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- 2026 Goal? Visit 1,000 Towns Across Indiana!
2026 Goal? Visit 1,000 Towns Across Indiana!
Plus - Indiana wins the Rose Bowl, and there's a Wagyu farm, restaurant, emporium, and inn in Roanoke you can't miss.
Get IN, Austin Sellers & Nate Spangle
January 02, 2026
Friday, January 2nd
BIG things are happening at Pence Media Group! 🌟
Congratulations to PMG for being named one of PR Daily’s Top Agencies of 2025! This national recognition celebrates agencies + firms that rise above in a rapidly evolving industry + deliver breakthrough creativity, measurable results, and unmatched client service.
Founded by Nicole Pence Becker, PMG continues to lead with powerful brand storytelling, bold PR wins, and a team that’s as strategic as it is creative. With 17 PRSA Pinnacle Awards already under their belt, this latest honor reinforces their passion for helping brands grow, shine, and make an impact.
Consider It Done with Pence Media Group.
📜 This Week in Indiana History 📜
Hanover College is Established (1833)
This week we celebrate Hanover College, the oldest private college in Indiana. It was founded as Hanover Academy by Reverend John Finley Crowe near his home in a log cabin. Four years later, he officially received a full charter, creating Hanover College.
When it was created, Hanover had a grand total of SIX students. Seven years later, that number grew to 101 students. In 1880, Hanover began enrolling women, and the enrollment eventually rose to the thousand-plus students it has today.
Despite its small enrollment, Hanover boasts a huge and prestigious alumni base, such as former Indiana governor Eric Holcomb, former vice president Mike Pence, and actor Woody Harrelson. If you’re ever in the town of Hanover on the banks of the Ohio River, take a moment to check out the Hoosier State’s oldest private college.
Hoosiers Crush Crimson Tide in Rose Bowl
Playing in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1968, the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers looked the part of the only undefeated team in the country and crushed the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 on New Year’s Day, advancing to the Peach Bowl on January 9 to face No. 5 Oregon with a spot in the national championship on the line.
The Hoosiers outgained Alabama 407 to 193 in total yards, controlled possession for over 34 minutes, and held the Crimson Tide scoreless until a late third-quarter field goal.
Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza was nearly perfect, finishing 14 of 16 for 192 yards and three touchdowns. His first strike went to wide receiver Charlie Becker to make it 10-0 in the second quarter, and the second found the hands of Omar Cooper Jr. with just 17 seconds to go in the first half. Midway through the third quarter, Mendoza connected with Elijah Sarratt on a 24-yard touchdown to give Indiana a 31-0 lead, and chants of HOO-HOO-HOOSIERS rained down in Pasadena.
Get Indiana’s Goal for 2026? Visit 1,000 IN Towns
There are 569 incorporated cities and towns in Indiana, plus a ton of unincorporated communities. Just before the new year, Get Indiana founder Nate Spangle announced his goal of visiting 1,000 of those cities, towns, and unincorporated communities in 2026 and sharing fun facts about them along the way.
If you have any recommendations on where Nate and the Get Indiana crew should travel this year, reply to this email and let us know!
Hike Every Indiana State Park in 2026
Want to do something bold and fun in 2026? No, we’re not asking you to visit 1,000 towns in Indiana, but how about all 24 state parks? IN the Parks podcast host Allison Martin shares how you can make it happen here.
Indiana Accountants Who Think Like Business Owners
AccountedFor is a modern Indiana-based accounting firm built for business owners who want clarity without surprises. Its CPAs handle everything from tax prep to bookkeeping to Virtual CFO services, all under one cloud-based roof for a simple, fixed monthly fee. No surprise bills, no waiting games, just trusted advisors keeping your business accounted for every step of the way.
👉 Learn more at accountedforcpa.com.
Joseph Decuis
Roanoke, Indiana is home to Joseph Decuis, an upscale American restaurant that serves Wagyu steaks and seasonal entrées sourced from its own farm. In addition to the restaurant and farm, there’s a retail store emporium and an inn to accommodate your stay.
The Coterie
Tucked in the heart of downtown Kokomo, The Coterie is where good food, craft drinks, and a fun atmosphere collide in the best way possible. Read more about The Coterie here.
What’s your Hidden Gem? Submit here to have it featured!
👏 1 Big wIN 👏
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) reported that companies have committed to create more than 10,600 new jobs across the state, with average wages rising to $40.59/hour — up from $36.09/hour in 2024. That’s an increase of 12.5% or $9,360 of annual salary.
🎙 On today's show I sat down with Pat Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Hardware and Garden, to discuss the remarkable history and evolution of one of Indiana's most iconic family-owned businesses.
Founded by Pat's father in 1954, Sullivan's has transformed into a thriving retail and community-focused destination.
Pat shares everything from strategic approach to focusing on specialized categories, the creative ideas behind hosting unique events like Turkey Fest and Egg Fest, and the innovative ways Sullivan's competes with big box stores and e-commerce.
Our discussion also includes the importance of community involvement and support, with special guest host Dan Hanrahan from Neighbor Serve.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
- How Sullivan's Evolved Into a Community Destination
- Innovative Ideas to Help Sullivan's Compete with Big Competitors
- The Importance of Creativity, Dedication, and Customer Service
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