Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – Orange County welcomed the fourth new resident who has moved to the area through its population attraction partnership with Choose Southern Indiana.
Rachel Beck grew up in Dubois and has spent the past 14 years in New York City, NY, working in the public school system. She decided to make the move back to Southern Indiana to be near family and also because she likes the nice people, small community and that people take care of one another here.
“I’m probably biased but Southern Indiana has a lot to offer,” said Rachel. “People here have good work ethic, it’s a good place to live, and I love that you have the opportunity to really make an impact. It’s amazing to see how much growth has happened in French Lick since I moved away.”
Choose Southern Indiana currently offers four programs to recruit new residents. The relocation incentive is available to remote workers and individuals who are hired by participating businesses in the Radius region, including those in the defense industry and CDL drivers. All accepted individuals in the program must commit to living in southern Indiana for a minimum of two years.
“It’s wonderful to welcome people like Rachel back to Southern Indiana,” said Skylar Whiteman, executive director of Orange County Economic Development Partnership. “As soon as we met, Rachel commented on the growth in Orange County and asked about nonprofit organizations that may be a good fit for her. When people return to Southern Indiana after having moved away, they are able to bring back a new perspective, fresh ideas, and a renewed appreciation for the atmosphere of a small community.”
Talent attraction and workforce development are now two of the most important aspects of economic development. Talent attraction focuses on recruitment from the talent pipeline outside of a given community, while workforce development aims to further an individual’s ability to grow their skills and develop the tools they need for business success in their community. Choose Southern Indiana focuses on the attraction of talent from outside the state of Indiana, in order to avoid depleting talent in other Indiana communities. To learn more and apply to the relocation incentive program, visit www.choosesouthernindiana.com.