#LovinLebanon Podcast

There are many reasons to visit Lebanon, Indiana...and Donaldson's Finer Chocolates is certainly one of them. With it being so close to Valentine's Day, we found it fitting that Bob and Kathy Donaldson join us for Episode 25 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. 

The Donaldson's share their recipe for sweet success that has spanned more than five decades. We also put Bob and Kathy on the spot to learn their favorite treats.

The episode wouldn't be complete without sharing respect and admiration for George Donaldson. George, along with his wife Peg started the shop in 1966. Sadly, George passed away in late January of 2019. George was a prominent figure in Lebanon, and Bob and Kathy recount a few of the many things that made Mr. Donaldson so special.

We hope you enjoy Episode 25 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. 

Episode 24 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast is a testament to what determination and a little luck can bring. Despite being undersized when it comes to stereotypical quarterback specifications, Isaac Harker has managed to standout wherever he has played. After a superb career on the field at Lebanon, Isaac  walked on at Indiana State University after not receiving offers to play on the collegiate level. Harker not only made the team, he earned the job of starting QB!

His time at ISU eventually led to being on the radar of NFL teams. Harker now plays for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League(CFL). It's been an amazing journey for Isaac, and it's just getting started!

Episode 24 topics include: the journey from LHS to north of the border, fun mascot names, CFL rules, and Super Bowl 54, and more!

Please enjoy this episode, and feel free to send your podcast topics to: [email protected]

If you find history fascinating, then this is the podcast for you! For Episode 23 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, we pick the brain of Eric Spall. Eric is the Historian for Boone County, the History Librarian at the Lebanon Public Library, and he's on the board at the Boone County Historical Society. This episode covers fun historical nuggets throughout Boone County, with a deeper look into the Lebanon archives.

This episode touches on some things you may've already known about the Boone County Courthouse, along with the telling of some new information. Eric also highlights some other historic tidbits that are a bit "off the beaten path" in our city. 

We hope you enjoy Episode 23 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast and remember, if you have an idea for an episode, send an email to [email protected] 

The City of Lebanon boasts the second largest corporate business park in the state of Indiana. The companies that have chosen Lebanon make up more than 40% of the city's tax base. Needless to say, the city and its residents are thankful for those businesses, and for the Boone County Economic Development Corporation for working diligently to attract them to Lebanon.

For Episode 22 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, we chat with Molly Whitehead, the Executive Director of the Boone EDC. In her more than five years at the helm, she has seen Lebanon thrive. As someone that grew up in Boone County, she takes great pride being able to help meet the needs of each community in the county. Molly talks about how the EconDev industry has evolved over the years, and what she feels the future holds for the entire county. 

Get an inside look at the competitive process that is economic development, including what it takes to attract companies to a Boone County city or town. 

As always, if you have an idea for a podcast episode, send an email to [email protected]

Their mission says it all: "The Arc of Greater Boone County exists to assist people with disabilities and special needs to achieve their maximum potential in partnership with the community."

Ever since its formation in the 1950s, the Arc has been steadily expanding its efforts to assist its residents. The growth of the organization has included collaboration with local and area service providers, as well as businesses. 

Pam Verbarg is the executive director of The Arc of Greater Boone County, and guest on Episode 21 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Pam details where the organization has been, and where it's headed in the new year. The episode also highlights ways members of the public can get involved, to aid The Arc in reaching its maximum potential.  

Four years. Believe it or not, it has been four years since Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry took office. The changes made during the past (roughly) 1,460 days have been remarkable. From streets to sidewalks and trails, from economic development and downtown revitalization to new neighborhoods and new amenities, Mayor Gentry's first term has been jam-packed.

"Mayor Matt" takes a look back at those wins in Episode 20 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, the final one before 2020. Mayor Gentry also shares some loose ends that he's looking forward to tying up in the new year. There's plenty of shop talk in this episode, but we also talk family life, too. As you may know, the Mayor and his wife Abby are expecting, and are set to welcome their first child early in 2020. 

Find out the best advice the Mayor has received as he gears up for fatherhood, and much more, in Episode 20 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Have an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] 

It's a musical career on the rise. From playing in band, jamming in a basement, to releasing his own solo album, Tim Neuman has found his voice - literally. In Episode 19 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, Tim shares more about his journey, the music that influenced him, the people to urged him to keep moving his musical career forward, and a few interesting moments from the early stages of his career.

From covers to originals, from classic rock to country, Neuman's catalog covers it all. Here's a hint, you can hear one of Tim Neuman's original songs in the podcast!

Be sure to give Episode 19 a listen, and consider accepting Tim's invitation he passes along at the end of the conversation!

In Episode 18 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, we talk to a man seeing his dream realized - the opening of a brewery and restaurant in downtown Lebanon, his hometown. It's the goal of founder Patrick Klooz, to have a beverage for everyone. With offerings of: beer, wine, cider, and under 21-themed sodas, he's well on his way.

Locally sourced ingredients, and a handcrafted taste for everyone. That's the philosophy behind Lebanon based Klooz Brewz. Listen as Patrick Klooz talks about the journey, and how he feels about gearing up to open the city's first brewery. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy Episode 18 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast featuring Klooz Brewz.

It's time to take the backroads for Episode 17 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Central Texas-style barbeque is headed to Lebanon, as Backroads BBQ inches ever closer to opening its doors. Chris Canal with Backroads BBQ joins us on the podcast, to talk about why he moved his family to town a few years ago, and why he is part of the team that has decided to open up shop in Lebanon.

Chris shares how things just fell into place, from a great building, to a fantastic master chef (formerly of Rick's Boatyard), and an outstanding menu that has something for everyone!

Stay in the know with Backroads, as opening will be here soon!

Website: https://www.thebackroadsbbq.com/

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/thebackroadsbbq/

If you look around the Lebanon community, you will easily be able to spot several ongoing construction projects. One of those worksites can be found at the city's State Road 32 exit of I-65, across from McDonald's and Ice Cream Paradise. The Lebanon Gateway Marketplace project includes more than 20 acres, and has already enticed: Logan's Roadhouse, Mo's Southwest Grill, as well as a new hotel. 

Brent Benge is the President & CEO of KennMar Real Estate. Brent was kind enough to give insight into why Lebanon was chosen for this project, and why he's now focusing his efforts on the I-65 & State Road 39 exit, including the former home of the city's Holiday Inn. 

Take a listen! If you have an idea for a podcast topic, send an email to [email protected]