Send us a text We will chat with Mark about making a major career change after 2 decades in teaching and what went into that decision. He will tell us about life in the very demanding food industry, how he attracts his workers, and what keeps him up at night.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Shawn will tell us exactly what MACIAF is and what it does. We will discuss how the organization is helping to ensure that we have enough construction workers to work on the multiple big projects happening in St. Joseph County. Shawn will also talk about the construction industry's future and what that looks like.…

Send us a text WNIT is celebrating 50 years of informing and entertaining Michiana. Greg will tell us how they have managed to stay relevant in an industry that is constantly changing. What is he most proud of during his tenure at WNIT? What are he and his staff currently working on and looking into his crystal ball, what does the future hold for p…

Send us a text Jennifer will tell us just what Junior League is. She will discuss the good they do in the community and why and how you can get involved in this great organization.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Nick will tell us what the IDEA Center is and everything they do. Why is it important for Notre Dame to have an IDEA Center? Why have they grown so quickly, and what exciting things do the future hold for Nick and his staff?Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text We will talk with Phil about the continuing transformation and renovations of all the parks within the city. What goes into a park renovation, and how do Phil and his team choose what Amenities to put in a park? Phil will also update us on current projects within the parks and what is next on the docket.…

Send us a text We will find out what the Partnership does, and how it affects regional development. We will discuss Regional Cities, Readi Grants, and the economic impact those programs have on the region. Taryn will also look into the future and tell us what the Partnership is working on, and what we should be excited about moving forward.…

Send us a text Coming up on 2 years on the job, we talk about the life of a Congressman. How Rudy manages to be a terrific, ever-present husband and father, yet a very effective Congressman, whose office is in Washington D.C. What keeps him awake at night, and what excites him about the future?Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Caleb will take us through a rapid-fire question-and-answer segment addressing all the projects the city has going on, and even some on the horizon that you may not be aware of yet. From Notre Dame, to the new Beacon Patient Tower, to multiple new housing options all across the city, including in the heart of downtown, if there is a …

Send us a text We will talk about the ever-changing housing market and the seemingly never-ending quest for affordable housing and what can be done about it. What went into DJ's decision to go out on his own, what are some challenges he is experiencing, and how is he overcoming those challenges?Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Nate tells us about the company's humble beginnings and what his parents had to endure when they decided to open a small tire shop in Mishawaka, Indiana. Why did he choose to stay in the family business? How has he taken his father's dream, and grown it into double-digit locations in 2 states? Nate also discusses the dynamic of worki…

Send us a text This week we talk with Chris Mahlmann, the Founder, and Jenny Craig Brown, the Executive Director of GreatNews.Life. We will find out what GreatNews.Life is, the amazing story of how it started, and what went into Chris's decision to leave his job at the Chicago Board of Trade, move to Northwest Indiana, and start an organization ded…

Send us a text Steve tells us about the state of the body shop world these days and the changes he's endured over the years. The challenges of running a family business, especially when every family member works there. Steve will also talk about the thinking behind his recent million-dollar expansion in Osceola.…

Send us a text This week we chat with Stephanie Murphy, the Executive Director of the St. Joseph County Public Library. Stephanie will tell us what's new at the library, and how it stays relevant in these ever-changing times. We will talk about the beautiful new branch in Downtown South Bend and what went into the decision to make it what it is tod…

Send us a text Jim is the Executive Director and Julie is the Development Director for Elkhart County. Jim is also one of the founders and will tell us exactly what Cultivate Food Rescue is, how the idea for Cultivate came to be, what was the original plan for the organization and how it developed into what it is today. Jim and Julie will also tell…

Send us a text Matt talks about what it's like to be part of the leadership team of a 3rd generation, family business, and the modern-day pressures to keep the business growing. What is the current state of commercial construction in St. Joseph County, and does he foresee a slowdown on the horizon? And with all the construction projects happening l…

Send us a text We will learn about Ryan's journey from retail, into the mortgage industry and all the stops in between. What does it take to be a successful mortgage broker? What is the current state of the housing industry, and what does the future look like?Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Matt talks to us about the keys to running a 4th generation business, and what it is like to groom the 5th generation. What is the secret that makes the Gates Automotive Group so successful? What is the current state of the car business and what does the future look like, especially in the EV space?…

Send us a text Kareemah was the Woman of Influence Award Winner at this year's Salute to Business Luncheon. She will tell us what best practices the corporation has implemented to make it more efficient. Kareemah will also talk Career Center and tell us what exciting things are on the horizon for South Bend Schools.…

Send us a text Amber discusses her career path and how she became a Market President at such a young age. How the business of banking has changed, and why she is so passionate about giving back to the community.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Kate tells us about the important work being done in conjunction with our schools, trying to help prepare our students for What's Next? We chat about the career center and how we can connect with employers to ensure their workforce needs are met.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Christina will tell us about the great work her team is doing to combat teen homelessness, She also chats about how she runs the agency like a business, even though it is a non-profit organization. The fundraising challenges she faces in this sea of so many worthwhile non-profits, and the future of YSB, including their brand new buil…

Send us a text This week we chat with Bob Hayden, our Distinguished Business Leader of the Year Award Winner, at this year's Salute to Business Luncheon. Bob just "retired" after 50 years in the car business, spending most of those years with the Jordan Automotive Group. We talked to Bob about the key to spending 50 years in the automotive industry…

Send us a text Tracy will explain what the House of Health is and why we are lucky to have such a unique business, originally dedicated to helping professional athletes, right here in Michiana. Tracy talks about what went into the decision of opening a clinic like this in South Bend, and how she deals with a work life balance, having 2 young childr…

