ARI Leaders React to $30 M READI 2.0 Award
Quotes from key members of ARI:
Bryan Robbins, ARI steering committee chairman and executive director of EDCGDC
The ARI region is excited to leverage IEDC's $30 million dollar investment into our region to expand quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity projects. We are committed to using these catalytic funds to propel ARI partner communities toward continual growth.
Joshua Marsh, Mayor of Greensburg
With the READI 2.0 announcement showcasing a significant investment from IEDC and Governor Holcomb, we are ready to launch into what Rural, Reimagined really means, and to show the world how it is done. Our small but mighty region will show why this investment will lead the way in Indiana for impact.
Deanna Burkart, Decatur County council
Accelerate Rural Indiana came together and rose to the challenge of the READI Grant process. The opportunity was a uniting factor that no doubt has cemented long-term working relationships and already strengthened our region. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our potential and to now utilize the award to speed toward growth and new development!
Mike Pavey, Mayor of Rushville
The ARI region has evolved from a grassroots idea into a compelling success story. It embraces the belief that communities sharing similar cultures can form a strong, efficient team. When this team respects each other and interacts not just as colleagues but as friends, it significantly boosts their speed and effectiveness. In such an environment, trust becomes the catalyst for swift action.
Following Round 1 of READI, the collaboration and performance within the newly established ARI region validate its core beliefs. Despite being a newcomer, the ARI region matched or even surpassed the performance of long-established regions in the state.
The ARI region is dedicated to maintaining its leadership position within the state. This is particularly noteworthy given its rural nature, as rural regions typically face significant challenges. We hope that by observing the growth, innovation, and eventual transformation of our rural region, it can serve as a blueprint for similar regions nationwide.
We extend our gratitude to the state's leadership, including the Governor, state legislature, and the IEDC, for supporting programs like READI. Your encouragement of cooperation and recognition of our region's potential are invaluable. Thank you for your ongoing support of READI, a program that is bold, impactful, and undeniably successful.
John McCane, executive director of Rush County ECDC
This ARI region has an exceptional success rate for implementing READI I projects. This new investment from the State of Indiana illustrates that they also recognize ARI’s successes, and the State is willing to put their funds in a region with a proven track record of developing exceptional projects.
Scott Furgeson, Mayor of Shelbyville
This investment marks a pivotal moment for Shelbyville and the region at large, propelling us towards unprecedented growth and development. With these resources, we'll unlock boundless opportunities, transforming our region into a beacon of innovation and prosperity for generations to come.
Brian Asher, executive director of Shelby County Development Corporation
While we had hoped for full funding, the partial support for READI 2.0 Grants is still a significant step forward for Shelby County. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leveraging these resources effectively, collaborating with partners, and driving sustainable growth. Even with limited funding, we will continue to work tirelessly to unlock the potential of our region and create lasting impact.
John Irrgang, Mayor of Batesville
We came together as a region during the inaugural round of READI, realizing the importance of collaboration and truly caring for each of our stakeholders. We’re grateful to Governor Holcomb and IEDC for their continued support of (ARI) Accelerate Rural Indiana. Looking forward to putting our award to good use for our region and the entire state of Indiana.
Sarah Lamping, City of Batesville economic development director
We would like to thank Governor Holcomb and the IEDC for their unwavering support of Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI). Our vision extends far beyond securing a grant. We're committed to reimagining our rural region as a place that not only attracts residents but fosters economic growth and prosperity.
Accelerate Rural Indiana wins $30M in state READI 2.0 funding
April 11, 2024 — Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI) will receive $30 million from the state to solidify Interstate 74’s southeastern corridor as a top destination for talent. ARI will receive over $300 per capita of READI 2.0 investment which is the largest per capita READI investment in the state. This historic investment into one of only two exclusively rural/rural-mixed regions in Indiana will accelerate growth along the I-74 corridor and reimagine one of Indiana’s greatest assets – its rural frontier.
Today, the coalition of Batesville, Greensburg, Rushville and Shelbyville along with Decatur, Rush and Shelby counties were named a funding recipient of Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 2.0) by Governor Eric Holcomb.
