Category: News

Crawford County Economic Development Corporation launches new Business Retention and Expansion Program to support local businesses 

Posted on by Radius Indiana

Crawford County Economic Development Corporation launches new Business Retention and Expansion Program to support local businesses 

LEAVENWORTH, Ind. (Nov. 9, 2022) – Crawford County Economic Development Corporation announces a unique new business retention and expansion (BR&E) program to learn more about conditions at businesses throughout the county and how the local economic development office can help support them. 

Crawford County EDC hired a consultant specializing in BR&E to serve as an extension of its team over the next year. Local businesses can expect to receive a phone call and/or email in the coming weeks from the organization and will have an opportunity to share more about their business, projected future growth, challenges or concerns, and more. 

One of the primary roles of a local economic development organization is to assist existing local businesses and help them navigate common challenges associated with growth including workforce, employee training and education, and expansion planning. As part of those efforts, this new program is provided at no cost to the local businesses and the results will be used to inform future economic development strategies for Crawford County. 

“Our local economy depends on the success of our existing businesses, and we want to do everything we can to support them and help them thrive,” said Jesse Belcher, Executive Director. “We ask that our businesses please participate in this program and provide honest, thorough feedback to help us achieve that goal.” 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66% of all jobs created come from growth at existing businesses, and 62% of all net new jobs come from small businesses. 

“We know that local stores sell us goods, local factories bring us jobs, and local companies invest here and serve here. These are our friends and neighbors and the people who meet our community needs, so it’s important that they have a helping hand when we can lend one,” Belcher explained.

Crawford County EDC hopes that in addition to gathering information, this intentional effort to connect will build strong relationships with the businesses that already have a footprint in the local community and provide further opportunities for growth and retention. Any local company that has questions about the program should call the office at 812-739-4479 to learn more.

###

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

Registration now open for Radius Indiana elected official economic development course

Posted on by Radius Indiana

BEDFORD, Ind. (Nov. 14, 2022) — Radius Indiana hosts a free, region-wide economic development course for elected officials Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the French Lick Resort Meeting and Event Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course is designed for both incumbent and newly elected officials.

Radius created the intensive, one-day seminar, which will specifically target the needs of elected officials, as an extension of its annual Economic Development for Community Leaders Program.

Experts from across the state will provide attendees insight and strategies in areas such as:

  • Site Development with Chelsey Manns, Manns Consulting;
  • Workforce with Jim Plump & Jackie Hill, Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation;
  • Incentives with Matt Eckerle, Baker Tilly;
  • Business Retention & Expansion with Jason Hester, Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation;
  • Marketing and Branding with Jason Hester;
  • Entrepreneurship/Small Business Development with Blaine Parker, Radius Indiana.

Question and answer sessions will take place during both the morning and afternoon to allow participants the opportunity to dive deeper into the course’s focus areas.

“When I first took office as a county commissioner, I thought I understood how to help my local economy, but I found out after I took office that the economic development field is more complex than I realized,” said Radius CEO and President Jeff Quyle. “I’d like to help other elected officials learn some of the insider perspectives so that they can increase their efficiency. All elected officials want what’s best for their community, and this seminar will help them pursue that more effectively.”

The course is made possible through the generous support of Radius Indiana’s regional utility partners, who will participate in a panel discussion during lunch, including Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Duke Energy and Hoosier Energy.

Registration for the course is now open. Interested participants click here for the free course.

###

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

Radius Indiana grows team with two new hires

Posted on by Radius Indiana

BEDFORD, Ind. (Nov. 8, 2022) – Radius Indiana welcomes two new staff members to its team who will strengthen the organization’s response to regional economic opportunities – Carol Johnson and Janna Foxx.

Taking the reins of the Southern Indiana Business Report, Johnson will serve as the Business and Community News Content Manager for Radius Indiana. The digital news site brings in-depth coverage of business and economic development, including advanced manufacturing, tourism, and hospitality industry news, agribusiness updates, defense sector, business finance and incentive reporting, and insights into how local initiatives, state policies, and other factors impact the local economy in southern Indiana. 

