The Midwest Flourish

What kind of education will prepare Americans for jobs that may not even exist yet?
Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation, joins host Rick Farrant to discuss how education and training beyond high school can lead to good jobs, economic opportunity and greater prosperity.
Lumina Foundation has established an ambitious national goal: By 2040, 75% of adults in the U.S. labor force will hold a college degree or another high-quality credential that leads to economic prosperity. Brown explains why reaching that goal will require more than encouraging everyone to pursue a traditional four-year degree. Students and workers also need access to valuable certificates, certifications, stackable credentials and work-based learning that allow them to adapt throughout their careers.
The conversation explores:
- How education must respond to a rapidly changing workforce -Why durable human skills will remain essential alongside AI
- How to distinguish valuable credentials from those that offer little return -Why public confidence in higher education has declined
- How colleges can make costs, outcomes and career pathways more transparent
- What foundations consider when supporting new ideas
- How states can use workforce data to identify credentials that lead to strong wages and career mobility
- Why opportunity after high school must remain accessible to everyone
Learn more about The Midwest Flourish and discover ways to help your organization and community thrive at MarketingTheMidwest.com

In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, Manchester University President Dr. Stacy Young joins host Rick Farrant to discuss what the future of higher education looks like and why innovation doesn't have to come at the expense of community. From personalized student experiences and liberal arts education to AI-powered learning, stackable credentials, and workforce development, this conversation explores how universities can prepare students for careers while strengthening the Midwest.
Highlighted Topics:
- Manchester University's student-first culture
- Why liberal arts still matter
- Conflict resolution and civil discourse
- AI as a learning tool, not just a productivity tool
- Stackable credentials and lifelong learning
- Online education and the future of universities
- Entrepreneurship and workforce skills

What does the future of manufacturing talent look like, and how do we prepare for it today?
In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Laura Macknick, President & CEO of the  @DonWoodFoundation  , to explore a bold vision for workforce development in Northeast Indiana. From a $50 million investment in next-generation manufacturing talent to the launch of the Learn More Earn More initiative, Laura shares how the foundation is going beyond traditional philanthropy, bringing together educators, industry leaders, and community partners to build a stronger, more connected talent ecosystem. They dive into:
- The impact of AI, automation, and emerging technologies on manufacturing jobs
- Why soft skills and lifelong learning are more critical than ever
- How foundations can act as conveners—not just funders
- The barriers preventing students from pursuing education beyond high school
- What it takes to align education and industry for long-term regional success If you're interested in workforce development, education innovation, or the future of manufacturing, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical ideas shaping the Midwest and beyond.

In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Chuck Surack — entrepreneur, philanthropist, musician, and one of northeast Indiana’s most influential community builders.
Chuck shares the story behind his journey from selling potholders as a child to launching a mobile recording studio from the back of a VW bus, eventually building Sweetwater into one of the most successful music retail companies in the country. He also talks about life after selling a majority stake in Sweetwater, the creation of Surack Enterprises and the Surack Family Foundation, and why he and his wife, Lisa, are so committed to supporting mental health, human welfare, education, music and the arts.
The conversation explores the Pearl Street Arts, free music lessons for students, Fort Wayne’s growing identity as a music city, servant leadership, humility, entrepreneurship, and Chuck’s belief that “failure is not an option.” Chuck also shares what’s ahead, including major community projects connected to downtown Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, musician, community advocate, or someone who loves seeing the Midwest thrive, this conversation offers inspiration, insight and a powerful reminder of what it means to do the right thing.
Subscribe to The Midwest Flourish for more conversations about the people, projects and ideas shaping the future of our region.
Learn more at: MarketingTheMidwest.com

What does it really take to build a successful startup and why do so many fail?
In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with John McDonald, President & CEO of the Northeast Indiana Innovation Community (NIIC), to unpack the realities of entrepreneurship. From the shift from “innovation center” to “innovation community,” John shares how building connections (not just companies) is the key to long-term success. He breaks down the three biggest reasons startups fail, explains why solving the right problem matters more than having a great idea, and highlights how economic downturns can actually spark innovation.
You’ll also hear:
- How NIIC supports founders from idea to growth
- Why “loving the problem” beats loving your solution
- The critical difference between users and buyers
- Real-world startup mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Why new businesses (not small ones) drive job creation
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, business leader, or just curious about innovation in the Midwest, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest truths. 

