Home Blog Page 606

Gov. Holcomb to travel to Brazil, Mexico to target global growth in agbiosciences innovation, leadership

0

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb will lead an international economic development trip to Brazil and Mexico next week to cultivate innovation and growth of the agbioscience and agricultural economy. This marks the Governor’s second international economic development trip of 2024 and his first official visits to both Brazil and Mexico.

“Indiana agriculture and agbiosciences continues to be a catalyst for economic and community growth, contributing $58.1 billion annually to the state’s economy,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Brazil and Mexico both represent opportunities to collaborate and mutually advance trade, innovation and investment across the sector, spurring developments across food safety, security and sustainability that are critical to the global economy of the future.”

Gov. Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb will depart Indianapolis on Friday, April 12, and return on Friday, April 19. They will be joined by representatives of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) as well as officials of the state’s agbiosciences and agriculture sector representing industry, innovation, workforce and economic development.

Brazil and Mexico, like Indiana, both share robust agbiosciences industries, advancing global services, products and solutions across agriculture, food production and animal health. Indiana trade between Brazil and Mexico topped $1.7 billion and $13.4 billion in 2023, respectively, and the state is already home to 14 Brazil-based and 13 Mexico-based business establishments.

In Brazil, Gov. Holcomb, First Lady Holcomb and the Indiana delegation will travel to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to build relationships and identify partnership opportunities across government, academia and industry. This year marks the 200-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Brazil, serving as an important backdrop to continue discussions between Indiana and Brazil.

The governor will meet with representatives of government, including U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Elizabeth Bagley, to discuss avenues to grow Indiana’s engagement with Brazil and with the state of São Paulo, which is the business capital of Brazil, the industrial center of Latin America and boasts the largest and most modern agbioscience system in the country.

The governor will also work to advance industry partnerships, trade and investment across the agbiosciences sector, meeting with business prospects and Brazil-based companies with Indiana operations, including São Paulo-based Solinftec. The digital agriculture company announced plans in 2018 to establish its U.S. headquarters in West Lafayette, creating 334 new jobs. The delegation will also pitch Indiana as a global sector leader to entrepreneurs, startups and industry executives at two business roundtables hosted by the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP), the largest Brazilian industry association, and in partnership with Bayer, a global corporation focused on life sciences, health care and agriculture with operations in Granger, Indiana.

Gov. Holcomb and the delegation will also meet with representatives of Indiana-based companies with operations in Brazil, including Corteva, which moved its headquarters to Indianapolis in 2023, and Elanco, which is growing its Indiana operations with a new state-of-the-art global headquarters and campus on the westside of downtown Indianapolis. The Indiana delegation will also network with Brazilian and global leaders across government, academia and industry at a Friends of Indiana Reception hosted by Consul General Hodge.

In Brazil, Gov. Holcomb will be joined by Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture; Mitch Frazier, CEO of AgriNovus Indiana; Dr. Alex Cochran, chief technology officer of DPH Biologicals; Courtney Kingery, CEO of Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance; and Dr. Jerry Shively, associate dean for international programs for Purdue University College of Agriculture.

Gov. Holcomb and First Lady Holcomb will depart Brazil for Mexico on Wednesday, April 17. In Mexico City, the governor will meet with government officials, including U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar and Mexican Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrostro, to explore opportunities to increase trade, advance innovation and grow two-way investment across agriculture, agbiosciences and broader economic opportunities.

The delegation will also meet with leadership and members of Mexican agriculture industry stakeholders, including the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico (AmCham Mexico) and a roundtable focused on meat processing, as well as university partners such as Indiana University’s Gateway Office, to highlight Indiana’s commitment to advancing global engagement and future-focused sectors. The delegation will also tour and meet with leadership from Atarraya, a Mexican company invested in Indiana which is revolutionizing the ability to grow sustainable shrimp protein.

In Mexico, Gov. Holcomb will be joined by representatives of the state and U.S. agbiosciences and agriculture sector, including Mitch Frazier, CEO of AgriNovus Indiana; Courtney Kingery, CEO of Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance; Leonardo Chapula, marketing specialist at the U.S. Soybean Export Council; Doug Newcom, vice president of genetics and technology at the National Swine Registry; and Paul Siems, export sales manager at Weaver Popcorn.

