The Midwest Flourish

Melanie Kellogg on Diversifying Noble County Beyond Manufacturing | EP. 10

Noble County, Indiana, ranks among the top counties in the nation for manufacturing concentration, but what happens when an economy depends too heavily on one sector? In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant talks with Melanie Kellogg, Executive Director of the Noble County Economic Development Corporation (Be Noble), about how the county is:
- Growing entrepreneurial ecosystems through coworking spaces and mentorship
- Attracting medtech and other new industries to diversify the economy
- Expanding broadband access to support remote work and business growth
- Tackling housing shortages and childcare needs to strengthen workforce participation
- Investing in leadership development and small business support Melanie also shares the county’s vision for long-term growth and the challenges they face—like land access, community resistance, and infrastructure upgrades such as potable water and sewer expansion.
 
Learn more about empowering Midwest communities at MarketingTheMidwest.com

Amp Lab Redefines High School: Riley Johnson on Transformative Learning | EP. 9

What if high school wasn't about tests and grades, but was about solving real problems, building businesses, and discovering your passion? In today's episode of The Midwest Flourish Podcast, Riley Johnson, director of the AMP Lab at Electric Works in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins host Rick Farrant to share how this innovative, entrepreneurial learning program is changing how students experience education and life in the workforce. Learn how the AMP Lab empowers students to explore careers, connect with local businesses, and gain real-world experience.
Highlighted Topics:
- AMP Lab Overview
- Entrepreneurial thinking for students
- Hands on, project based learning
- Community Partnerships
- Academic Success
- Life skills development

Revitalizing Rural America: Eric Doden’s Blueprint for Small Town Revival | EP. 8

Can rural communities thrive again? Entrepreneur and economic development leader Eric Doden believes the answer is yes—and he’s proving it. In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, Eric unpacks his innovative financial model that’s breathing new life into small towns across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. From Butler to Van Wert, his approach blends private equity, federal and state tax credits, and hyperlocal ownership structures to restore historic downtowns—one building (or 20) at a time.
 
Check out Paygo: https://www.youtube.com/@UCneqwptov8kwd1T71lw5usA
Highlighted Topics:
- Why restoring 100% of a town’s core assets is key
- How trust companies empower local control
- Why community pride is an essential metric
- How revitalized towns are attracting talent and reversing population decline
- What motivates Eric more than money—and whether he might return to politics If you care about rural revival, economic impact, or bold leadership in community development, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Allie Sutherland on Why Childcare Is the Key to Workforce Growth in the Midwest | EP. 7

Are we treating childcare as essential infrastructure? When Allie Sutherland moved to Indiana, she had a great job and two young children—but no access to childcare. In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, Allie shares her personal struggle to find affordable, high-quality care and how that experience led her to become the Executive Director of the Northeast Indiana Early Childhood Coalition. Discover how one family’s challenge sparked a regional solution that's helping thousands. 6,600 parents in Northeast Indiana want to work—but can’t, due to lack of affordable childcare. Learn how initiatives like the Tri-Share Plus program and Hoosier Milestones Alliance are working to change that.
 
Highlighted Topics:
- The Childcare Access Crisis
- Childcare as Economic Infrastructure
- The Cost of Childcare - Defining Quality in Early Childhood Care
- Licensed vs. Unlicensed Childcare
- The Work Willing Parent Study
- The Tri-Share Plus Program
- The Hoosier Milestones Alliance
- Employer Involvement and Retention Challenges
- State-Level Funding and Policy Setbacks
 
#affordablechildcare #workforcedevelopment #podcast #economicdevelopment #childcare #earlychildhoodeducation #marketingthemidwest #midwest #childcarecosts #childcareservices #childcareprovider #affordable #themidwestflourish #northeastindiana #indiana #indianaeconomy #workforce #parents #parenting #parentworkforce #education #childhoodeducation

How to Grow a Region: Ron Turpin on Strategic Investment, Workforce and Collaboration | EP. 6

What does it really take to drive long-term growth in a community? In this episode of The Midwest Flourish Podcast, Ron Turpin—Chairman of the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission and Allen County Commissioner—joins host Rick Farrant to discuss the three key drivers of regional prosperity: population growth, wage growth, and credential attainment. Ron shares how Indiana’s only legislatively-backed regional strategic plan came together, and why collaboration will shape the region’s future.
Highlighted Topics:
- Where $30 million in state investment is going—and why
- How housing, infrastructure, and education fuel growth - Why degree and credential attainment is the “missing link” in workforce development
- How community-wide engagement (not just the usual voices) can turn vision into action If you're involved in regional development, economic strategy, or just care about where Northeast Indiana is headed, this conversation offers both context and a call to coordinated action.
Learn more or connect with us at: https://marketingthemidwest.com

Making Manufacturing Cool Again: Terry M. Iverson on the Future of U.S. Industry | EP. 5

Can we really bring manufacturing back to America and make it exciting for the next generation? In this episode of The Midwest Flourish Podcast, host Rick Farrant sits down with Terry M. Iverson, longtime machine tool executive, author, and founder of ChampionNow.org. Terry shares his vision for reshaping how Americans view careers in manufacturing.
Highlighted Topics:
- How ChampionNow and its “Camp CHAMP” model are inspiring students nationwide
- Why CNC machining is the next frontier for digital natives and gamers
- The case for debt-free education and lifelong learning in advanced manufacturing
- What it will take to truly revive Made in America and why it matters If you're an educator, parent, employer, or community leader who wants to see the Midwest thrive, this conversation is packed with insights, challenges, and actionable ideas.
 
