Client News
Rural communities don’t often dominate economic headlines, but they should. Rural America contributes more than $2 trillion annually to the nation’s economy, and research continues to show that rural residents often experience stronger economic mobility than people in many urban areas.
Here in Knox County, that story is real—and growing. One of the most powerful drivers of our future economy is entrepreneurship. Many established businesses in our county once were small start-ups, building their companies and making their way toward success. Today, as evidenced by local startups and participants in our Knox County CEO high school program, we have an exciting new generation of entrepreneurial activity coming to the fore.
Every October, the colors of autumn light up southern Indiana with vibrant reds and golds. Yet mixed in with these hues, another color takes center stage: pink. From ribbons to T-shirts, “Pinktober” is more than a seasonal campaign—it’s a reminder that breast cancer awareness saves lives.
As a physician, I know that the very word cancer can trigger fear or even denial. But avoiding the subject does not make it go away. One in eight women will face breast cancer in their lifetime, yet the outlook is far brighter than many realize. When found early, most cases are very treatable. That is the heart of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: awareness leads to action, and action can lead to better outcomes.
Been on a Hoosier farm lately? The pace of modern internet-driven farms bears little resemblance to the pastoral pace of just a decade or two ago. Coupled with a rapidly expanding agribusiness sector, Indiana’s $35 billion agricultural operations today often represent sophisticated enterprises powered by precision technology and data analytics – usually driven by a robust application of high-speed fiber broadband connectivity.
Like much of America, Indiana’s agricultural sector is in the midst of its most significant transformation since mechanization. At its center is reliable internet infrastructure serving as the digital backbone that enables farmers to feed a growing global population – all the while maximizing efficiency and sustainability.
(This column also appeared on Inside Indiana Business and is used by permission)
The connected farm revolution
Reflecting its status as the ninth largest farming state in America, Hoosier agriculture operates on a foundation of interconnected systems that demand robust, high-speed internet connectivity. What does that look like? Precision agriculture technologies rely on real-time data transmission to optimize everything from seed placement to harvest timing. GPS-guided tractors communicate continuously with satellites and ground-based systems, while drone surveillance provides instantaneous crop monitoring data that must be processed and analyzed without delay.
VINCENNES – Beginning an extensive Japan Trade Mission on Sept. 4, Chris Pfaff, CEO of Knox County Indiana Economic Development (KCIED), noted that “Knox County represents a great fit for Japanese companies, given our strengths in advanced manufacturing, agri-business, logistics, and renewable energy.”
Pfaff and Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum joined the Mayors of Columbus, Greensburg, Seymour and Wabash and other Indiana economic development and trade professionals to travel to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya for meetings that included the Midwest US – Japan Conference (MWJA) and the World Expo in Japan, which focuses on economic growth and innovation.
(Coverage appeared on Inside Indiana Business, Southern Indiana Business Report and others)
“Okay, what’s it going to really take to get healthier?” We sometimes hear this question in our clinic, usually right after a mention of the words “lifestyle changes.”
Here’s some good news: getting started on better health doesn’t require an expensive gym membership or giving up pizza forever. For about the same cost as a large fast-food meal you can buy some simple wearable health tech – like a fitness tracker – that might just change your life.
We’re not talking about those fancy $400 smartwatches that cost more than a car payment. We’re talking about basic fitness trackers or used smartwatches in the $20-$40 range. Think of it as hiring a tiny personal trainer for your wrist—one that never yells at you or makes you do endless sit-ups.
Did you know that September is Self-Care Month? This month is a gentle reminder that positively taking care of oneself isn’t self-centered, it’s essential. For many of us, fall is the season when kids are back in school, when our schedules shift, and for some, a time of pumpkin-spiced everything. But while we’re busy keeping calendars in line and wardrobes ready for cooler weather, our own well-being can quietly slip further towards the bottom of the list.
As a long-time family physician, I can confirm that self-care is more than a one-off pledge to sometimes taking care of business. It’s about steady, everyday choices that protect your body, mind, and emotional health. In fact, many healthcare professionals encourage patients to think of self-care as part of their “prescription for prevention,” an important addition to regular medical checkups and seeing your provider.
Embracing practical and sound self-care works best when it’s part of one’s healthcare journey, walking alongside a trusted provider.
serve as the featured corporate speaker at the Annual Gala of the Japan-America Society
of Indiana (JASI). The 2025 JASI Gala will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025,
at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.
The Gala will celebrate the recent historic agreement between Nippon Steel Corporation and United States Steel Corporation. With U.S. Steel’s largest plant located in Gary, Indiana – also the largest integrated steel mill in North America – the agreement is expected to bring major investment and economic benefits to Indiana and the region.This landmark partnership underscores the enduring strength of the Indiana-Japan relationship and the deepening industrial ties between the United States and Japan.
remarks by Consul-General of Japan in Chicago Masashi Mizobuchi, and City of Gary
Mayor Eddie Melton.
Producing an estimated $7 million in economic impact, some 5,000 families, coaches, 10-year-old players from across America and international areas are taking part in the August 2025 competition.
VINCENNES – In what is described as one of the largest youth sporting events in America, more than 300 top youth baseball players from 14 states and five countries and territories will play 78 games in eight days for the 2025 Cal Ripken 10-Year-Old World Series here. The week-long event is expected to produce upwards of $7 million in economic impact for the Knox County Indiana region.
Following a number of organizational events, teams will begin competitive play on Saturday, Aug 9. A championship game will conclude the World Series on Saturday, August 16, with teams departing on the 17th.
“It is an honor for us to return to Vincennes with another World Series,” said Bob Connor, Vice President of Operations for Babe Ruth League, Inc. “What kids and their families love best about the Babe Ruth League program are the friendships they build in the communities and beyond – Vincennes is one of the friendliest communities in our program and their love of the game is exceptionally strong.”
“This represents a major event for Vincennes and the region, with players, coaches, and families using available hotel rooms in Vincennes, Princeton, Terre Haute, and more,” said Kirk Bouchie, General Manager of Vincennes Water Utilities, who is serving as the World Series Host President and as President of the Vincennes Cub League. Teams of 10-year-olds are represented from the states of Alabama, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Washington, as well as Puerto Rico, Aruba, Germany, Mexico, and the Philippines.