The Power of Place: Shaping Indiana’s Future with Elaine Bedel

In commercial real estate, place is more than just a location—it’s the foundation for economic growth, talent retention, and community engagement. No one understands this better than Elaine Bedel, CFP? , President and CEO of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC), whose career journey has been deeply intertwined with shaping Indiana’s economic and cultural landscape.

Elaine’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a passion for positioning Indiana as a premiere destination for both business and lifestyle. Beginning her career in banking before transitioning into financial planning, she forged a path in a male-dominated industry, pioneering a fee-only financial model at a time when commission-based advising was the norm. Her success in founding Bedel Financial Consulting 30 years ago showcased her ability to innovate while putting client interests first—a principle that remains core to her leadership today.

But her pivot to economic and destination development put her at the forefront of Indiana’s growth. As the Secretary and CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and later leading IDDC, Elaine focused on telling Indiana’s story—not just to attract visitors but to build the perception of Indiana as a place to live, work, and thrive.

Elaine’s insights are especially relevant to women in commercial real estate. From urban development to housing projects, the ability to shape communities through placemaking is a powerful tool for attracting businesses and talent.

“In real estate, we’re building things that either attract people here or create places for them to live,” Elaine explains. “Housing, infrastructure, and quality of life are all crucial factors in making Indiana competitive. Almost every industry plays a role in getting people to want to come and live in Indiana.”

This is why IDDC has worked to change the narrative about Indiana—not just for tourists but for employers, talent, and investors. “When we started surveying people about Indiana, we found that if they’ve never been here or don’t have connections here, they have no idea where we are or what we offer. We needed to change that,” she shares.

Their latest marketing campaigns have yielded real economic benefits. “For every $1 spent on our campaign, we’ve seen a $6 return in new tax dollars for Indiana,” Elaine notes, highlighting the tangible impact of investing in place.

Elaine recognizes the challenges women face in breaking into leadership roles, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields. “I was not just a woman in a male field—I also chose a different business model. At the time, financial advisors were selling policies and investments for commissions. I went the fee-only route, eliminating conflicts of interest, but it wasn’t common. Sometimes, success means sticking to what you know is right—even when the industry isn’t ready for it yet.”

Her advice to women in commercial real estate? “Find mentors, build your network, and step into leadership opportunities.” She credits relationships and community-building for her own success. “I’ve been fortunate to have a strong leadership team and a network of people who believed in me. Those relationships matter.”

As IndyCREW members, we have a unique opportunity to shape the places where people live and work, advocate for sustainable growth, and create a stronger Indiana. Through mentorship, collaboration, and bold leadership, we can continue building a future where place is not just a backdrop—but a defining advantage.

Join us at the March IndyCREW Luncheon, where we’ll hear directly from Elaine Bedel on the power of place, economic development, and how we can contribute to Indiana’s future. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Register now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/putsrjr/lp/9b147177-2220-4080-8ae7-d0c2057994fe