In 2021, ARI was awarded $20 million in READI 1.0 funding, also the highest per-capita READI award in the state. In total, the region’s READI 1.0 project portfolio is expected to attract nearly $500 million of public and private investment to the region by 2026. ARI has already disbursed nearly $10 million in funding to seven projects across the region. ARI is one of only four regions to increase their award amount from READI 1.0 to READI 2.0.
ARI’s READI 2.0 award will build upon the region’s READI 1.0 success. In February, the region submitted its READI 2.0 application which included 5 key priority areas: Rally Housing Investment, Raise Incomes, Revitalize Quality-of-Life, Reinforce Educational Attainment & Innovation, and a ‘Rural. Reimagined.’ Marketing Campaign. Utilizing input from over 3,000 residents, anchor institutions, and other key stakeholders, the contents of the application exhibit a grassroots approach to rural investment. The group will continue to utilize the plan to pursue additional funding outside of the READI program to impact each of the plan’s priorities and seize further opportunities for growth.
In 2023, ARI formed the Accelerate Rural Indiana Regional Development Authority (ARI RDA) to govern the region. The ARI RDA Development Board will work with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to determine which of the region’s projects will be funded with this round of READI funding.
Having previously blazed a path of rural excellence in Southeastern Indiana through READI 1.0, Accelerate Rural Indiana communities will capitalize on the $30 million READI 2.0 investment to prove that housing growth, job creation, entertainment attraction, and – most importantly – population growth in rural regions is possible.
About READI
Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), READI encourages regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that will attract and retain talent in Indiana. The $500 million READI fund was passed by legislation during the 2021 session and was divided among 17 regions. Through READI, 17 regions across the state that represent all 92 counties are moving forward with projects and programs designed to enhance Indiana’s regions for current and future generations of Hoosiers. Collectively, the state’s $500 million investment is expected to yield an additional $12 billion public, private and nonprofit dollars invested (19.72:1 investment leverage ratio) in enhancing Indiana’s quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity. During the 2023 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed an additional $500 million for READI 2.0.
Career Readiness Initiative at Batesville High School
Batesville Community School Corporation, in partnership with Ivy Tech, and the City of Batesville is pleased to use READI funding to support the continuation of the Ivy Tech Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment scholarship program, along with the construction of a new welding lab to be located on-site at Batesville High School.
The initial investment of $1 million will help create the next scholarship endowment and allow for the dual credit/dual enrollment program, Ivy Tech 2.0, to continue. With the support of the city, $500,000 has been awarded through READI funding, with the additional $500,000 to be secured by the Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC).
Since its inception, BCSC has provided families and students with significant savings in college/certification tuition costs. In 2022, 80 seniors earned a degree and/or certifications that equated to over 2,892.5 credit hours through the dual credit/dual enrollment partnership. For this year, the Ivy Tech partnership has saved BCSC families over $890,890 in tuition costs.
The demand for certified welders in southeastern Indiana is strong. Over 50 new openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are available annually throughout the region with over 1,700 new openings per year in the state.
“The Batesville Redevelopment Commission is pleased to support Batesville Schools in their efforts to create a welding program for its students. One of the goals of the RDC is workforce development, and a welding program offered within Batesville High School will help fill a need for many of our local employers,” said Bill Narwold, City of Batesville Redevelopment Commission President.
Ivy Tech Community College and Batesville Community School Corporation are partnering to create a high school welding program that will prepare students to meet the growing demand for these quality occupations, support regional businesses, and create opportunities for the expansion of manufacturing-related enterprises in the region.
The Batesville High School Industrial Lab will provide students with the opportunity to earn welding credentials that can lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology.
Building Bridges Inclusion Park is Indiana’s First All-Inclusive Playscape
Breaking ground in July, Greensburg is now home to Indiana’s first all-inclusive playscape. Building Bridges Inclusion Park is a universally designed, sensory-rich environment that enables all children to develop physically, socially, and emotionally. In an inclusive playscape, children of all abilities can interact with each other and do what all kids want to do: play.