Southern Indiana Business Report provides a solution to the region’s loss of local business and economic reporting in recent years, which has inhibited the ability of businesses and communities to communicate their successes in economic development.

Before joining Radius, Johnson had an extensive career in journalism and spent 30-plus years at the Bedford Times-Mail covering city government, downtown development, education, breaking news, local nonprofits, and human interest stories.

Foxx joins the Radius team as support for Radius’s Crane Community Support initiative led by Director Matt Craig. The addition of Foxx will allow the pair to enhance the region’s opportunities to collaborate with NSA Crane through organizations such as the White River Military Coordination Alliance (WRMCA) and the Crane Regional Defense Group (CRDG).

Created in 2018 to strengthen the relationship between Crane and the community, the 24-member Alliance promotes community growth, supports the military missions of Crane, and establishes effective, timely means of communication between the community and Crane to coordinate opportunities and address concerns. Subsequently, CRDG was formed as a subcommittee of WRMCA to preserve the strategic value of Crane and bring economic growth to Southern Indiana by supporting local outreach and legislative initiatives.

Previously, Foxx served as the Acting Technical Director for Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division before opening her own consulting firm in July 2021. Foxx most recently served as NSWC’s acting director in April 2020, leading the organization through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining normal business processes and establishing the initial business processes for COVID-19-specific needs. Upon retiring from Crane, she started Foxx Consulting, a woman-owned small business (WSOB) that provides consultation to businesses working on federal contracts.

“The speed of change that businesses encounter in the world today calls for the Radius team to be able to respond to new opportunities and evolving demands,” said Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana. “Adding people of the caliber of Carol and Janna to our staff gives us more ways to serve the needs of the public and private sector clients we serve.”

###

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

Radius Indiana teams with South Central Indiana for Louisville economic outreach

Posted on by Radius Indiana

BEDFORD, Ind. (Nov. 2, 2022) — Radius Indiana partnered with South Central Indiana Economic Development Group to share insights about their respective southern Indiana regions as co-hosts of an educational session for site selectors and business advisers in downtown Louisville Oct. 27.

The event marks the third joint economic effort by the two organizations, representing a total of 17 southern Indiana counties. 

The session is part of Radius Indiana’s ongoing outreach program to raise awareness about the business strengths and opportunities in the region. The leaders from Radius Indiana and SCIED Group shared the regions with their southern neighbors, showcasing the benefits of doing business in the regions, as well as new programs at work to attract population and strengthen existing businesses.

Tony Denhart, executive vice president of Workforce and Talent for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation served as the guest speaker for the session and shared initiatives underway to help Indiana businesses attract and retain talent. 

Representatives from the regions’ Local Economic Development Organizations as well as Wendy Dant Chesser or One Southern Indiana joined Radius President and CEO Jeff Quyle and SCIED President Darrell Voelker for the event. 

“New development in either of our areas can have a significant effect on our neighboring counties. We share resources, workforce and infrastructure with many of the Radius counties and any opportunity we have to work together only strengthens our ability to attract and grow business,” said Voelker.

Jessica Potts, Executive Director of the Martin County Alliance, who joined the organization this summer added, “This was my first opportunity to meet with site selectors and share information about Martin County to decision makers outside our region. The collaboration between Radius and South Central Indiana shows how much working together can provide a greater reach for our economic development efforts.”

“We are continually looking for opportunities to share our region with business leaders who help national and global companies make decisions about where to locate or expand their businesses,” said Quyle. “We are happy to reinstate this event after having to take a two-year break from in-person meetings. It is in the true spirit of regionalism that Radius and the SCIED Group came together for this effort. We have diverse assets, but a common mission—to grow the economy in southern Indiana.”

