UE Hosts Indiana Governor Mike Braun for Annual Innovate Southwest Indiana Event

INDIANAPOLIS - EVANSVILLE, Ind. - (06/02/2026) — Indiana Governor Mike Braun will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Innovate Southwest Indiana event, hosted on the University of Evansville (UE) campus, in partnership with IBJ Media. In its fifth year in Southwest Indiana and third year at UE, the initiative is driving economic growth and fostering innovation throughout the region.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Ridgway University Center's Eykamp Hall, and will bring together business leaders, educators, and economic development professionals to explore the region's future.

Innovate Southwest Indiana is designed to convene thought leaders from across sectors to explore opportunities in business expansion and attraction, workforce development, entrepreneurship and innovation, and growth through Indiana's tech hubs.

"Southwest Indiana is a powerful example of regional collaboration and forward-looking growth," said Nate Feltman, CEO and Publisher of IBJ Media. "Bringing the Innovate Indiana series back Evansville spotlights the incredible economic momentum accelerating here-from tech innovation and entrepreneurship to advanced manufacturing. We are thrilled to convene the leaders who are actively shaping the future and driving lasting prosperity across the region."

"The University of Evansville is proud to serve as a catalyst for conversations that move our region forward," said Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, president of University of Evansville. "Innovate Southwest Indiana brings together leaders who are not only discussing the future of our economy but actively building it. This event highlights the power of collaboration and the important role higher education plays in strengthening communities and preparing future changemakers."

Panelists for the event include:

Amy Romain Barron, CEO, United Companies

Nathaniel T. Hahn, Executive Director, Evansville Regional Airport

Logan Jenkins, Executive Director, Circular Venture Lab

Jason Puckett, Group Vice President; President of Region 2, Toyota Motor North America; Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana

Kara Yates, Chief Workforce & Education Officer, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership

Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President, University of Evansville

Attendees will engage in discussions on economic development, innovation, talent attraction, and industry partnerships, aiming to drive forward-thinking solutions for the region.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Location: University of Evansville - Ridgway University Center, Eykamp Hall

Address: 1800 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN 47714

Networking: 11:30 a.m.

Program Start: 12:00 p.m.

For more information and to register for Innovate Southwest Indiana - Evansville, visit: https://www.ibj.com/events/2026/innovate-southwest-indiana-evansville

About IBJ Media

IBJ Media is the parent company of Indiana's top business news brands: Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and The Indiana Lawyer, and the IBJ Media Podcast Network. Learn more at IBJMedia.com.

Indianapolis Business Journal: Since 1980, the Indianapolis Business Journal has been known for its in-depth and thoughtful coverage of central Indiana's business community. IBJ produces its weekly award-winning newspaper, daily news updates, thought-leading podcasts and nearly 40 events and award programs. Learn more at IBJ.com.

Inside INdiana Business: As a winner of five Emmys for best interview or discussion program, Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick delivers compelling business and community news from across the state of Indiana. With a portfolio of television, radio, digital and on-demand business news products, Inside INdiana Business is the leading source for Indiana business news. Learn more at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

The Indiana Lawyer: IBJ Media launched The Indiana Lawyer in 1990 to cover the legal community statewide. A multi-award-winning publication, The Indiana Lawyer publishes online news and key court decisions daily, produces a print edition and podcast every other week and hosts events, including the annual Leadership in Law awards. Learn more at TheIndianaLawyer.com.

University of Evansville

For more information contact: uerelations@evansville.edu

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