Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

Ball State Center for Business and Economic Research Director Mike Hicks

What is the economic outlook for Indiana and how does it compare to the rest of the nation? Ball State economist Mike Hicks joins us for an insightful discussion on the Hoosier economy that is generally upbeat, but with some definite concerns as well.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness on new event center, growth

In this episode, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness talks about the bold decision to build the new 7,500 seat Fishers Event Center and the more than $1 billion in investment that continues to transform one of Indiana’s fastest growing cities. He also talks about future investment in the city’s downtown, the life sciences and motorsports and why Fishers is on track to become Indiana’s third-largest city.

Get Ready to Rumble! How Indy Landed WWE’s ‘Big Three’

For the first time ever, WWE is putting its three largest events---Royal Rumble, WestleMania and SummerSlam---in one city. In this episode, we sit down with WWE Executive Vice President Chris Legentil and Indiana Sports Corporation President Patrick Talty to talk economic impact, global exposure and how Indy pulled off the hat trick.

Andy Mallon, Executive Director, Capital Improvement Board

It was created to build the Indiana Convention in what was then a sleepy downtown Indianapolis. Sixty years later,  the Capital Improvement Board is responsible for the highest profile venues in Indy---from Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse to Victory Field and what is now one of the ten largest convention centers in the nation. CIB Executive Director Andy Mallon gives us an inside look at the projects that have shaped the city's infrastructure and exciting plans on the horizon to enhance Indy’s culture and economy.
 

TrendyMinds Chairman and Founder Trevor Yager

In this episode we sit down with Trevor Yager, the dynamic founder of TrendyMinds, who grew the company from a student venture into one of the largest full-service marketing firms in Indiana. Trevor shares his journey as an entrepreneur, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a successful business while keeping people first along the way.

One on One: Eric Holcomb

As he prepares to leave office, Eric Holcomb sits down with Gerry Dick for a special vodcast, reflecting on his two terms as Indiana Governor. From defining moments to navigating a global pandemic to record economic development,  he shares personal stories, lessons learned, and his vision for Indiana’s future.
 

Chuck Weisenbach: A Passion for Education and Service

You could call him Mr. Roncalli. Chuck Weisenbach grew up in the shadow the of southside Indianapolis High School, graduated there and for the past 39 years has led the Blue Ribbon school. In this episode, the Roncalli president offers perspective on a resurgence in Catholic education, the evolving state of education in Indiana and the important role of the private sector.

Andy Wilson: Indy Making music on a Big Stage

In his more than 25 years in the entertainment business, Elevate Entertainment & Event Support Services CEO Andy Wilson has seen Indianapolis’ emergence as a music city. From small venues to Taylor Swift, Indy is making its mark as a destination for prime-time performers, and that means some high notes for the city’s brand and economy.

Danielle Shockey: From Cookies to Coding, Not Your Grandmother’s Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Cookie season. It is a beloved tradition that has provided enormous financial support and entrepreneurial experiences for generations of young girls. And while Girl Scouts of Central Indiana sells more than 3 million boxes of cookies annually, CEO Danielle Shockey says it is just a fraction of a new and deeper mission to empower girls to become leaders. And it’s grabbing national headlines.
 

Jay Height: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

For nearly 40 years, Shepherd Community Center has stayed true to its simple yet powerful mission of “breaking the cycle of poverty.” The Indianapolis east side nonprofit is in the business of changing lives-- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and academically. In this episode, the center’s passionate CEO, Jay Height, talks about Shepherd’s enormous impact, the challenges of increasing demand for services and what he sees as an emerging epidemic: loneliness.