REIMAGINED. RURAL. TheRoadtoREADIis Interstate74 APublicationoftheAccelerateRuralIndianaRegionalDevelopmentAuthority Building Bridges Inclusion Park Page 9 170 new jobs coming to Rushville Page 5 DiamondPet Foods Invests $300Million InARIRegion
REGIONPARTNERS FORSUCCESS PAGE3 BUILDINGBRIDGES INCLUSIONPARK BatesvilleHSfeatures labspacefor welding,manufacturing,& robotics PAGE11 PROJECTSINARIREGION Featureonotherprojectsmaking progresswithintheARIregion PAGE13 CONTENT Understandingtheconnectivityand committmentintheregion ARIRegion CityofRushville RushCounty CityofGreensburg DecaturCounty CityofShelbyville ShelbyCounty CityofBatesville DIAMONDPETFOODS World’s largestpetfood manufacturingfacility PAGE5 EARLYLEARNINGCENTER Providesarefor192childrenin Shelbyville PAGE7 Indiana’s firstall-inclusiveplayscape PAGE9 CAREERREADINESS 1 Rural. Reimagined.
ElaineBedel,Secretary&CEOofIndianaDestination DevelopmentCorporation,andMarkWasky,VPof Innovation&StrategicInitiatives IEDC, joinGreensburg MayorJoshuaMarshforthePirateParkribboncutting. Rural. Reimagined. 2
Shelbyville,Greensburg,Rushville, and Batesville, along with Shelby, Rush, and Decatur counties, are formally cooperating through Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI). Accelerate Rural Indiana is focused on delivering lasting growth and success to one of Indiana’s greatest assets, its rural frontier. MovingtheNeedlein RuralIndiana. ARI formed in 2021 to pursue Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funding. Members of ARI are united by the economic corridor of I-74, their strong manufacturing base, a culture of rural success and rich agricultural heritage. Situated as outliers of three different large economic growth regions, ARI members understand the potential of regionalism and the difficulty of large geographic regions to effect meaningful change in rural Indiana. Through demographic and economic character analysis, ARI members have identified that their fortunes are intimately tied to one another. In fact, even though a regional partnership has never been previously formalized, they have been existing as a region all along. ARIAwarded$20Million After an extensive public engagement process, which involved over 3,000 residents of theregion,ARI ARIRuralDevelopmentAuthority In February 2023, ARI formed a Regional Development Authority (RDA) to further cement I-74’s southeastern corridor as a top destination for talent. Forming an RDA created the region’s first formal regional organization and accomplished a top priority of the group’s READI regional development plan. ARI will leverage the RDA to administer the region’s current READI funding, pursue potential READI 2.0 funding, and apply for other nonREADI-related state and federal grants. The ARI RDA will be governedby aDevelopmentBoard of five representatives from the ARI region. The region’s executives appointed a slate of Development Board members with equal representation across the region. Bryan Robbins (Decatur County), Andy Saner (Batesville), Virgil Bremer (Rush County), Bruce Everhart (Shelby County), and David Toll (Shelby County) have been appointed to each serve fouryeartermsontheRDABoard. REGION PARTNERSFOR SUCCESS “Forming an RDA created the region’s first formal regional organization” highest per capita READI award in the state. In total, the region’s READIprojectportfolioisexpected to attract nearly $500 million in public and private investment to theregionby2026. “Theimpactof this investment in the ARI Region will be transformational,” noted Mayor of Greensburg, Joshua Marsh, during the celebration. “The region’s READI projects are expected to bring an additional 300 single-family homes, 300 multi-family housing units, 170 new jobs, 260 additional childcare seats,fivenewparksandtrails,and three new tourism destinations which will attract over 170,000 annualvisitors totheregion.” completedits firstregional development planin September 2021and submitted theplanfor READIfunding consideration. ARIwas awarded$20 millionREADI funding,the 3 Rural. Reimagined.
260 CHILDCARE SEATS 170+JOBS 300SF HOUSING UNITS 170,000+ ANNUAL VISITORS 300MF HOUSING UNITS A $500+ MILLION INVESTMENT INTO RURAL COMMUNITIES QualityofLife 76% 4 As perhaps the only genuine rural region in this competition, being awarded $20 million is a big deal. The state will quickly get a lesson in how this READI investment in the rural ARI Region will become a catalyst for future investment and dynamic growthinEastCentralIndiana. -JohnMcCane,ExecutiveDirector of RushCountyECDC $20 Million READI1.0Award $418+ Million PrivateInvestment Projects 16 AlreadyDisbursed $2.2Million 4 Completed 7 inprogress Qualityof Opportunity 12% QualityofPlace 12% Rural. Reimagined. READI1.0IMPACTS
Transformsregion with $300 million pet food manufacturing facility in Rushville. $300 Million Private Investment 170 Jobs 5 Rural. Reimagined.