Send us a text Debie will dive into all of the amazing work that Goodwill does, and yes they are more than just thrift stores. Debie will tell us how Goodwill's mission is always changing to meet the growing needs in the community. She will talk about the expansion project they are preparing to embark on, and her journey from being an employee at a…

Send us a text This week we pull back the curtain on the Chamber's Economic Development arm, and flip the script where our President/CEO, Jeff Rea is not the interviewer, but the interviewee. Jeff is joined by the Director of Economic Development at the Chamber, Alyson Herzig. They will chat about all things E.D. happening in the county, big and sm…

Send us a text Eric will take us on an audio tour of the gardens, telling us all that they have to offer year-round. Eric will talk about how the gardens got started, and about the major expansion currently underway.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Theresa, a doctor by trade, has a great story about why she chose to leave a very successful career in the medical field and open up a family fun center, and why she chose to do it here in Michiana. We will learn how she overcame struggles while taking a dream and making it into a reality. How Generations AdventurePlex is continuing …

Send us a text Seth will tell us exactly what Five Star Life is and how it is impacting the youth of today. We will also discuss what challenges Seth faces, leading a business that relies heavily on outside funding.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Juan talks about his journey from immigrating here with his family in 1998, to leading one of the fastest growing non profits in the area. How La Casa de Amistad has grown into what it is today, and what does the future hold.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Amanda was the keynote speaker at our Salute to Business Luncheon this year. We chat with Amanda about her time visiting South Bend. How our area compares to other areas she has researched and visited, what should we be most proud of and what areas need some improvement.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Rich went from being a successful Estate Planning Attorney, to purchasing not one but two different franchises. What went into the decision to give up a good paying job to "put your name on the sign?" What are the challenges of being a small business owner in the current climate, and what are the pros and cons of buying into a franch…

Send us a text Dr. Jerry will give us a "State of the School District" overview, discussing things like how they are able to attract and retain world class teachers. What the day to day challenges of the school district are and what the future looks like.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text John and Jon unravel the confusing world of health insurance, especially if you are a small business in need of adding benefits for your employees. They will also tell you what you need to know about insurance, as you are trying to attract and retain top talent.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Edward talks with us about what goes into the decision of giving up a job with a steady paycheck to open your own business. What are the key components of operating a successful business in the current landscape, and as a business owner, what keeps him up at night.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Drew is a dynamic speaker and author who will talk about leadership and leadership potential, but probably not like you've ever heard before. His goal is to redefine leadership for as many people as possible.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Mike will talk to us about the many different layers of being a unionized electrician. What the current job market for electricians looks like, both with projects they are currently working on and future ones, like the new GM Battery Plant. Mike will also discuss, in depth, the IBEW Apprenticeship Program, what it takes to get involv…

Send us a text Chief talks to us about the business of policing. How policing has changed over the years, and how you can keep yourself, your family and your business safe.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Jake is also the Director of Business Development at Majority Builders. Jake will tell us what the construction climate is like in St. Joseph County and what does the future look like moving forward. We talk about what is on the docket when the new session starts at the Statehouse, and what does Jake's home/work life balance look lik…

Send us a text We chat with Andy about the great things he and the other commissioners accomplished during his time in office, and how what they did planted the seeds for the progress we are seeing now in the county. We will also find out what Andy is up to these days, and what he sees for the future of St. Joseph County.…

Send us a text Larry will tell us how a kid from Ohio made his way to South Bend Indiana to head up the largest employer in the region, it's quite a story. Larry also talks about the pressure of being responsible for 7,000 employees and their families…. The exciting changes and growth not only coming to the downtown South Bend Campus, but also Beac…

Send us a text Welcome to the Behind The Region Podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, being powered by Tech Tyler PC, bringing cost effective I.T. solutions to fit any budget. This week we chat with Steve Smith and Vanessa Cooreman Smith, from Irish Realty, Irish Custom Homes and Flourish Interiors Steve and Vanessa will talk about everythi…

Send us a text TJ will tell us about leaving a high paying job to start his own business while his wife was pregnant. How he grew his business to what it is today, why he is so dedicated to charity work, and what was the motivation to move his offices and studios into downtown South Bend.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Ismail gives us a look into the long history of the newspaper. He discusses how newspapers and print media in general has changed, and how the South Bend Tribune is adapting to that, and what does the future of print media look like.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Math, History, Philosophy, Ocean Science, Chief of Staff...Who has interest in all of these? It's James Mueller, Mayor of South Bend! He talks about his background, housing, zoning, new and upcoming projects & a whole lot more is this installment of Behind the Region.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood visits with us and talks about the tremendous growth the city has seen. What challenges he faces as the mayor, the state of the city of Mishawaka and what does the future look like for the Princess City.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text This week we talk to Peg Dalton, owner of PEGGS Restaurant in downtown South Bend. We will learn the key to PEGGS' success, being in business for 20 plus years. What it was like opening a restaurant 20 years ago in downtown South Bend, bringing a restaurant through the pandemic, and what the future looks like for PEGGS.…

Send us a text We chat with Carl Baxmeyer, the President of the St. Joseph County Commissioners. We learn exactly what a commissioner does, the state of St. Joseph County and what the future of the county looks like.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber

Send us a text On this episode we chat with Josh Sisk, the Executive Director of the Potawatomi Zoo. We will learn about what happens behind the scenes at the zoo on a day to day basis. What the main purpose of a zoo is, and how Josh has been able to grow the zoo into what it is today, as well as get an insight into Josh's hopes and dreams, and wha…

Send us a text Our guest is Andrew Tyler, president and founder of Tech Tyler PC. Andrew will talk about small business IT needs and solutions, as well as tell us about the latest scams out there and how you can protect yourself and your business.Oleh South Bend Regional Chamber