Behind the Region

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we go beyond the headlines to explore the people, partnerships, and ideas shaping the future of our region.

Each week, we sit down with leaders from across business, education, government, and the nonprofit community to talk about the work they’re doing and the impact it’s having throughout the South Bend region.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Marco Clark, President of Holy Cross College. We’ll discuss his leadership at Holy Cross, the college’s mission to develop thoughtful leaders and engaged citizens, and the important role higher education plays in building a strong workforce and vibrant regional economy.

Thanks for joining us for Behind the Region. 

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we go beyond the headlines to share the stories, people, and leadership that shape our community and our region.

Today’s episode brings together two names that mean a lot to fans of University of Notre Dame football and to the broader South Bend community. We’re joined by former Notre Dame standout and Chicago Bears player Chris Zorich to talk about one of the most influential figures in college football history—legendary coach Lou Holtz.

Coach Holtz didn’t just build championship teams in South Bend—highlighted by the unforgettable 1988 National Championship Game—he shaped generations of players with his discipline, humor, and relentless belief in preparation and character.

In this conversation, Chris shares personal stories from playing under Coach Holtz, the lessons that carried from the locker room to life beyond football into his business life and why Coach Holtz’s impact on Notre Dame—and on the people who played for him—still resonates today.

So settle in as we go behind the stories, behind the legacy, and behind the region.

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we spotlight the leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping our business community and driving our region forward.

In each episode, we go beyond the headlines to hear the real stories behind the work — the challenges, the pivots, and the purpose that fuel success across Northern Indiana.

Today, we’re excited to welcome Kim Becker, founder of Hello Gorgeous. What began as a bold idea has grown into a powerful nonprofit serving women battling cancer, helping them reclaim confidence and feel beautiful during one of life’s toughest journeys. Kim’s entrepreneurial spirit, heart for service, and commitment to making a difference embody the very best of our region.

Join us as we talk with Kim about building a mission-driven organization, leading with resilience, and why investing in people is at the core of a thriving community.

This is Behind the Region. Let’s get started.

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Welcome to the Behind the Region Podcast, brought to you by the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we spotlight the leaders, innovators, and visionaries shaping our community and economy.

Today, we’re excited to welcome Dave Doetsch, President and General Manager of Mid-West Family Marketing and Media. With years of experience in marketing and media, Dave is at the forefront of connecting businesses, organizations, and audiences across our region, driving both growth and engagement.

Join us as we go behind the scenes with Dave to explore the strategies, insights, and stories that make Mid-West Family Marketing and Media a vital part of the South Bend area’s media landscape—and learn what it takes to lead in today’s ever-evolving marketing world.

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we go beyond the headlines and meet the people driving growth, leadership, and opportunity across our region.

Today’s episode is all about sales — not just as a job, but as a craft.

Our guest is Nick Milovich of Adams Remco, but this conversation goes far beyond any one company. Nick is a seasoned sales professional who has built his career on relationships, resilience, and results. He’s someone who understands that sales isn’t about pushing a product — it’s about solving problems, earning trust, and creating long-term value.

In this episode, Nick shares practical insights on what separates good salespeople from great ones — from developing a growth mindset and staying disciplined in your daily habits, to navigating rejection, building authentic connections, and continuously sharpening your skills. Whether you’re in sales, leading a team, running a business, or just looking to improve how you communicate and influence, there’s something here for you.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in sales — especially in a relationship-driven region like ours — this conversation is packed with takeaways you can put into practice right away.

Let’s get into it. Here’s Nick Milovich.

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we take a closer look at the people, companies, and ideas shaping our regional economy.

We are excited about today’s conversation because we’re joined by Brian Witkowski from the AME Group. AME Group is a leader in IT consulting, cybersecurity, and managed services, helping organizations navigate technology in a way that actually supports growth and resilience.

Brian brings deep experience at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and regional impact, and today we’ll talk about what organizations should be thinking about right now—from innovation and security to talent and the future of tech in our region.

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we highlight the people and initiatives shaping the future of our community.

Today, we’re joined by Ryan Boeskool, the Chamber’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. Ryan plays a key role in building connections that strengthen our regional workforce, support local employers, and drive collaborative solutions across St. Joseph County.

In this episode, Ryan will walk us through several important initiatives — including the Health Talent Alliance, a major effort focused on supporting our healthcare ecosystem, expanding workforce pipelines, and ensuring our region can meet the growing demand for skilled health professionals.

He’ll share insights on why this work matters, how partnerships across education, business, and healthcare are coming together, and what it means for the future of talent in our community.

Let’s get started.

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we highlight the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping our community.

Today, we’re joined by someone whose fingerprints are on a wide range of exciting ventures across the region — Hugh Johnson. Hugh is the co-founder of J2 Marketing, a creative agency known for bringing bold storytelling and strategy to businesses throughout Michiana. He’s also one of the owners of the South Bend Country Club, where he’s helping guide the continued evolution of one of our area's most historic and beloved institutions.

Beyond that, Hugh is involved in several other business ventures, each reflecting his passion for growth, innovation, and investing in the South Bend community. His entrepreneurial journey, leadership style, and vision for the future all make him an incredible guest for today’s episode.

Let’s dive in.

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the official podcast of the South Bend Regional Chamber.
Today, we’re excited to bring you an insider’s look at what’s happening in tourism across St. Joseph County. Joining us is Jeff Jarnecke, Executive Director of Visit South Bend/Mishawaka, who will share the latest updates, trends, and opportunities shaping our region’s visitor economy. From major events and attractions to strategies driving growth, Jeff will give us a clear picture of how tourism continues to impact our community and why St. Joseph County is a destination worth exploring.

Let’s dive in!

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Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we go beyond the headlines to explore the people, ideas, and businesses shaping our regional economy.

Today’s episode features Doug Elder, founder of DOJO Creative—a Mishawaka–based branding and marketing agency known for helping organizations tell clearer, more compelling stories. Doug has worked with companies across the region and beyond, bringing a thoughtful, strategy-first approach to branding, marketing, and creative leadership.

In this conversation, we’ll talk about the role of storytelling in economic growth, how strong brands can elevate a region, and what Doug has learned building a creative business right here in Michiana.

Let’s go Behind the Region with Doug Elder from DOJO Creative.