Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
Over the past 12 months, the Southern Indiana Business Report has brought stories from the region that included major expansions and ground breakings, features on small businesses, downtown developments, tourism and investments in infrastructure.
Before we get too far into 2024, here’s a look at some of the top stories from the eight counties that make up Radius Indiana. Yesterday, we recapped the first six months of 2023, today is a run down of highlights from July through December.
Today’s review includes the story that had the most views of any SIBR news article. The top story was the planned purchase and redevelopment of the historic Bedford Elks Lodge, viewed more than 4,000 times.
July
Lawrence County RDC approves construction of shell building – An agreement was approved to construct a 50,000-square foot shell building in the Mitchell Industrial Park. Runnebohm Construction will oversee construction of the building that will be marketed to attract a tenant to Lawrence County.
ARI, CRDG host Congressional events in DC – Events bring together government leaders, defense and technology firms, and constituents for conversations and updates about ongoing developments for NSA Crane and within Indiana’s robust defense ecosystem.
August
Developer to buy, renovate Elks building in Bedford – The 1917 Elks Lodge and the 1892 Krenke-Goff building, both located in downtown Bedford’s Courthouse Square Historic District, will be renovated. The team of the 1930s Group and Allied Argenta are planning a multi-use strategy for the buildings.
DoD awards $19M to bolster microelectronics workforce program – Purdue University announces that the SCALE (Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement) microelectronics workforce development program will receive more than $19 million in funding from the Department of Defense to strengthen existing efforts in key research areas and to add new academic partners.
Red Fox Cabinetry scales up production in Loogootee – A new custom cabinet design and build business is taking off since it opened in a former Dollar General store and received tax abatement from the Loogootee City Council.
September
Dubois County is No. 1 business friendly county in Indiana – A report ranking best counties for small businesses ranks Dubois County No. 1. Two other Radius Indiana counties also made the ranking with Daviess County ranked No. 4 and Martin County No. 34.
Speakeasy Pizza makes Washington Post list of best pizzas in Indiana – An Orleans pizza restaurant’s Neapolitan-style pizza is one of the best in Indiana. It’s also got a fun vibe and cool Prohibition-era theme that makes for a great dining experience.
DoD announces $238M in CHIP funding for Indiana hub – Applied Research Institute Inc. is one of eight microelectronics commons chosen by the US Department of Defense to lead regional innovation hubs.
October
Patoka Lake Marina and Winery co-owners receive the Will Koch Tourism Award – Stephen Bartels and Heather Setser were honored for their efforts to bring visitors to southern Indiana. What began as a simple operation in 1998 has become a year-round destination with a winery, brewery and unique lodging options. A hotel will open in 2024.
White River Military Coordination Alliance celebrates 5 years – More than 100 attend a luncheon and celebration of WRMCA’s accomplishments to promote growth and collaboration in the communities around Crane.
City of Jasper celebrates completion of downtown revitalization and infrastructure project – Upgrades to the city’s sanitary sewers and stormwater system as well as improvements to downtown that include brick walkways and gathering spaces are completed.
NSWC Crane will play a key role in future hypersonics testing – A new program to accelerate the testing of hypersonic components aims to bring the US back to the forefront of hypersonics. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, home to the Joint Hypersonics Transition Office (JHTO) Systems Engineering Field Activity, is part of that effort.
November
4 businesses from Radius region vying to be Coolest Thing Made in Indiana – Kimball International, Abbey Casket, Dishmaster and Angry Sturgeon Lures make the cut to be crowned the Coolest Thing Made in Indiana.
Envision Designs making life better for disabled adults – The division of First Chance Center fashions donated upholstery fabric into fun and versatile purses and tote bags; proceeds provide services to disabled adults.
December
West Baden Lofts breaks ground on new housing in West Baden Springs – The development will offer 44 two-bedroom and three-bedroom units in an area that lacks affordable housing. The project should be completed later this year.
Addiction treatment center to open in former Dunn Hospital – The Indiana Center for Recovery will offer addiction and mental health treatment beginning in spring of 2024 in Bedford.