INDIANAPOLIS – Sometimes it takes a vocal advocate to make a real difference. For the last two years, that’s exactly what Elaine Bedel has been to do at the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC).
As secretary and CEO of the state agency, its mission to attract and retain talent, graduates, and visitors has become her passion – with positive activity and emphasis raised to a new level in 2022 with the release of the “IN Indiana” marketing campaign. For her efforts, Bedel has been selected as the 2022 Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
“Elaine is a successful Hoosier businesswoman who has now dedicated herself to this new role leading the IDDC,” praises Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “She’s passionately putting Indiana’s best foot forward to recruit visitors and new residents to help meet Indiana’s talent needs of today and tomorrow.
“The ‘IN Indiana’ campaign is a prime example of where the state needs to go to compete with surrounding states and others that actively market to visitors and potential new workers. Elaine’s enthusiasm and determination for getting Indiana more effectively in this game is a tremendous asset.”
Bedel started a still-thriving financial planning firm, Bedel Financial, in 1989 and initially answered the call to work for the state in 2017 as president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). She was then asked by Gov. Eric Holcomb to lead the newly formed IDDC in 2020.
“I never expected to be recognized in this manner,” Bedel says of the Indiana Chamber honor. “I appreciate it and it’s reassurance that we’re making progress, and together we can do something very good for the state. I want Indiana to be seen as one of the best states in the country. I think we can achieve that, and the award helps me feel good about other people thinking it’s important as well; it’s not just me talking in the wilderness. That’s very gratifying.”
A native of Batesville, Bedel holds a math degree from Hanover College, for which she’s now chair of the board of trustees and an MBA from Butler University.
Last year’s Government Leader of the Year was State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper).
The Bayh-Lugar Government Leader of the Year Award will be presented at the Indiana Chamber’s 33rd Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, on November 16 at the Indiana Convention Center. A table of 10 starts at $1,995 and individual tickets are $195 each. All tickets can be purchased online at www.indianachamber.com/ad or by calling (800) 824-6885.
The ceremony will feature three other statewide honors: the Cummins Community of the Year (announced as Columbus on August 29), NextEra Energy Resources Dynamic Leader of the Year (announced as Rupal Thanawala on September 19), and Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year (to be announced at the awards program).
The event speaker sponsor is OneAmerica and PNC is the opening reception sponsor. Corporate sponsors are AT&T Indiana, DeBruce Foundation, French Lick Resort, Indiana University, NIPSCO, Republic Airways/Lift Academy, Tilson, and Zimmer Biomet.
Contributing sponsors are AECOM Hunt, Community Health Network, Corteva Agriscience, Fineline Printing Group, Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana Soybean Alliance/Indiana Corn Marketing Council, The Kroger Co., Markey’s, MCM CPAs & Advisors, Roche Diagnostics Corporation and Subaru of Indiana Automotive.
