Betsy Trotzke, Author at Regional Opportunity Initiatives

ROI’s MOMENTUM program featured in Indianapolis Business Journal

Posted on November 23, 2025November 23, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

The Indiana Business Journal recently featured ROI’s new Indiana Uplands Microelectronics program. MOMENTUM: Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Workforce Development is the name for ROI’s portfolio of regional ME programs, including the ME Training Hub, ME Academy, soldering training, and curriculum development. Read the IBJ's full story, Building momentum, building talent, to learn about the High School ME … Continue reading ROI’s MOMENTUM program featured in Indianapolis Business Journal

ROI selected to serve as Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) Connector

Posted on October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) was announced today as one of 12 regional organizations to serve as liaisons for student and school participation in the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP), a new pathway to prepare Hoosiers for in-demand careers and help Indiana businesses find and train employees. ROI is grateful to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation … Continue reading ROI selected to serve as Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) Connector

Photo Gallery: ME Training Hub and ME Academy Signing Ceremony

Posted on October 1, 2025October 1, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

On September 29, regional leaders, educators, students, and industry partners came together at WestGate@Crane Technology Park to celebrate the launch of the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era of opportunity for students and workers across the region, creating a direct pathway into one of the most critical … Continue reading Photo Gallery: ME Training Hub and ME Academy Signing Ceremony

ROI launches Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub at WestGate@Crane with ribbon cutting

Posted on September 29, 2025October 3, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

New hub and academy align ME training opportunities with defense and industry workforce needs BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Industry leaders, defense partners, educators, students, families, and local officials joined together on September 29 to celebrate the opening of the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics (ME) Training Hub at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park, a milestone in building the region’s … Continue reading ROI launches Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub at WestGate@Crane with ribbon cutting

READI 2.0 funding for four projects to accelerate housing, childcare, and healthcare in the Indiana Uplands

Posted on July 25, 2025July 28, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

$4,093,000 in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funding has been committed to leverage investments for housing developments in Huntingburg and Leavenworth, childcare expansion in Nashville, and hospital improvements in Washington.

Developers break ground on new affordable housing community coming to Loogootee

Posted on July 18, 2025September 10, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

$600,000 in READI 2.0 allocations will leverage investments for Oak Street Village, which will feature 50 rental units and childcare facility. On Friday, July 18, Governor Mike Braun joined local and regional officials for a groundbreaking ceremony held for a new affordable multi-family housing community coming to the City of Loogootee in Martin County. Sullivan … Continue reading Developers break ground on new affordable housing community coming to Loogootee

Launch day for Upskill: 53 students sign on for apprenticeships

Posted on May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

Yesterday, ROI proudly celebrated a powerful milestone with the fourth cohort of its UpSkill Work & Learn program. Fifty-three high school students took a bold step toward their futures, committing to paid apprenticeships that blend hands-on experience, college coursework, and industry-recognized credentials.

Incremental development program aims to increase housing, strengthen communities

Posted on May 29, 2025May 30, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

When ROI completed the 2023 Indiana Uplands Housing Study Update, it emphasized a consistent need across all 11 counties for strategies to address infill and small-scale development, including home rehabilitation. To address this need, ROI launched a new housing initiative earlier this year in collaboration with the Incremental Development Alliance (IDA), a national nonprofit organization … Continue reading Incremental development program aims to increase housing, strengthen communities

IU Rural Conference highlights how we define rural places

Posted on May 29, 2025May 29, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

In May, IU’s Center for Rural Engagement delivered a stellar two-day conference focused on the issues of greatest importance to Indiana’s rural communities.

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Day with a spotlight on UpSkill

Posted on April 25, 2025April 25, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

April 30 marks National Apprenticeship Day 2025, a nationwide celebration of the role apprenticeships play in preparing workers for successful careers through real-world experiences.

Nominations due Apr 18 for Career Coaching and STEM Fellowships

Posted on April 10, 2025April 22, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

Two professional development fellowship opportunities for Indiana Uplands educators are open through April 18 for the 2025-2026 school year. The STEM Fellowship is a 10-month professional development program to support elementary educators in developing innovative STEM teaching practices and leadership skills. The 2025-26 STEM Fellowship will be designed for upper elementary and middle school educators … Continue reading Nominations due Apr 18 for Career Coaching and STEM Fellowships

Photo Gallery: Fourth annual Uplands Made conference

Posted on April 10, 2025April 25, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

The future of business is here in the Indiana Uplands — and it’s student-run! More than 250 student entrepreneurs and educators from 12 schools gathered in Jasper on April 9 for ROI's 4th annual Uplands Made Conference. This event provides students opportunities learning, networking, presenting and showing off their products and skills.

March 5: Indiana Uplands Small Scale Development Workshop

Posted on February 18, 2025February 25, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

Join us to learn how to pick a good development project and take the first steps to make it reality! At this small scale development workshop, our partners with Incremental Development Alliance will take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, … Continue reading March 5: Indiana Uplands Small Scale Development Workshop

Indiana Uplands joins Discover Southern Indiana’s expanded tourism region

Posted on January 31, 2025February 26, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

Through a new partnership between Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) and Radius Indiana, Discover Southern Indiana is expanding its regional tourism brand to include all 11 Indiana Uplands counties

Lilly Endowment grant to help strengthen early childhood education in the Indiana Uplands region

Posted on January 30, 2025January 30, 2025 by Betsy Trotzke

Lilly Endowment Inc., through the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative, has awarded a $7,834,000 Community Leadership Implementation Grant to the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) on behalf of the Indiana Uplands region.

Author: Betsy Trotzke