What’s happening to spur economic vitality in the South Bend, Indiana, Region, and surrounding areas? And who are the people behind these efforts? We'll dive deeper beyond the headlines to keep you informed on the people and businesses making things happen in the region. You’ll hear casual and candid conversations with real people—business and community leaders driving the region forward. Hear authentic, unscripted stories from entrepreneurs, business owners, elected officials, and more!
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DJ Tavernier | Owner, River Valley Construction Group
24:58
24:58
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24:58
Send us a Text Message. We will talk about the ever-changing housing market and the seemingly never-ending quest for affordable housing and what can be done about it. What went into DJ's decision to go out on his own, what are some challenges he is experiencing, and how is he overcoming those challenges?…
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Nate Zolman | Owner, Zolman's Best One Tire & Auto Care
26:59
26:59
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26:59
Send us a Text Message. Nate tells us about the company's humble beginnings and what his parents had to endure when they decided to open a small tire shop in Mishawaka, Indiana. Why did he choose to stay in the family business? How has he taken his father's dream, and grown it into double-digit locations in 2 states? Nate also discusses the dynamic…
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Chris Mahlmann, Founder | Jenny Craig Brown, Executive Director | GreatNews.Life
28:48
28:48
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28:48
Send us a Text Message. This week we talk with Chris Mahlmann, the Founder, and Jenny Craig Brown, the Executive Director of GreatNews.Life. We will find out what GreatNews.Life is, the amazing story of how it started, and what went into Chris's decision to leave his job at the Chicago Board of Trade, move to Northwest Indiana, and start an organiz…
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Steve Messenger | President & Co-Owner, CRS Custom
23:04
23:04
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23:04
Send us a Text Message. Steve tells us about the state of the body shop world these days and the changes he's endured over the years. The challenges of running a family business, especially when every family member works there. Steve will also talk about the thinking behind his recent million-dollar expansion in Osceola.…
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Stephanie Murphy | Executive Director, St. Joe County Public Library
26:38
26:38
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26:38
Send us a Text Message. This week we chat with Stephanie Murphy, the Executive Director of the St. Joseph County Public Library. Stephanie will tell us what's new at the library, and how it stays relevant in these ever-changing times. We will talk about the beautiful new branch in Downtown South Bend and what went into the decision to make it what …
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Jim Conklin, Co-Founder & Executive Director | Julie McGill, Partnership & Donor Engagement, Cultivate Food Rescue
29:04
29:04
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29:04
Send us a Text Message. Jim is the Executive Director and Julie is the Development Director for Elkhart County. Jim is also one of the founders and will tell us exactly what Cultivate Food Rescue is, how the idea for Cultivate came to be, what was the original plan for the organization and how it developed into what it is today. Jim and Julie will …
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Matt Schrock | Vice President, DJ Construction
28:20
28:20
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28:20
Send us a Text Message. Matt talks about what it's like to be part of the leadership team of a 3rd generation, family business, and the modern-day pressures to keep the business growing. What is the current state of commercial construction in St. Joseph County, and does he foresee a slowdown on the horizon? And with all the construction projects ha…
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Ryan Woodruff | Regional Manager, GVC Mortgage
25:27
25:27
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25:27
Send us a Text Message. We will learn about Ryan's journey from retail, into the mortgage industry and all the stops in between. What does it take to be a successful mortgage broker? What is the current state of the housing industry, and what does the future look like?By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Matt Helmkamp | President, Gates Automotive Group
29:09
29:09
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29:09
Send us a Text Message. Matt talks to us about the keys to running a 4th generation business, and what it is like to groom the 5th generation. What is the secret that makes the Gates Automotive Group so successful? What is the current state of the car business and what does the future look like, especially in the EV space?…
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Kareemah Fowler | CFO & Assistant Superintendent, South Bend Community School Corporation
26:52
26:52
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26:52
Send us a Text Message. Kareemah was the Woman of Influence Award Winner at this year's Salute to Business Luncheon. She will tell us what best practices the corporation has implemented to make it more efficient. Kareemah will also talk Career Center and tell us what exciting things are on the horizon for South Bend Schools.…
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Amber Pulford | Market President, Everwise Credit Union
24:20
24:20
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24:20
Send us a Text Message. Amber discusses her career path and how she became a Market President at such a young age. How the business of banking has changed, and why she is so passionate about giving back to the community.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Kate Lee | Executive Director of Education & Workforce, South Bend Regional Chamber
28:00
28:00
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28:00
Send us a Text Message. Kate tells us about the important work being done in conjunction with our schools, trying to help prepare our students for What's Next? We chat about the career center and how we can connect with employers to ensure their workforce needs are met.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Christina McGovern | CEO, Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County
