SOUTH BEND, Ind. (May 8, 2026) – In celebration of International Economic Development Week, the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership (Regional Partnership) is proud to introduce the team behind its work to advance economic growth, talent development, and entrepreneurship across the region.

Representing 47 communities across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, the Regional Partnership brings together public, private, and nonprofit leaders to build a stronger, more connected regional economy. This week serves as an opportunity to recognize not just the impact of economic development – but the people doing the work every day to move the region forward.

Leading the organization is Bethany Hartley, President & CEO, who guides the Regional Partnership’s strategic vision and regional initiatives. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its impact in talent attraction, entrepreneurship, and regional storytelling.

The Regional Partnership team brings together expertise across communications, talent development, entrepreneurship, and regional strategy:

• Lori Flotow, Manager, Operations and Executive Assistant: Lori oversees office operations, serving as a key point of contact for stakeholders and managing complex administrative and communications functions.
• Liz Folkerts, Director of Marketing and Communications: Liz leads marketing and communications efforts for the Regional Partnership, overseeing media relations, event planning, publications, and public-facing and internal communications strategies.
• Madison Henderson, Coordinator, Digital Media and Communications: Madison develops and manages digital, print, web, and event communications while supporting storytelling and event execution across the region.
• Skye Liu, Data and Digital Strategy Manager: Skye leads data and digital strategy initiatives that support regional programs, communications, and organizational decision-making.
• Taryn MacFarlane, Vice President, Regional Initiatives: Taryn oversees regional initiatives, including administration of the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority and implementation of the READI grant program.
• Marty Mechtenberg, Sr. Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Marty leads entrepreneurship initiatives for Startup South Bend – Elkhart, as well as industry growth efforts, collaborating with regional partners to support innovation, business growth, and ecosystem development.
• Chisonga Mukumbuta, Coordinator of Entrepreneurship and Industry Innovation: Chisonga supports entrepreneurial and industry innovation efforts by coordinating programs, events, and connections across the regional business ecosystem.
• Lauren Thomas, Director of Talent Initiatives: Lauren leads talent attraction and retention initiatives, including the regional talent attraction brand, while collaborating with partners to advance workforce and community engagement efforts.
• Angela Workman, READI Finance Manager: Angela manages financial compliance and reporting for the region’s READI initiatives and supports regional arts and culture planning efforts.
• Alayna Wort, Program Manager, Talent Development: Alayna manages workforce and educational initiatives designed to strengthen talent pipelines and support workforce development across the region.

Joining the team through August 2026 is Steven Baranko, an AmeriCorps Fellow serving as Data Analyst. Steven supports the Regional Partnership’s data and digital strategy initiatives, assisting with data analysis, reporting, and research efforts.

Economic Development Week was started by the International Economic Development Council, the world’s largest association for economic developers. This year’s theme, “100 Years of Impact,” recognizes IEDC’s centennial anniversary and 100 years of leadership in economic development. Economic Development Week presents an opportunity to examine the evolution of economic development, celebrate our successes today, and lay the groundwork for the next era of prosperity for our community.

###

About the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership

The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership is a collaboration of regional stakeholders focused on economic development, workforce development, talent retention, and entrepreneurial growth. By fostering a connected community, the Partnership works to enhance the region’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for all residents and make it the most prosperous region in the Midwest.