Inside INdiana Business Television Podcast

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we explore the transformation of the Indiana State Fairgrounds into a year-round event destination. With 400 events annually—from conventions and sports tournaments to food competitions—the fairgrounds now generate a $330 million economic impact. We take an inside look at the investments fueling this growth and what it means for central Indiana’s economy.

Plus, Indiana’s first-ever mobile lung cancer screening unit hits the road. We’ll meet the team behind this 40-foot CT scanner on wheels, designed to bring life-saving early detection directly to Hoosiers in rural areas.

Also in this episode:

• The State Fairgrounds' big sports play: How a state-of-the-art indoor track is attracting national competitions and boosting local revenue.


• A look inside Jim Irsay’s multimillion-dollar collection: From Bob Dylan’s electric guitar to Muhammad Ali’s iconic fight robe, we go behind the scenes with the Colts owner’s world-class artifacts.


• Indiana’s role in March Madness: With 43 postseason college basketball games in Indianapolis this month, we break down the city’s economic impact and what’s ahead for 2026, when Indy hosts all major NCAA men’s championships.

The latest in Indiana’s auto industry: How tariffs could impact thousands of Honda workers in Greensburg, and what the future holds for the state’s manufacturing sector.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we examine the lasting impact of the NFL Combine on Indianapolis. With the event injecting an estimated $9 million into the local economy, we explore how restaurants like St. Elmo Steakhouse and hotels across downtown are benefiting, and what it means for the city's future as a major sports hub.

Plus, the Combine is more than just an athletic showcase - it’s a proving ground for Indiana’s growing sports technology sector. We sit down with executives from Sportable and SportsTech HQ to discuss how cutting-edge innovations in smart ball technology and data analytics are positioning Indy as a global leader in sports tech.

Also in this episode:

• The future of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis: With its contract expiring in 2026, what’s being done to keep the event in town?


• Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Indiana connection: The action star joins forces with Warsaw-based Zimmer Biomet to motivate those with joint pain to seek treatment.


• Inside Jim Irsay’s multimillion-dollar collection: A rare behind-the-scenes look at the Colts owner’s legendary artifacts, from historic guitars to cultural treasures.


• Indy’s hotel boom: Over $1 billion in investment is reshaping the skyline, with new luxury hotels fueling the city’s convention industry.


• Fort Wayne FC goes pro: The city’s soccer team leaps USL League One, with a new stadium on the horizon.


• Join us for an in-depth look at the business of sports, healthcare innovation, and Indiana’s evolving economic landscape.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, we explore the legacy of Marvella Bayh - wife of former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh and a champion for women's rights - who was the inspiration behind Title IX. Now, her impact is growing even further with the creation of the Marvella Project, a first-of-its-kind, $100 million girls-focused athletic and leadership complex in Northwest Indiana.

Former Indiana Governor and U.S. Senator Evan Bayh joins us to discuss his mother’s enduring influence, the significance of this massive sports facility at Fair Oaks Farms, and how it will shape the future of girls’ athletics and leadership in America.

Plus:

• The economic impact of the Marvella Project, expected to create 1,000 jobs and boost regional tourism.


• A look at the history behind Title IX and how Marvella’s own experiences inspired the groundbreaking legislation.


• How Indiana businesses are engaging with young Hoosiers to inspire careers in engineering and manufacturing.


• A major shake-up in Indiana’s dining scene: Gray Brothers Cafeteria looks to sell, while  Yelp's Brittany Smith shares Hoosier restaurants make waves with high-end French cuisine.

Also in this episode:

• Fort Wayne’s ambitious plans for a $36 million youth sports venue.


• The new $110 million IU Indianapolis arena, "The Jim," honors civic leader Jim Morris.


• A big economic win for Indiana’s ports, which moved near-record cargo levels.


• A Fort Wayne-based startup is tackling canine dental health with a revolutionary new product.

Central Indiana is carving its path as the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. On this week’s episode, we explore the major strides being made at IU Indianapolis, which recently earned an R1 research designation from the Carnegie Foundation. IU President Pam Whitten shares how this achievement will elevate Indiana’s tech scene and transform the 16 Tech Innovation District into a national biosciences hub.

In northeast Indiana, we dive into the potential impact of tariffs on local businesses with insights from Fort Wayne-based Do it Best. Plus, Winchester, Indiana, celebrates the 30th anniversary of the cult classic Now and Then—a film with deep local ties.

We’ll also introduce you to the family behind Crew Carwash, a Fort Wayne-born business that revolutionized the carwash industry and became one of the best places to work in the country.

Other highlights include:

• A closer look at the Orr Fellowship and how it’s keeping top talent in Indiana.
  The construction of a new pedestrian bridge at 16 Tech that promises to connect communities and innovation.
  The latest updates from Indiana’s business scene, including new residential developments, partnerships, and big wins for the region.

Join Gerry Dick and the Inside INdiana Business team for these stories and more from Indiana’s business news leader.

Visit Indy Executive VP Chris Gahl stops by the Inside INdiana Business studio to talk about Indy's record tourism year in 2024 and what's next. Plus, an update on rural broadband across the state and how an Indianapolis life sciences company is helping kids in Kenya.

Indianapolis Shattering Tourism Records

Indianapolis continues to break tourism records, with events like Taylor Swift’s concerts and the NBA All-Star Weekend bringing in millions of visitors. Caitlyn Clark shares what makes Indianapolis special, while Visit Indy’s Chris Gahl explains how the city is cashing in on its growing reputation as a top-tier destination.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Indiana

Access to high-speed internet is critical for Indiana’s rural communities. AT&T Indiana is investing heavily in expanding broadband access across the state. Bill Soards, President of AT&T Indiana, discusses the progress, challenges, and future plans to ensure every Hoosier has access to reliable internet.

Indiana Life Sciences Company Saving Young Cancer Patients in Kenya

An Indianapolis-based life sciences company, in partnership with Indiana University, is helping save young cancer patients in Kenya. Beckman Coulter Life Sciences is providing high-tech equipment and training to detect childhood leukemia and lymphoma, improving survival rates by 50%.

IU Student’s Kitchen Innovation Goes Viral

IU student Jack Wax created the Handless Handle—a kitchen innovation that allows you to open garbage cabinets using your foot. The product has become a hit on Amazon, with over 12,000 units sold and more than $200,000 in sales.