Indiana is home to more than 1,050 foreign-owned business establishments, representing more than 40 countries and territories. In 2023, foreign-owned companies committed to investing $20.49 billion to locate or expand operations in Indiana – a 182% increase from 2022 and 71% of the IEDC’s total committed capital investment in 2023 – and create approximately 8,500 new Hoosier jobs.

This marks Gov. Holcomb’s 22nd international economic development trip as governor and his first official visits to Brazil and Mexico. The cost for the governor’s travel is being paid for through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

0
EPD

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

 

 

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

RUDDY’S OVERTIME GOAL LIFTS ‘BOLTS OVER BULLS 2-1, FORCES THIRD GAME

0

Evansville, In.:  In an extremely close game fitting for playoff hockey, the Thunderbolts and Bulls took game two of this best-of-three series to overtime, where Chays Ruddy scored to win the game for Evansville 2-1 on Thursday at Ford Center, forcing a winner-take-all game three in Pelham on Saturday night.

 

Once again, the Bulls were the ones to open the scoring, with Drake Glover scoring on a power play only 3:38 into the first period to give Birmingham the opening lead.  Evansville managed to stop the bleeding at one goal, and in the second period tied the game as Mark Zhukov scored at 4:44 from Brendan Harrogate and Vadim Vasjonkin to tie the game at 1-1.  After a scoreless third period, the game went to overtime, becoming only the second game in Thunderbolts playoff history to go past 60 minutes.  On a power play at 10:21 of the first overtime period, Ruddy scored the game-winning goal with a screened shot from the point, assisted by Matthew Hobbs and Harrogate to win the game for Evansville 2-1, for the first overtime win in Thunderbolts’ playoff history.  Also of note in this performance was the play of Cole Ceci in net, the power play units which scored in their second consecutive game, and the penalty kill units which recovered from an early power play goal to shut down the Bulls on their next five attempts.

 

Zhukov and Ruddy scored Evansville’s goals, while Harrogate tallied a pair of assists.  In goal, Ceci finished with 34 saves on 35 shots for his first professional playoff win, becoming the second goaltender in franchise history to win a playoff game, following Ryan de Melo in 2018.  Game three between the Thunderbolts and Bulls will be on Saturday at the Pelham Civic Complex, the winner advancing to the President’s Cup Semifinal.

Gov. Holcomb awards READI 2.0 funding, expected to yield $11B in generational quality of place investments statewide

0

 

READI 2.0 increases state’s total READI investments to $1B with continued focus on growing talent and population across the state

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced plans to award $500 million to 15 regions representing all 92 counties to support quality of place and quality of life initiatives statewide. The funding, made available through the expansion of the Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), was approved today by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) board of directors at a special session hosted by the governor and Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. READI 2.0 will grow the state’s overall program commitment to $1 billion, marking an unprecedented state-led investment in cultivating vibrant, modern and sustainable communities that attract and retain top talent.

“Indiana is leading the way in future-focused investments in our economy and in our communities, ensuring that all Hoosiers of today and tomorrow have the opportunity to prosper,” said Gov. Holcomb. “READI has already resulted in more than $12.6 billion invested in quality of place and quality of life assets. The second iteration of the initiative – READI 2.0 – along with additional committed investments from the Lilly Endowment, will bring billions more to Hoosier neighborhoods, preparing communities, industry and talent for the next generation and beyond.”

In February, the 15 regions submitted proposals for READI 2.0 funding, outlining each region’s vision for its future as well as growth strategies and action plans to improve its quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity. An external review committee evaluated the applications based on a variety of factors, including economic development potential, alignment with the state’s priorities, such as population growth, per capita income growth, growth in employment opportunities, educational attainment, housing units developed, childcare capacity and innovation activities as well as the level of focus on rural communities, and the degree of regional collaboration.

“Almost every conversation I have with a company, whether an established Hoosier business or a new company coming to the state, begins and ends with the workforce,” said Sec. Rosenberg. “READI is an essential component for the state retaining and growing our population and workforce talent. Under the governor’s leadership, Indiana is investing an historic $1 billion to build vibrant and healthy communities that attract top talent, support families, cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship, and catalyze continued economic and job growth. Companies around the world are taking notice of this program, and the General Assembly’s investment in these areas has unquestionably been a business retention and attraction tool.”