The new area is located within Rebekah Park on Greensburg’s east side. The idea of establishing an inclusion park in Greensburg came to Brendan Bridges (former Greensburg Police Chief, current Greensburg Community School Corporation Public Safety, and Rushville native) in 2019.
Bridges took his young son to Ohio to visit an inclusion park. His son is nonverbal and autistic, and finding a way to release energy while keeping him entertained can be difficult. Throughout the visit to the park, Jaxon, Bridges’ son, interacted with other children and played on the inclusive equipment for hours – which is not something that happens at a traditional style playground.
After returning from the park, Bridges approached then-mayor, Dan Manus, and requested permission to establish an inclusive playground in Greensburg. The project was formally announced in 2020 with further support from Mayor, Joshua Marsh, and the Greensburg City Council.
“We are excited to see this project come to life. Kids of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to socially interact with others. Decatur County provides many services for children, adults, and families with disabilities, and this is just another amenity we can add that will support total inclusion” says Former Greensburg Police Chief, Brendan Bridges.
Inclusion parks offer communities a different kind of space for children of all intellectual and physical abilities to come together and play. The study of play shows us that playing helps children develop necessary skills. Having a unique and safe place to allow children to grow and interact with each other can be a bright spot in a community. Funds for the park were raised through READI funds and a Patronicity matching grant campaign with CreatINg Spaces, part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
Shelbyville Early Learning Center Adds 192 Childcare Seats
The Julia and Nicholas Runnebohm Early Learning and Childcare facility in Shelbyville’s Intelliplex Park is the community’s most significant effort to improve childcare access in Shelby County to date.
Today, Shelby County only has enough seats in licensed childcare facilities to support 40% of its children aged five years or younger. The more than 26,000 square foot facility will create an additional 192 childcare seats. The facility will feature childcare rooms for infants, toddlers, and pre-kindergarten children. The early learning center, supported by $3 million from Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program, will also create the County’s first pre-kindergarten educational program. The center seeks to equip the County’s youth with the educational foundation necessary to ensure students are kindergarten-ready and can excel in their first years of school. The facility will bear the name of Julia and Nicholas Runnebohm, reflecting the Runnebohm family’s significant contribution to the project.
“The Runnebohm Family has contributed to this community for years through their resources and skills,” noted Allison Coburn, Executive Director of Early Learning Shelby County. “I am certain that Julia Runnebohm would be proud of the transformative impact this facility will have on the community, reflecting her generous spirit.” Additionally, Major Health Partners, Blue River Community Foundation, Horseshoe Indianapolis, Knauf Insulation, Beaty Construction Inc., C-Tech Corporation, and Ryobi Die Casting have made contributions to the project.
The Early Learning Center plays a key role in addressing the need for quality childcare, not only within Shelby County, but throughout the entire Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI) region. “The need for quality childcare was a consistent priority across our region during the READI planning process,” stated Bryan Robbins, Chair of the ARI READI Steering Committee. “ARI is proud to support the Early Learning Center and we’re confident its positive impact will be felt across the region.” Upon completion of construction, the center will be operated in partnership with Bright Horizons, the country's largest provider of employer-sponsored child care.
The center will feature a Discovery Driven Learning™ approach to inspire curiosity, health and safety policies backed by experts, and educator-created curriculum to support school readiness. The Early Learning Center marks an important milestone in the community’s commitment to addressing the need for childcare. By investing in early childhood education and providing access to quality childcare, Shelbyville is taking a vital step toward building a stronger and more prosperous future. Construction on the center is expected to conclude in the fall of 2024.
Diamond Pet Foods Transforms Region with $300 Million Pet Food Manufacturing Facility in Rushville.
Construction of Diamond Pet Foods’s new 700,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center in Rushville, Indiana is well underway. The company plans to create up to 170 new jobs by the end of 2024 to support the $300 million operation. “We chose Rushville for its proximity to suppliers as well as the community’s skilled workforce,” said Mike Kampeter, President of Diamond Pet Foods. “This new state-of-the-art facility will allow us to continue offering quality pet food at prices pet parents can feel good about. We look forward to adding Rushville and Indiana to the Diamond family.”