Learn more or connect with us at: https://www.marketingthemidwest.com

Can Rural America Grow Again? Isaac Lee on Change, Housing & Broadband | EP. 4

What does it take to help a rural community grow in the face of population decline, aging demographics, and deep-rooted resistance to change? In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Isaac Lee, Executive Director of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation, to talk candidly about what it means to lead economic strategy in a small Indiana county—and why he’s not willing to accept a future of stagnation. Isaac shares the bold, practical steps his team is taking to confront one of the region’s biggest challenges: a projected population drop of 4,500 people by 2050. From launching housing partnerships and expanding broadband access to educating elected officials on the cost of inaction, Isaac explains how rural economic developers must balance preservation with progress.
Highlighted Topics:
- Why retaining and expanding local businesses is more impactful than chasing new ones
- How shifting generational values are changing where people choose to live and work
- What public-private partnerships can do for affordable housing
- How Steuben County is leveraging its proximity to Michigan and Ohio
- What it's like to navigate the political landscape of rural Indiana
- Why economic development is a lot more like SimCity than you might think With clarity, realism, and a touch of humor, Isaac offers an inside look at the challenges—and opportunities—facing rural communities across the Midwest.
 
Learn more or connect with us at: https://www.marketingthemidwest.com

Edmond O'Neal on Preparing for Jobs That Don't Exist Yet & The Future of Work in the Midwest | EP. 3

What does it take to succeed in a world where the job you’ll have tomorrow hasn’t even been invented yet? On this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Edmond O’Neal, President & CEO of Northeast Indiana Works, to unpack the fast-changing world of work—and how individuals, educators, and employers can better prepare for what’s ahead. In this wide-ranging conversation, Edmond shares smart, real-world insights on workforce trends, federal funding shifts, training access, transferable skills, and how communities can build pipelines for both youth and adults. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or helping others find their path, this is a must-watch. Highlighted Topics:
What the new Stronger Workforce for America Act means for training
Why transferable skills and lifelong learning matter more than ever
How to break down barriers to workforce participation
The real story behind “talent pipelines” and workforce funding
Preparing for jobs that don’t exist (and why that’s not as scary as it sounds)
How to network before you need it
Edmond's advice is clear: Equip yourself with options, stay connected, and stay curious. Learn more at marketingthemidwest.com #FutureOfWork #TheMidwestFlourish #EdmondO'Neal #WorkforceDevelopment #LifelongLearning #CareerPathways #NortheastIndianaWorks #EconomicMobility #SkillsForTomorrow #RickFarrant #midwest

John Paff on Purpose-Driven Branding and Campaigns That Work | EP. 2

What does it take to build a marketing agency that actually makes a difference? In this insightful episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with John Paff, founder and CEO of Petra Strategic Communication, Fort Wayne Marketing, and Marketing the Midwest. From workforce development to regional branding, John shares how his team has helped economic development organizations, nonprofits, and communities connect with their audiences—using smart strategy, research-driven insights, and creative campaigns. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, economic developer, or a business owner trying to break through the noise, this episode is packed with takeaways on what it means to market with purpose—and results. Highlighted Topics:
The origins of Marketing the Midwest
Rebranding for regional workforce agencies
Building talent pipelines through youth marketing
Why students say "too long, didn’t read"—and what to do about it
The real definition of a brand (hint: it's not your logo)
When marketing matters most: during uncertainty
Learn more at marketingthemidwest.com #TheMidwestFlourish #MarketingStrategy #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceMarketing #JohnPaff #MarketingTheMidwest #Branding #CommunityGrowth #ROI #podcast #podcasting #midwest #midwestmade #indiana

Rachel Blakeman Breaks Down the Midwest Economy | EP. 1

On this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Rachel Blakeman, Director of the Community Research Institute at Purdue University Fort Wayne, for a thought-provoking conversation about inflation, economic trends, and the real story behind Northeast Indiana’s workforce. From why data delays matter to whether Indiana is too reliant on manufacturing, Rachel explains how economic realities shape our future—and how leaders can make smarter, more informed decisions. She also unpacks misconceptions about inflation, the role of DEI in economic health, and why not all trends are what they seem. This is a must-listen for community leaders, business owners, policymakers, and anyone who cares about the future of our region. Highlighted Topics: • Is inflation really the enemy? • What economic data can (and can’t) tell us • The power—and limits—of manufacturing in Indiana • Diversifying our economy realistically • Trends that matter more than unemployment rates • Why we need more college grads and skilled trades • The hidden role of DEI in economic mobility Learn more and get involved: https://marketingthemidwest.com #MidwestFlourish #EconomicDevelopment #Inflation #RachelBlakeman #IndianaEconomy #WorkforceDevelopment #DataDrivenDecisions #CommunityResearch #midwest #RickFarrant