Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – Radius Indiana hosted more than 100 attendees from across the region for its annual stakeholder’s luncheon Feb. 28 at the French Lick Resort. Remarks included a review of Radius’ accomplishments over the previous year and included an unveiling of design renderings for the Monon South Trail.
Additionally, Radius welcomed special guests from the Consulate and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Chicago as well as Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott.
Radius Board of Directors Chair Jeff Pipkin opened the meeting with a brief overview of the organization’s programs and thanked stakeholders for their continued support. Pipkin became the board chair at the start of 2024, stepping in for Becky Skillman who retired from the board at the end of 2023 after more than 10 years of service.
“Radius continues to evolve in order to stay up-to-date with the world of economic development, and the growing list of programs it offers reflects that,” said Pipkin. “I look forward to serving a larger role to the organization as its Chair and being a small part of the amazing impact it brings to southern Indiana.”
Pipkin then introduced Daniel Elliott, who spoke about the Indiana Bond Bank and its ability to be a resource for communities. Additionally, Elliott highlighted the importance of broadband in rural communities and its impact on education, development and growth.
Following, Radius President and CEO Jeff Quyle introduced special guests Consul-General Jun Yanagi and JETRO Chicago Executive Director Hiroyuki Nemoto. This was an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from representatives of these organizations, who are often on the front lines in facilitating new contacts with Japan for economic development opportunities.
Consul-General Yanagi shared that there are currently 320 Japanese business facilities in Indiana, providing 70,700 jobs.
“I am optimistic about the partnership between the United States and Japan because it has been built from the ground up, supported by multiple layers of human connection, sharing basic values such as democracy, freedom, and human rights,” said Consul-General Yanagi.
Quyle then provided an overview of the organization’s accomplishments from 2023, including the 16 employers throughout the Radius region that have participated in Choose Southern Indiana’s Employer Incentive Program, and the nearly 60,000 visitors to the Southern Indiana Business Report website. In addition, Quyle updated attendees on the Monon South Trail progress, slated to span nearly 60 miles through Lawrence, Orange, Washington and Clark counties. Clark Dietz, the lead civil engineering firm, and Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group, the trail’s design firm, are completing the infrastructure design, construction and master planning efforts.
Attendees had the first look at the initial design concepts for the trailheads, including structures, bike and pedestrian rest stops, restrooms, and other amenities planned along the trail.
“With the support from our partners at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the design team, we are making great progress on the trail in record time and learning more than we originally imagined,” said Quyle. “Additional design plans will be released later this spring, and we are currently on track to open the municipal segments of the trail later this fall.”
Other important events were scheduled in coordination with the stakeholder’s luncheon, including a reception and dinner to renew the relationship between the Radius region and both the Consulate and JETRO Chicago, and a breakfast networking event for the local mayors, the region’s economic development leaders, and Japanese officials
If you are interested in attending Radius Indiana’s Stakeholder Meeting next year, please contact the Radius office at (812) 277-9778.