Economic development is ultimately about people.

It’s about creating stronger communities, supporting opportunity, and building the kinds of connections that help regions move forward together. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience that firsthand through the 2026 Indiana Economic Development Course hosted by Ball State University.

The course, which serves as Indiana’s equivalent to the International Economic Development Council Introduction to Economic Development program, brought together more than 40 professionals from across the state representing communities, organizations, and industries all working toward a shared goal: strengthening Indiana’s future.

Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom

Throughout the week, the course explored the many facets of economic development, including workforce strategy, community development, business retention, site selection, housing, and regional collaboration.

But beyond the curriculum itself, one of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the opportunity to learn alongside professionals facing many of the same opportunities and challenges occurring across East Central Indiana.

Each community may look different, but many of the conversations centered around similar priorities. How do we attract and retain talent? How do we support quality of place? How do we build long-term momentum while staying connected to the unique identity of our communities?

Those discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration—not just within regions, but across the state as a whole.

Building Relationships That Matter

One of the most impactful parts of the course was the cohort itself.

Having more than 40 participants created opportunities for meaningful conversation, idea sharing, and relationship-building that extended well beyond formal presentations. Whether discussing workforce pipelines, downtown development, or regional branding, the exchange of perspectives created a valuable network of professionals committed to improving their communities.

That kind of connection matters.

Economic development is rarely accomplished in isolation. Many of the most successful initiatives are built through partnerships, shared learning, and the willingness to collaborate across industries and regions.

Programs like this help create those connections.

Education as Economic Development

One of the clearest takeaways from the experience was the important role education plays in economic development itself.

Programs like this do more than teach concepts. They prepare leaders, encourage innovation, and create stronger alignment between communities working toward similar goals.

Hosted by Ball State University, the course also highlights the important role higher education institutions play in supporting regional growth. Universities are not only educating students; they are helping equip professionals and communities with the tools needed to compete and succeed long-term.

Looking Ahead

At Forge East Central Indiana, collaboration and regional thinking are central to our work.

Experiences like the Indiana Economic Development Course reinforce the value of continuing to invest in people, partnerships, and shared learning opportunities that strengthen communities across Indiana.

The challenges facing regions today are complex, but so are the opportunities.

And when professionals from across the state come together to learn, connect, and collaborate, it creates momentum that benefits all of Indiana—including East Central Indiana.

A Shared Commitment to Growth

The week served as a reminder that economic development is not just about projects or investment announcements.

It’s about relationships.
It’s about education.
And it’s about building communities that are positioned to grow and thrive over time.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside such an engaged and thoughtful cohort and look forward to applying those experiences in support of East Central Indiana moving forward.