Uplander Stories: From Florida to Odon, couple chooses life in the Indiana Uplands

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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

READI 2.0 fueling Simtra BioPharma expansion in the Indiana Uplands

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

The Indiana Uplands READI Steering Committee, ROI, and the IEDC have allocated READI 2.0 funding to support the expansion of Simtra BioPharma Solutions in Bloomington. Simtra is investing $250 million (including a $500,000 READI 2.0 allocation) on a new 150,000-square-foot facility that will expand the company’s sterile fill/finish manufacturing capabilities.

UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Owen Snyder

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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

UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Sophie McDuffee

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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

UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Ethan Scott

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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

Officials cut ribbon on multi-use Commons venue in downtown Washington

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

Officials in Daviess County and the city of Washington set the stage for continued revitalization and renewal of the Daviess County region with the official ribbon-cutting of the $3.1 million Commons facility on November 8. “The city of Washington has already taken several steps toward an energized downtown, and this formal ribbon-cutting will accelerate that movement right in the heart of the city,” said Washington Mayor David Rhoads.

READI 2.0 investments take off in Indiana Uplands Region with new $45 million Regional Wellness Center

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

The new 90,000-square-foot facility will be constructed on 10 acres adjacent to the Parklands and Jasper High School, with plans currently including a large fitness center, four full-court gymnasiums, an indoor aquatic center, an indoor walking track, group exercise studios, and community rooms, including a community kitchen. 

New outdoor classroom inspiring exploration and learning for young students

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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 Galleries: STEM and Career Coaching Fellowships

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

The start of the academic school year is an exciting time for ROI! We've recently kicked off the 2024-2025 cohorts in our STEM Fellowship, Career Coaching Fellowship, and UpSkill Work & Learn programs. These programs enable schools, educators, and counselors to expose students from an early age through high school to the many career opportunities … Continue reading Photo Galleries: STEM and Career Coaching Fellowships

ROI welcomes Julie Halbig as Vice President for Economic and Community Development

Posted on by Betsy Trotzke

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is pleased to announce that Julie Halbig will assume responsibility for its quality of place programming in the Indiana Uplands. Julie Halbig began her role on August 26 as Vice President for Economic and Community Development. ROI’s quality of place programs span across initiatives, including housing, transportation, infrastructure, digital inclusion, and … Continue reading ROI welcomes Julie Halbig as Vice President for Economic and Community Development

Digital Towns connection check-in with Salem

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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

READI 1.0 project in Huntingburg activates alley and downtown connections

Posted on by Suzannah Couch

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