Founded in 1970, Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned business head quartered in Meta, Missouri that produces cat and dog food from U.S.-sourced ingredients. The new facility, located at 2606 North SR 3 in Rushville, will be the company’s first in Indiana and will house production and distribution operations, increasing the company’s output to Midwest clients. “We couldn’t be prouder to welcome one of the world’s largest privately held pet food manufacturers to Indiana’s thriving economic ecosystem,” says Governor Eric Holcomb. “The Crossroads of America is where agriculture and innovation perfectly intersect and precisely where our number one ranked infrastructure program, high quality of place, and access to talent all contribute to support Diamond’s impressive goals and growth. I’m confident, together, we’ll find success in Indiana for generations to come.”
The facility is expected to be operational in 2024. “Rushville is truly fortunate to have Diamond Pet Foods growing their company here,” said Rushville Mayor, Mike Pavey. “The leadership of Diamond Pet Foods understands rural communities. They will have a positive impact to Rush County for generations.”
ARI leaders react to READI funding announcement
Bryan Robbins, ARI steering committee chairman and executive director of EDCGDC
Although we did not win the full amount, the work completed on the road to READI is enough to propel the region toward completing the proposed projects by other means. It might be a slower process, but we're focused and the partnerships built will remain intact to tackle these and future endeavors.
Joshua Marsh, Mayor of Greensburg
While we were not fully funded, this process has brought our communities closer and stronger relationships were built. I am confident that we will still put our award to great use with both our Decatur County partners and regional stakeholders.
Deanna Burkart, Decatur County council
"Accelerate Rural Indiana came together and rose to the challenge that was the Readi Grant process. The opportunity was a uniting factor that no doubt has cemented long term working relationships and already strengthened our region. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our potential and to now utilize the award to speed toward growth and new development!"
Mike Pavey, Mayor of Rushville
Our region ARI (Accelerate Rural Indiana) was a truly rural grassroots effort. The opportunity to work with our neighbors was a joy and blessing. We are committed to continuing these relationships for generations. This award will allow our region to leverage those projects that we have determined will be the most impactful and transformative. I want to thank the Governor and the IEDC for the creation of the READI grant. In this Christmas season, there could be no greater gift for our citizens and our region then this award.
John McCane, executive director of Rush County ECDC
"As perhaps the only genuine rural region in this competition, being awarded $20M is a huge deal. The state will quickly get a lesson in how this READI investment in the rural ARI Region will become a catalyst for future investment and dynamic growth in East Central Indiana."
Tom DeBaun, Mayor of Shelbyville
This is a tremendous opportunity for our region. Aside from the financial implications, this process also resulted many of us becoming acquainted in a meaningful way that will benefit the citizens of the ARI region for many years to come.
Brian Asher, executive director of Shelby County Development Corporation
“I would like to thank the IEDC and the IEDC committee. We are excited to get started on our quality projects and make the ARI Region the next destination for your family and business."
Mike Bettice, Mayor of Batesville
Our Accelerate Rural Indiana economic development team has worked long and hard for this opportunity. We are very grateful to the Governor and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for giving us this opportunity to kick start $20 million of projects and programs in our region. These projects will help us take our communities, and the state, to the next level! I can’t wait to get back with our team and continue working on making the I-74 Corridor the best place to live, work, play and grow!
Sarah Lamping, City of Batesville economic development director
The READI Grant initiative was challenging but equally rewarding. We went from being county neighbors to being partners focused on a common goal; growing the Accelerate Rural Indiana region.
The partnerships formed during the application process made it possible for us to create a strong, strategic plan that will live on regardless of the funding received. Our plan was built upon the input we received from community members, stakeholders, large corporations, small businesses and the youth in our region which causes our plan to be all-encompassing and sustainable.
We are thankful to the IEDC for providing us with the opportunity to create and mobilize our region to be not only a great place to live but a region that strives for continued growth and prosperity.
