Manager, Digital Marketing and Public Relations
Liz Folkerts serves as Manager, Digital Marketing and Public Relations at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, a collaboration of economic development partners in the South Bend – Elkhart region, which encompasses 47 communities in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. The organization serves as a single point of contact for regional communication and seeks to advance economic opportunities for all partner members through collaborative promotion, marketing, and capacity building efforts.
As Manager, Digital Marketing and Public Relations, Liz is responsible for creating and marketing content on behalf of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. She develops web content, from initial strategy to day-to-day updates and management of our public-facing platforms including social media. Liz works closely with program staff and other subject matter experts to develop content which will educate and engage.
Prior to joining the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership in 2022, Liz acted as the primary marketing content creator at Elkhart County manufacturer KMC Controls Inc. Before that, she was based in Indianapolis, working as the communication specialist for Ports of Indiana, the quasi-governmental agency which oversees the state’s public shipping ports. There she handled writing and coordination of port publications, as well as event management. Previous positions also include a stint as the Marketing and Publicity Assistant at Conner Prairie, where she created content and managed grassroots marketing for the living history museum.
Education and Professional Accreditations
- B.S. in Journalism – Public Relations and Journalism – Magazine Sequence, Minor in the Humanities; Ball State University, Muncie, Ind.
Fun Facts About Liz
- Liz lives in Mishawaka, with her watchmaker husband Adam, middle school student son Graham, and an ornery but loveable cat named Mochi.
- Liz was once declared “the Fastest PR Professional in the Midwest.”
- The summer between high school and college, Liz’s job was uniquely South Bend – scooping Bonnie Doon ice cream at Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium.
- Thanks entirely to her son, Liz has become somewhat of an expert in all things Pokémon.
- Liz is a foodie. She loves to cook and bake, and most of the family vacations involve some sort of food or craft beer destination.
Regional Favorites
Restaurant: “My husband and I love good craft breweries. Crooked Ewe in South Bend is a favorite, as well as Evil Czech. When I crave a next-level pizza, Venturi in Goshen is my go-to.”
Outdoor Activity: “This area has so many fantastic parks, each with their own features and personality. The St. Joe River is a key piece of some of my favorites. The Mishawaka Riverwalk is lovely, incorporating four parks nestled along the river. St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend is great, too, with canoe rentals in the summer. You can even check out their live bald eagle cam here!”
Shop: “Indiana Rug Co. in Mishawaka is a favorite. They make beautiful rugs, as well as aprons, pillow covers and bags. They also have a great variety of locally themed items. I also love Sanaa Chocolates in Mishawaka. Their artisan bonbons make great gifts. Brain Lair Books is another family favorite, and a great local resource for the community.”
Cultural Activity: “I love the performing arts and live music, and we are blessed with a variety of venues for tours, like the Morris Performing Arts Center, the Lerner Theatre, and the Mendel Center, as well as local performing arts groups like the South Bend Civic Theatre, Southold Dance and more. Add in all the performing arts options at the universities, and small local venues and performers, there is truly something for everyone!”
Best Way to Spend a Saturday in the Region: “It’s probably a bit cliché, but there’s a reason it is on so many people’s bucket lists… A football Saturday at Notre Dame. It really is one of a kind in collegiate athletics.”
More information available for reference on Liz's LinkedIn profile.