Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD — A first-of-its-kind professional development opportunity for women in the region and state is now entering its fifth year. Established in 2018, Radius Indiana’s Women in Economic Development Leadership Series focuses on a broad range of topics, including business attraction, retention and expansion; entrepreneurship; quality of life initiatives; networking; and even international business etiquette. The program was designed to encourage an open dialogue among participants to share successes, challenges, and best practices.
In 2021, participation increased to include nearly 30 women across 11 Southern Indiana counties, covering all eight counties in the Radius region, as well as Pike, Perry and Spencer counties. The group met bi-monthly in both virtual and in-person settings.
Planned topics for 2022 include:
- READI grant update
- Early childhood education
- Broadband
- Housing and TIF
- IEDC state incentives
- Site selection
“Radius Indiana’s Women in Economic Development group provides an opportunity to share best practices with professional women throughout the region. Despite the unique differences in each of our communities, we share similar experiences, and our meetings provide the critical thinking skills necessary to seek opportunities and problem solve,” said Rachel Steckler, director of community development for the city of Huntingburg. “In this group, we support and encourage each other both professionally and personally, and we discuss a wide range of topics including everything from economic development training to personal and professional development.”
The course was created as an initiative for Radius’ focus on regional leadership and education as a result of the organization’s strategic plan updates in 2018. It serves as one of several educational courses Radius sponsors throughout the year, including its annual Economic Development for Community Leadership Program, Economic Development Incentive Seminar, and site selector visits.
Radius Indiana partners with Chelsey Manns, president of Manns Consulting, to lead the group in bi-monthly meetings. Manns is a veteran in economic development and helps communities develop and execute project plans for business growth, quality of life initiatives, and community development.
“This has been such a great group to work with over the years and watch grow and develop both professionally in economic development and personally,” said Manns. “The ability to have a place where women can come and learn from other women on key topics that impact the profession has been an invaluable opportunity for the region and beyond.”
People interested in learning more about Radius Indiana’s Women in Economic Development Leadership Series should contact the office at 812-277-9778.