How does tourism actually impact economic and workforce development in small communities? In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Tera Roughley, Executive Director of the Huntington County Visitor Bureau, to explore the powerful (and often misunderstood) role tourism plays in growing local economies. From attracting visitors to inspiring people to relocate, Tara shares how communities like Huntington County, Indiana are leveraging collaboration, events, arts, and local pride to drive momentum.
Highlighted Topics
- The real economic impact of tourism
- Turning visitors into residents
- Building a community identity (or not!)
- The role of arts, events, and culture
- Overcoming negative perceptions from within
- Regional collaboration vs competition
- Funding tourism through innkeeper taxes
- Why locals are your best ambassadors
Whether you're in economic development, tourism, or community leadership, this conversation offers practical insights on how to grow and promote your region.
Learn more: https://marketingthemidwest.com

In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Matt Truty, co-founder and CEO of Fort Wayne-based BT Pro Solutions, to talk about what it really takes to build a modern tech company. They explore software consulting, product development, entrepreneurship through acquisition, and how AI is rapidly transforming the way software is built. Matt also shares his thoughts on the future of work, the risks AI creates for entry-level talent, and why human-centered companies will matter more than ever in the next wave of innovation.

There are major changes on the horizon for Indiana’s workforce system.
In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Rob King, Executive Director of the South Central Region 8 Workforce Board, to discuss the evolving future of workforce development across the state. Region 8 serves eight counties in south central Indiana, including Bloomington and the surrounding rural communities.
Highlighted Topics:
- What a workforce board actually does (and why most people misunderstand it)
- How WorkOne centers connect job seekers to training and employers
- The role of Vincennes University in supporting workforce services
- How adult education providers help residents earn diplomas and certifications
- Why Workforce Ready Grants are critical for high-demand careers like welding, HVAC, and advanced manufacturing
- The growing impact of life sciences, tech, and microelectronics in the region
- Why collaboration between workforce and economic development is essential
- The proposed reduction of Indiana workforce regions from 12 to 8 — and what that could mean for southern Indiana
Rob also shares his personal journey from the U.S. Air Force to workforce leadership and why helping people build better lives isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.
If you care about economic growth, talent development, public policy, or the future of Indiana’s workforce, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Learn more about Midwest-focused economic conversations at marketingthemidwest.com.

What if cost wasn’t the barrier to higher education?
In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Bushnell, President & CEO of the Questa Education Foundation, to discuss how students across Northeast Indiana are accessing college, certifications, and career pathways, with less debt and more support. Since 1937, Questa has helped students pursue education beyond high school through innovative forgivable loan programs. Their model is simple but powerful: fund students now, forgive loans when they graduate and return to work in the region.
Highlighted Topics:
- Why college messaging needs to change
- The truth about ROI and post-secondary education
- How Questa addresses both financial and psychological barriers
- The launch of the Compass Fund Finder and Questa Compass directory
- How the regional Learn More, Earn More initiative is reshaping talent development
Whether you’re a student, parent, employer, or community leader, this conversation offers practical insight into making education accessible and meaningful.

How do you help young people move from dreaming to doing?
 
In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Megan McClellan, Executive Director of Believe in a Dream in Fort Wayne. Since 2010, Believe in a Dream has provided more than 5,000 immersive, hands-on experiences to middle and high school students across Northeast Indiana completely free of charge. From music and leadership to tech and entrepreneurship, students aren’t just encouraged to dream — they’re equipped to act.
 
Highlighted Topics:
- How the organization operates with just one full-time employee
- Why students keep coming back (and bring their friends)
- How community partnerships fuel growth
- What’s next, including possible national expansion If you care about youth development, entrepreneurship, education, or the future of the Midwest, this episode will inspire you.
 
Learn more or get involved at marketingthemidwest.com