New Lake County Convention Center, U.S. Steel investment highlight northwest Indiana growth

Northwest Indiana is turning a corner. In this week’s episode of Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick, we report from Valparaiso University as part of IBJ Media’s Innovate Indiana Series. From Gary to Michigan City, billions in infrastructure, tourism, and redevelopment projects are fueling growth across the region. We examine Gary’s new convention center partnership with Hard Rock Casino, major investment in U.S. Steel’s Gary Works plant, and a downtown revitalization effort led by Mayor Eddie Melton and the University of Notre Dame. Also in this episode: Matt Schuffert, CEO of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, on Gary’s hotel and convention center development Plans for a $1 billion expansion at the Digital Crossroads data center campus in Hammond Completion of South Shore Line double tracking and new real estate projects in Michigan City BP’s Whiting refinery and the Mammoth Solar Project advancing new energy initiatives The Dean and Barbara White Foundation’s investments in education and quality of life IU students launch 9AM Club, a hangover-friendly cocktail made in partnership with Cardinal Spirits Yelp’s Brittany Smith highlights five outdoor dining destinations across Indiana News around the state: Muncie approves outdoor drinking districts, Columbus extends public art display, and a $13 million apprenticeship pathway launches statewide Next week: We’re in downtown Indianapolis covering the economic impact of the WNBA All-Star Game.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana’s $3 billion tourism industry takes center stage as new attractions and rural destinations boost economic development. Indiana Destination Development Corporation Interim CEO Amy Howell explains how tourism is opening doors for talent and business growth. Plus: Fishers-based Arrive AI rings the Nasdaq bell and expands its drone delivery network to India. An Elkhart veteran’s Smart Drain Pro aims to revolutionize home water heater maintenance. Hoosier Racing Tire revs up a $17 million investment in northern Indiana. Kokomo brings summer baseball back to its downtown stadium. IU researchers team up with the WNBA All-Star Game to fight breast cancer through tissue donation. Huntington University’s faith-driven film program produces its first feature film and builds a pipeline for future filmmakers. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

Indy’s basketball momentum rolls on. After heartbreak in the NBA Finals, all eyes turn to Caitlin Clark and the WNBA All-Star Game — promising millions in economic impact. Gary Dick sits down with Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines on the city’s vision to become the epicenter of women’s sports. Also on the show: – Jim Schellinger introduces Indy Economic Development and a bold plan to land more corporate HQs.– Purdue Global is tackling the national pilot shortage with a fast-track aviation training pipeline.– New programs at Trine and Taylor universities aim to ease health care workforce gaps.– Notre Dame grads turn water lily seeds into a healthy snack startup.– Plus, Fast Company honors an Indianapolis pediatrician revolutionizing school cafeterias with stainless steel dishware. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, the Indiana Pacers’ magical NBA Finals run fuels a $20 million economic surge in downtown Indianapolis. Visit Indy’s Chris Gahl joins us to break down the tourism, hotel, and brand impact across Central Indiana. Plus: Michigan City opens its long-awaited South Shore Double Track station, catalyzing nearly $1 billion in private development. Gary’s U.S. Steel plant prepares for a major upgrade as part of the Nippon Steel deal. Fishers-based Redux unveils new moisture-removal devices for hearing aids and smartphones. Recovery Force Health lands a multimillion-dollar deal with the VA Medical Center in Houston. Conner Prairie and other Hoosier businesses capitalize on the growing trend in adult creative classes Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

The Indiana Pacers’ NBA Finals run has delivered more than excitement—it’s driven millions into the central Indiana economy. From sold-out hotels and surging merchandise sales to global exposure for Fishers-based Spokenote, the postseason has turned Hoosier business into a national headline. Indianapolis International Airport breaks ground on a $206 million Westin hotel, adding jobs and convenience. Airline leaders gather in Indy, fueling conversations about new nonstop flights. In southwest Indiana, Evansville’s airport opens a new terminal for private jets. Also this week: a $1.2 billion data center in Hammond, a $2.7 billion acquisition by Allison Transmission, and major expansions in Lebanon, Muncie, Kokomo, and Taylorsville. Recovery Force Health lands a systemwide deal with Community Health, and a Pacers fan travels 5,000 miles from Norway to catch the Finals in person. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

This week on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, downtown Indianapolis scores big as the Pacers advance to the NBA Finals, boosting the city’s $4 billion sports tourism economy. Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines shares what this moment means for the franchise, the fanbase and Indiana’s basketball legacy. Also in this episode: • Indianapolis lands the 2028 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. • Life sciences leaders from around the globe descend on Fishers during the Global Entrepreneurship Congress. • Indiana’s first adaptive mouth guard could revolutionize concussion prevention. • The Damien Center opens a new $29 million HIV and wellness campus on Indy’s Near East Side. • Richmond and Bloomington break ground on revitalization efforts. • Eye on Education: Ivy Tech cuts 200+ jobs amid state budget reductions. • Catholic entrepreneur Scott Williams creates socks and merch inspired by the new Pope — with a Hoosier twist.

