INDIANAPOLIS – (May 4, 2026 at 8am) The Indy Chamber, in partnership with Mirror Indy, today announced the launch of the IN Focus Award, a new initiative designed to support and elevate local businesses through strategic storytelling and targeted digital visibility. The IN Focus Award is supported through an investment match program by the Indy Chamber and Mirror Indy, in which the Indy Chamber will contribute $10,000 to fund the program’s advertising campaigns. Mirror Indy will match these dollars with over $26,000 advertising funds. This combined investment ensures selected businesses receive meaningful visibility through sustained, high-quality digital placements designed to drive awareness and engagement.
The IN Focus Award will provide selected Indy Chamber members with sponsored advertising campaigns across Mirror Indy’s platforms, connecting businesses with a highly engaged, community-focused audience. The program reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Indianapolis’ small business ecosystem and amplifying the stories behind the businesses shaping the region.
“Small businesses are essential to the vibrancy and growth of our regional economy,” said Emily Koshnick, Vice President of Membership. “Through this partnership, we’re not only helping businesses expand their reach, but also ensuring their stories are seen and heard by the communities they serve.”
Selected recipients will receive customized digital advertising campaigns, including placements in Mirror Indy’s daily and weekly newsletters and on its website, along with performance insights to support future marketing efforts.
Mirror Indy’s audience, comprised largely of engaged, civically-minded residents across Marion County, offers a unique platform for businesses looking to grow their visibility while connecting with their local community.
“At Mirror Indy, our mission is to inform and empower the community,” said Bro Krift, CEO of Free Press Indiana. “Partnering with the Indy Chamber on the IN Focus Award allows us to extend that mission by empowering local businesses reach new audiences and strengthen their presence.”
Applications for the IN Focus Award are now open to eligible Indy Chamber members. Businesses interested in applying can learn more HERE.
About Mirror Indy
Mirror Indy is a nonprofit local newsroom providing community-based journalism informing and empowering Indianapolis residents to shape their city for the better. Through daily and weekly newsletters, mirrorindy.org, and local live journalism events, Mirror Indy delivers free, accessible local news and storytelling. It is the first newsroom developed by Free Press Indiana whose mission is to fill gaps in local news coverage across the state of Indiana.
About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber serves as a regional voice for progress, uniting business and community to strengthen the Indy region’s economy and quality of life. Through bold advocacy, economic development, and small & mid-size business support, we help fuel growth, expand opportunity, and position the region to compete and thrive. Working alongside civic, corporate, and community partners, the Indy Chamber focuses on attracting investment, developing talent pathways, and elevating the Indy region’s story. Guided by our core values – Love Indy, Dream Big, and Move Together – we bring leaders together to shape the conditions for growth and build a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage.
INDIANAPOLIS (Apr. 30, 2026 at 8am). This week, the Indy Chamber and its Life in Indy livability initiative, representing the 10-county Indy region, announced the launch of Speed City, an immersive digital advertising campaign accelerating the story of the Indy region. As the next phase of Life in Indy’s regional storytelling efforts, this campaign will target both local residents and prospective movers looking to make Indy home across digital platforms for the next several months. Inviting residents to connect with what drives them and the role the Indy region plays in their journey, Speed City is an accelerated step into the next chapter of Indy’s story as the best place to accelerate life, career, and business.
“Indy often shares its story as a collection of assets rather than an emotional connection,” said Joe Pellman, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Indy Chamber. “There’s no denying that we have amazing offerings as a community, but progress is personal. The Speed City campaign provides a narrative to showcase what drives the passion and purpose of individuals across this region we choose to call home.”
Powered by dozens of local partners and built in collaboration with Pivot Brands and Bayonet Media, Speed City emphasizes Indy as the place to accelerate your life, career, and community under the banner of the region.
Intention and Impact Through Narrative
Over the last two years, the Indy Chamber has worked with hundreds of local employers and civic partners to elevate Indy’s story through national media pitching, talent attraction, messaging development, and content collaborations. Research during this process revealed a lower sense of civic pride among Indy residents compared to peer markets, outlining the need for storytelling that builds local advocates while highlighting the uniqueness of the community. The Speed City campaign is the latest iteration of this strategic imperative, and an opportunity to elevate the emotional connection residents share with their region.
“As a region, Indy is always in motion, evolving, improving, learning, and building toward what’s next,” said Martina Jackson, Sr. Director of PR & Communications, Indy Chamber. “This campaign accelerates that momentum through authentic, lived experiences and amplifies our region’s voices at a speed uniquely Indy’s own.”
