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
STEM Fellows received a firsthand look at how robotics are used in advanced manufacturing during a visit to the General Motors plant in the Indiana Uplands in January. Hands-on robotics learning kicked off the day, thanks to the Techpoint Foundation for Youth. In the afternoon, educators explored GM career pathways and witnessed robotics in action, … Continue reading STEM Fellows explore advanced manufacturing at Bedford General Motors plant
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
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, Regional Opportunity Initiatives is excited to share the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, providing valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Owen Snyder
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 17-23), Regional Opportunity Initiatives is thrilled to highlight the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, offering valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Sophie McDuffee
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, Regional Opportunity Initiatives is excited to share the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, providing valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Ethan Scott
Brown County Early Education Center leverages READI 1.0 funding to add high-quality learning environment and increase capacity. From riding around the race track on trikes and striders to using an outdoor play kitchen, small students are achieving big developmental goals. In August, the Brown County Early Education Center (EEC) opened a new outdoor learning classroom … Continue reading New outdoor classroom inspiring exploration and learning for young students
Photo courtesy of Washington County Community Foundation Accessing free public WiFi continues to get easier in the Indiana Uplands as communities use Digital Towns grant funding to provide this essential component of a thriving community. Earlier this summer, Salem held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate free public WiFi available throughout the city. Free WiFi is … Continue reading Digital Towns connection check-in with Salem
If you look down Huntingburg's recently renovated alley on 4th Street around lunchtime, you will often see a variety of residents and visitors sitting and enjoying their time together. It's an example of cultural convergence in this Indiana Uplands city and one of the reasons why Huntingburg is special, according to Mayor Neil Elkins. "It’s … Continue reading READI 1.0 project in Huntingburg activates alley and downtown connections
Owen County was one of four projects selected to receive Digital Towns funding to improve digital equity and inclusion in the Indiana Uplands.
Last week, ROI hosted an orientation and signing day experience for students and employers participating in the third cohort of the UpSkill Work and Learn Youth Apprenticeship program. With the stroke of a pen, 31 new students officially embarked on their journey into the modern youth apprenticeship experience. UpSkill provides selected high school students with … Continue reading ROI celebrates third UpSkill cohort with signing day
