Building Hancock

Newpalopen4biz

Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the people, businesses, and organizations driving the vision and future of Hancock County, Indiana. Through thoughtful interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, we highlight the leaders and innovators investing their time, resources, and passion into making Hancock County a vibrant place to live, work, and play. This limited-series podcast explores the initiatives shaping the area—from innovative economic development to local community programs—and celebrates the spirit of collaboration fueling Hancock County's growth. Whether you're a resident or a business owner considering the area, Building Hancock offers an inspiring and heartfelt look at the people building the county’s future. Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community is brought to you through a partnership of NewPalOpen4Biz, BringingTech2You., and AdvoCast Hosted by Dave Meeker Co-Hosted by Shawn P Neal Produced by AdvoCast at Studio236 #NewPalOpen4Biz #AdvoCast #HancockCounty #Indiana 

Episodios

  1. 06/11/2025

    Leading with Kindness: How Hancock Health Is Transforming Community Wellbeing

    In this episode of Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community, co-host Shawn P Neal sits down with Steve Long, President and CEO of Hancock Health, to explore how one organization’s commitment to kindness, proactive healthcare, and community connection is reshaping the future of Hancock County. From the award-winning Wellbeing at Work program to an innovative Behavioral Health Mobile Response Team, Steve shares how Hancock Health is turning compassion into measurable community outcomes—making Hancock County one of the healthiest in Indiana. Key Takeaways: Kindness is a strategy: Embedding compassion into operations and culture can drive measurable health and business outcomes.\Prevention is power: Proactive healthcare models—like direct primary care and “exercise as medicine”—save costs and lives.Community collaboration heals: Hancock County’s success shows what’s possible when healthcare, education, business, and faith work together. Podcast Information: Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community highlights the people, projects, and partnerships shaping the future of Hancock County, Indiana. Hosted by Dave Meeker and produced in collaboration with Bringing Tech to You, #NewPalOpen4Biz, AdvoCast, and our title sponsor, Hancock Health. Hashtags #BuildingHancock #CommunityHealth #HancockHealth #Leadership #KindnessInAction #WellbeingAtWork #HealthcareInnovation #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #IndianaStrong

    26 min
  2. 12/09/2025

    Finding Joy in Clay The Art of Jennifer Meeker

    In this episode of Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community, hosts Dave Meeker and Shawn P Neal sit down with Hancock County ceramic artist Jennifer Meeker, whose handcrafted pottery captures the textures, shapes, and spirit of nature. From her roots in New Palestine to her thriving studio in Garfield Park, Jennifer has built a career that blends artistry, sustainability, and community connection. Jennifer shares her journey with clay—from her first coil pots in elementary school to discovering the potter’s wheel at Herron School of Art and Design. She talks about the inspiration she draws from nature, her love for art fairs, and her private pottery experiences that invite people to create and celebrate special moments. Listeners will also hear how her work brings joy to everyday life, whether through a morning coffee mug or a personalized piece of art. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Jennifer Meeker blends her lifestyle and values with her ceramics.Why art fairs are more than sales—they’re opportunities for connection.The story behind her private pottery experiences and what participants can expect.How her work inspires joy, appreciation for art, and connection to nature.Jennifer’s vision for mentoring young artists and expanding her reach in the years ahead.Resources & Links:Visit Jennifer’s website: JenniferMeekerArt.comFollow Jennifer on Instagram: @JenniferMeekerArtConnect on Facebook: Jennifer Meeker ArtAbout the Podcast: Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community shines a light on the people, places, and projects shaping the future of Hancock County, Indiana. Hosted by Dave Meeker with co-host Shawn P Neal, the show is made possible by our partners Bringing Tech to You, New Pal Open for Biz, AdvoCast, and our title sponsor Hancock Health.

