Why Indiana Isn't a Flyover State Anymore | Danny Lopez, Indiana State Representative (R)

On today's show I sat down with Danny Lopez, Indiana State Representative (House District 39) and President & CEO of Vincam Public Relations, about how sports drives economic development in Indiana.

Lopez moved from Miami to Indiana in 2008 and was pulled into state leadership circles. He discusses talent retention through "boomeranging" graduates back to Indiana, the state's population growth versus neighboring states, and how user-funded venue deals can minimize general-fund taxpayer risk.

Lopez details his transition from serving in Governor Holcomb's office to leading external affairs for Pacers Sports & Entertainment during COVID, Gainbridge Fieldhouse renovations, and planning NBA All-Star 2024. He also highlights Indiana Sports Corp, the impacts of major events, northwest Indiana's Bears stadium conversations, and broader growth catalysts like LEAP and Lilly.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Danny Lopez's Transition from Politics to Pacers and Back to Politics
- Indiana's Growth Compared to Nearby States
- The Role of Sports as an Economic Machine in Indiana

Thank you to our partners:
Boone County

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:13 Guest Introduction: Danny Lopez, Indiana State Representative
02:35 From Miami to Indy
03:48 Universities and Boomerang Talent
09:51 Finding Home in Indiana
11:54 Say Yes Do the Work
15:24 Politics to Pacers
16:59 Inside PS&E Operations
19:32 COVID Renovation All Star
22:14 Sports as Economic Engine
24:34 Bears Stadium Hammond Debate
26:55 LEAP and Smart Incentives
28:56 Media Value of Mega Events
32:42 Indiana Sports Corp Legacy
34:46 Workforce and Industry Strategy
37:54 Downtown Built for Events
39:44 Chasing the Next Big Event
41:22 WWE Brings Big Money
43:14 Concerts And Stadium Taxes
43:38 Learning Policy The Hard Way
45:41 Why He Chose Politics
47:29 Indiana Competes Globally
49:58 Lilly And Leap Momentum
52:30 Endowment Powers Amenities
56:57 Higher Ed And Enrollment Cliff
58:13 Indiana Next 250 Years
01:00:52 Rapid Fire Favorites
01:02:32 Advice For Young Leaders
01:06:16 Commencement Speech Craft
01:07:57 Hidden Gems And Hoosiers
01:10:08 Favorite Indiana Moment

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