26:45
26:45
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26:45
Send us a Text Message. Christina will tell us about the great work her team is doing to combat teen homelessness, She also chats about how she runs the agency like a business, even though it is a non-profit organization. The fundraising challenges she faces in this sea of so many worthwhile non-profits, and the future of YSB, including their brand…
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Bob Hayden | Consultant, Retired Jordan Automotive Group
26:59
26:59
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26:59
Send us a Text Message. This week we chat with Bob Hayden, our Distinguished Business Leader of the Year Award Winner, at this year's Salute to Business Luncheon. Bob just "retired" after 50 years in the car business, spending most of those years with the Jordan Automotive Group. We talked to Bob about the key to spending 50 years in the automotive…
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Dr. Tracy Warhop | Owner, House of Health
25:38
25:38
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25:38
Send us a Text Message. Tracy will explain what the House of Health is and why we are lucky to have such a unique business, originally dedicated to helping professional athletes, right here in Michiana. Tracy talks about what went into the decision of opening a clinic like this in South Bend, and how she deals with a work life balance, having 2 you…
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Debie Coble | President & CEO, Goodwill Industries of Michiana
27:37
27:37
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27:37
Send us a Text Message. Debie will dive into all of the amazing work that Goodwill does, and yes they are more than just thrift stores. Debie will tell us how Goodwill's mission is always changing to meet the growing needs in the community. She will talk about the expansion project they are preparing to embark on, and her journey from being an empl…
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Jeff Rea, President & CEO | Alyson Herzig, Director of Economic Development | South Bend Regional Chamber
30:05
30:05
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30:05
Send us a Text Message. This week we pull back the curtain on the Chamber's Economic Development arm, and flip the script where our President/CEO, Jeff Rea is not the interviewer, but the interviewee. Jeff is joined by the Director of Economic Development at the Chamber, Alyson Herzig. They will chat about all things E.D. happening in the county, b…
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Eric Garton | Executive Director, Wellfield Botanic Gardens
28:42
28:42
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28:42
Send us a Text Message. Eric will take us on an audio tour of the gardens, telling us all that they have to offer year-round. Eric will talk about how the gardens got started, and about the major expansion currently underway.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Theresa Cruthird | Partner, Generations AdventurePlex
28:57
28:57
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28:57
Send us a Text Message. Theresa, a doctor by trade, has a great story about why she chose to leave a very successful career in the medical field and open up a family fun center, and why she chose to do it here in Michiana. We will learn how she overcame struggles while taking a dream and making it into a reality. How Generations AdventurePlex is co…
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Seth Maust | Executive Director, Five Star Life
24:40
24:40
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24:40
Send us a Text Message. Seth will tell us exactly what Five Star Life is and how it is impacting the youth of today. We will also discuss what challenges Seth faces, leading a business that relies heavily on outside funding.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Juan Constantino | Executive Director, La Casa de Amistad
30:14
30:14
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30:14
Send us a Text Message. Juan talks about his journey from immigrating here with his family in 1998, to leading one of the fastest growing non profits in the area. How La Casa de Amistad has grown into what it is today, and what does the future hold.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Amanda Ellis | Editor in Chief, Livability.com
28:24
28:24
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28:24
Send us a Text Message. Amanda was the keynote speaker at our Salute to Business Luncheon this year. We chat with Amanda about her time visiting South Bend. How our area compares to other areas she has researched and visited, what should we be most proud of and what areas need some improvement.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Rich Naponelli | Owner, Fetch Pet Care of Michiana/Dog Training Elite
29:54
29:54
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29:54
Send us a Text Message. Rich went from being a successful Estate Planning Attorney, to purchasing not one but two different franchises. What went into the decision to give up a good paying job to "put your name on the sign?" What are the challenges of being a small business owner in the current climate, and what are the pros and cons of buying into…
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Dr. Jerry Thacker | Superintendent, Penn-Harris Madison School District
29:10
29:10
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29:10
Send us a Text Message. Dr. Jerry will give us a "State of the School District" overview, discussing things like how they are able to attract and retain world class teachers. What the day to day challenges of the school district are and what the future looks like.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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John David & Jonathon Gouge | Michiana Health Insurance
30:47
30:47
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30:47
Send us a Text Message. John and Jon unravel the confusing world of health insurance, especially if you are a small business in need of adding benefits for your employees. They will also tell you what you need to know about insurance, as you are trying to attract and retain top talent.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Edward Hayes | President, Hayes Design Co.
