ARI Leaders React to $30 M READI 2.0 Award

Quotes from key members of ARI: 

Bryan Robbins, ARI steering committee chairman and executive director of EDCGDC 

The ARI region is excited to leverage IEDC's $30 million dollar investment into our region to expand quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity projects. We are committed to using these catalytic funds to propel ARI partner communities toward continual growth. 

Joshua Marsh, Mayor of Greensburg 

With the READI 2.0 announcement showcasing a significant investment from IEDC and Governor Holcomb, we are ready to launch into what Rural, Reimagined really means, and to show the world how it is done. Our small but mighty region will show why this investment will lead the way in Indiana for impact. 

Deanna Burkart, Decatur County council  

Accelerate Rural Indiana came together and rose to the challenge of the READI Grant process. The opportunity was a uniting factor that no doubt has cemented long-term working relationships and already strengthened our region. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our potential and to now utilize the award to speed toward growth and new development! 

Mike Pavey, Mayor of Rushville 

The ARI region has evolved from a grassroots idea into a compelling success story. It embraces the belief that communities sharing similar cultures can form a strong, efficient team. When this team respects each other and interacts not just as colleagues but as friends, it significantly boosts their speed and effectiveness. In such an environment, trust becomes the catalyst for swift action. 

Following Round 1 of READI, the collaboration and performance within the newly established ARI region validate its core beliefs. Despite being a newcomer, the ARI region matched or even surpassed the performance of long-established regions in the state. 

The ARI region is dedicated to maintaining its leadership position within the state. This is particularly noteworthy given its rural nature, as rural regions typically face significant challenges. We hope that by observing the growth, innovation, and eventual transformation of our rural region, it can serve as a blueprint for similar regions nationwide. 

We extend our gratitude to the state's leadership, including the Governor, state legislature, and the IEDC, for supporting programs like READI. Your encouragement of cooperation and recognition of our region's potential are invaluable. Thank you for your ongoing support of READI, a program that is bold, impactful, and undeniably successful. 

John McCane, executive director of Rush County ECDC 

This ARI region has an exceptional success rate for implementing READI I projects. This new investment from the State of Indiana illustrates that they also recognize ARI’s successes, and the State is willing to put their funds in a region with a proven track record of developing exceptional projects.   

Scott Furgeson, Mayor of Shelbyville 

This investment marks a pivotal moment for Shelbyville and the region at large, propelling us towards unprecedented growth and development. With these resources, we'll unlock boundless opportunities, transforming our region into a beacon of innovation and prosperity for generations to come. 

Brian Asher, executive director of Shelby County Development Corporation 

While we had hoped for full funding, the partial support for READI 2.0 Grants is still a significant step forward for Shelby County. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leveraging these resources effectively, collaborating with partners, and driving sustainable growth. Even with limited funding, we will continue to work tirelessly to unlock the potential of our region and create lasting impact. 

John Irrgang, Mayor of Batesville 

We came together as a region during the inaugural round of READI, realizing the importance of collaboration and truly caring for each of our stakeholders. We’re grateful to Governor Holcomb and IEDC for their continued support of (ARI) Accelerate Rural Indiana. Looking forward to putting our award to good use for our region and the entire state of Indiana. 

Sarah Lamping, City of Batesville economic development director 

We would like to thank Governor Holcomb and the IEDC for their unwavering support of Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI). Our vision extends far beyond securing a grant. We're committed to reimagining our rural region as a place that not only attracts residents but fosters economic growth and prosperity.