Speed City is marked by sustainable partnerships reaching across sector and industry to champion Indy’s own voices. A collaborative print issue of PATTERN Magazine, vinyl record pressing of a new Rob Dixon Speed City album, and custom apparel from premium collegiate vintage vendor Homefield are just the beginning. Speed City is building something authentic for each Indy region resident to make their own, and providing a platform for Indy to start telling its regional story.
Next Steps
Following its official launch date on April 28, Speed City will reach audiences across the Indianapolis region, as well as two additional out-of-state target regions in the Midwest. Digital social media ads, video spots, and more will emphasize Indy’s strength as an accelerator and hub for community. Inviting everyone to call Indy home, the Speed City campaign will run throughout the summer of 2026 to build on the momentum of the INDY: I’m Not Done Yet campaign in Q1.
Today’s Speed City campaign was preceded by an open call for video submissions in alignment with Life in Indy’s INDY: I’m Not Done Yet project. These personal submissions demonstrating the drive and purpose behind Indy’s momentum culminated in a public celebration at the Inaugural Story Summit on Apr. 27, 2026 — National Tell a Story Day. At the event, resident-submitted stories were featured alongside other content from Life in Indy’s creative partners, and a keynote address from community leader Anthony Murdock II. Two selected video creators received a concert prize pack in partnership with Forty5, presenting Rock the Ruins with Citizens Energy Group on the Speed City Stage.
### Press Kit & Video Assets Available Upon Request
For interviews and event images, please contact Martina Jackson, Senior Director of PR & Communications at [email protected].
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About Life in Indy
Life in Indy is the Indy region’s livability initiative and a community-driven storytelling effort designed to attract and retain talent across the 10-county region. Serving as a digital front door for those exploring a move to Indianapolis and a resource for those already here, Life in Indy reaches thousands of monthly users through articles, videos, and first-person narratives that showcase the people, places, and experiences that define life in the region. Through partnerships with local voices and its Indyfluencer network, the initiative amplifies authentic perspectives and helps more people envision their future in the Indy region.
About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber champions a stronger regional economy by connecting people, supporting business, and shaping places that thrive. From bold advocacy to smart economic development and inclusive business growth, we bring together public and private leadership to keep the Indy region moving forward. As we work to strengthen the foundation of our economy, we focus on big ideas, fast action, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. With momentum, collaboration, and pride in our region, the Indy Chamber is building a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage.
Apr 3, 2026, at 6am
Indy Chamber Launches “Ask Indy” Text Line and Free Transportation Initiative for NCAA Final Four Weekend
INDIANAPOLIS – As Indianapolis prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for the NCAA Final Four, the Indy Chamber and Life in Indy initiative are launching two new activations designed to enhance the visitor experience while showcasing the city as a place to live, work, and thrive.
The initiatives, “Ask Indy: Your Local Assist for Final Four Weekend” and “Bike. Bus. Ball.” combine real-time local engagement with free, accessible transportation options for visiting students and fans. The initiative is designed to remove barriers to exploration and encourage visitors to experience more of Indianapolis during their stay.
Ask Indy: Real-Time Local Recommendations via Text
From April 4–5, visitors can text 855-224-2721 to connect directly with local “Indy Ambassadors” through a live, text-based concierge experience.
Powered in partnership with Indy Networking, the pilot program connects visitors with real people who can provide personalized recommendations for food, nightlife, events, and things to do across the city.
Whether someone is looking for brunch, late-night food, or the best spots to experience Indy’s energy during Final Four weekend, a local will be just a text away.
“Life in Indy was created to connect people to the city through real experiences and real voices,” said Alli Donovan, Senior Manager of Content at the Indy Chamber. “With Ask Indy, we’re making that connection immediate. Visitors can connect directly with locals who know and love Indianapolis and can help them experience it in a more personal way.”
The activation will be supported by social media, digital advertising, and on-the-ground promotion throughout the weekend.
Bike. Bus. Ball.: Free Transportation for Visiting Students
To make it easier for visitors – especially college students – to explore the city, Life in Indy is also launching Bike. Bus. Ball., a free transportation initiative offering access to both IndyGo and Pacers Bikeshare during Final Four weekend. Indy Chamber will provide 450 Free Bikeshare Passes and Free IndyGo passes April 3-6, while supplies last.
Students can access the transportation options through a dedicated landing page, lifeinindy.com/finalfour/, and receive the free access codes and IndyGo pass pickup locations.
How to Take Advantage of Free Pacers Bikeshare:
Students will receive an access code after completing a form on www.lifeindindy.com/finalfour/
Download the Bcycle app and use the code for a free 30-minute ride
How to Take Advantage of Free IndyGo:
Free transit passes will be available at the Indiana Convention Center Information Centers and The INDEX.
