Behind the Region

South Bend Regional Chamber
  • 5.0 (6)
  • BUSINESS

What’s happening to spur economic vitality in the South Bend, Indiana, Region, and surrounding areas? And who are the people behind these efforts? We'll dive deeper beyond the headlines to keep you informed on the people and businesses making things happen in the region. You’ll hear casual and candid conversations with real people—business and community leaders driving the region forward. Hear authentic, unscripted stories from entrepreneurs, business owners, elected officials, and more!

  1. Brian Witkowski - Strategic Advisor at The AME Group

    5D AGO

    Brian Witkowski - Strategic Advisor at The AME Group

    Send a text Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we take a closer look at the people, companies, and ideas shaping our regional economy. We are excited about today’s conversation because we’re joined by Brian Witkowski from the AME Group. AME Group is a leader in IT consulting, cybersecurity, and managed services, helping organizations navigate technology in a way that actually supports growth and resilience. Brian brings deep experience at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and regional impact, and today we’ll talk about what organizations should be thinking about right now—from innovation and security to talent and the future of tech in our region.

    25 min
  2. Ryan Boeskool-South Bend Regional Chamber Director of Strategic Partnerships

    JAN 30

    Ryan Boeskool-South Bend Regional Chamber Director of Strategic Partnerships

    Send us a text Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we highlight the people and initiatives shaping the future of our community. Today, we’re joined by Ryan Boeskool, the Chamber’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. Ryan plays a key role in building connections that strengthen our regional workforce, support local employers, and drive collaborative solutions across St. Joseph County. In this episode, Ryan will walk us through several important initiatives — including the Health Talent Alliance, a major effort focused on supporting our healthcare ecosystem, expanding workforce pipelines, and ensuring our region can meet the growing demand for skilled health professionals. He’ll share insights on why this work matters, how partnerships across education, business, and healthcare are coming together, and what it means for the future of talent in our community. Let’s get started.

    18 min
  3. Hugh Johnson - Co-Founder of J2 Marketing.

    JAN 23

    Hugh Johnson - Co-Founder of J2 Marketing.

    Send us a text Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber where we highlight the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping our community. Today, we’re joined by someone whose fingerprints are on a wide range of exciting ventures across the region — Hugh Johnson. Hugh is the co-founder of J2 Marketing, a creative agency known for bringing bold storytelling and strategy to businesses throughout Michiana. He’s also one of the owners of the South Bend Country Club, where he’s helping guide the continued evolution of one of our area's most historic and beloved institutions. Beyond that, Hugh is involved in several other business ventures, each reflecting his passion for growth, innovation, and investing in the South Bend community. His entrepreneurial journey, leadership style, and vision for the future all make him an incredible guest for today’s episode. Let’s dive in.

    26 min
  4. Jeff Jarnecke - Executive Director of Visit South Bend/Mishawaka

    JAN 16

    Jeff Jarnecke - Executive Director of Visit South Bend/Mishawaka

    Send us a text Welcome to Behind the Region, the official podcast of the South Bend Regional Chamber. Today, we’re excited to bring you an insider’s look at what’s happening in tourism across St. Joseph County. Joining us is Jeff Jarnecke, Executive Director of Visit South Bend/Mishawaka, who will share the latest updates, trends, and opportunities shaping our region’s visitor economy. From major events and attractions to strategies driving growth, Jeff will give us a clear picture of how tourism continues to impact our community and why St. Joseph County is a destination worth exploring. Let’s dive in!

    26 min
  5. Doug Elder - Founder of DOJO Creative

    JAN 9

    Doug Elder - Founder of DOJO Creative

    Send us a text Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we go beyond the headlines to explore the people, ideas, and businesses shaping our regional economy. Today’s episode features Doug Elder, founder of DOJO Creative—a Mishawaka–based branding and marketing agency known for helping organizations tell clearer, more compelling stories. Doug has worked with companies across the region and beyond, bringing a thoughtful, strategy-first approach to branding, marketing, and creative leadership. In this conversation, we’ll talk about the role of storytelling in economic growth, how strong brands can elevate a region, and what Doug has learned building a creative business right here in Michiana. Let’s go Behind the Region with Doug Elder from DOJO Creative.

    27 min
  6. Irish Saunders - Swan Lake Resort

    12/21/2025

    Irish Saunders - Swan Lake Resort

    Send us a text  Welcome to Behind the Region, the podcast from the South Bend Regional Chamber, where we spotlight the people, places, and ideas shaping our regional economy and community. Today, we’re excited to be joined by Irish Saunders from Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana. Swan Lake is a standout destination for tourism, hospitality, and events in our region, and Irish plays a key role in sharing that story and creating memorable experiences for visitors from near and far. We’ll be talking about Swan Lake’s impact on the region, the importance of tourism to our local economy, and what makes Plymouth such a special place to visit and do business. Let’s dive in.

    24 min
  7. Shannon Kellogg, Vice President of Public Policy for AWS for the Americas at Amazon and Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum.

    12/12/2025

    Shannon Kellogg, Vice President of Public Policy for AWS for the Americas at Amazon and Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum.

    Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the forces driving growth, innovation, and opportunity across Northern Indiana. We’re joined by two exceptional leaders whose work impacts communities across the state and the nation. First, Shannon Kellogg, Vice President of  Public Policy for AWS for the  Americas at Amazon. Shannon brings a national perspective on technology, public policy, and the future of cloud innovation—along with how these global shifts connect to the work being done right here in our region. We’re also excited to welcome Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. Heather is a leading voice in regional economic development, partnership building, and strategic transformation across Northwest Indiana. Together, we’ll explore how public policy, economic collaboration, and technological advancement are shaping a stronger, more competitive future across our communities. So settle in—because today, we’re going Behind The Region.

    31 min
  8. Jonathan McKinnies - Senior SVP of Mortgage Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage

    12/05/2025

    Jonathan McKinnies - Senior SVP of Mortgage Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage

    Send us a text Today on Behind the Region, we’re excited to welcome Jonathon McKinnies, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer with CrossCountry Mortgage. Jonathon is widely recognized for his client-focused approach to home financing and his commitment to helping individuals and families across our region navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. With years of experience in the mortgage industry, Jonathon brings a blend of deep expertise, community-minded leadership, and a passion for educating borrowers. His team is known for delivering a smooth, transparent lending process—something that has earned him a strong reputation throughout the South Bend–Mishawaka area and beyond. Today, we’ll talk with Jonathon about the current mortgage landscape, what homebuyers should know in today’s market, and how CrossCountry Mortgage is working to make homeownership more accessible in our community.

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

What’s happening to spur economic vitality in the South Bend, Indiana, Region, and surrounding areas? And who are the people behind these efforts? We'll dive deeper beyond the headlines to keep you informed on the people and businesses making things happen in the region. You’ll hear casual and candid conversations with real people—business and community leaders driving the region forward. Hear authentic, unscripted stories from entrepreneurs, business owners, elected officials, and more!

Information

  • Creator
    South Bend Regional Chamber
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 South Bend Regional Chamber
  • Show Website
    Behind the Region