Who Gets What?

Both Morton Marcus and our guest, Dean Whittaker, are classic communicators, theorists and teachers about economic development.

Dean is president of Whittaker Associates Inc., a data analytic company advising governments and business groups on development opportunities, such as quantum computing.

Zachary Fawbush leads The Crooked Creek Food Pantry in Indianapolis, following on educational and social services experiences at St. Joseph College and in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Zach speaks effectively about volunteerism, food insecurity, the infrastructure of food distribution, as well as his personal goal to become a father.

Listeners also will appreciate a previous podcast, June 17, 2020, with John Elliott, head of Gleaners Food Bank.

Dave Riggs, Director of Corporate, Community, and Alumni Engagement of The Indianapolis Children's Choir, shares about his decades working for scouts, a cancer group, and the choir.

Most compelling are his comments about the joy of this work, raising funds comfortably, and campaigning to restrict smoking in public.

Historian James Madison speaks about the pain of writing, the absence of teaching economic history, and more, as he reveals thoughts about Wendell Wilkie, Evan Bayh, Donald Trump, Eli Lilly, and how history affects modern attitudes.

In another wide-ranging discussion, we converse with Kevin Brinegar, president of The Indiana Chamber of Commerce. With eight years staffing The Indiana Senate Finance Committee, more than two decades with The Chamber, and side experiences as a school board member, Kevin has lots to say, about taxes, amicus briefs in important legal proceedings, whether school boards should be appointed, and more.

The question is not whether student loans should be forgiven. The question is how parents and students handle this in the future. Five years for a four-year degree? Eight years to enter a low-paying profession? First-class meals and living facilities with jacuzzis?

Bill Wozniak, Vice President of InVestEd, Indiana's student loan provider and consultant, tells it all.

Robin Winston, the first African American to lead an Indiana political party, talks about practical politics, how to prioritize, as well as African American historical sites in Indiana, and the underground railway up the eastern side of the state.

The Economic Development Commission Coalition of Southwest Indiana, headed by our guest, Greg Walthen, and about to merge with other organizations, is a powerhouse in a region which includes the sixth largest inland waterway port, some of the most digitally well-connected communities in the state, a superb airport, and, of course, the city of Evansville.

While Greg attracts new businesses, he also collects movies and vinyl records, and a few bottles of fine whiskey.

As this is published, the General Assembly of Indiana is processing its budget for two years. Having passed The House, it is ready for consideration by The Senate, to be followed by a conference between the two houses to arrive at a conclusion.

Many stories here by legislative expert Jerry Williams, including the unique story about how The Indiana History Museum came to be.

The minimum wage, repairing roofs, wage disparity, literacy and education, all are part of this statistical presentation about poverty in both The United States and Indiana.

John and Morton discuss these topics while also learning what Morton would do if he were in The Oval Office, or The Square Office, when he runs in 202?.