Joe Smith Discusses Indiana Tech, Sports and Economy on Inside Indiana Business TV

Joe Smith of Faegre Baker Daniels joined "The INsiders" panel on Inside Indiana Business TV to discuss various Indiana economic issues.

"As the economy is slightly ticking upward, I think people are still concerned about savings and having the money to do the things they used to do in the past," Smith said of the 2013 holiday shopping season. "Although it's not rosy and great, I don't think it's in the doldrums where people are going to be too concerned."

The group also discussed IndyX, a new technology sector initiative to provide more internships with tech companies and bring tech workers back to Indiana. "It's a perfect idea," Smith said. "Anything that's going to draw brain gain to the city and the state is going to be perfect. Those folks coming together with Eli Lilly and TechPoint will really put emphasis on how we're going to advance our growing technology in Indiana."

Smith also commented on the announcement of a new professional hockey team in Indianapolis. "We have to figure out if there's going to be enough traction for hockey," he noted. "RIght now we can be very pleased with the Colts and Pacers and obviously with Indy Eleven, that's a huge bonus for the city. There is a groundswell in the high school area where kids are really into hockey nowadays, and even younger, so hopefully that will grow up and be supportive for the new team."