One of the unique benefits of being part of Conexus Indiana’s Councils and Board of Directors are direct engagements with elected officials and public sector leaders shaping Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) landscape.
Conexus creates forums where our partners can exchange information, ask questions and gain insights that help them better navigate current and future business environments. This year, those conversations have included:
1. The Governor’s Roundtable Luncheon
Our annual Governor’s Roundtable Luncheon is one of the most anticipated events for industry leaders to hear directly from state leaders on the priorities shaping Indiana’s economy. This year’s discussion focused on upskilling, energy resources, and the value of shorter-duration training programs that keep Indiana’s workforce competitive.
Partners connected with Governor Mike Braun, Secretary of Commerce David Adams, Secretary of Education Katie Jenner and Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski in an intimate setting.
2. Public Policy Information Sessions
Several times this year, Council partners have had access to legislative updates through information sessions with our partners at Taft Law. These conversations allow our partners to ask questions and understand how new and proposed policies may affect their businesses, helping them stay informed and prepared.
“With my day-to-day responsibilities, it’s difficult to keep up with rapidly shifting policies,” said Gabe Widmer, Director of WL Operations, Dayton-Phoenix Group. “Available information needs to be filtered to determine facts, and it is often a struggle to grasp how my business will be impacted. I’ve found the Conexus Policy Sessions to be invaluable; I can trust the information being presented and the message is tailored to Indiana manufacturers, so I can understand how these changes affect my business.”
In our most recent session, Congressman Yakym joined to provide a detailed overview of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” also known as the Working Families Tax Cut. He walked partners through the bill’s development process, focusing on a budget reconciliation strategy, and touched on the restoration of R&D expensing in an effort to drive GDP.
“[It’s] a timely opportunity to come together with Conexus partners and elected officials,” said Julia Saltsgaver, Quality Connection Executive Director. “The content always centers on proposed policy and legislative process for impact on Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industry. Discussions are formative, genuine and truly help shape outcomes for a better AML landscape.”
3. A Q&A with U.S. Rep Jefferson Shreve
At the Q3 Advanced Industries Council meeting at Beck’s Hybrids, partners engaged directly with U.S. Representative Jefferson Shreve in a live Q&A session.
Congressman Shreve highlighted his role in advancing infrastructure priorities through the federal transportation bill, underscoring how investments in infrastructure directly support the competitiveness of Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics industries. He also detailed the committees he serves on and shared updates on his work in Congress, offering Council partners valuable insight into how federal decisions and policies may shape the business environment for AML companies.
4. A Board Meeting Discussion with SBA Leaders
Earlier this year, Board members gained firsthand insight from leaders at the U.S. Small Business Administration, including Lisa Shimkat (Office of Manufacturing and Trade) and Stacey Poynter (Indiana District Director).
They previewed the SBA’s Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit Loan Program—now formally launched—and discussed how the SBA is prioritizing small and mid-sized AML businesses.
5. Industry Tours with Federal Leaders
In another collaboration U.S. Small Business Administration, Conexus partnered with the SBA to identify manufacturing companies for the organization’s inaugural “Made in America” tour in Indianapolis.
During the tour kickoff, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler visited Acarmed, where she learned how technology adoption is transforming Indiana’s manufacturing sector and how previous state programs like the Manufacturing Readiness Grants have supported that progress. Conexus also joined a roundtable discussion with SBA Deputy Administrator William Briggs during his visit to Indiana to highlight the state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing innovation.
Gain access to the insights, connections and conversations that keep Indiana’s AML leaders ahead. Learn more about the Advanced Industries Council and how to get involved.
