In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we explore the legacy of Marvella Bayh - wife of former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh and a champion for women's rights - who was the inspiration behind Title IX. Now, her impact is growing even further with the creation of the Marvella Project, a first-of-its-kind, $100 million girls-focused athletic and leadership complex in Northwest Indiana.

Former Indiana Governor and U.S. Senator Evan Bayh joins us to discuss his mother’s enduring influence, the significance of this massive sports facility at Fair Oaks Farms, and how it will shape the future of girls’ athletics and leadership in America.

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Also in this episode:

Central Indiana is carving its path as the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. On this week’s episode, we explore the major strides being made at IU Indianapolis, which recently earned an R1 research designation from the Carnegie Foundation. IU President Pam Whitten shares how this achievement will elevate Indiana’s tech scene and transform the 16 Tech Innovation District into a national biosciences hub.

In northeast Indiana, we dive into the potential impact of tariffs on local businesses with insights from Fort Wayne-based Do it Best. Plus, Winchester, Indiana, celebrates the 30th anniversary of the cult classic Now and Then—a film with deep local ties.

We’ll also introduce you to the family behind Crew Carwash, a Fort Wayne-born business that revolutionized the carwash industry and became one of the best places to work in the country.

Other highlights include:

Join Gerry Dick and the Inside INdiana Business team for these stories and more from Indiana’s business news leader.

Visit Indy Executive VP Chris Gahl stops by the Inside INdiana Business studio to talk about Indy's record tourism year in 2024 and what's next. Plus, an update on rural broadband across the state and how an Indianapolis life sciences company is helping kids in Kenya.

Indianapolis Shattering Tourism Records

Indianapolis continues to break tourism records, with events like Taylor Swift’s concerts and the NBA All-Star Weekend bringing in millions of visitors. Caitlyn Clark shares what makes Indianapolis special, while Visit Indy’s Chris Gahl explains how the city is cashing in on its growing reputation as a top-tier destination.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Indiana

Access to high-speed internet is critical for Indiana’s rural communities. AT&T Indiana is investing heavily in expanding broadband access across the state. Bill Soards, President of AT&T Indiana, discusses the progress, challenges, and future plans to ensure every Hoosier has access to reliable internet.

Indiana Life Sciences Company Saving Young Cancer Patients in Kenya

An Indianapolis-based life sciences company, in partnership with Indiana University, is helping save young cancer patients in Kenya. Beckman Coulter Life Sciences is providing high-tech equipment and training to detect childhood leukemia and lymphoma, improving survival rates by 50%.

IU Student’s Kitchen Innovation Goes Viral

IU student Jack Wax created the Handless Handle—a kitchen innovation that allows you to open garbage cabinets using your foot. The product has become a hit on Amazon, with over 12,000 units sold and more than $200,000 in sales.

Indianapolis is once again taking center stage—or ring in this case—to host the WWE Royal Rumble. We're taking a look at how Indy pulled off the deal to bring three major WWE events to the city as well as pro wrestling's history in Indiana.

Business of Health Kylie Veleta shares how Westfield-based tech startup iXplore is working with OrthoWorx, to teach students about orthopedic careers using virtual reality.

Royal Rumble Weekend Puts Indianapolis in the Global Spotlight

Indianapolis scored big by landing three of WWE’s marquee events, including Royal Rumble, in an unprecedented deal. The events are expected to generate $350 million in economic impact. WWE EVP Chris Legentil and Indiana Sports Corp President Patrick Talty explain how Indianapolis continues to shine on the global stage.

Virtual Reality Helps Indiana High School Students Explore Orthopedics Careers

A Westfield-based tech company is using virtual reality to help Indiana high school students explore careers in orthopedics. The program immerses students in real-world orthopedic tasks, giving them hands-on experience and insight into the industry’s opportunities.

What’s Hot in Indiana’s Food and Drink Scene

Britney Smith, Yelp's Midwest Regional Director, reveals the latest food and drink trends across Indiana, including Hawaiian barbecue, cider flights, and deviled egg flights. Discover where to find these trending treats and what’s making waves in the Hoosier food scene this year.

Fishers Event Center Becomes a New Hub for Sports and Entertainment

The $200 million Fishers Event Center is attracting big names and events, from women’s professional volleyball to concerts and hockey. 

Top Story: Indiana Housing Trends

Indiana Association of Realtors CEO Mark Fisher and F.C. Tucker Co. Senior VP Dan Brown

In the midst of this mid-winter freeze, there are signs of a thawing housing market. Gerry Dick talks to experts after Indianapolis was named the second hottest housing market in the country by Zillow and looks at housing trends across the state.

Ball State economic forecast

Michael Hicks, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University

Hicks says we're in the final stages of what he calls "a soft landing" as the post-Covid rebound continues. He shares his 2025 outlook and predictions for the year ahead.

Stevanato commercial production begins

Alessandro Zannini, Stevanato Engineering Division Sales Director

Business of Health reporter Kylie Veleta takes us inside Stevanato Group in Fishers, where business is booming and  production lines are making glass syringes for medications.

Home selling tips

HGTV Good Bones host Mina Starsiak Hawk

For those looking to fix up their home to sell or searching for a contractor, Mary-Rachel Redman shares advice from a Hoosier home expert.

Notre Dame's success boosting South Bend Economy

Visit South Bend Mishawaka Executive Director Jeff Jarnecke, South Bend Regional Chamber CEO Jeff Rea and IU Kelley School of Business professor John Holden

Notre Dame takes on Ohio State in the College Football National Championship Monday. The excitement surrounding the team and its success is making an impact in South Bend and on the region's economy. Gerry Dick reports and shares why Notre Dame staying as an independent school is paying off in a huge way.

College sports teams adding new role

Purdue Football General Manager Brandon Lee

As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, a number of top-tier programs are now hiring general managers. Purdue University is one of them.

Indiana's business growth plan

Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Adams

During his first week on the job, Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Adams stopped by the Inside INdiana Business studio to talk about regional economic development and his vision for entrepreneurship and innovation.

USI students building bridges in Africa

Susan Ely, assistant professor of engineering and Joans Hollis, engineering student

Engineering students from the University of Southern Indiana are saving lives in Africa by putting their skills to work. They're building foot bridges to connect communities.

Anxiety surrounds outcome of possible U.S. Steel - Nippon acquisition

INsiders share 2025 outlook

Gov. Holcomb showcases his personal collections

2024 Holiday rewind to the month of May.

Sports tech sector growing in Indiana

$138M grant launching the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences

Trendiana: Hoosier restaurants worth the drive