Construction of Diamond Pet Foods’s new 700,000-squarefoot manufacturing and distribution center in Rushville, Indiana is well underway. The company plans to create up to 170 new jobs by the end of 2024 to support the $300 million operation. “We chose Rushville for its proximity to suppliers as well as the community’s skilled workforce,” said Mike Kampeter, President of Diamond Pet Foods. “This newstate-of-the-artfacility “We couldn’t be prouder to welcome one of the world’s largest privately held pet food manufacturers to Indiana’s thriving economic ecosystem. The Crossroads of America is where agriculture and innovation perfectly intersect and precisely where our number one ranked infrastructure program, high quality of place, and access to talent all contribute to support Diamond’s impressive goals and growth. I’m confident, together, we’ll find success in Indiana for generations to come.” -Governor Eric Holcomb production and distribution operations, increasing the company’s output to Midwest clients. The facility is expected to be operational in 2024. “Rushville is truly fortunate to have Diamond Pet Foods growing their company here,” said Rushville Mayor, Mike Pavey. “The leadership of Diamond Pet Foods understands rural communities. They will have a positive impact to Rush County for generations.” will allowus tocontinueoffering quality pet food at prices pet parents can feel good about. We look forward to adding Rushville and Indiana to the Diamond family.” Founded in 1970, Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned business head quartered in Meta, Missouri that produces cat and dog food from U.S.-sourced ingredients. Thenewfacility, locatedat2606 North SR 3 in Rushville, will be the company’s first in Indiana and willhouse Rural. Reimagined. 6
Adds 192 childcare seatsin Shelbyville The Julia and Nicholas Runnebohm Early Learning and Childcare facility in Shelbyville’s Intelliplex Park is the community’s most significant effort to improve childcare access in Shelby County to date. Today, Shelby County only has enough seats in licensed childcare facilities to support 40% of its children aged five years or younger. The more than 26,000 square foot facility will create an additional 192 childcare seats. The facility will feature childcare rooms for infants, toddlers, and prekindergarten children. The early learning center, supported by $3 million from Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Runnebohm family’s significant contribution to the project. “The Runnebohm Family has contributed to this community for years through their resources and skills,” noted Allison Coburn, Executive Director of Early Learning Shelby County. “I am certain that Julia Runnebohm would be proud of the transformative impact this facility will have on the community, reflecting her generous spirit.” Additionally, Major Health Partners, Blue River Community Foundation, Horseshoe Indianapolis, Knauf Insulation, Beaty Construction Inc., C-Tech Corporation, and Ryobi Die Casting have made contributions to the project. Initiative (READI) program, will also create the County’s first pre-kindergarten educational program. The center seeks to equip the County’s youth with the educational foundation necessary to ensure students are kindergarten-ready and can excel in their first years of school. The facility will bear the name of Julia and Nicholas Runnebohm, reflecting the “I am certain that Julia Runnebohm would be proud ofthe transformative impactthis facilitywill have on the community, reflecting her generous spirit.” -AllisonCoburn 7 Rural. Reimagined. EARLY LEARNING CENTER
The Early Learning Center plays a key role in addressing the need for quality childcare, not only within Shelby County, but throughout the entire Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI) region. “The need for quality childcare was a consistent priority across our region during the READI planning process,” stated Bryan Robbins, Chair of the ARI READI Steering Committee. “ARI is proud to support the Early Learning Center and we’re confident its positive impact will be felt across the region.” Upon completion of construction, the center will be operated in partnership with Bright Horizons, the country's largest provider of employersponsored child care. The center will feature a Discovery Driven Learning™ approach to inspire curiosity, health and safety policies backed by experts, and educator-created curriculum to support school readiness. The Early Learning Center marks an important milestone in the community’s commitment to addressing the need for childcare. By investing in early childhood education and providing access to quality childcare, Shelbyville is taking a vital step toward building a stronger and more prosperous future. Construction on the center is expected to conclude in the fall of 2024. 192 seats Ages 6 weeks to 6 years served in Shelbyville’s ELC Rural. Reimagined. 8 “The Early Learning Center marks an important milestone in the community’s commitment to addressing the need for childcare.”
