The BAR Brief: April Edition

Behind the scenes of BAR Communications

May 01, 2025

As April winds down, BAR Communications brings you the latest updates from our team as Indianapolis revs up for its most celebrated month. 🏁

And while the Indianapolis 500 brings excitement to the city, it's not the only track where you'll find BAR's attention—read on for founder Brad Rateike’s spring sport of choice.

Inside Scoop

The Broad Ripple GOP Club hosted Governor Mike Braun for a fireside chat moderated by Brad Rateike. Governor Braun highlighted his administration's early accomplishments and plans for the future.

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The Indiana Leadership Forum recently hosted their Media & Message class with insights from media professionals and communications specialists, including our own Brad Rateike.

Brad Rateike and Abbey Moman spent the day in Plainfield collaborating with Walmart Community Relations and local leadership teams at the IND2 facility. Together with store managers and market managers from across the region, we explored compelling associate stories that showcase the authentic Walmart experience in Indiana.

Brad Rateike, Ellie Acra, and Audrey Plutat attended the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation event “The Future of America's Economy: The Significance of the National Debt & Transformative Tax Policies” with former governor Mitch Daniels and Senator Todd Young.

Lauren Schregardus attended Sylvia's Breakfast where Mayor Stehr and 250 community leaders gathered to commemorate the Child Advocacy Center’s 15 years of transformative service to Boone County's children and families.

Client Spotlight

Walmart is making significant investments in their customer experience by remodeling several key locations across Indiana and Kentucky, demonstrating their continued commitment to creating enhanced shopping environments that better serve their local communities. The strategic construction initiative has successfully captured attention from top regional media outlets, securing valuable coverage that highlights Walmart’s economic investment and dedication to retail innovation.

The Noblesville Rotary Club welcomed IU Indianapolis basketball coaches Kate Bruce and Paul Corsaro who shared insights on building their program’s culture and their excitement for the upcoming season.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Road to Reentry program is transforming lives across Indiana by investing in Dr. Russell Ledet's Inner Words initiative, which helps justice-involved individuals successfully reintegrate into society. Read more here.

Team Talk

I own a racehorse. Here’s what Diamond taught us.: Advice from our founder, Brad Rateike

My wife and I have two cats, Oscar and Emmy. They are adorable pets and family members, but it’s hard to imagine them doing anything applause-worthy. Being indoor cats, their accomplishment ceiling is understandably low.

While they’re our only full-time pets, we’ve also dabbled in fractional horse ownership. No, we don’t ride our horses—imagine a 6-foot, 4-inch jockey, especially one who is, well, not thin. In 2019, my wife and I became 5% owners in a racing syndicate that had a young filly named Diamond Solitaire. Read more.

Counter Current Podcast

Unfiltered conversations from the trenches of business with Aaron Smith and Jack Hudson (Babble Media). Dive in to episodes on Spotify, YouTube, X, or Apple Podcasts.

Indianapolis Moms on WISH-TV

Indianapolis Moms contributor Lauren Schregardus recently appeared on WISH-TV’s Daybreak to highlight the exciting 500 Festival kickoff events, sharing family-friendly activities happening throughout May including the Mini-Marathon, 5K, Kids Day Rookie Run, and the 500 Festival Parade on May 24. 🏁

Tobias Fellows 2025 Cohort

Congratulations to Aaron Smith being named as Tobias Fellowship cohort! We look forward to his contributions to both business and public service.

Aaron Smith is on a roll

Aaron Smith is on a roll: He underscored the importance of investing in downtown Noblesville's infrastructure in the Indianapolis Business Journal and launched a new Instagram account delivering concise updates on Noblesville happenings that cut through the algorithm’s noise. He believes that fewer soundbites and more straightforward conversations are needed to create real change.

SKL Class XLVIII April Series

Lauren Schregardus recently participated in Religion Day as part of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, gaining valuable insights into how faith communities contribute to our city's diverse social fabric.

Happy birthday to our friend and colleague, Laurel Judkins! 🎉