IN Chamber: The Podcast

Given today’s talent-driven economy, elevating the postsecondary attainment levels of Indiana’s adult workforce is one of the most vital steps the state can take. In the latest episode of IN Chamber, meet Marilyn Pitzulo of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development where she leads the agency’s adult education efforts. Pitzulo highlights what her division does and how employers can use the adult education offerings to meet their workforce needs. Several employers also chime in with how they’ve benefited.Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

Indiana is a manufacturing mecca. In the latest episode of IN Chamber, we profile one maker and Hoosier success story: Crown Technology of Indianapolis, a family-run chemical manufacturer serving the steel industry. A member of the third generation, Carrie Benko shares the company’s outlook and a certain growth area that many Indiana manufacturers are pursuing or perhaps should be: exporting. Benko tells what Crown Technology has discovered and what has made the difference in their exporting success.Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

Not too long after he became the CEO of Elevate Ventures last summer, Christopher Day was having visions of putting Indiana on the map from an innovation standpoint.“It was time to think much bigger as a state,” the Indiana tech veteran and entrepreneur recalls. Out of that desire, the Rally Innovation Conference was born. The event celebrates cross-sector connections between companies, entrepreneurs, investors and universities from across the globe and features an attention-getting $5 million pitch competition.In this edition of the IN Chamber podcast, Day dives into what the Rally event is all about and what it means for start-ups, the broader business community and the state. We also catch up on Indiana’s entrepreneurial and venture capital landscapes.Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

Coming from an impoverished upbringing in segregated North Carolina, Dr. Jim Johnson knew he had a larger purpose. He once told Fast Company magazine for its “Hopes and Dreams” issue: “There are pressing social problems we should be addressing, and I had to do something. I’ve always believed I was put on this earth to make a difference.”Today, Johnson is doing that through various youth and education programs he’s started and his efforts as a noted workplace diversity and entrepreneurship scholar at the University of North Carolina.In this edition of the IN Chamber podcast, Johnson talks about competitive businesses intelligence, the importance of having "courageous conversations” with each other around diversity, how states and communities should focus on getting workers to return to their hometowns – and much more.Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

Politics and policy intersect in this edition of the IN Chamber podcast featuring David Ober. The former state lawmaker is now on the other side, with the 2023 legislative session his first as the Indiana Chamber’s tax expert. As we enter the second half of the Indiana General Assembly, Ober takes a look at some of the biggest tax policies still in play that impact employers and local communities. He also offers wisdom regarding the current political scene, Indiana’s tax competitiveness and rising utility rates (Ober spent the prior four years on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission). Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

Being considered a triple threat (actor, dancer and singer) in the entertainment field can open many doors. In the education and workforce realm, Carrie Lively has more than three designations to her name – and she’s putting them all to good use.A former teacher, school counselor, administrator and state agency official, Lively is now the executive director at the Pursuit Institute in Hamilton County, which is an intermediary between area schools and businesses for work-based learning opportunities. Designated as an independent career and technical education (CTE) district by the state, the Pursuit Institute can offer CTE programming the same as a conventional high school.While Hamilton County is recognized as one the leaders for work-based learning in the state, there is an increased awareness by stakeholders that such high-quality activities need to take place throughout Indiana. That’s because they have an essential and even transformative role in preparing Hoosiers for success in a rapidly changing economy and aid businesses in growing their own talent pipeline.In this edition of the IN Chamber podcast, Lively talks the Pursuit Institute’s reach, all things work-based learning and how employers can use the practice.RELATED: The current cover story of BizVoice® magazine features a roundtable discussion with five key players (including Lively) in the work-based learning space in Indiana. (https://www.bizvoicemagazine.com/interactive/2023/02/index.html#p=10)Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

While we won’t solve the age-old chicken and egg riddle, you will hear tales about another fowl – one whose popularity is on the rise: duck.With its roast half duck, Leesburg-based Maple Leaf Farms is the latest winner of the Indiana Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in Indiana contest. The company also is coming off a record surge in demand in 2022 (well before the “Coolest” title). Its products are available in all 50 states and distributed to more than 40 countries.In this edition, Maple Leaf Farms Co-President Scott Tucker dispels myths about duck and gets candid about the family business’s growth, its “super-secret” operations and dealing with workforce and inflation challenges.Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