This week on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we reflect on the life and legacy of Colts owner Jim Irsay, who passed away just days before the 109th running of the Indy 500. Former head coach Rick Venturi shares personal stories from four decades alongside Irsay — highlighting his passion for football, music, and the city of Indianapolis. Also in this episode: A behind-the-scenes look at his legendary rock and roll memorabilia collection, including the $4.8 million Kurt Cobain guitar. The Pacers, IMS, and city leaders honor Irsay on the national stage during a historic week in Indiana sports. Plus: Gary wins a $200 million convention center deal — a project expected to generate $74 million in economic impact. Honda expands in Greensburg with a new CR-V hybrid. Sony DADC in Terre Haute joins the semiconductor supply chain. Visually impaired students find confidence and career skills in Indiana’s first adaptive kitchen. (I) on Education: USI President Steve Bridges discusses tuition pressures amid budget cuts.

In the final installment of our “Business at the Brickyard” series, Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick wraps up the month of May from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—where racing, culture, and commerce collide. In this episode: The Indy 500 sells out for the first time since 2016, lifting the local TV blackout. Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles discusses the momentum behind IndyCar and a new media partnership with Fox. Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson shares how he prepares mentally and physically for the 500. The town of Speedway honors Al Unser Sr. with a new $2 million gateway at 16th and Main. Purdue expands its motorsports engineering presence at Dallara’s U.S. HQ. A look inside Winchester Speedway, one of Indiana’s most historic short tracks. Indianapolis announces a new sister city: Le Mans, France—home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Plus: Statewide headlines from Cummins, Mammoth Solar, South Bend Airport, and Gary’s new convention center.

On this week’s Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick, we continue our “Business at the Brickyard” series from the newly renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. The $60 million overhaul is already drawing crowds and boosting memberships, with new interactive exhibits, STEM learning opportunities and a major spotlight on Roger Penske’s legacy. Penske Entertainment’s Allison Melangton joins Gerry to discuss how IndyCar is strengthening its connection to fans across Indiana — from porch parties and statewide fan fests to collaborations with the arts community. Also in this episode: Big sales at the State Fairgrounds: Mecum Auctions wraps up nine days of bidding with more than 3,000 collector cars and over $100 million in transactions. Roche ramps up in Indy: The company will invest $550 million in its diagnostics campus and bring hundreds of jobs to the city. Slate Auto chooses Warsaw: The electric vehicle startup is repurposing a former printing facility to build affordable EVs, with production starting in 2026. “100 Days to Indy” returns: The hit docuseries gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar stars and their lives off the track. Sam Schmidt marks 25 years: The racing legend expands his impact through the Driven NeuroRecovery Center in Carmel, offering new hope to people with spinal cord injuries. Higher ed investments: Goshen College opens a $21 million nursing training center, and Eli Lilly teams up with Purdue for a $250 million research collaboration. Trackside eats: Yelp’s Brittany Smith shares five fan-favorite restaurants near Indiana racetracks, including stops in Speedway, Kokomo and Hobart. As the Indy 500 approaches, we spotlight the people, companies and communities fueling Indiana’s motorsports economy.

In this edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, the business of motorsports is in full throttle as Business at the Brickyard continues. From Gasoline Alley to global headquarters for brands, we explore why Indiana is one of the top three motorsports hubs in the world. Veteran executive Rollie Helmling breaks down the industry’s $1 billion impact, and why Indy’s brand is key to future growth. Plus: • The hidden economic engine inside IndyCar: $100 million in cars, $350K chassis, $1M engines, and elite STEM careers. • An Italian racing school plants roots in Indianapolis, training the next generation of mechanics and engineers—including a Hamilton Southeastern grad. • IMS revs up sustainability: composting, recycling, and new initiatives to reduce waste from 300,000 race day fans. • Eli Lilly breaks ground on its $4.5 billion Lebanon Medicine Foundry, creating 400 jobs in the LEAP Innovation District. • Aer Lingus launches a transatlantic connection from Indianapolis to Dublin. • Anne Frank trees grown in Jackson County head to schools across the U.S. • Kyle Cummins keeps Hoosier dirt track tradition alive with a sprint car career rooted in small-town Indiana grit. The Month of May is just heating up. We’ll be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway all month with exclusive coverage of Indiana’s most iconic economic driver.