Southern Indiana Business Report
JASPER — Indiana State Senate President Pro Tempore Rod Bray was the featured speaker at Radius Indiana’s Board of Directors meeting in Jasper on Sept. 8. Bray, who was elected in 2012, represents Morgan County as well as parts of Johnson, Owen and Putnam counties. During his visit, he shared insights with the board on community development successes in his district and likely policies to be addressed through the READI program. He was introduced to the board by Becky Skillman, former lieutenant governor and former Radius chair.
“I’m honored to have this opportunity to speak to the leaders who sit on the Radius board,” Bray said. “Our state is launching innovative approaches to enhance the quality of place for our residents as well as attract new people to move to Indiana. I’m excited to see how these communities will partner to grow and improve Southern Indiana.”
Radius, which is based in Bedford, traveled to Jasper to hold its quarterly board meeting at the newly constructed Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, home of Jasper Community Arts and the Jasper Public Library.
Other meeting updates
- Catapult program — Christian Blome, dean of students at Vincennes University Jasper Campus, provided the board with an update of the Catapult program. Catapult is a training program aimed at preparing individuals for a career in advanced manufacturing. VUJC hosted one cohort in 2021 and hopes to add several more in the coming year, Blome said.
- Choose Southern Indiana — Radius provided an update on its relocation incentive program aimed at bringing new talent to the region. More than 300 individuals have applied for the program, which offers a $5,000 relocation incentive to qualified out-of-state individuals or families who relocate.
- Cooperative advertising program — Earlier this year, six Radius member counties joined a brand-new cooperative advertising program with Discover Southern Indiana. The program focuses on both regional and local tourism marketing opportunities.
- Crane Regional Defense Group — A sub-branch of the White River Military Coordination Alliance, CRDG expands community support and advocates for NSA Crane at the local and federal level. The organization has a newly completed website and is accepting member applications. Application and benefits are available on the website.
“Our staff has not let the pandemic slow down our progress, and I am looking forward to the projects we have yet to come,” said Jeff Quyle, Radius CEO and president. “Huge thank you to our board for its continued support; we’ve got a great group and together we will continue to make a difference in Southern Indiana.”