Bloomington Tour

Registration begins at 9:00 am

9:30 AM - 11:15 Am

B-Line Corridor Development Tour

This guided tour highlights how Bloomington has leveraged the B-Line Trail corridor to drive economic development, placemaking, and public-private investment. Participants will visit key sites that demonstrate how recreation, the arts, innovation, housing, and convention infrastructure are shaping the city’s future.

Space is limited to the first 50 attendees

Registration Opens

Welcome

John Launius, Chair of IEDA
David Reingold, Chancellor of IU Bloomington
Kerry Thomson, Mayor of Bloomington

Beyond the Field: The Economic Impact of IU Football

College athletics often serves as one of the most visible gateways to a university and its community. This session will explore how IU Athletics contributes to Indiana University’s national brand, helps attract talent, and supports the broader momentum of Bloomington and the state of Indiana. Learn how the reach and visibility of athletics can play a meaningful role in strengthening institutional reputation and regional growth.
Stephen Harper, Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer, Indiana University

Networking Break

Leveraging Data Centers for Community Benefit

Chris King , President and CEO, Runnebohm Construction
Jonathan Lawler, Founder, Rural Strategies Group
Mindy Westrick Brown, Counsel, Faegre Drinker

Networking Break

Future of IEDA

John Launius, One Southern Indiana

Break

Session: BRE Jeopardy

IEDA After Hours

Breakfast

Welcome

8:30 AM

Indiana Opportunity Zones; Selecting for Impact.

The federal Opportunity Zone incentive was brand new ten years ago. This year the country will select new zones for a decennial designation. Join us for a discussion of what happened in OZ 1.0 and how to make a great case for designation in 2.0.

Jenny and Mick Wilz began their work as OZ investors in Brookville, Indiana in 2019 after selling their family manufacturing business in 2018. First off was an investment in Third Place News, the oldest newspaper in the state, as part of a broader commitment to revitalizing the town’s historic Main Street. Projects include building Brookville’s first hotel, Cobblestone Inn and Suites, and developing Valley House Flats, a 47-unit blend of historic preservation and new construction that thoughtfully combines affordable and market-rate apartments. Jenny is continuing the work as an ambassador for rural OZ 2.0, bringing education and awareness of the economic possibilities for small communities in America’s heartland. Frances Mennone is managing director for FBT Gibbons, working with Brookville and other communities to prepare for OZ 2.0.
Frances Mennone, FBT Gibbons
Jenny Wilz, an OZ investor in Town of Brookville, Indiana

9:30 AM

Networking Break

9:45 AM

Inside the Deal: How Communities Work with Developers

Successful development projects depend on strong partnerships between communities and developers. This session will explore both the public and private perspectives on engaging developers, building productive relationships, and moving projects from concept to construction. Panelists will share practical lessons on what developers look for and how communities can position themselves for successful projects.
Josh Marsh, Mayor of Greensburg, IN
Tom Dickey, CEO Rebar Development
Jack Woods, Civitas Strategies
Moderator: Pete Olson, Civitas Strategies

Break

Leveraging University Partnerships for Economic Development

Universities play a key role in connecting research, talent, and industry needs. This panel will highlight how Indiana University is partnering with organizations such as Cook Medical and NSWC Crane through IU LAB and other research assets to address industry challenges, support workforce development, and advance innovation across Indiana.
Russ Mumper, Vice President for Research, Indiana University
Peter Polverini III, Vice President, Interventional MRI Division, Cook Medical
David Rosenberg, President & CEO, IU LAB