In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana’s $3 billion tourism industry takes center stage as new attractions and rural destinations boost economic development. Indiana Destination Development Corporation Interim CEO Amy Howell explains how tourism is opening doors for talent and business growth. Plus: Fishers-based Arrive AI rings the Nasdaq bell and expands its drone delivery network to India. An Elkhart veteran’s Smart Drain Pro aims to revolutionize home water heate...
Jul 06, 2025•23 min
Indy’s basketball momentum rolls on. After heartbreak in the NBA Finals, all eyes turn to Caitlin Clark and the WNBA All-Star Game — promising millions in economic impact. Gary Dick sits down with Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines on the city’s vision to become the epicenter of women’s sports. Also on the show: – Jim Schellinger introduces Indy Economic Development and a bold plan to land more corporate HQs.– Purdue Global is tackling the national pilot shortage with a fast-track ...
Jun 29, 2025•27 min
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, the Indiana Pacers’ magical NBA Finals run fuels a $20 million economic surge in downtown Indianapolis. Visit Indy’s Chris Gahl joins us to break down the tourism, hotel, and brand impact across Central Indiana. Plus: Michigan City opens its long-awaited South Shore Double Track station, catalyzing nearly $1 billion in private development. Gary’s U.S. Steel plant prepares for a major upgrade as part of the Nippon Steel deal. Fishers-bas...
Jun 23, 2025•23 min
The Indiana Pacers’ NBA Finals run has delivered more than excitement—it’s driven millions into the central Indiana economy. From sold-out hotels and surging merchandise sales to global exposure for Fishers-based Spokenote, the postseason has turned Hoosier business into a national headline. Indianapolis International Airport breaks ground on a $206 million Westin hotel, adding jobs and convenience. Airline leaders gather in Indy, fueling conversations about new nonstop flights. In southwest Ind...
Jun 15, 2025•24 min
This week on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, downtown Indianapolis scores big as the Pacers advance to the NBA Finals, boosting the city’s $4 billion sports tourism economy. Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines shares what this moment means for the franchise, the fanbase and Indiana’s basketball legacy. Also in this episode: • Indianapolis lands the 2028 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. • Life sciences leaders from around the globe descend on Fishers during...
Jun 08, 2025•23 min
This week on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we reflect on the life and legacy of Colts owner Jim Irsay, who passed away just days before the 109th running of the Indy 500. Former head coach Rick Venturi shares personal stories from four decades alongside Irsay — highlighting his passion for football, music, and the city of Indianapolis. Also in this episode: A behind-the-scenes look at his legendary rock and roll memorabilia collection, including the $4.8 million Kurt Cobain guitar. Th...
Jun 01, 2025•24 min
In the final installment of our “Business at the Brickyard” series, Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick wraps up the month of May from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—where racing, culture, and commerce collide. In this episode: The Indy 500 sells out for the first time since 2016, lifting the local TV blackout. Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles discusses the momentum behind IndyCar and a new media partnership with Fox. Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson shares how he prepares mentally and phy...
May 25, 2025•23 min
On this week’s Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick, we continue our “Business at the Brickyard” series from the newly renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. The $60 million overhaul is already drawing crowds and boosting memberships, with new interactive exhibits, STEM learning opportunities and a major spotlight on Roger Penske’s legacy. Penske Entertainment’s Allison Melangton joins Gerry to discuss how IndyCar is strengthening its connection to fans across Indiana — from porch part...
May 18, 2025•23 min
In this edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, the business of motorsports is in full throttle as Business at the Brickyard continues. From Gasoline Alley to global headquarters for brands, we explore why Indiana is one of the top three motorsports hubs in the world. Veteran executive Rollie Helmling breaks down the industry’s $1 billion impact, and why Indy’s brand is key to future growth. Plus: • The hidden economic engine inside IndyCar: $100 million in cars, $350K chassis, $1M e...
May 11, 2025•26 min
In this Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick special edition, the month of May roars to life at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the kickoff of Business at the Brickyard. As the 109th running of the Indy 500 approaches, we explore how motorsports is fueling Indiana’s economy to the tune of more than $1 billion annually. From Victory Circle to the new IMS Museum, the Speedway is more than just a race—it’s an economic engine. Plus: IMS President Doug Boles discusses record-breaking ticket s...