ARI region wins $20M in state READI funding
Dec. 15, 2021 — Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI) will receive $20 million from the state to solidify Interstate 74’s southeastern corridor as a top destination for talent. ARI will receive over $200 per capita of READI investment which appears to be the largest per capita READI investment in the state. In total, the state’s READI investment is expected to attract over $400 million of investment in the region.
Yesterday, the coalition of Batesville, Greensburg, Rushville and Shelbyville along with Decatur, Rush and Shelby counties was named a funding recipient of Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) by Governor Eric Holcomb.
ARI’s READI award will fund a subset of projects featured in the coalition’s regional development plan. The group will continue to leverage the plan to pursue additional funding to bring each of the plan’s projects to fruition in the future.
ARI’s steering committee of elected officials and stakeholders will soon begin working with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to determine which of the region’s projects will be funded with this round of READI funding.
In September, the region submitted its READI application which included 40 core initiatives gathered from interactions with more than 3,000 residents, anchor institutions and other key stakeholders.
Specific regional projects and programs include more and higher-quality housing alternatives; improved quality of life amenities such as trails, parks and family activities; targeted education and workforce development programming; enhanced water, sanitary sewer, road and broadband infrastructure for attracting regional investment; and regional marketing to attract talent and investment.
Accelerate Rural Indiana communities are working together formally for the first time after having blazed a path of rural excellence in Southeastern Indiana through informal cooperation. In the past five years, they have landed more than $73 million in grants and philanthropic funding, leveraging more than $1.4 billion in private investment.
ARI Launches Public Survey
Accelerate Rural Indiana is gathering input from the residents of Rush County, Shelby County, Decatur County, and Batesville via an online survey. The information gathered by this public survey will greatly contribute to the region’s READI plan by providing key insights into the realities that are facing residents of the region. If you have a few minutes, please take the survey at the link below and share the link on your social media accounts. By providing your input, we will be one step closer to securing $50 million for our region!
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/READI_ARI
Public and Private Support
Elected officials
Tom DeBaun: mayor, Shelbyville
“Our similarities as communities as well as our geographical alignment along I-74 make our region a natural location for future success. Our respective strengths complement each others’ goals and ambitions and, with this more formalized approach, we will become a hotbed for growth and investment.
“We have already seen success as individual communities as measured by private investment and the multiple partnerships formed with our businesses, educational partners and our foreign-direct investment. The successful completion of this new partnership for which we are applying will cement our place not only as a region but as a powerhouse in Indiana.”
Mike Pavey: mayor, Rushville
“We are excited to be a part of Accelerate Rural Indiana, as I believe that this team should make sense to all who live, work and play in our area. We are all familiar with our partners because we interact in a mutually beneficial manner on a daily basis.
“The READI program will accelerate the progress we have made over the past five years and push Rushville and our neighbors to be more viable and competitive.”
Joshua Marsh: mayor, Greensburg
“The city of Greensburg has been home to large direct investments from global corporations for decades, and we are excited about the opportunity to partner with our neighbors to show the world that southeastern Indiana and Accelerate Rural Indiana is ready for them to call us home. Our already momentous collaboration to improve the quality of life for current and future residents is only being made stronger by partnering in pursuit of being a READI recipient.”
Mike Bettice: mayor, Batesville
“For rural communities to be relevant and to grow, we have to continually look at and add quality-of-life items for present and future members. We have a responsibility to our citizens and business partners to make our communities attractive and vibrant so we can grow. We have a symbiotic relationship with our businesses to help them to be successful so we can be successful. We have to do our part to help them attract the talent they need to be successful. The READI program gives us the opportunity to push ahead some quality of life initiatives that we believe will help us grow for the future and take us to the next level.”
“For rural communities to be relevant and grow, we have to continually add attractive, vibrant quality-of-life items. We have to do our part to attract talent so our businesses can be successful. The READI program gives us the opportunity to advance some quality-of-life initiatives that will take us to the next level.”