“Major events like Final Four are an opportunity not just to host—but to connect,” said Joe Pellman, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Indy Chamber. “Bike. Bus. Ball. helps visitors move through the city with ease, discover new neighborhoods, and experience everything Indy has to offer.”
A Broader Strategy: Turning Visitors into Future Residents
Together, these activations reflect a broader strategy by the Indy Chamber and Life in Indy to leverage major events as opportunities for talent attraction and long-term engagement.
By combining human connection with accessibility, Indianapolis is positioning itself as a city that is not only easy to visit, but easy to imagine calling home.
Learn More
Visitors can access transportation details and sign up for updates at:
www.lifeinindy.com/finalfour/
To get real-time recommendations during Final Four weekend:
Text 855-224-2721
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About Life in Indy
Life in Indy is a community-driven storytelling platform created to attract talent and highlight authentic experiences across the Indianapolis region. Through articles, videos, and first-person narratives, Life in Indy celebrates the people, places, and stories that make Indy home.
About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber serves as a regional voice for progress, uniting business and community to strengthen the Indy region’s economy and quality of life. Through bold advocacy, economic development, and small & mid-size business support, we help fuel growth, expand opportunity, and position the region to compete and thrive. Working alongside civic, corporate, and community partners, the Indy Chamber focuses on attracting investment, developing talent pathways, and elevating the Indy region’s story. Guided by our core values – Love Indy, Dream Big, and Move Together – we bring leaders together to shape the conditions for growth and build a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage.
Keynote from Anthony Murdock II and panel featuring local storytellers highlights how narrative shapes the Indy region
Mar. 19, 2026 at 7am. INDIANAPOLIS. The Indy Chamber and its Life in Indy initiative today announced the keynote speaker and panelists for the first-ever Story Summit, taking place April 27 – National Tell a Story Day – at the Indianapolis Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium. The free event is part of the broader INDY: I’m Not Done Yet campaign, a regional storytelling initiative designed to amplify the voices and experiences of the people who power the Indianapolis region. The summit will feature a keynote from Anthony Murdock II, founder of Murdock LLC, whose work empowers entrepreneurs and changemakers to harness the power of their personal story to build brands, businesses, and communities.
The Stories That Shape INDY
The summit will feature a panel of local voices who tell Indy’s story in unique ways:
Youssef Boudarine, Founder, J’Adore Pastry and Epicurean Indy
Jenn Schimmelpfennig, Founder, Pivot Brands
Jenna Watson, Art Director, Mirror Indy
Together, the panel will explore how storytelling – across industries – helps define the character of the Indy region and connect people more deeply to the place they call home.
“These panelists represent just a handful of the powerful ways stories shape a city,” said Joe Pellman, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Indy Chamber. “Whether it’s a headline, a culinary festival or an image – storytelling creates an opportunity for real connection and relatability. There’s power in how we shape that connection between Indy and the people who want to live and thrive here.”
A Celebration of the Indy Region
The Story Summit will bring together creators, entrepreneurs, journalists, and community leaders who are shaping how the Indy region is seen and experienced. The event will also showcase selected video submissions from the INDY: I’m Not Done Yet video storytelling campaign, which invited residents to submit short personal videos reflecting their ambition, resilience, and connection to the region.
Over the last two years, the Indy Chamber has worked with hundreds of local employers and civic partners to elevate Indy’s story through national media pitching, talent attraction, messaging development, and content collaborations. Research during this process revealed a lower sense of civic pride amongst Indy residents compared to peer markets, outlining the need for storytelling that builds local advocates while highlighting the uniqueness of the community. The INDY: I’m Not Done Yet campaign is the latest iteration of this strategic imperative.
Two participating video creators will receive a Rock the Ruins concert prize pack in partnership with Forty5.
Registration for the Story Summit is free and open to the public. Residents can submit their videos for a chance to be featured by March 31st. Learn more and register at www.LifeInIndy.com/ImNotDoneYet
Press Kit & Interview Opportunities Available
For interviews or additional information, please contact Martina Jackson, Senior Director of PR & Communications, Indy Chamber at [email protected].
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About Life in Indy
Life in Indy is a community-driven storytelling platform created to attract talent and highlight authentic experiences across the Indianapolis region. Through articles, videos, and first-person narratives, Life in Indy celebrates the people, places, and stories that make Indy home.
About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber champions a stronger regional economy by connecting people, supporting business, and shaping places that thrive. From bold advocacy to smart economic development and inclusive business growth, we bring together public and private leadership to keep the Indy region moving forward. With momentum, collaboration, and pride in our region, the Indy Chamber is building a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage.