On September 16, 2025, Conexus Indiana convened its Advanced Industries Council (CIAIC) at Beck’s Hybrids in Atlanta, Indiana—a fitting location to examine the critical infrastructure investments shaping Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) future.
Jay Wirts, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana, opened the meeting by highlighting key progress since the Q2 gathering, including the successful Digital Adoption Workshops that have informed Conexus’ updated strategy and the recent Governor’s Luncheon that reinforced statewide commitment to AML growth.
Beck’s Hybrids: Innovation in action
Brad Fruth, Director of Innovation at Beck’s Hybrids, provided insight into the company’s forward-thinking approach to agricultural technology. Fruth’s role centers on partnering with department managers to implement disruptive change—evaluating emerging technologies and pushing boundaries that support their growing business operations.
Infrastructure investment: A statewide approach
Bryce Carpenter, Chief Operation and Strategy Officer at Conexus, outlined significant infrastructure developments across the state:
Public-Private Partnership Progress: Since 2019, Conexus has partnered with INDOT and industry to develop alternative financing and delivery methods for high-impact transportation infrastructure projects.
Addressing Critical Gaps: With only 1,200 truck parking spots statewide, Conexus is leading a two-phase truck parking needs assessment to quantify state-wide demand and pinpoint strategic regional improvements to help INDOT deliver safe truck parking where it is needed most.
Industry Collaboration: The state freight planning committee, featuring 30+ industry partners, is actively reviewing INDOT’s freight corridor development plan to ensure state and federal resources are focused on the state’s most critical interstate corridors.
Legislative perspective on transportation challenges
Representative Jefferson Shreve joined virtually, bringing his expertise from the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Serving on highway, aviation and rails/pipelines subcommittees, Shreve focused on I-70 corridor improvements and shared candid insights about transportation funding challenges, including aging infrastructure, declining gas tax revenue and budget constraints.
Expert panel: Freight movement and priorities
Infrastructure leaders from across the state provided ground-level perspectives:
- Kristin Brier (Ports of Indiana) discussed dock electrification and electric yard equipment exploration.
- Jessica Miller (INDOT) highlighted freight automation research collaboration with Ohio on the I-70 corridor.
- Maggie Cunningham (Indianapolis Airport Authority) emphasized customer experience and technology improvements.
All panelists shared the critical need for business partnerships in technology planning and implementation.
Workshop: Shaping the next decade
Joe Guerre, Senior Vice President at HNTB, led council partners through a strategic workshop session, examining key barriers, priority objectives and emerging trends that will define freight movement over the next decade.
Looking ahead
As the meeting concluded, participants remained focused on the collaborative approach needed to address Indiana’s infrastructure challenges. With continued alignment between public and private sectors, Indiana’s advanced industries are positioned to build the backbone infrastructure essential for sustained economic growth.
Learn more about the Advanced Industries Council here.
