Indiana Gov. Mike Braun told regional government, business and industry leaders that the South Bend-Elkhart area is helping grow jobs, wages and workforce opportunities.
Braun spoke as part of IBJ Media’s Innovate Indiana series, which is holding events across the state this year. He pointed to company expansions, small-business growth, workforce training and community development as signs of the region’s economic momentum.
Among the latest announcements, Boundless Recreation plans to launch in Bristol and create 115 jobs. Other companies cited for expansions or new jobs included Alera Marine Group, Aluminum Insights, AWS and V Tech Conversions.
The North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center has supported the launch of more than 65 businesses since January 2025 and helped entrepreneurs and small businesses secure $7 million in capital, according to the announcement.
The region also secured $95 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative funding for quality-of-place and opportunity projects. Additional funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. is supporting selected blight-remediation and arts and culture projects.
Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich said the region is building on its manufacturing base, the RV industry and assets such as the University of Notre Dame. He also cited employer-led education and talent initiatives involving Hoosier Crane Services, Lippert, Tri-County Ambulance Service and the RV Industry Association.
