The Midwest Flourish
The Midwest Flourish
Podcast Description
From workforce wins to economic development breakthroughs. its real talk with real answers from the leaders shaping our region’s future. Let’s keep the Midwest momentum going, and shape the future of our region—together.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
This podcast emphasizes themes such as workforce development, economic trends, and regional branding, with episodes exploring topics like the Stronger Workforce for America Act, strategies for building talent pipelines, and the nuances of marketing in uncertain times to help audiences understand the changes in the Midwest labor market.

From workforce wins to economic development breakthroughs. its real talk with real answers from the leaders shaping our region’s future. Let’s keep the Midwest momentum going, and shape the future of our region—together.
Warsaw, Indiana may look like a small Midwestern community, but it’s home to one of the most powerful medical device ecosystems in the world.
In this episode of The Midwest Flourish, host Rick Farrant sits down with Dr. Allyn Decker, Vice President of Operations & Engagement at OrthoWorx, to explore how Warsaw became known as the Orthopedic Capital of the World and how leaders are working to ensure it stays that way. With one-third of global orthopedic device revenue tied to the region, OrthoWorx plays a critical role in:
– Building a long-term talent pipeline (K–12, higher ed, and workforce)
– Driving innovation in orthopedics and medtech
– Investing in quality-of-life initiatives to attract and retain top talent
– Strengthening community infrastructure, housing, and amenities
Other highlighted topics:
– Virtual reality career exploration for students
– Manufacturing and CNC career pathways
– Smart implants, robotics, AI, and bio-compatible materials
– A potential $165M NSF grant that could transform Indiana’s musculoskeletal research ecosystem
– Why community development is essential to economic sustainability
This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in economic development, workforce strategy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare innovation, and the future of the Midwest.
To learn more about The Midwest Flourish Podcast visit: marketingthemidwest.com

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