Now Entering…: How National Public Television is Helping Tell the Stories Behind Our Economic Momentum

When a community begins to understand—and proudly articulate—its own story, economic development changes. It becomes more than acreage, incentives, or infrastructure; it becomes identity. That is the power behind Now Entering…, the long-running Ball State PBS series that spotlights Indiana communities through the voices of the people who know them best.

Grant County has partnered with the series for three completed episodes: Upland, Gas City, and Fairmount, and a fourth, Marion, is beginning production for an early 2026 premiere.

For site selectors, entrepreneurs, and future residents, these documentaries offer something economic development data alone cannot: authenticity. They capture the lived experience of communities where investment is not just feasible, but meaningful.

A National Public Television Lens on Small-Town Momentum

Ball State PBS began Now Entering… more than a decade ago with a simple goal: let residents tell the story of their own hometowns. Each documentary features dozens of local voices—business owners, educators, historians, civic leaders, and young residents who are shaping what comes next.

For Grant County communities, the timing couldn’t be better. As Indiana’s I-69 corridor draws renewed development interest and major projects come online regionally, our local identities matter. Investors want to understand the character of the places they consider. They want context—not just land.

The Upland, Gas City, and Fairmount episodes each elevate a distinctive community identity:

Upland: A University Town with Entrepreneurial Roots

The Now Entering… Upland (2 hours 45 minutes) episode highlights a community shaped by the presence of Taylor University, a long-standing culture of small-business creation, and a unique blend of youthful energy and tradition. With roughly 4,000 residents (~3,963 reported by Data USA) calling Upland home, it’s a place where innovation grows naturally out of community life. As one resident notes, “It’s a small town with a very big heart — residents here are always happy to give back to their community and beyond.” The town’s history is woven directly into its identity, even down to its name—“It’s believed to be the highest point on the rail line… that’s how the name Upland came to be.” Whether through the restoration of its historic depot or the support of student-led ventures, Upland continues to demonstrate how a close-knit community becomes fertile ground for entrepreneurship.

Gas City: A Manufacturing Hub with a Community Heart

Gas City’s story (runtime 1 hour 35 minutes)is one of resilience, industrial heritage, and forward momentum, qualities that make it a strong contender for workforce-driven investment. The episode underscores how the city successfully transitioned from the era of natural gas and glass manufacturing into a diversified commercial and industrial base. As the narration puts it, "Gas City has survived. It has become the fastest growing city in Grant County" (based on recent population growth and commercial expansion). What stands out most is the sense of belonging, from longtime residents who say, “It’s a hometown community… I love it here,” to business leaders inviting newcomers to join in the city’s growth. Gas City’s collaborative spirit is unmistakable, powered by volunteers, families, and civic partners who show up whenever they’re needed.

Fairmount: Where History and Creativity Intersect

The Fairmount episode (runtime 1 hour 35 minutes) captures a town where deep artistic and cultural roots fuel a modern sense of pride and possibility. Known worldwide as the hometown of James Dean and Jim Davis, Fairmount blends heritage with a vibrant community of makers, volunteers, and small businesses. As the narrator shares, “Fairmount is a town that welcomes visitors as friends,” a sentiment reflected in the town’s ability to draw crowds nearly ten times its population during the annual James Dean Festival. Yet Fairmount’s identity reaches far beyond nostalgia. Museum president Christy Berry reminds viewers of the town’s global uniqueness: “Nowhere in the world are you going to find what is here.” At the same time, modern Fairmount thrives on generosity and service, from anonymous acts of kindness to the dedication of public servants like Fire Chief Clint Jump. Together, these stories paint a picture of a community rooted in legacy but propelled by the people who continue to shape its future.

Now Entering… Marion: Production Begins, Storytelling Expands

Beginning early 2026, Ball State PBS will turn its cameras toward Marion—Grant County's largest city and the hub of its manufacturing, healthcare, and educational ecosystems.

The forthcoming Now Entering… Marion’s episode is expected to tell a layered story:

• a downtown undergoing reinvestment;

• a riverfront district transforming through projects such as River Rock Lofts;

• a legacy of glassmaking and innovation;

• and the voices of residents shaping Marion’s next chapter.

For the Growth Council, this is more than a documentary. It is a strategic storytelling tool that pairs with our commitment to visible progress, community character, and authentic partnership. The series amplifies the message we share with site selectors every day: Grant County communities are not abstractions or generic Midwest towns. They are specific, distinct, and investable.

Why Storytelling Matters in Economic Development

Across the country, economic development organizations are beginning to recognize something Ball State PBS understood years ago: people choose communities, not brochures.

Authentic storytelling strengthens:

Workforce Attraction

People want to live where they can see themselves. These episodes show real residents—teachers, baristas, machinists, volunteers—talking honestly about why they stay.

Business Recruitment

Executives assessing community fit look for cultural alignment. A documentary offers a far more accurate impression than a site sheet alone.

Community Pride & Unity

When residents participate in telling the story, they become partners in the work of economic growth. Civic cohesion itself becomes an asset.

Regional Positioning

Together, these episodes create a portfolio of Grant County narratives—distinct communities, shared values, and a regional economic ecosystem with momentum.

How to Watch the Episodes

All three Grant County episodes, Upland, Gas City, and Fairmount, are available on Ball State PBS’s YouTube channel and website. Watch all episodes: Ball State PBS: Now Entering... (ballstatepbs.org)

According to Ball State PBS, each premiere drew strong viewership, reinforcing a lesson we have seen firsthand: when residents tell their stories, people listen.

Looking Ahead: Marion’s Premiere in 2026

Production for Now Entering… Marion begins soon, and the Growth Council will provide regular updates as filming progresses. Community members will be invited to contribute stories, photos, and interviews, ensuring that the episode reflects Marion’s authentic voice.

For businesses, investors, and future residents, the 2026 premiere will offer a timely window into a city undergoing visible transformation—supported by redevelopment initiatives, public-private partnerships, and a renewed focus on downtown and riverfront vitality.