As the saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of collaboration among leaders in Northeast Indiana who are working together to develop and fund initiatives for regional growth. Thanks to substantial allocations from the most recent state budget, three distinct initiatives supported by the Indiana General Assembly are working together to deploy more than $100 million in state funding to bolster economic development and growth.
At the forefront of this effort is the Regional Economic Acceleration & Development Initiative (READI). After an initial $500 million investment in 2021, Governor Eric Holcomb announced in early 2024 that the Indiana General Assembly would launch READI 2.0, appropriating another $500 million to build on the program’s momentum. Northeast Indiana was awarded $45 million through READI 2.0. Additionally, direct appropriations include $30 million to support the region’s orthopedic industry via OrthoWorx, and another $30 million to the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission (NEISDC) to advance talent attraction, workforce development and housing initiatives.
To maximize the impact of these significant investments, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEI) is spearheading a collaborative effort with local organizations dedicated to economic development and growth. Central to this initiative is the NEISDC, which engaged Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority as its administrative agent. The Regional Development Authority, in turn, is staffed by NEI, the regional economic development organization.
“The legislature created the NEISDC in 2021 to develop a strategic plan focused on three goals: growing wages, increasing population and ensuring more adults have a marketable credential or four-year degree,” explains Ron Turpin, the chair of the commission. “This is about investing in innovative ideas and strategies to achieve the desired outcomes. We aim to implement new and creative approaches for maximum return on investment.”
Turpin and his colleagues at NEISDC believe that collaboration is crucial. Working closely with entities like the Regional Development Authority and OrthoWorx ensures funded projects align with the strategic plan’s goals.
“Everyone wants to have an impact, and there are many overlapping opportunities for that impact,” says Bob Vitoux, President and CEO of OrthoWorx. “Collaboration allows us to leverage both financial resources and collective expertise. There is much more that can be achieved with a ‘we’ approach rather than an ‘I’ approach. This is the essence of why collaboration is so important.”
James Khan from the Regional Development Authority echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unified efforts. “We want to ensure we are good stewards of the funds entrusted to us. By communicating and coordinating with other organizations, we can engage all 11 counties and avoid operating in silos.”
As READI 2.0 and OrthoWorx ramp up, the NEISDC has already conditionally made a handful of strategic investments, including $5 million for the Northeast Indiana Early Childhood Coalition and $10 million for a Regional Housing Strategy to address the region’s nearly 20,000-house shortage. “These funds are not focused on brick-and-mortar projects, but for creating solutions to attract talent, increase wages and improve educational opportunities,” says Turpin. “Collaboration is vital to achieving these goals.”
Vitoux adds, “Our goal is to make a significant impact. Working together harmoniously allows for the greatest impact opportunity. If we work in isolation, we may miss the broader opportunities for regional growth.”
