Regional Opportunity Initiatives

?? Our team is growing, and so is our impact! We're seeking top talent to be a part of our dynamic team that is driving innovation and opportunity in our Region On The Rise. ROI is shaping the future of the #IndianaUplands through industry growth, regional collaboration, bold workforce and education transformation, and vibrant placemaking strategies. Apply now for these open positions: ? UpSkill Student Success Manager ? Project Manager, Rural Indiana Workforce Development for Microelectronics ? K-12 Outreach Lead Teacher, Rural Indiana Workforce Development for Microelectronics ?? https://lnkd.in/gs6GyXPW

This week, we welcomed two new team members: Liz Sullivan & Hannah Karl! We can’t wait for you to get to know them. Liz is supporting financial systems and HR functions for Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, & CDFI Friendly Bloomington. Hannah will be leading the Regional Opportunity Initiatives STEM Fellowship program and supporting ROI’s other educational and workforce initiatives, including the UpLabs Digital Fabrication Network, the Uplands Made Student-Run Business Network, Ready Schools, and others. #IndianaUplands #uplandsproud

Our education & workforce team is growing! We're seeking a Student Success Manager to play an essential role in ensuring successful apprenticeship experiences in the #IndianaUplands. Click link to view job description and learn how to apply. https://lnkd.in/gs6GyXPW

This year’s #IndianaUplands Regional Collaboration Award winners joined forces to develop a free, multi-part online course designed to strengthen connections between the Department of Defense and small businesses! ?? NSWC Crane’s Tech Transfer Office (T2) and Ivy Tech Bloomington’s Gayle and Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship worked together this year on a unique solution to catalyze engagement between the Department of Defense and small businesses. Their innovative efforts in developing the Federal Lab Technology Transfer Course for Beginners were recognized last week in French Lick. “This year’s recipients represent organizations that can aptly be characterized as cornerstones of the region’s success,” said Regional Opportunity Initiatives President and CEO Tina Peterson. “Initiatives like this one exemplify the region’s commitment to advancing defense technology and building bridges that further innovation.” Read more about this new course by clicking the link below! https://lnkd.in/g9Dy6aBB

Students in Dubois County are quite literally reaching new heights thanks to the Southridge High School Aviation Program, making it a standout choice for this year’s #IndianaUplands STEM Innovation Award! ?? Regional Opportunity Initiatives Vice President of Talent Development Michi McClaine presented the award to those involved in the program, including educators, aviation professionals, students, and parents, during ROI’s Annual Report to the Region last week in French Lick. “By providing hands-on, real-world STEM education, this program is not only opening doors to scholarships and careers but also revitalizing the airport environment and strengthening the aviation workforce—exemplifying the kind of meaningful and innovative student opportunities that the STEM Innovation Award celebrates,” McClaine said. Read more about this high-flying program by clicking the link below! https://lnkd.in/eNMgtr57

PRD, Inc.'s commitment to people -- both customers and employees -- exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the #IndianaUplands Employer Innovation Award! ?? Last week, Regional Opportunity Initiatives Vice President of Talent Development Michi McClaine presented the award to PRD. The award recognized PRD's dedication to workforce development, youth apprenticeships, and career awareness initiatives, with President Mark Murphy leading efforts to co-develop next-generation talent, shape statewide apprenticeship models, and bridge education-to-career pathways. “He is helping to bring best practices and innovative solutions to Indiana, ensuring that apprenticeship programs are both sustainable and impactful,” McClaine said of Murphy. Read more about this year's Employer Innovation Award winner and PRD's impact on workforce development by clicking the link below! https://lnkd.in/gHe2wk7G

The Owen News, this year’s #IndianaUplands Quality of Place Innovation Award winner, stands as a testament to what’s possible when a community refuses to accept that decline as inevitable! ?? Printed local newspapers have been a given for most of our lives. Over the last decade, however, what had become a fixture of most of our cities and towns is no longer a norm, but rather the exception – especially in rural communities. The Owen News free print edition hits newsstands monthly at different locations throughout Owen County, offering stories and features of significance to local residents. “By restoring access to truly local journalism, The Owen News strengthens community connections and ensures that the stories, defining the Indiana Uplands as a vibrant place to live, work, and play, are told,” said ROI Vice President of Economic and Community Development Julie Halbig. Learn more about this new valuable community resource by clicking the link below! https://lnkd.in/gRbVr-pC

Home to farmers markets, live music, and other special community events, The Commons in Washington is a vibrant gathering space where locals and visitors come together to enjoy a true sense of community, making it ideal for this year’s #IndianaUplands Quality of Place Attraction Award! ?? Mayor David Rhoads and Bob Grewe of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation accepted the award on behalf of the City of Washington last week during the Regional Opportunity Initiatives Annual Report to the Region at French Lick. “We applaud the dedication, collaboration, and imagination that made The Commons a reality, creating a dynamic space where residents and visitors can gather, celebrate, and enjoy the unique charms of downtown Washington—fulfilling the very essence of the Quality of Place Attraction Award," said ROI Vice President of Economic and Community Development Julie Halbig. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxJBsmMF

From impactful updates to engaging discussions -- plus smiling faces with the IN Uplands sign -- experience the energy of the Regional Opportunity Initiatives Annual Report to the Region through our photo gallery! ? Last week, we brought together leaders and partners from across the #IndianaUplands to celebrate progress and shape the future! Browse the highlights and you'll surely see some familiar faces who work hard every day to support the success of our beautiful region here: https://lnkd.in/g9njkuHH...

Join us to learn how to pick a good development project and take the first steps to make it a reality! Incremental Development Alliance will help you analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers can connect with people to help you launch your project. Scholarships are available to attend this Mar 5 event: https://lnkd.in/gjnvpWmx