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.