JANUARY 13, 2022
E-REP is getting READY for READI and expanding its team
In December 2021, E-REP led an effort to secure $50 million in state funding through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) to enable the work of Talent 2025 and the transformational vision to become the talent and economic region of choice in the Midwest. So what’s next?
E-REP is taking the next months to build a strong foundation for the successful execution of the READI program in the Evansville Region. This starts with working closely with the state of Indiana to understand the complexities surrounding this funding opportunity. Beginning in mid-January and over the next months, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) will outline with E-REP the compliance steps to receive the funding.
To further set the region up for success, E-REP is identifying additional team hires that will aid in aligning the work with our region’s gameplan, Talent 2025, and the necessary compliance requirements of READI. E-REP is expanding its team with a VP of Talent and Inclusion to lead and grow Talent 2025 while overseeing the strategic execution of the READI initiative. More information about this position can be found here (https://evansvilleregion.com/e-rep-is-expanding-their-team-with-a-vp-of-talent-inclusion/). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
E-REP will distribute READI information via its website at evansvilleregion.com. The READI page will be updated frequently with key announcements from both the state and region as they become available. A more formal timeline and steps for inquiring about the Evansville Region’s READI funding will be posted at evansvilleregion.com soon.
Interested potential project partners are encouraged to review the entire development plan to understand project goals and more about the Evansville Region’s population growth strategy. https://evansvilleregion.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/READI-Regional-Development-Plan.pdf
Those interested are also encouraged to sign up for email updates, here: https://evansvilleregion.com/sign-up-to-receive-readi-updates-via-email/.
DECEMBER 14, 2021
Evansville Region celebrates $50 million in READI funding
Tuesday, Dec. 14, Governor Eric J. Holcomb made formal recommendations for the distribution of $500 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funds to regions throughout the state of Indiana, with $50 million allocated to the Evansville Region.
“The Evansville Region has a transformational vision to become the talent and economic region of choice in the Midwest,” said Tara Barney, CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. “We thank Governor Holcomb and the IEDC for the investments across the state and their confidence in our region to execute projects that will retain the talent of today and attract the workforce of tomorrow.”
In May, Indiana launched the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), dedicating $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments for quality of place and talent attraction.
The Evansville Region responded to the READI announcement by organizing a steering committee to guide the structure of the READI plan and advancement of regional priorities. In addition to the steering committee, community visioning sessions, public input, and participation from business and educational leaders also played a crucial role in developing the region’s shared vision to accelerate both economic and population growth.
On September 23rd, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) and Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (SWIRDA) submitted the Evansville Region’s READI plan. At its core, the plan is focused on population growth and highlights near-term opportunities to be enabled by READI funding and long-term projects to support the region in fully achieving its vision.
The week of November 29th, the Evansville Region was first of 17 Indiana regions to formally present its development plan before the state’s review committee.
“I am tremendously proud of the collaboration and talent in our region to make this announcement possible today,” said Beth McFadin Higgins, chair of the Southwest Indiana Redevelopment Authority. “The Redevelopment Authority is eager to meet tomorrow morning to begin moving projects forward.”
READI Presentation in Indy, November 29, 2021
The Evansville Region is READI!
The Evansville Region has a transformational vision to become the talent and economic region of choice in the Midwest. As the regional organization unified to advance the interested of business, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) in collaboration with the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (SWIRDA) have officially submitted the region’s Regional Economic Acceleration + Development Initiative (READI) Regional Development Plan (RDP).
E-REP will update this page regularly with key announcements from both the state and region as they become available.
“The Evansville Region Looks Good on You!”
The data-driven, multi-year strategy requires focused improvements in talent attraction, growth opportunities, quality of place amenities and necessary infrastructure which are clearly outlined. With the region’s success with the Regional Cities Initiative as a launching pad for growth, the community vision and strategies laid out in the RDP are the culmination of thoughtful planning that began as a data exercise in 2018. Known internally to regional stakeholders as “Talent 2025”, externally the region is making the case why “e Looks Good on You” to its target population. Achieving the distinct vision in this RDP requires strategic action and cooperation between the public sector, private sector, and economic development partners. These opportunities will materialize with proactive cooperation and resource identification, specifically in financing the opportunities. That is why the region is asking for $50+ million in READI funding. The ability to execute, as demonstrated with Regional Cities, clearly sets the Evansville Region apart and helps both Indiana as well as the broader community reach its collective goals. READI funding catalyzes the region achieving its vision.
