Gov. Holcomb Rolls Out Next $500M for READI 2.0
Next Round of Holcomb’s signature community development program looks to build on the $12.2B of transformational investment from round one.
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced details of Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0, which was part of his 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly in this year’s legislative session. The second round of $500 million was a direct response to the significant demand for quality of place investments from communities across the state.
“Innovation knows no boundaries and there’s no limit to what can be accomplished when we work together to better the lives of Hoosiers,†Gov. Holcomb said. “This transformative program will fund projects that lean into a region’s strengths while building community gathering places, accessible parks, performing arts centers and expanding the trail system that will have generational impact across each region and with every person who visits our great state. In Indiana, there is no greater priority for us as leaders than to work in unison to improve Indiana’s standing as the best location to live, work, play, study and stay.â€
The READI program, launched by Gov. Holcomb in 2021 and funded with an initial $500M appropriation, continues to accelerate and gain national recognition, communities and regions across the state have been preparing for the anticipated second round of funding, demonstrating the ambition of Indiana regions and the enthusiasm for investments in Hoosier neighborhoods, talent and innovation.
The first round of the nationally recognized READI program has awarded regions over $487 million of the initiative’s original $500 million in the form of grants. These funds will support 361 unique quality of place, quality of life, quality of opportunity and workforce projects and programs across all 17 Indiana READI regions. These projects are made possible by a combined $12.2 billion of public, private and nonprofit dollars invested to transform communities. On average, every dollar provided by the state was matched with $26 from outside entities that will attract and develop talent and enhance the lives of current and future generations of Hoosiers.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) announced funding awards in December 2021, allocating READI’s $500 million to 17 regions in Indiana, and began working collaboratively with regions last year to begin designating match funding to specific, shovel-ready projects and programs. Less than two years later, transformational investments are already underway across the state. Details on READI 1 projects underway can be found here.
READI 2.0 projects will be focused primarily on population growth and quality of life investments. READI 2.0 details are outlined below.
READI 2.0 timeline & information:
- September 2023 – February 2024: Regions develop funding proposals;
- September 26, 2023:Â Q3 IEDC READI Forum in Muncie
- September 2023 – February 2024: IEDC visits each participating region to see READI 1.0 investments and discuss future vision and strategy.
- December 2023:Â Q4 IEDC READI Forum
- February 23, 2024: Regional proposals due to the IEDC.
- April 2024: Proposed IEDC board approval of investment commitments and allocations to regions. Exact date to be announced at a later date.
- May 2024: IEDC begins coordination with regions in identifying regionally significant capital and infrastructure projects for investment.
Todd Rokita protects homeowners from deceptive practices by MV RealtyÂ
Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit against MV Realty in an effort to stop the company from negotiating contracts that violate Indiana law. The company is based out of Florida, but it operates in Indiana and several other states. Â
“Hoosier working men and women go through enough,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Using more than 10 million robocalls to solicit customers and then deceiving them is not a business model that should be tolerated in Indiana.â€
The lawsuit alleges that the company purports to offer “loan alternatives†in exchange for consumers agreeing to use MV Realty as their exclusive real-estate listing broker. In addition, the state alleges that MV Realty’s Indiana brokerage license has expired and they are unable to engage in the practice of real estate in Indiana.
The agreement signed by Hoosier homeowners is the equivalent of a high-interest mortgage, backed by the recording of the contract against their real property. Attorney General Rokita and his team are seeking a permanent injunction against MV Realty to 1) stop them from continuing to illegally solicit Hoosiers on the Indiana Do Not Call List and the Federal Do Not Call Registry and 2) to force them to discontinue collection activities. The Attorney General’s Office is also seeking an order to discharge all liens recorded against homeowners’ properties.
Indiana currently has approximately 366 households in at least 65 counties affected by MV Realty’s dubious practices. These long-term agreements not only affect the homeowners who sign them but also the homeowners’ heirs. When owners pass away, the heirs of the estates are also on the hook to deal exclusively with MV Realty.
Hoosier consumers who have been affected by a contract with MV Realty are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Â
Hangers and EVSC Foundation Announce Scooping for Students 2023
The annual fundraiser provides much-needed funds for the EVSC clothing resource.
