The Midwest Flourish

Marketing the Midwest
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

From workforce wins to economic development breakthroughs. its real talk with real answers from the leaders shaping our region’s future. Let’s keep the Midwest momentum going, and shape the future of our region—together.

  1. 6D AGO

    CTE & Student Success: Jim Walmsley on Real-World Training at IMPACT Institute | EP. 23

    Career & Technical Education (CTE) has been opening doors for students for decades and it’s evolving fast. In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Jim Walmsley, Director of the IMPACT Institute (a career center serving northeast Indiana) and past president of the Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education Districts, to talk about what CTE looks like today and where it’s headed. Highlighted Topics: - What CTE really is (and why it’s not just “shop class”) - Indiana’s shifting diploma requirements and the push for work-based learning - What “high-quality” work-based learning should mean in practice - Certifications: when they matter, when they don’t, and what they prove - Funding challenges and how course offerings get supported - How CTE is adapting to AI, automation, and Industry 4.0 - Why CTE leaders say they need to tell their story better and what’s at stake   Want to dig deeper or get involved? Visit MarketingTheMidwest.com.

    32 min

  2. JAN 28

    Mike Flanagan on Ann Arbor SPARK: How Michigan Fuels Startups with Pre-Seed Capital | EP. 22

    Ann Arbor is providing access to millions of dollars for business startups, in this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant talks with Mike Flanagan, Vice President of Capital Programs at Ann Arbor SPARK, who breaks down how it all works. Mike explains how SPARK began as a public-private partnership, what “the Valley of Death” really means for early-stage founders, and how pre-seed/seed investing (plus angel networks) can keep high-growth companies in Michigan. He also shares why Ann Arbor’s talent pipeline and quality of life matter, how “boomerang” grads return home, and standout success stories like Duo Security, Llamasoft, and Histo Sonics. For more information, visit: marketingthemidwest.com

    29 min

  3. JAN 21

    From High School to Global Opportunities: Steve Corona on Helping Latino Youth Thrive | EP. 21

    Latino students in the Midwest often face extra hurdles on the road to academic and economic success, from uncertainty around immigration policy to language barriers and limited access to guidance. In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant talks with Steve Corona, Executive Director of Latinos Count, about how the organization helps students build a clear “exit strategy” after high school, pursue college and career pathways, and connect with mentors and scholarships that open doors. They also discuss what today’s students respond to, why parent and community involvement matters, and how recognizing Latino contributions strengthens the region’s future workforce. Get involved: Latinos Count is actively looking for mentors, Spanish-speaking welcome, but not required. For more informations visit; marketingthemidwest.com

    32 min

  4. JAN 7

    Inside the Orthopedic Capital of the World: Talent, Innovation & Community w/ Allyn Decker | EP. 20

    Warsaw, Indiana may look like a small Midwestern community, but it’s home to one of the most powerful medical device ecosystems in the world.   In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Dr. Allyn Decker, Vice President of Operations & Engagement at OrthoWorx, to explore how Warsaw became known as the Orthopedic Capital of the World and how leaders are working to ensure it stays that way. With one-third of global orthopedic device revenue tied to the region, OrthoWorx plays a critical role in: - Building a long-term talent pipeline (K–12, higher ed, and workforce) - Driving innovation in orthopedics and medtech - Investing in quality-of-life initiatives to attract and retain top talent - Strengthening community infrastructure, housing, and amenities   Other highlighted topics: - Virtual reality career exploration for students - Manufacturing and CNC career pathways - Smart implants, robotics, AI, and bio-compatible materials - A potential $165M NSF grant that could transform Indiana’s musculoskeletal research ecosystem - Why community development is essential to economic sustainability   This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in economic development, workforce strategy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare innovation, and the future of the Midwest.   To learn more about The Midwest Flourish Podcast visit: marketingthemidwest.com

    30 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Growing the Next Workforce: Park Ginder on How Communities Can Help Young People Flourish | EP. 19

    How do communities help young people thrive beyond high school? On this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Park Ginder, Ph.D, former school superintendent and now Executive Director of Grow Allen in Allen County, Indiana. Grow Allen connects education, business, and industry to open real-world opportunities for students, from workforce tours to internships to career-aligned training. But beyond credentials and job skills, today’s young people face deeper challenges: motivation, structure, academic readiness, and finding what they actually love to do. Hightlighted Topics: • How business-school partnerships expand career awareness • Why talent development requires a long-term view • The myth of “high-wage, high-demand” as the only path • How family structure and time shape success • Ways to reignite curiosity and imagination in students Whether you're an educator, employer, parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of our region — this episode will challenge and inspire you. Want to dig deeper or get involved? Visit MarketingTheMidwest.com

    33 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Risk, Purpose & Reinventions w/ Dr. Andrew Roberts | EP. 18

    What does it really take to be an entrepreneur? In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Dr. Andrew Roberts, a practicing physician, entrepreneur, and chair of the SCORE Northeast Indiana leadership team. Dr. Roberts shares: - his unconventional path from medicine to entrepreneurship - why he launched and exited a successful addiction recovery business - the core traits entrepreneurs MUST have - the hurdles new founders face (and how to overcome them) - how SCORE provides free business mentoring - why uncertainty may STILL be the best time to start a business Whether you’re dreaming of a startup, actively building one, or looking to give back to the entrepreneurial community, this episode delivers insights, perspective, and practical value.

    31 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    Education and Opportunity -- Connecting the Dots with Adam Welch | EP. 17

    How can a community build a sustainable workforce while keeping its economy growing? In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant talks with Adam Welch, Vice President of Economic Development at Greater Fort Wayne Inc., about the Made By Me initiative — a powerful collaboration between educators, employers, and students aimed at closing the skilled trades gap in Allen County, Indiana. Adam shares how Fort Wayne’s business community is addressing workforce shortages, engaging schools, and preparing young people for careers in manufacturing, construction, and beyond. From teacher externships to hands-on student outreach, Made By Me is connecting the dots between education and opportunity. Highlighted Topics: - Why employer involvement is key to solving the talent crisis - How automation and AI are reshaping local industries - What it takes to attract and retain businesses in a growing Midwest metro Whether you’re an educator, employer, or civic leader, this episode offers practical insights into regional growth, workforce innovation, and community collaboration. Learn more about Made By Me and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. at greaterfortwayneinc.com

    32 min

  8. 10/29/2025

    Bob Quick on How Commerce Lexington Connects Communities to Prosper Together | EP. 16

    How does a region truly grow its workforce, economy, and sense of community? For Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington, it comes down to two things: connection and trust. In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant explores how Lexington, Kentucky, a region known for its horses, bourbon, and bluegrass pride, is also a model for collaboration, talent attraction, and entrepreneurship. Quick explains how a nine-county competitiveness plan brought together public and private leaders, why telling your story matters as much as workforce strategy, and how Lexington’s partnerships are tackling housing, education, and innovation head-on.   Highlighted Topics: - Building trust across a nine-county region -Talent attraction and retention strategies - Entrepreneurship and workforce readiness - Housing affordability and collaborative solutions - The role of storytelling in regional development

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

From workforce wins to economic development breakthroughs. its real talk with real answers from the leaders shaping our region’s future. Let’s keep the Midwest momentum going, and shape the future of our region—together.

Information

  • Creator
    Marketing the Midwest
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Midwest Flourish