In this episode of Building Bridges, Amish Shah talks with Bethany Hartley, CEO of the South Bend–Elkhart Regional Partnership, about leadership, economic development, and building trust to create thriving communities.

Bethany shares her career journey, how regional collaboration has unlocked over $1 billion in investment, and why the South Bend–Elkhart region is attracting businesses, talent, and families from across the country. They also explore lifelong learning, Bethany’s Executive MBA experience at Notre Dame, practical uses of AI , and why trust is the most important bridge leaders can build.

A must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, community impact, and the future of regional growth.

https://southbendelkhart.org/

Explore more from IU and related initiatives:

• https://iufoundation.iu.edu/ways-give/index.html
• https://broadcast.iu.edu/events/iui-state-of-the-campus-address-2025.html
• https://hoosiersforgood.org/
• https://www.inforindiana.com/

In this episode of Building Bridges, Amish sits down with Nate Feltman, CEO of IBJ Media, to explore his unique path from Russian law in Moscow to public service and now leading one of Indiana’s most influential media companies. Nate shares how IBJ is evolving through digital content, events, and podcasts to deliver fact-based, community-focused journalism across the state.

They discuss Indiana’s momentum in infrastructure and innovation, the civic leadership driving regional growth, and the critical challenges ahead in education, workforce retention, and public health. Nate also shares why he believes we’re living in a modern Renaissance—powered by data, technology, and purpose-driven leadership.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about Indiana’s future.