May 04, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, global innovation arrives in a bigger way in Indiana. Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play is expanding to the new IU Launch Accelerator at 16 Tech, aiming to recruit and grow life sciences startups in Indianapolis and connect them with Warsaw’s growing medtech hub. CEO Saeed Amidi says Indiana’s combination of university talent and global companies like Eli Lilly makes it a powerful new frontier for innovation. Plus: How the new IU Healt...
Apr 27, 2025•23 min
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gary Dick, military might meets rural transformation. A $600 million private investment is on the horizon near the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana, as 16 companies commit to a new munitions campus in Bloomfield. The project could bring thousands of jobs to southern Indiana and redefine economic growth in the region. Plus: A deeper look at how Crane is anchoring a national security innovation hub. Why the town of Bloomfield may be Ind...
Apr 20, 2025•23 min
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gary Dick, we take off with big news in Indiana aviation: Carmel-based Republic Airways is merging with Mesa Air Group to form the second-largest regional airline in the U.S. The deal brings a major boost to Republic’s Carmel headquarters, a massive training center in Indianapolis, and continued momentum for Indiana’s aviation sector. Plus: How the $200 million Republic campus in Carmel is shaping the future of pilot training. Why Mayor Sue Finkam ...
Apr 13, 2025•23 min•Ep. 382
In this special episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we take you inside the newly reimagined Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which has just completed a $60.5 million renovation—and the results are nothing short of historic. From race cars to rocket science, the museum now blends tradition with innovation, creating an immersive, interactive experience that tells the story of the Indy 500 like never before. And with more than 250,000 visitors expected annually, it’s on pace to b...
Apr 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 381
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we dive into Indiana’s booming life sciences sector, which hit a historic milestone in 2024—becoming the nation’s No. 1 exporter of life sciences products. A new BioCrossroads report reveals $27 billion in life sciences exports, a $21 billion pharmaceutical sector, and a 3,000-job increase statewide, with wages jumping to nearly $150,000 annually. Plus, it’s March Madness in Indianapolis, and while the action is on the court, the econom...
Mar 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 380
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we spotlight the Indiana-based startup MakeMyMove, which is luring remote workers from across the U.S. to cities like Noblesville, South Bend, and Evansville. Offering cash incentives, perks, and community engagement opportunities, the program has already helped more than 2,000 remote workers relocate, fueling economic growth and helping Indiana address its talent shortage. Plus, northeast Indiana is aiming to become a global gateway fo...
Mar 23, 2025•23 min•Ep. 379
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we examine how Indiana’s 94,000 farmers are preparing for the spring planting season amid uncertain crop prices and potential tariffs. With China as the top importer of Hoosier soybeans and Mexico leading in corn imports, how will trade tensions impact Indiana’s $35 billion agriculture economy? We get insights from Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb and Purdue agricultural economist Chad Fiechter on the economic p...
Mar 16, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we explore the transformation of the Indiana State Fairgrounds into a year-round event destination. With 400 events annually—from conventions and sports tournaments to food competitions—the fairgrounds now generate a $330 million economic impact. We take an inside look at the investments fueling this growth and what it means for central Indiana’s economy. Plus, Indiana’s first-ever mobile lung cancer screening unit hits the road. We’ll ...
Mar 09, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we examine the lasting impact of the NFL Combine on Indianapolis. With the event injecting an estimated $9 million into the local economy, we explore how restaurants like St. Elmo Steakhouse and hotels across downtown are benefiting, and what it means for the city's future as a major sports hub. Plus, the Combine is more than just an athletic showcase - it’s a proving ground for Indiana’s growing sports technology sector. We sit down wi...
Mar 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 82
In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we explore the legacy of Marvella Bayh - wife of former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh and a champion for women's rights - who was the inspiration behind Title IX. Now, her impact is growing even further with the creation of the Marvella Project, a first-of-its-kind, $100 million girls-focused athletic and leadership complex in Northwest Indiana. Former Indiana Governor and U.S. Senator Evan Bayh joins us to discuss his mother’s enduring influ...