This funding will build on the momentum of the state’s initial commitment to READI, which has yielded $12.6 billion (26:1 investment leverage ratio) in committed capital investments by public and private sources in Indiana’s communities. The 15 regions awarded funding through READI 2.0 will be eligible to access an additional $250 million grant awarded by Lilly Endowment Inc. (LEI) to enhance the impact of Indiana’s investments through READI, focusing on projects targeting blight reduction and redevelopment and enhancing Indiana’s vibrant arts and culture ecosystem. Much like other quality of place initiatives led by the IEDC, READI 2.0 and its expansion through LEI is expected to attract a minimum 4:1 match of local public and private funding. Based on the plans outlined in READI 2.0 applications, the state’s $500 million investment alone is expected to yield nearly $11 billion overall invested in increasing the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.

The regions and funding allocations are:

Accelerate Rural Indiana – awarded $30 million
Led by: Accelerate Rural Indiana Regional Development Authority

Counties: Decatur, Rush, Shelby + City: Batesville

Central Indiana – awarded $45 million
Led by: Central Indiana Regional Development Authority  

Counties: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Putnam 

East Central – awarded $35 million
Led by: East Central Indiana Regional Partnership 

Counties: Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Wayne   

Greater Lafayette – awarded $35 million
Led by: Greater Lafayette Commerce Community and Economic Development Foundation

Counties: Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren, White 

Indiana First – awarded $15 million
Led by: Southwest Indiana Development Council

Counties: Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike, Spencer

Indiana Uplands – awarded $30 million
Led by: Regional Opportunity Initiatives Inc.

Counties: Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen 

North Central – awarded $35 million
Led by: North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council

Counties: Cass, Clinton, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Tipton  

Northeast – awarded $45 million
Led by: Northeast Indiana RDA

Counties: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Kosciusko, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, Whitley   

Northwest – awarded $45 million
Led by: Northwest Indiana Forum

Counties: Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Newton, Pulaski, Starke   

Our Southern Indiana – awarded $45 million
Led by: Our Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority

Counties: Clark, Floyd, Jefferson, Scott, Washington   

South Bend-Elkhart – awarded $45 million
Led by: Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority

Counties: Elkhart, Marshall, St. Joseph  

South Central – awarded $30 million
Led by: Southern Indiana Housing and Community Development Corporation

Counties: Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings + Town: Edinburgh  

Southeast – awarded $10 million
Led by: SEI READI Inc.

Counties: Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland, Union, Franklin, Ripley (excludes city of Batesville)   

Southwest – awarded $45 million
Led by: Southwest Indiana RDA (SWIRDA)

Counties: Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick  

Wabash River – awarded $10 million
Led by: Wabash River RDA

Counties: Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo

The READI 2.0 review committee includes: Marianne Cusato, Notre Dame Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative; Robert Gallardo, Purdue Center for Regional Development; Tom Guevara, Indiana Public Policy Institute; Will Hagen, Taylor University; Andrea Kern, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs; Bill Taft, Local Initiatives Support Coalition; David Terrell, Ball State Indiana Communities Institute; and Brad Vogelsmeier, Urban Land Institute.

Now that investment allocations have been finalized, the IEDC will coordinate with each of the 15 areas to identify regionally significant capital and infrastructure projects for investment. In conjunction with these discussions, each region will identify specific projects focused on blight reduction and redevelopment as well as arts and culture initiatives for funding opportunities made possible with the support of Lilly Endowment Inc.

Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the IEDC, READI is a nationally recognized initiative that is moving communities forward by encouraging regional collaboration and data-driven long-term planning that, when implemented, will attract and retain talent, improve the health of Indiana communities, and increase opportunities for current and future generations of Hoosiers. READI 2.0, which was part of the governor’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly, was a direct response to the significant demand for quality of place investments from communities across the state.

More information on READI 2.0 – including evaluation frameworks, links to download the regions’ application economic summaries, etc. can be found at IndianaREADI.com.

UE Announces 2024 Outstanding Educator Winners

0
u of E

EVANSVILLE, IND. (04/11/2024) The University of Evansville (UE) proudly honored four outstanding educators in Vanderburgh County with prestigious awards during its 33rd annual ceremony on April 10. Each recipient received a surprise announcement within their school, celebrating their remarkable contributions to education.

