From hallway conversations and impromptu reunions to new introductions and shared ideas, the French Lick Resort Event Center buzzed with activity as leaders, educators, employers, and regional partners gathered for Regional Opportunity Initiatives’ Annual Report to the Region on Oct. 2.
The day provided an opportunity for both longtime Indiana Uplanders and newcomers to celebrate the collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment that continue to advance economic and community prosperity across the region. The room was full as ROI President and CEO Tina Peterson delivered the Annual Report to the Region, sharing stories of success and highlighting the innovative strategies driving growth in education, workforce development, and quality of place throughout the Indiana Uplands.
Pat Adams of Simtra BioPharma Solutions, Carl Holmberg of General Motors Bedford Casting Operations, and Brooke Pyne of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions joined Peterson for a panel discussion on trends shaping the future of the region’s life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and national security and defense sectors.
Morning breakout sessions followed, focusing on topics ranging from workforce development and education to child care, arts and culture, community development, and regional economic growth. Sessions explored topics such as work-based learning and Indiana’s new high school diploma, the power and potential of high school academies, READI investments, innovative child care models, arts and culture, and partnerships among employers, K-12 schools, and postsecondary institutions.
Throughout the day, attendees also explored ROI’s Innovation in Action exhibits, where displays featuring microelectronics, 3D printing, workforce initiatives, and other emerging technologies showcased the innovation, ingenuity, and momentum helping shape the future of the Indiana Uplands.
The newest cohort of ROI’s Career Coaching Fellowship also kicked off the year at the Annual Report to the Region with a day full of professional development and networking. This cohort brings together expertise from counseling, teaching, and work‑based learning, and includes twenty‑three individuals from across the Indiana Uplands during the 2026–2027 academic year.
During the luncheon program, Denzil Ross, president of IU Health South Region, delivered the keynote address, offering perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing healthcare in the Indiana Uplands and its connection to the region’s workforce, communities, and future growth.
The luncheon also featured the presentation of the 2026 Indiana Uplands Regional Innovation Awards. Presented by Dr. Sue Ellspermann, the awards recognized individuals, organizations, partnerships, and projects helping move the region forward through leadership, innovation, collaboration, workforce development, talent attraction, and quality-of-place investments.
Read more about this year’s Indiana Uplands Regional Innovation Award winners by clicking here.
Afternoon working sessions focused on implementation and professional learning closed out the day. Attendees learned more about Indiana’s Redevelopment Tax Credit Program and Small Town Opportunity Initiative with Indiana Economic Development Corporation staff, while participants in ROI’s STEM Fellowship, Career Coaching Fellowship, and early learning initiatives convened to further their work supporting students, communities, and the regional workforce.
As ROI celebrates its 10th anniversary, this year’s Annual Report to the Region served as a reminder of what can be accomplished when people, organizations, and communities work together around a shared vision. The Indiana Uplands continues to be on the way up, a region on the rise.
Enjoy photos from the day below. Click a photo to enlarge the gallery.
