Inside the Region

Today, we’re talking about something that touches every community—housing, neighborhood revitalization, and creating opportunities for families to build a stronger future.

Our guest is Rick Oswald from Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County. Rick joins us to talk about Habitat’s work in our community, the importance of affordable and attainable homeownership, and the broader impact that stable housing can have on individuals, families, and neighborhoods.

We’ll also hear Rick’s perspective on some of the challenges and opportunities facing our region when it comes to housing—and what it takes for community organizations, businesses, and residents to work together to make a difference.

Today, we’re exploring an important topic for our community: the future of healthcare, workforce development, and preparing the next generation of professionals to serve an aging population.

Joining us are two leaders who bring unique perspectives to that conversation.

First, we have Pam Morrison, President of Legacy Medical Academy, an organization focused on preparing students for careers in healthcare and helping build the skilled workforce our region needs.

And joining Pam is Matt Presley, Regional President of Senior1Care, who brings extensive experience in senior care and a firsthand understanding of the growing need for compassionate, well-trained healthcare professionals.

Today, we’re talking about architecture, development, and what it takes to create spaces that serve communities for generations to come.

Joining us is Arvin Delacruz, Architect, AIA, NCARB, a Senior Architect and Senior Project Manager at Abonmarche. Arvin brings a wealth of experience in architecture and project management, with a focus on turning ideas and community needs into thoughtful, functional spaces.

In his role at Abonmarche, Arvin works with clients and project teams to guide projects from concept through completion, bringing together design, technical expertise, and project leadership.

Today, we’ll get to know Arvin, learn more about his journey in architecture, talk about the work happening at Abonmarche, and explore how thoughtful design and development can help shape the future of the South Bend region.

Today, we’re talking about a tool that plays a significant role in economic development and community investment: Tax Increment Financing, or TIF. How does TIF work? What does it mean for taxpayers and local communities? And how can it help attract investment, create jobs, and support growth?

To help us unpack those questions, we’re joined by Jeff Rea, President and CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber. Jeff brings a unique perspective on the region’s business climate and economic development, and today he’ll help us better understand TIF—what it is, how it works, and why it matters to the future of our region.

This week, South Bend Regional Chamber President/CEO Jeff Rea fills in for Alyson Herzig, and he is joined by Amber Ruszkowski, Vice Chancellor of Ivy+ Career Link & Community Partnerships at Ivy Tech Community College. Amber plays a key role in connecting students, employers, and community partners to build a stronger talent pipeline and create meaningful career opportunities throughout our region.

In this episode, we'll explore how Ivy Tech is strengthening workforce development, responding to the evolving needs of employers, and helping students gain the skills and connections they need to succeed. We'll also discuss the power of partnerships and what it takes to build a thriving regional economy.

Today we're joined by Joe Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment for the City of South Bend. Joe plays a key role in advancing projects that strengthen neighborhoods, encourage economic growth, and improve quality of life throughout the community.

In this episode, we'll explore how the City is approaching community investment, the partnerships driving redevelopment, and the opportunities ahead for residents, businesses, and our region as a whole.

Today, we're joined by Matt Wetzel, Senior Vice President at Bradley Company. Matt brings extensive experience in commercial real estate, economic development, and regional growth initiatives across Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

In this episode, we'll discuss the current state of the commercial real estate market, emerging development opportunities, the factors attracting investment to our region, and what business leaders should be watching as our communities continue to evolve and grow.

Matt's insights and perspective make him a valuable voice in understanding the trends influencing our regional economy, and we're excited to have him with us today.

Today, we’re joined by Dave Hemler, Senior Director of Experiential Learning and Economic Engagement at iNDustry Labs at the University of Notre Dame. iNDustry Labs is helping to strengthen the connection between higher education and industry across the South Bend–Elkhart region—driving innovation, building talent pipelines, and supporting economic growth through hands-on collaboration with local businesses.

In this episode, we’ll talk with Dave about how experiential learning is evolving, what it means for students preparing to enter the workforce, and how Notre Dame’s partnerships with regional employers are creating real-world impact. We’ll also explore the role iNDustry Labs plays in aligning education with industry needs and helping businesses stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

 Today we're diving into a topic that's generating a lot of conversation across the country and right here in St. Joseph County: data centers.

As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continue to expand, communities everywhere are evaluating what these large-scale developments mean for economic growth, energy demand, workforce opportunities, and long-term competitiveness. St. Joseph County is no exception.

To help us understand the opportunities and considerations surrounding data center development in our region, we're joined by Jeff Rea, President and CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber. Jeff has been at the forefront of conversations about economic development, site selection, infrastructure investment, and the future growth of our community.

We'll discuss why data centers are attracting attention, what makes St. Joseph County a potential destination for these projects, how local leaders are approaching the conversation, and what residents and businesses should know about the potential impact on the region.

Today we’re joined by James Turnwald, Executive Director of MACOG — the Michiana Area Council of Governments. James has been at the forefront of regional collaboration on transportation, economic development, infrastructure, and long-range planning across Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the importance of regional thinking, the challenges and opportunities facing our communities, and how organizations like MACOG help bring together local leaders to create a stronger, more connected future for the South Bend region.