Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

Grace College is experiencing a remarkable run, posting five consecutive years of record enrollment at a time when many small liberal arts colleges across the country are facing significant challenges. In this episode, Grace President Dr. Drew Flamm talks about the school's momentum, its expanding role in the community and its growing connections to the “Orthopedics Capital of the World.” One example: Zimmer Biomet's gift of its former headquarters to Grace to create an Orthopedic Innovation Research Center. We also discuss what’s next, including the largest capital campaign in the school’s history.

From a dramatic resurgence downtown to billions of dollars in technology and data center investment, South Bend is writing a new chapter in its economic story. In this episode, Gerry Dick talks with South Bend Regional Chamber CEO Jeff Rea about the forces driving momentum, including the University of Notre Dame's growing influence and prominent profile. It's a conversation about a region moving beyond its traditional manufacturing roots, attracting new investment and positioning itself for an exciting future.

When Dan Elsener became president of Marian College more than 25 years ago, the institution was facing financial crisis, declining enrollment and an uncertain future. Today, Marian University is a dramatically different place—a growing, nationally recognized university with a medical school, an engineering school, a championship-caliber athletic program and a much bigger footprint in Indiana higher education and beyond. As Elsener prepares to transition from the president’s office, he sits down with Gerry Dick to reflect on a remarkable turnaround that included the decision to launch a football program, restore confidence and attract new donors. How do you take a college on the brink of financial collapse and turn it into a growing force in higher education? Elsener shares the leadership lessons behind Marian’s remarkable transformation—and his vision for its future.

Where is Indiana’s economy headed, and what will it take for the state to remain competitive in the race for new investment and jobs? On this episode, Gerry sits down with Ginovus CEO Larry Gigerich to discuss the forces shaping economic development in Indiana and across the country. The nationally recognized economic development executive offers perspective on the latest investment trends, the industries looking to expand in Indiana, and the opportunities that could drive the state’s next wave of economic growth. There’s also a growing challenge: NIMBYism, or “Not in My Backyard.” Gigerich says community opposition to development projects is the worst he has seen in his many years in the business. What’s driving the resistance, how is it affecting economic development deals, and what does it mean for Indiana’s ability to compete for major investment? It's an insightful conversation about the opportunities ahead, challenges standing in the way, and what Indiana must do to keep moving forward.

Indiana’s First Lady Maureen Braun joins Gerry for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey from growing up in small town Indiana to becoming the state’s First Lady—and the nearly 50-year entrepreneurial quest that has defined much of her life. She shares her love for Indiana, memories of growing up in Jasper and when she first met Mike Braun---in grade school. It’s a personal conversation about Indiana, entrepreneurship, and lessons of a life spent building.

On this episode, Indiana High School Athletic Association Commissioner Paul Neidig joins Gerry to talk about the forces transforming high school athletics—from NIL and the transfer portal to travel sports---and how the IHSAA is responding. The long-time educator also shares his perspective as a former Indiana high school athlete and why that personal connection gives him a special appreciation for what high school sports mean to Hoosier communities.

His first radio studio was his childhood bedroom, where he laid down his own broadcasts on a cassette recorder. Today, that bedroom broadcaster from central Ohio remains a mainstay on one of America’s most iconic radio shows. On this episode, Chick McGee takes us on a candid and entertaining journey through his 50 years in radio, including how he first connected with the legendary BOB & TOM Show and the secret sauce behind its enduring popularity. “Mr. Obvious” also shares the stories behind some of his most popular bits and offers an inside look at the personalities, relationships and creative energy that have made BOB & TOM a radio institution.

In this episode, Gerry sits down with Indiana Destination Development Corporation CEO Amy Howell to talk about the surprising economic power of tourism and how billions of dollars in visitor spending are helping drive Indiana’s economy. We explore what’s behind the state’s continued tourism growth, from sports tourism and major events to agritourism and Indiana’s unique destinations and experiences. Howell also explains why tourism is increasingly becoming part of Indiana’s population-growth strategy, helping attract visitors who may ultimately decide Indiana is a great place to live, work and build a business.

In this episode, Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock joins Gerry to talk about surging growth across Indiana's three ports, the critical role they play in the state's economy and why Indiana's location gives it a bigger role in global commerce than many Hoosiers realize. Peacock takes us inside the strategy and investments transforming Indiana's port system, the opportunities ahead and why embracing new forms of shipping—including containerized cargo—could be a game changer for Indiana businesses and the broader state economy.

Purdue University in Indianapolis is charting a new course—and creating a new model for how a university can connect with a city and its businesses community. In this episode, Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer David Umulis talks about what it means for the university, the city and the state. But Umulis’ own story may be the most remarkable part of the conversation. A first-generation college student, he was just 14 years old when his father lost his business after suffering an injury, forcing David to take on the responsibility of supporting his family. He shares how that experience shaped his life and ultimately his path to higher education. It’s a conversation about Purdue’s future—and the power of education to change a life.