Behind the Region

Send us Fan Mail 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 it is today and what changes are ahead for the other...

Send us Fan Mail 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 also tell us about Cultivate's expansion plans here...

Send us Fan Mail 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 happening locally, Matt chats about employee attractio...

Send us Fan Mail 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?      

Send us Fan Mail 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?   

Send us Fan Mail 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.  

Send us Fan Mail 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.      

Send us Fan Mail 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.  

Send us Fan Mail 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 new building going up on the South Bend/Mishawaka border...

Send us Fan Mail 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 industry. How has the car business chang...

Send us Fan Mail 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 young children. .    

Send us Fan Mail 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 employee at a Goodwill Store, to becoming the President...

Send us Fan Mail 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, big and small. How big projects come to be, start to...

Send us Fan Mail 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.    

Send us Fan Mail 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 continuing to grow and what day to day challenges she faces...

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail  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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.    

Send us Fan Mail 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 a franchise?

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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 get involved, and what you can expect after you complete t...

Send us Fan Mail 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.