Feb 23, 2025•24 min•Ep. 81
Central Indiana is carving its path as the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. On this week’s episode, we explore the major strides being made at IU Indianapolis, which recently earned an R1 research designation from the Carnegie Foundation. IU President Pam Whitten shares how this achievement will elevate Indiana’s tech scene and transform the 16 Tech Innovation District into a national biosciences hub. In northeast Indiana, we dive into the potential impact of tariffs on local businesses with insig...
Feb 16, 2025•24 min•Ep. 80
Visit Indy Executive VP Chris Gahl stops by the Inside INdiana Business studio to talk about Indy's record tourism year in 2024 and what's next. Plus, an update on rural broadband across the state and how an Indianapolis life sciences company is helping kids in Kenya. Indianapolis Shattering Tourism Records Indianapolis continues to break tourism records, with events like Taylor Swift’s concerts and the NBA All-Star Weekend bringing in millions of visitors. Caitlyn Clark shares what makes Indian...
Feb 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 78
Indianapolis is once again taking center stage—or ring in this case—to host the WWE Royal Rumble. We're taking a look at how Indy pulled off the deal to bring three major WWE events to the city as well as pro wrestling's history in Indiana. Business of Health Kylie Veleta shares how Westfield-based tech startup iXplore is working with OrthoWorx, to teach students about orthopedic careers using virtual reality. Royal Rumble Weekend Puts Indianapolis in the Global Spotlight Indianapolis scored big...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 79
Top Story: Indiana Housing Trends Indiana Association of Realtors CEO Mark Fisher and F.C. Tucker Co. Senior VP Dan Brown In the midst of this mid-winter freeze, there are signs of a thawing housing market. Gerry Dick talks to experts after Indianapolis was named the second hottest housing market in the country by Zillow and looks at housing trends across the state. Ball State economic forecast Michael Hicks, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University Hicks says...
Jan 28, 2025•24 min•Ep. 77
Notre Dame's success boosting South Bend Economy Visit South Bend Mishawaka Executive Director Jeff Jarnecke, South Bend Regional Chamber CEO Jeff Rea and IU Kelley School of Business professor John Holden Notre Dame takes on Ohio State in the College Football National Championship Monday. The excitement surrounding the team and its success is making an impact in South Bend and on the region's economy. Gerry Dick reports and shares why Notre Dame staying as an independent school is paying off in...
Jan 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 76
Anxiety surrounds outcome of possible U.S. Steel - Nippon acquisition U.S. Steel founded Gary in 1906 and today Gary remains home to the largest integrated steel mill in the northern hemisphere. There are concerns in northwest Indiana about the future if Nippon Steel’s proposed $15 billion acquisition of U.S Steel is scrubbed. INsiders share 2025 outlook Our INsiders panel returns with a look ahead to the Indiana business climate in 2025 and the new legislative session. Gov. Holcomb showcases hi...
Jan 14, 2025•25 min•Ep. 75
2024 Holiday rewind to the month of May.
Jan 07, 2025•22 min•Ep. 74
Dec 31, 2024•23 min•Ep. 73
Sports tech sector growing in Indiana Sports Tech HQ is an initiative launched by the Indiana Sports Corp in 2021 to attract sports tech startups to the state. Jeff Hintz explains how the emerging sector is revolutionizing how fans and athletes experience sports. $138M grant launching the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences The Lilly Endowment grant is the largest ever at IU to support research and development. A six-story IU building is now in the works at the 16 Tech Innovation District in I...
Dec 24, 2024•22 min•Ep. 72
Momentum, excitement surround Central Indiana's future As part of the IBJ Media Engage Indiana series, we're taking a look at projects that will fuel momentum and grow Central Indiana. Gerry Dick also shares more about the Indy Economic Development Corp., which becomes a stand along entity beginning in January. How Westfield landed LIV Greg Norman is playing a key role in putting big-time golf on the map in Central Indiana. He talked to Gerry Dick about how Chatham Hills and Westfield made the c...
Dec 17, 2024•22 min•Ep. 71