Solving challenging business problems is what Indianapolis entrepreneur Tyler Foxworthy does. His method is applying mathematics to develop the innovative technologies that are needed.It’s a passion and professional pursuit that began early: Foxworthy received his applied mathematics degree from Purdue University in 2010 at age 19. A chief data scientist, he worked for KSM Consulting and DemandJump before starting his own company, Vertex Intelligence.Foxworthy discusses how his innovative solutions come together for businesses, the state of Indiana’s tech ecosystem, the latest with artificial intelligence and much more.Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

The president and CEO of AgReliant Genetics in Westfield is not your typical seed company executive. Born in Cameroon as the son of a pineapple exporter, Paul Nselel brings a unique mindset that comes from years at Nike and in the financial sector, as well as several notable stops in the agribusiness world. Nselel tells how those experiences influence what he’s doing now, how AgReliant Genetics is helping today’s farmers get the most out of their crops and his perspective on the state’s agricultural landscape.Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

John Wechsler’s latest venture is something so simple and appealing that other innovative minds are kicking themselves for not beating him to it. The product is Spokenote, the digital equivalent of a Post-it note. Wechsler discusses that journey and looks back at the Hamilton County-based efforts he’s most known for (so far): launching the co-working space Launch Fishers and the Indiana IoT Lab, which is an Internet of Things test bed.Wechsler also offers his views on Indiana’s entrepreneurial landscape and the needed public policy to help budding innovators, as well as the issues that have a ripple effect on us all.Sponsored by the Talent Resource Navigator, a new free online workforce center that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for education and training needs in Indiana. Learn more at www.talentresourcenavigator.com.

Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne* pulls the curtain back on how the agency evolved due to the pandemic and walks through its offerings and goals. He also explains how partnerships in upskilling the state’s workforce are vital to making progress in today’s talent-driven economy.*Fred Payne’s last day as commissioner was July 8. He resigned and is now the president and CEO of The United Way of Central Indiana.

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar says the 2022 Indiana General Assembly concluded in a good place overall for the rights of businesses, for the state’s economy and for talent attraction and growth.In this wrap-up of the 2022 legislative session, Brinegar discusses in detail the key policies that passed – or didn’t in one notable case – and the implications for Hoosier businesses. Surprises, a nod to his mother’s persimmon pudding and a preview of the priorities for 2023 also made the cut.

Janus Motorcycles recently won the Indiana Chamber’s first-ever Coolest Thing Made in Indiana contest, a bracket-style tournament in which winners were chosen by public voting. The manufacturer beat out 64 of the most recognizable and unique products from the Hoosier state. The production motorcycle company was co-founded by Notre Dame alum Richard Worsham over a decade ago in Goshen. He shares how the retro-inspired bikes came to be and what it took to turn his entrepreneurial spirit into a business success story. Janus Motorcycles’ own journey to becoming a viable and profitable company took years, and Worsham credits having an “incremental” vision, a team of mentors and implementing lean manufacturing as key factors in the company’s ultimate success. A lot of things happened “organically,” he offers, adding that selecting the right community in which to locate can do wonders.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since Indianapolis hosted its wildly successful Super Bowl. Allison Melangton was at the helm of that effort as CEO of the Super Bowl Host Committee. The timing now couldn’t be more appropriate to get her thoughts on what that game meant to central Indiana’s sports and tourism fortunes – and what chance the city has of getting another Super Bowl. She also reflects on the thrill of Indy’s successful and unique pitch to NFL owners. Melangton, former president of the Indiana Sports Corp, is currently senior vice president of Penske Entertainment, which owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). While Melangton may have changed lanes, she’s still got the pedal to the metal. She lets us in on the latest developments at IMS and the IndyCar Series, including what the 2022 Indy 500 will look like and plans to integrate sports gambling. On the policy and hot topics front, Melangton shares her insights on fan engagement, esports and the benefits of a bid fund to help land major sporting and tourism events – which is currently in legislation before the Indiana General Assembly.

Indiana University’s 19th president is energized at the opportunity to lead the major multicampus institution – the first woman to do so – and has fit right in since taking the post in July.The conversation with Dr. Pamela Whitten reflected on her journey and shared her top priorities for IU – one of which is a renewed emphasis to lift up the state.Of the latter, she says: “It’s important that we prepare our students as the workforce for a number of things that our Indiana communities may need both today and then as that evolves in the future. … We have a key responsibility to really be in front of those issues and work with partners inside and outside the state to advance our economy.”Other topics include her expertise in telemedicine, what’s near and dear to her heart and a growing partnership with Purdue University President Mitch Daniels.