28:37
28:37
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28:37
Send us a Text Message. Edward talks with us about what goes into the decision of giving up a job with a steady paycheck to open your own business. What are the key components of operating a successful business in the current landscape, and as a business owner, what keeps him up at night.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Drew Dudley | Author, Motivational Speaker & Founder, Day One Leadership
34:06
34:06
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34:06
Send us a Text Message. Drew is a dynamic speaker and author who will talk about leadership and leadership potential, but probably not like you've ever heard before. His goal is to redefine leadership for as many people as possible.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Mike Leda | Business Manager and Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 153
29:39
29:39
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29:39
Send us a Text Message. Mike will talk to us about the many different layers of being a unionized electrician. What the current job market for electricians looks like, both with projects they are currently working on and future ones, like the new GM Battery Plant. Mike will also discuss, in depth, the IBEW Apprenticeship Program, what it takes to g…
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Scott Ruszkowski | Chief of Police, South Bend Police Department
29:26
29:26
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29:26
Send us a Text Message. Chief talks to us about the business of policing. How policing has changed over the years, and how you can keep yourself, your family and your business safe.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Jake Teshka | Indiana State Representative, House District 7
30:57
30:57
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30:57
Send us a Text Message. Jake is also the Director of Business Development at Majority Builders. Jake will tell us what the construction climate is like in St. Joseph County and what does the future look like moving forward. We talk about what is on the docket when the new session starts at the Statehouse, and what does Jake's home/work life balance…
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Andy Kostielney | DLZ Indiana | Fmr. St. Joseph County Commissioner
29:45
29:45
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29:45
Send us a Text Message. We chat with Andy about the great things he and the other commissioners accomplished during his time in office, and how what they did planted the seeds for the progress we are seeing now in the county. We will also find out what Andy is up to these days, and what he sees for the future of St. Joseph County.…
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Larry Tracy | President, Memorial Hospital of South Bend
31:58
31:58
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31:58
Send us a Text Message. Larry will tell us how a kid from Ohio made his way to South Bend Indiana to head up the largest employer in the region, it's quite a story. Larry also talks about the pressure of being responsible for 7,000 employees and their families…. The exciting changes and growth not only coming to the downtown South Bend Campus, but …
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Steve Smith & Vanessa Cooreman Smith | Irish Realty, Irish Custom Homes and Flourish Interiors
29:43
29:43
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29:43
Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the Behind The Region Podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, being powered by Tech Tyler PC, bringing cost effective I.T. solutions to fit any budget. This week we chat with Steve Smith and Vanessa Cooreman Smith, from Irish Realty, Irish Custom Homes and Flourish Interiors Steve and Vanessa will talk about…
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TJ Jorgensen | Founder & CEO, TJ21 Media Group
31:41
31:41
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31:41
Send us a Text Message. TJ will tell us about leaving a high paying job to start his own business while his wife was pregnant. How he grew his business to what it is today, why he is so dedicated to charity work, and what was the motivation to move his offices and studios into downtown South Bend.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Ismail Turay, Jr. | Executive Editor, South Bend Tribune
32:21
32:21
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32:21
Send us a Text Message. Ismail gives us a look into the long history of the newspaper. He discusses how newspapers and print media in general has changed, and how the South Bend Tribune is adapting to that, and what does the future of print media look like.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Send us a Text Message. Math, History, Philosophy, Ocean Science, Chief of Staff...Who has interest in all of these? It's James Mueller, Mayor of South Bend! He talks about his background, housing, zoning, new and upcoming projects & a whole lot more is this installment of Behind the Region.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Send us a Text Message. Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood visits with us and talks about the tremendous growth the city has seen. What challenges he faces as the mayor, the state of the city of Mishawaka and what does the future look like for the Princess City.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Send us a Text Message. This week we talk to Peg Dalton, owner of PEGGS Restaurant in downtown South Bend. We will learn the key to PEGGS' success, being in business for 20 plus years. What it was like opening a restaurant 20 years ago in downtown South Bend, bringing a restaurant through the pandemic, and what the future looks like for PEGGS.…
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Carl Baxmeyer | President, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners
30:14
30:14
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30:14
Send us a Text Message. We chat with Carl Baxmeyer, the President of the St. Joseph County Commissioners. We learn exactly what a commissioner does, the state of St. Joseph County and what the future of the county looks like.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Josh Sisk | Executive Director, Potawatomi Zoo
30:47
30:47
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30:47
Send us a Text Message. On this episode we chat with Josh Sisk, the Executive Director of the Potawatomi Zoo. We will learn about what happens behind the scenes at the zoo on a day to day basis. What the main purpose of a zoo is, and how Josh has been able to grow the zoo into what it is today, as well as get an insight into Josh's hopes and dreams…
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Andrew Tyler | President & Founder, Tech Tyler PC
29:00
29:00
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29:00
Send us a Text Message. Our guest is Andrew Tyler, president and founder of Tech Tyler PC. Andrew will talk about small business IT needs and solutions, as well as tell us about the latest scams out there and how you can protect yourself and your business.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Mike Noland | President and CEO, South Shore Line
29:29
29:29
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29:29
Send us a Text Message. We chat with Mike about everything South Shore. He will discuss the double track, travel times, moving the train to the west side of the South Bend International Airport, and what that means. We will also talk about the possibility of bringing the train back into downtown South Bend and get an update on the government fundin…
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Dr. Todd Cummings | Superintendent, South Bend Community School Corporation
29:09
29:09
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29:09
Send us a Text Message. Dr. Cummings discusses everything South Bend Schools. Day to day operations, the new facilities plan and what does the future for the corporation look like.By South Bend Regional Chamber
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Mike Daigle | CEO/Executive Director, South Bend International Airport
27:58
27:58
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27:58
Send us a Text Message. On this episode, Mike takes us beyond the ticket counter, and tells us what it takes to run the airport on a day to day basis. How many people are behind the scenes to make sure you get to your destination safely, what it takes to bring in new airlines and routes, and what the future of SBN looks like.…
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Joe Dooley | CFO, EVS Ltd 2023 Small Business of the Year
25:28
25:28
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25:28
Send us a Text Message. Did you know that one of the largest manufacturers of ambulance seating is right here in South Bend? On this episode you will hear their amazing story as we sit down with their Chief Financial Officer, Joe Dooley. Joe will talk about how the company got started, why, as they are expanding and building a new facility, that th…
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Pete Yonkman | President & CEO, Cook Medical
27:06
27:06
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27:06
Send us a Text Message. Pete Yonkman, President/CEO of Cook Medical, shares his insights on how conscious entrepreneurship leads to uplifted communities and can be the greatest tool for societal improvement. He is actively involved in issues like adult education, workforce development, fostering startups, and creating a business culture that suppor…
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Erik Johnson | 2023 Outstanding Young Business Leader | Principal, J2 Marketing | Entrepreneur
28:27
28:27
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28:27
Send us a Text Message. Erik Johnson talks about always looking for new adventures. Perhaps nothing describes this young entrepreneur more. At age 34, his incredible visionary leadership has led to the founding of multiple businesses and a strong commitment to community. Join us, as we dive into what's behind the success of our 2023 Outstanding You…
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Anne Feferman | 2023 Woman of Influence Recipient | Vice President, Commercial & Business Services, TCU
29:14
29:14
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29:14
Send us a Text Message. When the 2023 Woman of Influence, Anne Feferman, walks into a room, you know she’s there. Immediately, you recognize someone who lives life with passion and that passion motivates her, which, in turn, motivates everyone else around her. She does not fully appreciate the impact she has on her colleagues and the community. Her…
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Jeff Jarnecke | Executive Director, Visit South Bend Mishawaka
27:51
27:51
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27:51
Send us a Text Message. Tourism is big business in the South Bend Region, with an economic impact of more than $800 million annually. In this episode we chat with Jeff Jarnecke, the Executive Director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka, to find out what the tourism landscape looks like, what new projects are coming down the pipeline, such as the new spo…
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Send us a Text Message. What’s happening to spur economic vitality in the South Bend, Indiana, Region, and surrounding areas? And who are the people behind these efforts? Hosts Jeff Rea, President & CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber, and Mark McGill, Director of Member Relations of the South Bend Regional Chamber, will dive deeper beyond the h…
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