WNIT's Economic Outlook

As temperatures rise and travel season kicks into gear, Northern Indiana is ready to welcome visitors looking for unique experiences—from lakeside getaways and outdoor recreation to cultural destinations and Amish Country charm.In this episode of Economic Outlook, host Jeff Rea is joined by tourism leaders from across the region, including Cori Humes (Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau), Sonya Nash (LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau), and Jon Hunsberger (Elkhart County CVB). Together, they discuss how tourism drives local economies, supports small businesses, and strengthens community identity.Discover the strategies behind attracting visitors, creating memorable experiences, and turning seasonal tourism into a year-round economic engine.

This week on Economic Outlook, we're exploring one of Indiana’s most exciting new tourism developments — the Lodge at Potato Creek State Park. Set in the heart of St. Joseph County, this project marks Indiana's first new state park lodge in over 80 years and represents a major investment in outdoor recreation, regional tourism, and economic development.Jeff Rea is joined by Marie Laudeman Eriks, Interpretive Naturalist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Jeff Jarnecke, Executive Director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka, for an inside look at what the lodge means for the local economy, what visitors can expect, and how this project is designed to connect people with nature while supporting jobs, travel, and hospitality in northern Indiana.

This week on Economic Outlook, we’re joined by PNC Chief Economist Gus Faucher for an in-depth conversation on the current state of the economy. From inflation and interest rates to job growth and consumer spending, Gus shares his expert analysis on what the numbers really mean and how they impact our region.We’ll also explore how global factors like tariff uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics could influence local industries, and why the economy is sending mixed signals in 2025. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or just trying to make sense of it all — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

This week on Economic Outlook, we’re diving into The Business of Brewing! Host Jeff Rea sits down with Steve Zuckerman and Eli Cantu of Danny Boy Draft Works, and Summer Lewis of Iechyd Da Brewing Company, to talk about how they got started, what it takes to keep a brewery running, and what’s ahead for their businesses. We’ll also learn about the Sustainable Brewing Program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and how it’s helping prepare the next generation of brewers. From business challenges to industry trends, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s most flavorful sectors.

George Lepeniotis sits down with healthcare professionals to explore the growing need for workforce development in the medical field. From nursing shortages to training the next generation of providers, this episode dives into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Learn how local institutions are responding, what’s being done to support current workers, and why building a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals is more important than ever.