Southern Indiana Business Report
SHOALS – Indiana University and Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth are teaming up to raise awareness of the natural beauty, small-town charm, national employers, and community assets that make Shoals a wonderful place to live and visit.
Building upon recent community roundtable discussions, which generated ideas for community development projects, Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth is working with IU Kelley School of Business faculty member Keith Dayton, IU Hutton Honors College students and IU Center for Rural Engagement to conduct a deeper analysis of the economic opportunities and feasibility of new business development in Shoals.
The Hutton Honors College class prioritizes partnerships with rural and underserved communities, providing skills necessary for strategic engagement with real clients. Harnessing skills in inquiry, analysis and critical thinking, the students will assist in developing recommendations for the community through investigation, discussion and collaborative cooperation. They will apply integrative consulting recommendations through in-depth research. These recommendations, developed through learning, will recognize and define how community cultural influences impact consulting.
“We work with our neighbors who need a broad skill range to meet everyday challenges that businesses and organizations may encounter,” said Dayton. “The class is built on relational consulting skills and organizational frameworks that assist in understanding and guiding businesses and organizations in community. In doing this, we enrich the community’s assets and enhance the academic and professional skills of Indiana University’s greatest asset – its students.”
Jessica Potts, executive director of Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth, and Nicole Vasconi, quality of place liaison of IU Center for Rural Engagement, met with Dayton and his class Aug. 29 to give a presentation on Martin County and asset-based community development. Dayton’s class will host several networking meetings and will present a final report near the end of semester in December.
The full team, community and students will focus on Martin County’s natural resources, including its parks and trails, as well as housing opportunities that would be attractive to visitors and prospective residents. Conducting a deep dive to map assets, community needs and opportunities and the broader context of Martin County, student teams will identify areas for economic and community development as first step in the semester long engagement. Building on the identified areas, five student teams will offer recommendations that align with the selected areas. To ensure sustaining, positive impact, students will be engaged throughout the semester through virtual and in-community dialogue.