Jan Bender, Poseyville, IN

 I was introduced to the Indiana Foodways Alliance Business Fellows project by Ryan Thedwall and Kyle Ramsy. We are all involved in a TV show called “Indiana Outdoors.” Our show focuses on oddities, festivals and outdoor opportunities inside our state’s boundaries. Ryan mentioned that the project was looking for someone to conduct on-camera interviews, and I figured I could help in that area as well as a few others. I have prior experience conducting interviews with my four years working as a combat correspondent in the United States Marine Corps. While enlisted, I did a variety of work, including still photography as well as print and video journalism.

I was raised on a farm in Southern Indiana so you could say I have deeply rooted ties to corn, wheat and beans. I've also spent quite a bit of time around hogs and cattle. Maybe I can lend knowledge of some foods in their raw form. I don't have any real personal experience in the culinary arts besides the three to four meals I eat daily. I enjoy food and trying new things; however, I don't spend that much time dwelling on it.

I enjoy people, particularly getting to know them and what makes them tick. The reason I'm in the telecommunications world is to tell stories. I believe that people enjoy stories they can relate to.

To quote Rally's restaurant, "You Gotta Eat." I'm excited to see what we will accomplish during the coming year. I know the project will be a success and hope everyone benefits in some capacity along the way.