Indiana’s business community is getting mandate pressure from every direction. On the federal side, the Biden administration wants to require employers with 100 or more employees to implement full vaccination or weekly testing. At the state level, legislative leaders are attempting to restrict businesses’ ability to require the COVID-19 vaccine for employees if they choose.Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar discusses the status of both efforts. Regarding the state proposal, he relays the daunting prospects of employers footing the bill for testing unvaccinated employees and other concerning aspects.Brinegar also uses his vast experience at the Statehouse to put in perspective the public hearing that was held on November 23 and offers thoughts about what might happen when the General Assembly takes up its bill in January.

At our 32nd Annual Awards Dinner on November 9, racing legend Roger Penske shared reflections about his successful career as a car owner, purchasing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in 2019, entrepreneurship and more. Racing enthusiast Gov. Eric Holcomb asked the questions in a one-of-a-kind conversation. Born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a Cleveland suburb, Penske’s love of cars and speed launched his career – first as an accomplished driver. Through Team Penske, his pro racing team, he has emerged as one of the most influential figures in auto racing history. Penske is the founder and chairman of Penske Corporation, whose subsidiaries operate in a variety of industry segments. They include retail automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics and professional motorsports. Subsidiary Penske Entertainment Corp. owns the storied IMS, the NTT IndyCar Series, the premier open-wheel racing series in North America, and IMS Productions, which offers video and production services. Penske Corporation manages businesses with consolidated revenues of more than $32 billion, operating in over 3,200 locations and employing more than 60,000 people worldwide. Navigating the twists and turns on a racetrack has parallels to steering a business through highs and lows. Penske has made his mark in both realms and knows what it takes to achieve at the highest level.

A tremendous opportunity is taking place in Indianapolis for at-risk youth to get on the right path to a fulfilling career and at the same time, provides employers a chance to make important connections to mentor or even, in some cases, identify potential employees. Our guests for the latest IN Chamber represent both sides. Tyler Mayer is president and CEO of Providence Cristo Rey High School, a Roman Catholic school in Indianapolis that has a unique work-study program as part of its mission. Dr. Rob Shumaker is president of the Indianapolis Zoo, which is a corporate supporter of Providence Cristo Rey’s initiative. Learn more: Providence Cristo Rey High School (https://www.cristoreyindy.org)

No one imagined the pandemic would drag on this long – 18 months and counting. It’s been a time of re-evaluation and reflection. For individuals, it’s determining what’s truly important to them. For employers, it’s how they interact with and treat their employees. Jennifer Pferrer, executive director of the Wellness Council of Indiana, says “we are living through history” and cautions that “if employers think they are going to go back to what was ‘normal’, they’re going to lose their employees.” Pferrer discusses the new COVID Stops Here recognition campaign for employers with a 70% or higher employee vaccination rate, the looming federal vaccine mandate and what she’s hearing from businesses statewide. The second half of the podcast offers an in-depth look at the pandemic’s impact on mental health, the numbers that may be a wakeup call to many and the role companies can play in the mental well-being of their workforce. The ultimate goal with employees, Pferrer says, should be for employers “to help them be their best self.” COVID Stops Here (www.indianachamber.com/stopcovid)Wellness Council of Indiana (www.wellnessindiana.org)

Frank Walker has been leading the charge for decades to emphasize the importance of ethics in the workplace. The primary reasons: It is the right thing to do and can/will lead to increased business success. Walker offers perspective and we hear from Liz Coit, executive director of the Walker Center for Applied Ethics at Marian University. The Indiana Ethics Survey reveals more work for Hoosier companies in this area. The goal for Walker: have the state of ethics in the state of Indiana be a role model for national and global advancements. “It fits with our image for the Midwest. It fits with what I’d like to have associated with Indiana – that those are hardworking people who do it the right way.” Learn more: • Walker Center for Applied Ethics (marian.edu)• Indiana Ethics Survey (www.marian.edu/docs/default-source/bei/indiana-ethics-survey.pdf)• Business Ethics Indiana (www.marian.edu/walker-center-for-applied-ethics/bei)