Gov. Braun Drives Economy & Talent Forward in South Bend-Elkhart Region
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Mike Braun spoke to hundreds of regional government, entrepreneurial and industry leaders about how he is growing jobs and wages and building on the economic momentum happening across the South Bend-Elkhart region. The Governor’s address was part of IBJ Media’s Innovate Indiana series, which is convening nine regional events in 2026 to discuss opportunities to elevate Indiana’s future.
“Indiana’s community and economic development efforts are advancing at a record pace thanks to the collaboration and commitment of regions like South Bend-Elkhart,” said Gov. Braun. “Across the area, new small businesses, new housing developments and new talent partnerships continue to take shape, creating opportunities that will allow current and future generations of Hoosiers to prosper.”
By working directly with community leaders and regional assets, Gov. Braun noted a number of economic development successes across the three-county South Bend-Elkhart region, including:
- Major expansion and new job announcements from companies like Boundless Recreation – which just this morning announced its launch in Bristol and its plans to create 115 new jobs; along with Alera Marine Group, Aluminum Insights, AWS and V Tech Conversions;
- Significant contributions to Indiana’s advanced manufacturing sector and continued growth in the RV industry;
- More than 65 new businesses launched and $7 million in capital infusion secured for entrepreneurs and small businesses since January 2025 with support from the North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC);
- $95 million in READI funding secured for quality of place and quality of opportunity initiatives across the region, as well as additional funding through Lilly Endowment Inc. for selected blight remediation and arts and culture projects;
- And major skills education and talent initiatives led by Indiana employers like Hoosier Crane Services, Lippert and Tri-County Ambulance Service, the RV Industry Association and the University of Notre Dame.
“Indiana’s regions are as diverse as our state’s landscapes. The South Bend-Elkhart region is leaning into its unique history and leveraging its strong sectors and assets like the University of Notre Dame to strategically grow its economy, its workforce and its innovation ecosystem,” said Indiana
“We look forward to continuing to empower and support the region in its community and economic development initiatives, advancing its neighborhoods across South Bend-Elkhart to better serve Hoosiers.”
Click here to watch a video showcasing how South Bend-Elkhart is innovating, growing and moving the state forward, and click here to view photos from today’s event.
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