Specific to Vanderburgh County, this competition recognizes exemplary classroom teachers and building principals in grades K-12, each possessing a minimum of three years of experience. These esteemed awards are made possible through the generous sponsorship of UE, Evansville Liberty Federal Credit Union, and the Evansville Courier & Press.

Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year: Lindsey Stine

With twelve years of teaching experience, Lindsey Stine has dedicated eight years to West Terrace School, where she currently serves as a fourth-grade classroom teacher. She imparts knowledge across various subjects including Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing. Stine’s commitment extends beyond traditional teaching, as she sponsors the Battle of the Books Team and the Student Leadership Committee, fostering student engagement and leadership development within the school community.

Stine’s teaching philosophy focuses on empowering students to be active participants in their academic growth. She states, “My teaching philosophy is to empower students. In the classroom, give students the opportunity to explore a problem or topic before ‘instructing’ them. This helps them to be active in their academic growth/education as well as encourages them to be problem solvers and critical thinkers.”

Her innovative teaching strategies reflect this philosophy, as she utilizes a “Teach Yourself” method to engage students in problem-solving and critical thinking. Stine explains, “Lessons have a certain pattern in my room (especially in Math). I like to teach using my ‘Teach Yourself’ method. We use funny voices and enjoy the wordplay. In more seriousness, I use this to introduce most lessons.”\

Stine’s dedication and impact are echoed in the nomination comments from colleagues and parents. One nomination reads, “Lindsey Stine is a phenomenal educator. I first met her six years ago when she was my daughter’s fourth-grade teacher. As a parent, she communicated well, encouraged my HA student to excel above her level, and was understanding in a couple of difficult social situations.”

Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year: Lindsey O’Brian

With a decade of teaching experience, Lindsey O’Brian has spent seven years as a 6th-grade English/Language Arts teacher, dedicating herself to nurturing students’ literacy skills and holistic development. Despite facing the challenges of a new curriculum this year, she has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, ensuring her students receive the best education possible.

O’Brian’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and capable of growth. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with her students, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in their abilities.

Her strategies reflect this philosophy as she strategically groups students and maintains clear classroom procedures, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey. Mrs. O’Brian prioritizes growth over achievement, aiming to instill resilience and perseverance in her students.

Recognized for her unwavering dedication, one of O’Brian’s nominators stated, “Mrs. O’Brian runs her classroom with the students being her first priority. She always wants them to succeed to their fullest potential. Her diligence created a LOVE of reading for my now senior.”

Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year: Sally Sternberg

With 23 years of teaching experience, Sally Sternberg has been instrumental in fostering academic excellence and college readiness among high school students for over a decade. As the AVID Elective Teacher and Site Coordinator at Harrison High School, she spearheads initiatives to bridge the opportunity gap and prepare all students for success in a global society.

Embodying the philosophy that “children are the only future we have; teach them well,” Sally prioritizes students’ holistic development, providing a supportive environment where they can thrive academically and personally. Her commitment to building strong relationships with students is evident in her roles as a mentor, advocate, and compassionate listener.

Within the AVID program, Sally implements strategies that promote peer collaboration, student advocacy, and academic rigor, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among her students. Through weekly tutorials and college visits, she equips students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate postsecondary education and beyond.

Sally’s impact extends beyond academics, as evident in the heartfelt nominations from her students, highlighting her unwavering dedication and compassionate support. “I nominated Sally Sternburg because she does nothing but love her students. She never gives up on them and will do anything she can to help. She’s a very loving and compassionate teacher and makes coming to school easier for numerous students. I’ve seen her help a numerous amount of students not fail, including students that aren’t even in her class. you really can tell she cares, and it shows.”

Outstanding Building Principal of the Year: Angie Oliver

With over three decades of experience in education, Angie Oliver has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the principal of Glenwood Leadership Academy. Under her guidance, Glenwood has evolved into a supportive learning environment dedicated to the holistic growth of its diverse student body.

Angie’s philosophy of “Growing the WHOLE child through equitable support” underscores her commitment to student success and well-being. She prioritizes building positive relationships with students and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.

At Glenwood, Angie has implemented initiatives such as the REACH Academy and partnerships with community organizations to provide tailored support to students. Her dedication to teacher well-being and professional development has led to a positive working culture and improved student outcomes.

