Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – In an effort to support the launch and operation of Main Street programs along the Monon South Trail, Radius Indiana recently welcomed another staff member to its team. A Lawrence County native, Sadie Miskuf, will serve as the organization’s first Regional Main Street director.
Established by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Main Street program supports and encourages community-driven revitalization of downtown areas in cities and towns. Miskuf will assist member communities with the initial application process of community meetings, stakeholder awareness, board formation, financial forecasting and a formal work plan.
Once accredited, the communities along the Monon South Trail will become Indiana’s first Regional Main Street organization and will be eligible for exclusive grant opportunities, technical assistance and educational resources.
The position was created in coordination with the recent Monon South Trail development, as the cities and towns will soon be joined together by the nearly 60-mile recreational asset and experience a new wave of visitors. This poses a unique opportunity for the communities’ downtown or commercial districts in the Magnificent Monon South Regional Main Street program.
Miskuf will accelerate trail-based economic development in partnership with community leaders, local business owners and residents to spur revitalization and excitement surrounding the downtowns.
“Mitchell appreciates seeing this kind of hands-on assistance with the Main Street program. Having Sadie from Radius step in will relieve a lot of the administrative and organizational load our downtown businesses would face,” said Mitchell Mayor Don Caudell. “This lets our local leaders focus on the community and maximize how we grow to meet the needs of the Monon South Trail visitors who will come here.”
In 2023, Indiana Main Street communities completed 262 rehabilitation projects, opened 196 new downtown businesses, created over 3,000 jobs and finalized 171 public improvement projects across the state. These initiatives were made possible by the 1,600 passionate volunteers throughout the communities that dedicated nearly 43,000 hours of their time.
“Our communities along the trail share this opportunity to capitalize on the business growth that the Monon South Trail will bring, and by providing our regional resources to help them utilize the power of the Main Street program, we expect to accelerate the strengthening of their existing downtown businesses as well as enable the growth of new businesses. We’re very excited and grateful that Sadie brings the relevant Main Street experience to smooth the implementation of the program,” said Jeff Quyle, President of Radius.
Miskuf previously served as Main Street director for a small town in Florida before returning to Indiana and has a proven history of fostering collaboration among stakeholders, implementing strategic initiatives, and leveraging resources to build vibrant communities. She also has a strong passion for philanthropy, revitalization of small-town assets and Hoosier heritage.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Magnificent Monon South Main Street program to life,” said Miskuf. “It’s an honor to be part of something so special that will bring communities together across Southern Indiana, allow visitors to experience what the region has to offer, and continue to thrive for many generations to come.”