IN Chamber: The Podcast

Brian Schroeder of Eskenazi Health has thrived in the health care/wellness worlds for nearly 20 years. Mention the words “prevention” and “health promotion” and his passion emerges. A self-described builder, he is focused on constructing stronger health outcomes for the Eskenazi team, its patients and the broader community. A member of the Wellness Council of Indiana Board of Advisors, he offers s...

John Hurley brings nearly two decades of technology experience to his roles at SmartFile and the Union 525. But he maintains that entrepreneurial vision as he leads his company’s growth and helps others realize their dreams in their new tech home. It’s at Union 525 where “collisions” between entrepreneurs yield impressive results. On the personal side, Hurley is an advocate of this quote: “I haven...

Rich Carlton leads the South Bend-based Data Realty family of companies. Those organizations are hosting, managing and analyzing data from around the world. They’re attracting and keeping talented people in northern Indiana. They’re working with community and university partners for the benefit of all. A goal for Carlton: to have Data Realty be the first local company valued at $1 billion. Find ou...

Reince Priebus lived in the pressure-cooker world of national politics at the highest level – first as chair of the Republican National Committee for six years, then for six months as the first chief of staff for President Trump. He shares some insights on both of those roles, the difficulty of gaining bipartisanship in today’s world, social media usage and a variety of other topics.

What separates a good workplace from the best? How does an employer take its workplace culture to the next level? Tough questions; ones without any easy answers. Bryan Brenner shares some insights, however, as founder of FirstPerson, a benefits management firm that does so much more. Learn some insights on FirstPerson processes, how the organization works with its clients, the importance of clear...

Earl Brooks had never heard of Angola, Indiana or Tri-State University when he was informed about the open job of president. Eighteen years later, the now Trine University has quadrupled in size and added a variety of educational and athletic programs on both its northeast Indiana campus and at other locations throughout the state. Brooks talks about that and the changing demands of higher educati...

Allison Barber, chancellor of WGU Indiana, talks about Rachel – a mom of seven who needed to earn her bachelor degree to continue her nursing career. She did that and went on to add a master’s degree. That’s just one example of fulfilling individual dreams and helping fill the workforce pipeline. Barber, who started her career as a teacher, discusses the online, competency-based model, the importa...

Dan Elsener is totally serious about Marian University striving to meet the needs of its students and the state. But he also recognizes you have to have a little fun in doing so – whether that puts him on a horse or a bulldozer or at a table with students in the campus dining hall. He talks academics, athletics and the changing role of higher education.

Mario Rodriguez has enjoyed a 30-year career in the airline industry. The Indianapolis Airport Authority, under his direction, continues to earn numerous honors and add non-stop flights – both domestically and now internationally. Learn what it takes to make those connections and hear his perspective on the busiest travel days of the year.

The headline is courtesy of our conversation with Blair Milo, Indiana’s first Secretary of Career Connections and Talent. She certainly has the opportunity to do just that, leading the way in aligning current efforts and introducing new ones to address workforce challenges. Find out how Milo and her team are tackling the task.

A number of factors ultimately determine student success at the K-12 level. One that is often overlooked is school district size – and thus the resources that can be invested into the classroom. Recent research provides some startling numbers and offers a compelling case for thinking beyond the status quo.

Celebrating business, government and community excellence is the theme of the Indiana Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner. The winners, of course, as well as the wide-ranging keynote presenters have outstanding tales to tell. And often there is more to share about our behind-the-scenes interactions. We trust you’ll enjoy a peek behind the Annual Awards curtain.

David Becker has been building successful technology companies since the early 1980s. On those rare occasions when he is told that something can’t be done, rest assured that his motivation soars to new levels. Becker shares secrets to the success of his companies, advice he willingly gives entrepreneurs who come calling and the importance of early education efforts.

It’s no secret that Indiana – and many parts of the nation – are seeking answers to a drug crisis that is tearing apart families and communities, as well as impacting the workplace. Jim McClelland is leading the state’s response but a full team effort is required. Learn more, including how you can help, in this excerpt from the Indiana Chamber’s monthly Policy Issue Conference Call for members.

Phil Powell’s title is associate dean of academic programs for the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. But you might also call him chief advocate for preparing students for their business future. Powell and Kelley colleagues are sharing insights through the ROI Podcast and tackling topics such as leadership, innovation and workplace culture.

OK, the title might be a little confusing. But what we learn from Chris Byers, CEO of Formstack, falls into two camps: How to increase productivity when your employees work in about 75 cities around the world, as well as using technology to improve health care (and other) data and outcomes. Byers shares his insights on these topics and much more.

We’ve pulled some excerpts from our Policy Issues Conference Call with 9th District congressman Trey Hollingsworth. Among the topics: securing talent, growing businesses, CHOICE Act implications and tax reform prospects. And don’t miss his take on his age and becoming a father for the first time.

The new president of Earlham College wants the Richmond school to no longer be one of the “best-kept secrets” in higher education. A graduate of the school, Alan Price says he has come full circle in his career. We talk about a former law school colleague who went on to a different type of presidency, chess, African American leadership in higher education and more in our conversation.

A number of factors have historically come into play in business location decisions. Today, it’s all about talent. Larry Gigerich and his Indiana-based Ginovus firm are working with companies on these choices every day. He identifies hot spots, both in Indiana and nationally, talks incentives and evaluates efforts close to home.

He’s the energetic CEO of a YMCA in Wabash, Indiana. He’s also one of the leaders of an effort to change the way young people – and their families – view the value of education. Clint Kugler brings us up to date on the progress of the Promise Indiana program ( www.promiseindiana.org ), which introduces college savings accounts to students at an early age and, more importantly, helps build communit...

Graham Richard was an Indiana state senator for four years, enjoyed a successful 20-year business career and served as mayor of Fort Wayne, his hometown, for two terms. Today, he brings those past experiences together as CEO of Advanced Energy Economy. Richard is particularly enthusiastic about the prospects for Indiana in combining its industry strengths with the economic opportunities available...

Lee Hamilton not only represented Indiana’s 9th Congressional District for 34 years, but has remained a national voice of reason on foreign affairs, national security and so many other issues. He literally wrote a book on how Congress should work – and tells us today that our representatives and senators are not fulfilling two of their primary duties. In addition, he notes President Trump’s agenda...

Jamie Merisotis wrote a 2015 bestselling book titled America Needs Talent and has made nearly 100 appearances in what he terms the “book tour that never ended.” The president and CEO of the Lumina Foundation has called Indiana home for nearly the past decade, but he is a national and international thought leader on education and the workforce. He makes the compelling case for how talent developmen...

Our inaugural podcast features a bonus episode with Jamie Merisotis. We continue the conversation on strategies for education success and you can learn more about Jamie away from his work at the Lumina Foundation.

EchoChamber, the Indiana Chamber’s new podcast, will debut in mid-July. EchoChamber will feature insightful interviews with Indiana leaders in business, education, technology, politics and more. Listen when it is most convenient for you. We encourage you to subscribe at iTunes, GooglePlay or visit indianachamber.com/echochamber to be notified of upcoming podcasts.