Business leaders
Joe Raver: president and CEO, Hillenbrand
“As a publicly traded company headquartered in Batesville, we continue to support efforts that provide the city with recruiting or economic advantages. This funding will help improve the quality of life in the community, attract more employees, and continue to contribute to economic growth, while allowing us to be more successful in attracting corporate talent from the tri-state area.”
Chris Trainor: president, Batesville Casket
“Our employees are our greatest asset, and like other manufacturers in southeastern Indiana, Batesville Casket faces challenges in recruiting qualified workers. The additional funding from this grant would allow the city of Batesville to enhance housing, add amenities and improve infrastructure—and be more competitive for future workers.”
Jennifer Jones: executive director, Blue River Community Foundation
“As a foundation, we have close ties to the community foundations of Decatur and Rush counties and often look to each others’ organizations for inspiration. It’s only natural as our communities have several similarities. Additionally, we have local nonprofits that have recently collaborated to serve residents in both Decatur and Rush counties; we are thrilled to have the opportunity to further these alliances.
“Our community has worked hard to enhance the places where we live, work and recreate, and we know that our partners have done the same. Creating this region will strengthen each of our efforts and improve the quality of life not only in our individual counties but in this region of our state.”
Alisa Winters: executive director, Rush County Community Foundation
“This regional collaboration is an opportunity to build upon each community's ongoing quality of life and economic investments to create a viable, growing region for businesses and residents alike. Rush County Community Foundation is proud to be among the partners committed to this transformative initiative. We expect that our work with ARI is just the beginning of an impactful future of collaboration for our communities.”
Tami Wenning: executive director, Decatur County Community Foundation
“Community foundations were developed to help provide and leverage investments that will positively impact the areas we love. The READI program provides an outstanding opportunity for our organization and neighboring foundations to come together as partners and better our region. We're all eager to help make it happen. The collaboration we've seen so far is a testament to how well we have worked together in the past. We are excited by the potential to further unify the whole region—organizations, cities and counties alike—toward a set of regional goals. We truly look forward to working with everyone."
Cities Launch I-74 Economic Development Region
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Shelbyville, Greensburg, Rushville, Batesville team with county partners to seek READI funding
Four of Indiana’s most innovative and successful rural cities near the Interstate 74 corridor southeast of Indianapolis have joined forces along with their county partners to grow their communities and workforce talent. Accelerate Rural Indiana, a not-for-profit organization being launched by the cities and counties, will apply for a portion of the $500 million Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) planning grant and funding.
Shelbyville, Greensburg, Rushville and Batesville, along with Shelby, Rush and Decatur counties, are formally cooperating through Accelerate Rural Indiana. Accelerate Rural Indiana is focused on delivering lasting growth and success to one of Indiana’s greatest assets, its rural frontier. The communities along I-74 already have compiled an impressive record, having landed a more than of $64 million in grants and philanthropic funding to leverage more than $1.4 billion in private investment in the past five years.
“As a publicly traded company headquartered in Batesville, we continue to support efforts that provide the city with recruiting or economic advantages,” said Hillenbrand President and CEO Joe Raver. “This funding will help improve the quality of life in the community, attract more employees, and continue to contribute to economic growth, while also allowing us to be more successful in attracting corporate talent from the tri-state area.”
Shelbyville, Greensburg, Rushville and Batesville boast remarkably similar strengths. The top 10 industry sectors in each city are identical; each city has made dramatic progress in revitalizing their downtowns; each has attracted jobs and private investment by leveraging private dollars with public funding. Moreover, each city has been a finalist in Indiana’s Stellar Communities Program, which supports communities in improving their quality of place.
A READI grant would enable the community partners of Accelerate Rural Indiana to combine their strengths and ambitions to further increase quality of life and workforce initiatives, thereby helping attract and retain a 21st century workforce. Successful experiences gleaned by the cities also hold potential for sharing with other rural communities. The region hosts corporate partners including Knauf, Honda, Hillenbrand and Hillrom.
The READI program was funded by the 2021 General Assembly and is administrated by the Indiana Economic Development Corp.