Oliver’s leadership is characterized by her hands-on approach and unwavering dedication to her school community. She goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels valued and supported, creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive.

Oliver’s leadership at Glenwood Leadership Academy exemplifies a commitment to student success, teacher empowerment, and fostering a positive school culture. “Angie is a light of positivity! She is welcoming to anyone who walks into her building and greets them with open arms. On mornings, she can often be found walking around the school with a speaker hanging from her pocket blasting music, dancing, and getting students and/or staff to dance along with her,” one of Angie’s nominators stated, “GLA and EVSC are lucky to have Angie Oliver working for our students!”

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University’s very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

 

EWSU Launches Automated Boil Advisory Phone Calls and Text Messages

0

(EVANSVILLE, IN) – Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) customers no longer have to wonder if their property is included in a boil advisory or when the advisory is lifted. Customers with their phone number listed on their account will automatically receive an automated phone call and a text message as soon as a boil advisory is established for their address. Once the boil advisory is lifted, customers will receive a follow-up call and text updating the advisory status.

The automated messages will come from phone number 812-461-6606. Customers are urged to add this phone number to their contacts to identify the message is from EWSU.

If you have an account at https://mywater.ewsu.com please update your phone number and email there. Once you submit the form, check the email provided for confirmation or more details.

Automated boil advisory messages provide real-time information that correlates with data available to customers on the interactive Project & Advisory map. The new messaging system allows the Utility to push information direct to customers on the phone instead of requiring customers to visit ewsu.com/projectadvisorymap to look-up their location on the map.

Automated boil advisory messages are another way EWSU is using technology to improve services for our customers.

Casual 4A Cause: Ending Homelessness is this Friday, April 12, 2024, We are turning Evansville Purple!

0

EVANSVILLE, IN: This Friday, April 12th, the ECHO Housing and Community Development team will be out in the community promoting some of the businesses and organizations that are participating in our very first “Casual for a Cause: Ending Homelessness” campaign. This awareness and fundraising initiative will support ECHO Housing’s seven, soon-to-be eight homeless service programs.

We invite all media contacts to join us in the community as we sell bracelets and recognize the partners and businesses that help us work to end homelessness. The locations & times we have secured so far are listed below. We will likely have more security tomorrow (Thursday). You can reach me at the info above to find more times/locations.

We encourage everyone (all our news media friends) to participate in Casual for a Cause by purchasing a purple bracelet ($ 2 each) and wearing purple on Friday, April 12! Help us make a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Your involvement can make a difference.

Ways to participate:

• Go to one of the 18 businesses or organizations all over town that have agreed to sell bracelets (list attached) and buy a bracelet for $2. You can also thank the business for supporting our work!

• If you are wearing purple in support of Homelessness Awareness on Friday 4/12, take a selfie and post it to social media and tag ECHO Housing – @ECHOHousingCorp. You can also use the hashtags: #C4CEndingHomelessness and #ECHOHousing

• For more information about Casual for a Cause and how you can get involved, please visit www.echohousing.org/casual4acause/ or contact Kim Armstrong at kim.armstrong@echohousing.org.

Businesses/Organizations selling bracelets on behalf of ECHO Housing:

Donte’s Pizza

River Bend Association

Highland Inn

Bobaccino’s Café

Goodman Creek Furniture & Appliance

American Legion in Newburgh

Order of the Owls

A2Z Vape on N. GreenRiver

Schulthies Insurance

Give a Dog a Bone

Blooming Boutique

Molly’s Upscale Consignment Boutique

GD Ritzy’s (West)

Barker Brewhouse

Waylon’s Diner on Main

Eagles on 1st Ave

Conner Lock

NuSpace Moving

Many more businesses and employees bought bracelets to wear on Friday in support of ECHO – their names can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ECHOHousingCorp.

Schedule and Locations we will be on Friday 4/12:

11:30 am – In front of Angie Laugel Studio – 2015 W. Franklin Street & Lili Lu Designs 2203 W. Franklin

12:00 pm – Savannah Wood, CEO, goes on Facebook Live in front of Angie Laugel’s studio.

12:45-1 pm – Delivering bracelets to our partners at Carver Community Organization 400 SE 8th Street.

We will likely have more security tomorrow. You can reach me at the info above to find more

times/locations.