EVANSVILLE, IN – EVSC Foundation is pleased to announce the return of Scooping for Students, the annual fundraising event to support Hangers, EVSC’s clothing resource for students. This family-friendly event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 14 at GD Ritzy’s, 601 North Green River Road, Evansville, IN. Join us anytime between 2 pm and 8 pm to see some of your favorite community members, along with EVSC personnel and administrators stepping in to scoop ice cream and raise crucial funds for Hangers. Guests at the event are encouraged to tip their favorite scoopers. All tips will go towards the mission of Hangers. As a new partner for Scooping for Students, a portion of the ice cream sales from GD Ritzy’s will also go to Hangers.
There will also be live music, plenty of delicious GD Ritzy’s ice cream, the Feller Express Dinosaurs, and more. Support from Scooping for Students provides clothing including shoes, coats, and uniforms, as well as hygiene kits for students in need or for those facing crisis or barriers that stand in the way of their education. Hangers serves thousands of students each school year.
To learn more about ways to partner with the EVSC Foundation to make a difference in our students’ lives, visit evscfoundation.org or contact the Foundation at info@evscfoundation.org. More information about Scooping for Students can be found on the Hangers Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HangersEvansville.
Jacobsville Area Community Corporation (JACC) Is Pleased To Welcome Ted O’Connell As Its New Development Director
EVANSVILLE — The Jacobsville Area Community Corporation (JACC) is pleased to welcome Ted O’Connell as its new Development Director.
Earning his marketing degree from Southern Illinois University—Carbondale, O’Connell has carved out a career in sales management and recruiting.
His ties to Jacobsville are deeply personal. In 2006, O’Connell first connected with Jacobsville when his dad purchased a home in the neighborhood and renovated it. Following in his dad’s footsteps, O’Connell recently purchased a home on Louisiana Street, signaling his own commitment to the community’s revitalization.
“I view my role as bridging the gap between Jacobsville business owners, residents, and local organizations,†said O’Connell. “With major employers calling our neighborhood home, the focus should not just be on commercial vitality but also on ensuring our streets and walking/bike paths are safe and accessible, promoting the beauty of Garvin Park, and enhancing food availability. I’m passionate about paving a path of continued revitalization, filling our North Main Street commercial spaces with thriving businesses, and instilling a sense of pride and cultural identity in our community.â€
The Evansville Redevelopment Commission (ERC) approved a grant using funds from the recent sale of the old Davita Clinic property to support O’Connell’s hire in a two-year pilot project with JACC. The corporation will be the official employer for O’Connell.
In addition, the ERC has set aside additional funds from the Davita property sale to update the 2013 Jacobsville Master Plan. Plan consultant, Rudell Ernstberger, has commenced work and is looking forward to engaging the community with input sessions this upcoming Fall.
“We are excited to begin both the Master Plan update process and to see Ted’s work in helping build the business and commerce of the North Main and Jacobsville areas,” said Kelley Coures, Executive Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development, which administers the ERC.
O’Connell’s office will be located in the Comaier Services building on Columbia Street.
His role and contributions in Jacobsville will mirror the successful frameworks seen in the Downtown Economic Improvement District for the Downtown Evansville neighborhood.
Thanks and take care.
Lloyd Winnecke
Noah Myers was named Frontier League Rookie of the Year
Noah Myers Named Frontier League Rookie Of The Year
Evansville, Ind. – The Frontier League announced Sunday morning that Noah Myers has been named the Frontier League Rookie of the Year.
The Otters’ outfielder has been an all-around offensive threat for Evansville. Myers is hitting for a team-best .320 BA, good for 11th best in the league. He’s hit 17 home runs while driving in 55 runs.
Myers has scored 84 runs on the year, tied for third-best in the league and the most in Evansville single-season history.
He ranks in the top 10 in the Frontier League in numerous offensive categories highlighted by a .436 OBP, 112 hits, 44 extra-base hits, 63 walks, 195 total bases, and 39 stolen bases. Myers is one of only three players in the league with at least 30 stolen bases and 15 home runs.
The Canadian’s 39 stolen bases is the third most in an Evansville single season. His season .557 SLG% is the seventh-highest in franchise history.
Myers has been a consistent leadoff man for Manager Andy McCauley’s squad, batting leadoff in 74 games this year and hitting for a .408 BA with 62 hits when leading off an inning.
