News » Page 2 of 19 » Regional Opportunity Initiatives

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

Vacant lot to vibrant hub: Loogootee celebrates new Downtown Pavilion

Posted on June 24, 2025July 1, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

Photo courtesy of Jason R Greene Photography. As Loogootee Mayor Brian Ader stood on a hot summer evening, looking out at the annual Summerfest, his attention was drawn to the new Downtown Park Pavilion filled with kids laughing and playing, adults dancing, and families gathered together enjoying this snapshot of summer. This is what the … Continue reading Vacant lot to vibrant hub: Loogootee celebrates new Downtown Pavilion

ROI’s STEM Fellowship newest cohort announced, program expands with mentor program

Posted on June 24, 2025June 30, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

Eighth STEM Fellowship cohort launches with 19 educators and five mentors Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is proud to announce its eighth STEM Fellowship cohort and a new mentorship program. The 19 selected educators in Cohort 8 will begin their fellowship year in August 2025, bringing the total number to 149 Fellows working to grow high-quality … Continue reading ROI’s STEM Fellowship newest cohort announced, program expands with mentor program

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.

Just in time for spring: West Baden Park upgrades near completion

Posted on March 24, 2025July 30, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

With one final pour of concrete, READI 1.0-funded upgrades at West Baden Springs Community Park in Orange County will be complete — just in time for spring. READI 1.0 funded the improvements at the park, including multi-use trails, playground equipment, a concession stand, lighting, sidewalks, and flood mitigation.

Photo Gallery: 2025 ROI Annual Report to the Region

Posted on February 25, 2025February 26, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

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

2025 Indiana Uplands Talent Innovation Award: INvets

Posted on February 21, 2025February 25, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

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

2025 Indiana Uplands STEM Innovation Award: Southridge Aviation Program

Posted on February 21, 2025February 25, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

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

2025 Indiana Uplands Quality of Place Attraction Award: City of Washington The Commons

Posted on February 21, 2025February 26, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

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

2025 Indiana Uplands Quality of Place Innovation Award: The Owen News

Posted on February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 by Suzannah Couch

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