BEDFORD – Radius Indiana welcomed nine new board members and announced a new slate of officers and key initiatives for 2023, including expanded efforts in regional tourism, talent attraction and collaboration and development in the defense sector.
With 10 board members reaching term limits and two retiring from the Radius board at the end of 2022, a host of new community leaders have joined as new board members.
New appointees include:
- Katy Preidt, Duke Energy
- Paul Quick, Smithville
- Matt Long, AT&T
- Natalie Hedde, Centerpoint
- Craig Buse, Springs Valley
- Kelly Zimmerly, Greene County local government, County Council
- Craig Menke, Crawford County local government, County Council
- Mike Kluesner, Dubois County local government, County Council
- Lonnie Hawkins, Martin County private sector
Retiring board members were honored with a proclamation for their service to Radius and their contributions to the region at the December 2022 meeting, including oversight of the launch of Radius’ tourism brand, Discover Southern Indiana, a significant expansion of workforce-related programs, launch of the regional business news platform Southern Indiana Business Report, and increasing assistance for the region’s existing business sector.
During the meeting, the board also re-elected former Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman to serve as chair of the board. Additional 2023 officers include:
- Vice Chair: Bryan Brackemyre, Indiana Municipal Power Agency
- Secretary: Bryant Niehoff, Daviess County Economic Development Corporation;
- Treasurer: Brent Sternberg, German American Bank
- Executive Committee At-Large Members: Justin Green, Mayor of Salem and Jeff Pipkin, Hoosier Energy
- LEDO Representative: Shance Sizemore, Lawrence County Economic Growth Council
“The leaders who have been on our Board for the past few years took us through the trials of the COVID era and helped us reshape our approach to economic development to meet the region’s needs as we came out of the pandemic,” said Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana. “We appreciate the work they did as voices of the region giving us feedback and input.”
The board also ratified its 2023 budget to support programs and activities for the eight Radius counties. These activities include continued significant tourism funding to market Discover Southern Indiana, a full year of the new regional business retention and expansion (BRE) program, continuation of Spark Downtown, support for the Southern Indiana Trailways rails-to-trails development, and expansion and modification of the Choose Southern Indiana population attraction incentive program.
“We anticipate 2023 to be another great year for Radius as we continue to initiate programs and contribute to projects that shape the future of Southern Indiana,” said Skillman. “This new slate of board members adds a wide range of knowledge and expertise, and I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”
Radius will hold its annual stakeholder luncheon Feb. 15.