    13 min
  3. 04/08/2025

    Highlights From The 2025 New Pal Summer Fest

    Join host Dave Meeker and co-host Shawn P Neal as they dive into the heart of the New Pal Summerfest 2025. This episode features engaging conversations with local voices like David Stillinger, Elvira Davis, Mike Fowler, Scott Wooldridge, Becca Biedler, State Representative Ethan Lawson, and Tina Frey. Discover what makes this community celebration so special and hear firsthand stories from the people shaping Hancock County, Indiana. Key Highlights: David Stillinger shares insights on community values and the growth of his family-owned business. Tina Frey discusses the importance of water conditioning services and community loyalty. Elvira Davis talks about LifeWise Academy's role in character building through biblical education. Scott Woolridge reflects on his dual roles as an attorney and county councilman. Becca Beidler emphasizes the passion behind IDFIT Programs and making fitness accessible. State Representative Ethan Lawson shares his experiences and the importance of community engagement. Mike Fowler highlights the contributions of the American Legion and the local fire department. Hashtags: #NewPalSummerfest #Community #HancockCounty #LocalVoices #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast #NewPalOpen4Biz #BringingTech2You If you're a business owner in the New Palestine or Hancock County area, join the movement to support local commerce by reaching out through the our Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/newpalopen4biz Produced min partnership with AdvoCast

    29 min
  4. 28/04/2025

    Celebrating Community Spirit: Julie Lucas and the Revitalization of New Palestine Main Street

    In this kickoff episode of Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community, hosts Dave Meeker and Co-Host Shawn P Neal sit down with Julie Lucas, President of New Palestine Main Street. Julie shares her journey from a career in insurance to becoming a passionate leader in her hometown’s revitalization efforts. She discusses the mission of New Pal Main Street, the impact of volunteer-driven events like SummerFest, and future dreams for an amphitheater and historic preservation initiatives. Listeners will hear how a strong community spirit, generous sponsors, and committed volunteers are transforming New Palestine into an even more vibrant and welcoming place. This episode highlights the power of local engagement in building a town’s future while honoring its history. Building Hancock is showcasing the people, businesses, and organizations driving the vision and future of Hancock County, Indiana. Brought to you by Hancock Health and #NewPalOpen4Biz Produced by AdvoCast Links: Click to Visit the New Palestine Main Street websiteMessage us on Facebook to get your business involved in #NewPalOpen4Biz Interested in exploring how podcasting can build your business brand? Visit the AdvoCast website here. Key Takeaways: The Heart Behind New Palestine Main Street: Julie Lucas's lifelong dedication to building community through volunteerism shines through her leadership role, keeping New Pal’s small-town spirit alive and thriving.Volunteer-Driven Success: New Pal Main Street operates with a 100% volunteer board, organizing beloved events like SummerFest, Derby on Depot, Harvest Fest, and Winterfest, which strengthen community ties and celebrate local culture.Big Dreams for the Future: Julie shares the organization's exciting vision, including the hope of building a community amphitheater, updating historic facades, and creating more opportunities for local arts and performances.How the Community Can Get Involved: From sponsorships to event volunteering to website and social media support, there are many ways residents and businesses can support the mission of New Pal Main Street and help shape the future of the town.A Deep-Rooted Connection to Hancock County: Julie’s lifelong residence in New Palestine and her commitment to preserving its warmth, history, and family-oriented values are central to the continued growth and revitalization efforts.#NewPalOpen4Biz #BuildingHancock #NewPalestineIN #NewPalMainStreet #HancockCountyIndiana #SupportLocalIN #HancockCountyPride #NewPalCommunity

    15 min

Información

Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the people, businesses, and organizations driving the vision and future of Hancock County, Indiana. Through thoughtful interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, we highlight the leaders and innovators investing their time, resources, and passion into making Hancock County a vibrant place to live, work, and play. This limited-series podcast explores the initiatives shaping the area—from innovative economic development to local community programs—and celebrates the spirit of collaboration fueling Hancock County's growth. Whether you're a resident or a business owner considering the area, Building Hancock offers an inspiring and heartfelt look at the people building the county’s future. Building Hancock: Stories of Growth and Community is brought to you through a partnership of NewPalOpen4Biz, BringingTech2You., and AdvoCast Hosted by Dave Meeker Co-Hosted by Shawn P Neal Produced by AdvoCast at Studio236 #NewPalOpen4Biz #AdvoCast #HancockCounty #Indiana