Author: Suzannah Couch

This school year, career connections will continue to grow for students in the Indiana Uplands as Regional Opportunity Initiatives welcomes the newest cohort of the Career Coaching Fellowship. Twenty-one individuals serving across the Indiana Uplands as school counselors, career coaches, work-based and internship coordinators, and Preparing for College and Career teachers have stepped up to … Continue reading Twenty-one educators join ROI’s Career Coaching Fellowship

Despite a snowy start, the Regional Opportunity Initiatives Annual Report to the Region warmed up the French Lick Resort Event Center on Feb. 18, bringing together leaders and changemakers from across the Indiana Uplands region to celebrate progress and innovation. Kicking off the day, ROI President and CEO Tina Peterson shared inspiring success stories, highlighting … Continue reading Photo Gallery: 2025 ROI Annual Report to the Region

Over the past five years, INvets has helped bring 150 new residents to the Indiana Uplands, with every county in the region welcoming new neighbors through these efforts. Their work in ensuring the post-service success and happiness of military vets and their families made them a great choice for this year’s Indiana Uplands Talent Innovation … Continue reading 2025 Indiana Uplands Talent Innovation Award: INvets

Students in Dubois County are quite literally reaching new heights thanks to a Southridge High School Aviation Program, making it a standout choice for this year’s Indiana Uplands STEM Innovation Award. Regional Opportunity Initiatives Vice President for Economic and Community Development Julie Halbig, ROI President and CEO Tina Peterson, ROI Board of Directors President Doug … Continue reading 2025 Indiana Uplands STEM Innovation Award: Southridge Aviation Program

What started with an undeveloped corner has become a unique gathering space attracting residents and visitors alike to downtown Washington.  Regional Opportunity Initiatives Board of Directors President Dough Kellam, ROI Vice President of Talent Development Michi McClaine, Washington Mayor David Rhoads, Bob Grewe of Daviess County Economic Development Corporation, and ROI President and CEO Tina … Continue reading 2025 Indiana Uplands Quality of Place Attraction Award: City of Washington The Commons

Printed local newspapers have been a given for most of our lives. Over the last decade, however, what had become a fixture of most of our cities and towns is no longer a norm, but rather the exception – especially in rural communities.  The Owen News offers a testament to what is possible when a … Continue reading 2025 Indiana Uplands Quality of Place Innovation Award: The Owen News

Since its establishment in 1979,  PRD Incorporated has subscribed to a "people first" philosophy, having learned that when you focus on each customer, as an individual, putting their needs first, the rest will follow. PRD extends this philosophy to their employees as well, cultivating an honest, family-style atmosphere. Regional Opportunity Initiatives Vice President of Talent … Continue reading 2025 Indiana Uplands Employer Innovation Award: PRD, Inc.

ALASI’s dedication and commitment to creating a stronger and more connected community for all was honored with this year’s Indiana Uplands Diversity Innovation Award. ALASI’s board President Christian Blome, and his fellow board members accepted the award. during the Regional Opportunity Initiatives Annual Report to the Region on Feb. 18 in French Lick.  Regional Opportunity … Continue reading 2025 Indiana Uplands Diversity Innovation Award: ALASI

This year’s Indiana Uplands Regional Collaboration Award winners brought a team together to create a free, multi-part online course to catalyze engagement between the Department of Defense and small businesses. Regional Opportunity Initiatives Vice President for Economic and Community Development Julie Halbig, ROI Board of Directors President Doug Kellams, and ROI's Vice President of Talent … Continue reading 2025 Indiana Uplands Regional Collaboration Award: Federal Lab Technology Transfer for Beginners

From serving as Huntingburg’s mayor to leading an organization dedicated to improving the lives of rural Hoosiers, Denny Spinner’s career is defined by his strong commitment to service. This dedication was honored by Regional Opportunity Initiatives on Feb. 18, when he was named the recipient of this year’s Becky Skillman Regional Leadership Award. Regional Opportunity … Continue reading 2025 Indiana Uplands Becky Skillman Regional Leadership Award: Denny Spinner

Holidays celebrated year-round with festive events, a stunning patchwork of golden fields and vibrant crops, rich culture at every turn, and a sense of community fostered by local businesses and churches. These are just a few reasons Macie Exley and her husband, Cody, packed up their life in Florida and embarked on an 800-mile journey … Continue reading Uplander Stories: From Florida to Odon, couple chooses life in the Indiana Uplands