Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

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.

For more than 40 years, Jean Wojtowicz has built Cambridge Capital Management into a uniquely Indiana success story. The company has carved out a niche, helping businesses access funding when traditional bank financing may not be the right fit. Cambridge Capital launched in 1983 and has now surpassed $1 billion in funding to more than 2,000 Indiana companies. In this episode, Wojtowicz talks about her entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of Cambridge Capital, and why helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed has been so rewarding.

In this episode, the creator and host of the popular Get IN podcast provides perspective on his travels crisscrossing the state to tell the stories of interesting, innovative and inspiring Hoosiers. The native of small town Indiana also shares his passion for the state, what’s next for Get IN and his growing platform and why Indiana needs to do a better job of telling its own story.

As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for another NFL season, we’re going back into the archives for a memorable conversation with legendary Colts beat writer Mike Chappell. He reflects on more than four decades chronicling the Colts—from the franchise’s arrival in Indianapolis and the team’s early struggles to the Peyton Manning era, Super Bowl glory and the generations of players and personalities who helped shape the franchise.  This encore episode is a chance to hear one of Indiana’s most respected sportswriters tell the story of the Colts—and the city that grew up alongside them.