IIB Marks 20 Years With a Look Back
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTuesday is the 20th anniversary of the first edition of Inside INdiana Business With Gerry Dick. This weekend’s edition of The INsiders focused on the evolution of the Hoosier business landscape over the past two decades as well as a look ahead. The panel included Hoosier tech entrepreneur Scott Jones, Kiwanis International Youth Programs Executive Director Christina Hale and Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo.
Jones partnered with Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick to create Grow INdiana Media Ventures LLC, the parent company of Inside INdiana Business. He came to Indianapolis from Boston, and says there wasn’t much of a tech infrastructure in the state. He put a focus on working with universities to reverse brain drain, attracting more direct flights to important business destinations and implementing Daylight Saving Time.
Hale says connectivity has improved, but there is room to grow. She adds Indiana has "developed a culture of convenience" with projects like the new Indianapolis International Airport terminal and rail improvements.
Milo, who was previously mayor of La Porte, says a major key has been leaders recognizing the value of quality of place in economic development. She says assets like bike trails and green infrastructure have gone from "nice to have" items to must-haves, especially as people shift their priorities to choosing where they want to live before choosing where they want to work.
Jones says Indiana, which has traditionally been resistant to change, is "beginning" to embrace new ideas, but adds there is still a long way to go.