He was named a Frontier League Midseason All-Star and appeared in the outfield throwing competition as part of the league’s all-star game festivities.
Myers’ August has been outstanding – clocking a .344 BA, .471 OBP, .656 SLG%, 15 extra-base hits, and 16 stolen bases in the month.
Myers was the Frontier League Player of the Week for the week of August 15th with a .455 BA, 10 runs and 11 RBIs over six games. That included a historic game on August 17th at Florence when Myers totaled 7 RBIs – tied for the second most in Evansville history and tying the franchise single-game record with three doubles.
A native of Tilbury, Ontario in Canada, Myers started his collegiate career at Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, Ill. before playing two years at South Carolina and finishing his collegiate career in 2022 at USC Upstate.
Myers is the fourth Otter in franchise history to be named Frontier League Rookie of the Year. Pitcher Taylor Wright was the last Otter honored as rookie of the year in 2019.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up-to-date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.
This Week at USI
Below is a list of events and activities happening in and around the USI community this week:
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, September 7
USI Board of Trustees to meet
The USI Board of Trustees will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 7 in the Griffin Center on campus.
Thursday, September 7 through Saturday, September 9
Art for Science’s Sake to be shown at Victory Film Festival in September
Two USI faculty members in the College of Liberal Arts produced a documentary, Art for Science’s Sake: Stalking John James Audubon, that will be featured at the Victory International Film Festival September 7-9.
Friday, September 8
Fall USI Liberal Arts Faculty Colloquium Series to begin
The USI College of Liberal Arts will host its first Faculty Colloquia presentation of the Fall Semester from 3-4:30 p.m. September 8 in Kleymeyer Hall, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. The event is open to the public at no charge.
SAVE THE DATE
September 18
USI Rechnic Holocaust Series to feature award-winning author, explore Holocaust family history
The USI Foundation is hosting the second annual speaker for the Edward D. and Regina Rechnic Holocaust Series from 7-8 p.m. Monday, September 18 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West on the USI campus.
The presentation, “My Family’s Holocaust Story and the Threats We Face Today,†will feature Margaret McMullan, author of nine award-winning books, followed by a Q&A session with audience members. A reception will follow, and the event is open to the public at no charge.
October 5-7
USI Communal Studies Association Conference to explore communal theory, practice and impact
The Communal Studies Association (CSA) Conference will meet Thursday through Saturday, October 5-7, on the USI campus and in New Harmony, Indiana. The theme for the 2023 Conference is “Communal Theory, Practice and Impact,†in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the CSA.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Released Wednesday, August 30
Forbes and Statista name USI among “America’s Best-in-State Employers 2023” ranking for second consecutive year
USI has been included in the fifth annual “America’s Best-in-State Employers” ranking for the second year in a row. According to a nationwide survey conducted on behalf of Forbes by Statista, USI is ranked 56th, up six spots from its 2022 ranking, alongside national employers such as Adobe, United Parcel Service and Tesla.
Released Friday, September 1
USI to offer new minor, refresh program options across University
Three program updates, impacting prospective and current students, have been made at the University of Southern Indiana, effective this Fall.
Released Friday, September 1
USI McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries presenting three exhibitions to start Fall Semester
The USI Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace (MAC/Pace) Galleries are excited to present three exhibitions—Where the Angels Go, Multiformity: The Art of Leonard Baskin and Precarious Change—this Fall Semester. The three exhibitions will be on display simultaneously through October 13.
Ainoah Cruz named MVC Freshman of the Week
Cruz averaged 5.08 digs per set
St. LOUIS– In a week that was highlighted by a career-best 27 digs against Samford, University of Evansville libero Ainoah Cruz was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week on Tuesday.
With two weeks in the books, Cruz continues to pace the defense for the Purple Aces. Cruz posted 5.08 digs per set in a perfect 3-0 week along with 11 assists and 5 service aces. She picked up 20 digs, 2 aces and 2 assists in the home-opening win over USI before starting the Samford Invite with the top performance of her young career.
Cruz set another career mark with 27 digs and 4 assists. Saturday’s win over North Alabama saw her total 14 digs,5 assists and 3 more aces to complete the week.