloomfield, where Prometheus Energetics is the anchor tenant. The project is expected to catalyze about $600 million in private investment and create thousands of construction and operations jobs. Manufacturing growth also reaches Columbus, where Toyota Material Handling North America has opened a $100 million electric forklift facility and says production can scale dramatically as demand grows. Business of Health reporter Kylie Veleta reports on Eradivir and EV25, an experimental influenza treatment that has reached a second Phase 2 study in Bangladesh. The drug grew out of discoveries from Purdue University scientist Dr. Phil Low and is designed to tag infected cells so the body's immune system can destroy them and clear the virus. Also covered: Colts broadcaster Matt Taylor on the 2026 season, Purdue's hiring of Rice athletic director Tommy McClelland, the Indiana State Fair's economic impact, a campus tour video game, new southwest Indiana manufacturing projects and the rise of matcha across the state. Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick covers business and community news from across Indiana.

    32 min
  14. Hamilton County's sports success, Purdue Interim President Mitch Daniels and erepio's launch

    Show notes

    The Indianapolis Colts kick off another camp in Westfield as the bright lights of the sports world continue to shine on Hamilton County - with no signs of dimming any time soon. The Hamilton County Sports Authority breaks down the increasing economic impact of sports tourism and what’s next. Plus... one on one with Mitch Daniels on Purdue in Indianapolis and a formula for unlocking the state’s brain gain equation. There's new space and new goals for downtown Logansport - a $6 million project for entrepreneurs and community gatherings. We’ll take you inside The Pavilion and The Kitchen. As conversations continue statewide about workforce development - the Evansville Regional Partnership is launching a first of its kind platform to engage high school students.

    25 min
  15. Indiana Solar Manufacturing, Rural Health and Creative Economy

    Show notes

    Indiana solar manufacturing takes a major step forward as CS PowerTech opens a nearly $1 billion Jeffersonville cell factory expected to create 1,200 jobs. Rusty Schmit, president of CS PowerTech, explains how the River Ridge Commerce Center facility will produce advanced HJT photovoltaic cells for panels deployed across the United States. He discusses the decision to change technologies during development, the specialized workforce needed for production, and the company's role in rebuilding a domestic solar supply chain. The program also tracks major investment across Indiana. Indiana Michigan Power proposes a natural gas generating facility at its Rockport site as coal units move toward retirement. A defense industrial campus near Crane expands to more than 1,500 acres, Columbus opens a center for machine and vehicle technology, and Purdue Research Foundation acquires an Indianapolis research building. IBJ Media's Indiana 250 gathering brings together leaders from across the state to assess the economy, regional growth and the outlook for investment. Kylie Veleta reports on Margaret Mary Health's new $125 million hospital in Batesville, one of the state's first fully electric hospitals. Additional health and life sciences stories include Dan Malarek's appointment to lead Roche Diagnostics North America, new ownership and expansion plans at Fort Wayne Metals, and Langham Logistics' pharmaceutical cold storage growth in Plainfield. The broadcast closes with Amplify Hancock's workforce training campus and Polina Osherov's case for treating Indiana's creative industries as an economic sector. Osherov, executive director of Pattern Inc. and founding board chair of the Creative Economy Leadership Alliance, says the group will advocate for policy, investment and infrastructure supporting private-sector creative businesses. Inside Indiana Business is presented by Elevate Ventures, Indiana University, and the Indiana Association of Realtors.

    32 min
  16. Indiana Nuclear Push, Columbus Growth and 2026 Outlook

    Show notes

    Indiana nuclear energy moves to the center of the state's growth strategy as communities prepare for rising electricity demand and new investment.Guest host Mitch Frazier, president of IBJ Media, examines the Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities program with Jon Ford, executive director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development. Ford explains the three-tier process, why local support must come first, and how data centers, electrification and industrial growth are reshaping the state's power needs.Columbus Mayor Mary K. Ferdon details the Four Pack, also called Finish on Fourth, a downtown redevelopment effort built around city-owned properties and community input. She also discusses the Advanced Machine and Vehicle Innovation Center, or AMVIC, and its focus on clean power, battery storage, workforce technology and employee retraining.The program also reports on Redwire's new Georgetown research and manufacturing facility, where teams can work live with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Redwire's Indiana operation supports life sciences projects, including 3D bioprinting and pharmaceutical research. Other headlines include the SK hynix semiconductor project in West Lafayette, Copper Works expansion in New Haven, housing market gains, Buc-ee's plans in Greenwood, Wawa's proposed Mooresville location and major port investments.Lesley Weidenbener, editor and assistant publisher of the Indianapolis Business Journal and The Indiana Lawyer, looks toward the second half of 2026. Her preview covers Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich, the Secretary of State race, data center investment, Eli Lilly's growth and major economic development stories still taking shape.

