Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK — Radius Indiana’s Economic Development for Community Leadership Program is heading back to French Lick Resort May 17-19.
Speakers from state agencies, site selection companies, secondary education institutions, and financial firms will share best practices and offer perspectives on local and regional economic strategies. Topics are focused on the day-to-day functions of economic development and are designed to help leaders keep the needs of economic development at the forefront of their efforts.
Several speakers have already confirmed for the two-and-a-half-day event:
- Jim Plump – Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation, introduction to economic development
- Jeffrey Banning – Banning Engineering, site development
- Rachel Greene – Magnitude Agency, economic development marketing
- Olga Pogoda – KRNLS, coworking spaces and maker spaces
- Courtney Zaugg – Plaka and Associates, entrepreneur-led economic development
- Doug Rasmussen – Steadfast City, site selector deals
- Matt Eckerle – Baker-Tilly, business finance and incentives
- Lisa Abbott – Regional Opportunity Initiatives, housing
- Wendy Dant Chesser – One Southern Indiana, strategic planning
- Michael Wilcox – Purdue Center for Regional Development, quality of place
- Evan Hock – TMAP, population attraction
- Julie Rigrish – Purdue Center for Regional Development, economic gardening
- Jason Hester – Greater Columbus Indiana Economic Development, business retention and expansion
- Christian Blome, Vincennes University Jasper Campus, and Michi McClain, Regional Opportunity Initiatives – workforce development
New this year is a format offering attendees the opportunity to choose between session topics for parts of the conference to create a more personalized experience.
Cost for the event is $425 for residents of Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Washington counties. For attendees from outside that area, cost is $475. Cost includes all course materials, breakfast for two days, lunch for two days, and one dinner.
Radius has several scholarships available from its own office for community members who would like to participate in the program, and support is also available from area utilities. Representatives from local economic development organizations and other groups are encouraged to contact the Radius Indiana office to learn more about scholarship opportunities in their area. A block of rooms is also available for attendees.
More information on the program and how to register can be found here.