Inclusion Park: Indiana’sfirst all-inclusive playscape BUILDING BRIDGES Breaking ground in July, Greensburg is now home to Indiana’s first all-inclusive playscape. Building Bridges Inclusion Park is a universally designed, sensory-rich environment that enables all children to develop physically, socially, and emotionally. In an inclusive playscape, children of all abilities can interact with each other anddowhatallkidswanttodo:play. The new area is located within Rebekah Park on Greensburg’s east side. The idea of establishing an inclusion park in Greensburg came to Brendan Bridges (former Greensburg Police Chief, current Greensburg Community School Corporation Public Safety, and Rushvillenative)in2019. Bridges took his young son to Ohio to visit an inclusion park. His son is nonverbal and autistic, and finding a way to release energy while keeping him entertained can be difficult. Throughout the visit to the park, Jaxon, Bridges’ son, interacted with other children and played on the inclusive equipment for hours – which is not something that happens at a traditional style playground. After returning from the park, Bridges approached then-mayor, Dan Manus, and requested permission to establish an inclusive playground in Greensburg. The project was formally announced in 2020 with further support from Mayor, Joshua Marsh, and the GreensburgCityCouncil. Inclusion parks offer communities a different kind of space for children of all intellectual and physical abilities tocometogetherand play.The studyofplay showsus that playing helps children develop necessary skills. Having a unique and safe place to allow children to grow and interact with each other can be a bright spot in a community. Funds for the park were raised through READI funds and a Patronicity matching grant campaign with CreatINg Spaces, part of the Indiana Housing and Community DevelopmentAuthority. “We are excited to see this project come to life. Kids of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to socially interact with others. Decatur County provides many services for children, adults, and families with disabilities, and this is just another amenity we can add that will support total inclusion.” FORMER GREENSBURG POLICE CHIEF, BRENDAN BRIDGES 9 Rural. Reimagined.
10 “I am beyond excited that my children will have the opportunity to grow up with the Inclusion Park right down the road. This investment is truly transformative for families of all sizes and abilities.” -Kyle Gardner, City of Rushville’s Director of Special Projects Rural. Reimagined. 10
9,000 square foot addition 11 Rural. Reimagined.
Batesville Community School Corporation, in partnership with Ivy Tech, and the City of Batesville is pleased to use READI funding to support the continuation ofthe IvyTech Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment scholarship program, along with the construction of a new welding lab to be located on-site atBatesvilleHighSchool. The initial investment of $1 million will help create the next scholarship endowment and allow for the dual credit/dual enrollment program, Ivy Tech 2.0,tocontinue.Withthe support of the city, $500,000 has been awarded through READI funding, with the additional $500,000 to be secured by the Batesville Community School Corporation(BCSC). Since its inception, BCSC has provided families and students with significant savings in college/certification tuition costs. In 2022, 80 seniors earned a degree and/or certifications that equatedtoover2,892.5credit “The Batesville High School Industrial Lab will expand opportunities to earn Ivy Tech Industry Certification and the Dual Credit Scholarships will amplify an already robust program for students to earn the Indiana College Core or Associates Degree from Ivy Tech. Our goal is for a diploma from BHS to have value and allow students to access the economy the Monday after graduation. Construction of the Industrial Lab is just the beginning of our commitment to preparing students to contribute to the regional economy.” -Paul Ke t cham, Ba t e s v ill e School Supe rint endent Adding lab space in Batesville High School for welding advanced manufacturing robotics other STEM related employment skills hours through the dual credit/dual enrollment partnership. For this year, the Ivy Tech partnership has saved BCSC families over $890,890 in tuitioncosts. The demand for certified welders in southeastern Indiana is strong. Over 50 newopenings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are available annually throughout the region with over 1,700 new openings peryearinthestate. “TheBatesvilleRedevelopment Commission is pleased to support Batesville Schools in their efforts to create a welding program for its students. One of the goals of the RDC is workforce development, and a welding program offered within Batesville High School will help fill a need for many of our local employers,” said Bill Narwold, City of Batesville Redevelopment Commission President. Ivy Tech Community College and Batesville Community School Corporation are partnering to create a high school welding program that will prepare students to meet the growing demand for these quality occupations, support regional businesses, and create opportunities for the expansion of manufacturing-related enterprises intheregion. The Batesville High School Industrial Lab will provide students with the opportunity to earn welding credentials that can lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology. “In 2022, 80 seniors earned a degree and/or certifications that equated to over 2,892.5 credit hours through the dual credit/dual enrollment partnership” Proudly supported by a $500,000 donation from Batesville Employer, Wood - Mizer Rural. Reimagined. 12
1 2 3 4 5 6 4 5 16 Projects Funded by READI 1.0 ($20 Million) 13 Rural. Reimagined.
OUR READI STORY IS JUST BEGINNING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 6 Lakeshore Villages (Batesville): $500,000 Kids Discovery Factory (Batesville): $1,000,000 Porter Apartments (Shelbyville): $250,000 Indoor Sports Complex (Shelbyville): $2,500,000 Community Center (Rushville): $4,000,000 Pirate Park (Greensburg): $250,000 Skate Park (Batesville): $50,000 Preserving Main Street (Greensburg): $2,900,000 Scan to access the Accelerate Rural Indiana website to see project information and drone footage of READI 1.0 Projects or visit accelerateruralindiana.com. Rural. Reimagined. 14
APublicationofthe AccelerateRuralIndiana RegionalDevelopment Authority