    32 min
  17. Chicago Bears, Data Centers, and Northwest Indiana's Economic Boom

    Show notes

    Northwest Indiana generates more than $47 billion annually, and the region is drawing national attention from the NFL, Big Tech, and AI infrastructure developers alike. IBJ Media President Mitch Frazier joins the show with takeaways from the Innovate Indiana event at Valparaiso University, where nearly 350 business and community leaders gathered to discuss the region's momentum. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott weighs in on the bipartisan push to land the Chicago Bears and the broader case for Indiana's business climate. The episode also covers the Marion County wheel tax debate, a $100 flat fee on all vehicles that passed the Indianapolis City-County Council 14-10 but faces a potential veto from Mayor Joe Hogsett. The city's annual infrastructure spending deficit ranges from $635 million to $1 billion. Also featured: Evonik's $100 million investment to modernize its Lafayette pharmaceutical ingredients facility, Riverside Manufacturing's new Fort Wayne headquarters, a $21 million mixed-use development in Clarksville, and Bosse Field's $2.1 million turf upgrade in Evansville. Indianapolis startup Fitasy, based in the 16 Tech Innovation District, is making waves with its 3D-printed custom footwear after partnering with USA Diving for its international debut in Bolzano, Italy. Plus, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Design Clinic connects students with industry partners on real-world engineering challenges.

    32 min
  18. Indiana Tourism, Do it Best, WNBA at 30

    Show notes

    Indiana's tourism economy hit nearly $17 billion in visitor spending in 2024, welcoming 83 million visitors across the state. From Holiday World and Splashin' Safari's $22 million Cannonball Water Coaster to Indiana Dunes National Park drawing travelers from Chicago and Detroit, the state is positioning tourism as a core economic development strategy, not just a leisure draw.Amy Howell, interim CEO of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, discusses the "playcation" trend, competition from neighboring states with larger marketing budgets, and what makes Indiana's offerings distinct, from French Lick to the Pete Dye Golf Trail.Fort Wayne-based Do it Best Group is moving True Value's headquarters from Chicago to its Electric Works campus, creating a unified home for the world's largest home improvement cooperative, serving more than 8,000 retailers in 60 countries. CEO Dan Starr explains why Indiana's business climate drove the decision.Also covered: Patrick Industries and LCI Industries merging in Elkhart, Kimball Electronics acquiring a Netherlands company for $100 million, the Chicago Bears' ongoing site evaluation in Hammond, the WNBA at 30 with league pioneer Val Ackerman and Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf, and how Eli Lilly funded all-terrain trackchairs now available at all 37 Indiana state parks.

    32 min
  19. Slate Auto, Buc-ee's in Greenwood, IN and the Obama Center's Indiana Impact

    Show notes

    Slate Auto's Warsaw EV truck plant is drawing comparisons to Indiana's next great manufacturing era, with 180,000 pre-orders, a sub-$25,000 price tag, and a projected $40 billion economic impact over 20 years. Conexus Indiana President and CEO Jay Wirts breaks down what the startup's rise signals for the state's manufacturing workforce and the growing role of AI on the factory floor. Also covered: Buc-ee's is eyeing its first Indiana location in Greenwood, and Wally's is set to open its largest travel center to date in Whitestown. In Johnson County, Endress+Hauser marks a $50 million campus expansion. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott says a proposed $7 billion data center deal may collapse before month's end, even as the city remains in contention for a potential Chicago Bears stadium. South Bend-based Envel Facade spent five years fabricating the monumental lettering on the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, and the company says the project is already generating new inquiries. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, now five years old, reports more than $36 million in monthly revenue and has a $135 million Lake County Convention Center under construction next door. Plus, IU student entrepreneurs behind 9 AM Club, a health-conscious vodka cocktail, are expanding from one flavor to four this summer and moving into eight-pack cartons to compete in the national ready-to-drink market. Indiana's BioHeartland brand made its national debut at the BIO Conference in San Diego, positioning the state against established life sciences hubs.

    32 min
  20. Mike Pence on Conservatism, Indiana Economy, and Trump

    Show notes

    Former Vice President and Indiana Governor Mike Pence sits down with Gerry Dick to discuss his new book, "What Conservatives Believe," his assessment of the Trump administration, and his outlook for Indiana's manufacturing and life sciences sectors.

    Pence outlines his concerns about the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, arguing that any final deal must include full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program and an end to support for terrorist organizations. He also draws a distinction between policies he supports in the current administration, including border security and tax cut extensions, and those he believes reflect a troubling shift toward populist right thinking, including broad-based tariffs, pharmaceutical price controls, and what he calls the nationalization of American businesses.

    On Indiana, Pence weighs in on River Ridge Commerce Center's manufacturing ambitions, the state's competitive economic policies, and why he remains optimistic about Indiana's future in life sciences.

    Also this week: a South Bend company's five-year role in building the Obama Presidential Center; Fort Wayne's 122nd Fighter Wing making a case for two F-35A units; the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine launching a pet care app; ArriveAI expanding its autonomous delivery network at Hancock Health; questions surrounding LIV Golf's planned return to Chatham Hills in Westfield; and housing development momentum in Knox County.

    32 min