South Central Indiana partnered with Radius Indiana Economic Development to share insights about their respective southern Indiana regions as co-hosts of an educational session for 10 site selectors and business advisers in downtown Louisville in June.
The event marks the first joint economic outreach effort by the two organizations, representing a total of 17 southern Indiana counties.
The session is part of South Central Indiana’s 2017 outreach program to raise awareness about the business strengths and opportunities in the region. The leaders from Radius Indiana and SCIED introduced the regions to their southern neighbors, showcasing the benefits of doing business in the regions, as well as the available sites, demographics and the quality of the workforce that powers existing businesses.
Rollie Helmling, senior vice president of Business Development for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation served as the guest speaker for the session and shared the factors that give Indiana the ranking as the No. 1 state in the Midwest for business.
Representatives from 12 of the regions’ Local Economic Development Organizations joined Radius President Jeff Quyle and SCIED President Darrell Voelker for the event. Utility partners to both regional groups, Duke Energy, Hoosier Energy and IMPA, helped sponsor the event.
“This was a great endeavor on behalf of both of our regions,” said Voelker. “We know that a new development in either of our areas can have a significant effect on our neighboring counties. We share resources, workforce and infrastructure with many of the Radius counties and any opportunity we have to work together only strengthens our ability to attract and grow business.”
The Louisville event is the first to join with Radius, Indiana. However, the South Central Indiana Region participates with other partners on many other promotional events and activities. The outreach
efforts this year have connected our communities with companies, business advisers and site consultants in Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C. and Europe. Several more trips are planned to target cities during the remainder of 2017.
“We are continually looking for opportunities to share our region with business leaders who help national and global companies make decisions about where to locate or expand their businesses,” said Quyle. “It is in the true spirit of regionalism that Radius and SCIED Group came together for this effort. We have diverse assets, but a common mission—to grow the economy in southern Indiana.