###

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of the region to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

 

 

 

Radius Indiana visits Atlanta for site selector trip

Posted on by Radius Indiana

 

BEDFORD, Ind. (Oct. 19, 2022) — Radius Indiana traveled to Atlanta earlier this month to meet with site selectors and share information about the business climate in the Radius region. This was Radius’s first site selector trip to Atlanta since 2015.

Radius Indiana President and CEO Jeff Quyle met with six site selectors during the visit. Workforce availability dominated the topics addressed by business advisors, who cite labor shortages as a key question they face from clients in locations across the country.

“The Radius message was that there are numerous regional programs available to try to help with workforce needs of both existing as well as new businesses, and there are many tools that can help companies find the right talent in southern Indiana,” said Quyle. “The site selectors were also interested in learning about the growth of the Crane-related tech companies that are continuing to locate in the region.”

Radius has instituted several workforce attraction and retention initiatives over the last few years, and the southern Indiana region as a whole is dedicated to helping grow the workforce. Programs such as Catapult aim to enhance the skills of members of the population seeking to enter the manufacturing workforce, while Choose Southern Indiana looks to recruit new residents with a $5,000 incentive for those who relocate to southern Indiana.

Additionally, outside programs, including Regional Opportunities Initiative’s UpSkill Work and Learn, offers high school students a chance to discover career interests and pathways they cannot learn in the classroom. Students are paired with a local employer and have the opportunity to work a paid job, gain career credentials and earn college credit while still in high school.

Radius Indiana will continue its outreach program efforts with additional site selector trips through the end 2022 and into 2023, including collaborative marketing activities with other regional groups in the Southern half of the state. The next outing will take place in Louisville, Kentucky later this month.

“We continue to see a positive impact on our region through site selector trips such as this,” said Quyle. “Being able to highlight different industry sectors that are important to our counties is a top priority for Radius as well as continuing to educate the country about what our region has to offer.”

###

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

Radius Indiana Celebrates National Manufacturing Day

Posted on by Radius Indiana

BEDFORD, Ind. (Oct. 6, 2022) — Radius Indiana joins the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Association of Manufacturers in recognizing Manufacturing Day, an annual event on the first Friday of October, which celebrates modern manufacturing and is meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. 

Manufacturing is the fifth-largest employer in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over 19,400 workers are employed in the manufacturing industry in the Radius Region which represents an increase of 350 new jobs created in the sector over the past ten years, despite the disruption of the COVID pandemic. 

The regional Location Quotient for manufacturing in the Radius Region is 2.64, revealing that the sector is more than two-and-a-half times more concentrated regionally than it is nationally. Manufacturing represents 21.4 percent of total regional employment compared to the national total of 8.1 percent of employment in the sector. 

Production jobs dominate manufacturing occupations in Radius’s eight counties; over 60 percent of all manufacturing jobs are classified as production, while 10 percent are transportation and material moving, slightly over seven percent are office and administration, and the remainder are scattered over a variety of functions. 

“Manufacturing remains one of the most important pillars of our regional economy,” said Radius President and CEO Jeff Quyle. “From high-demand furniture manufacturing to the factories supplying important parts for the automotive industry, the strength in manufacturing appears to be providing the financial fuel to allow other parts of the economy to grow.” 

Wages among production workers vary greatly according to the occupational skills needed. Entry level meat cutters in the agribusiness sector average annual wages in the low-$30,000 range, while skilled assemblers and machine operators average wages in the mid-$40,000s. Average wages for all workers of $52,614 are below the national average, but are among some of the highest paying wages in the region. 

The region’s number of manufacturing firms is on the rebound in recent years. From a high of 363 manufacturing establishments in 2011, the numbers decreased to around 340 in the following decade, but have climbed every year from 2019 to 2021 back to 360 establishments. 

Counties throughout the region are participating in Manufacturing Day in their own unique ways. In Orange County, 8th grade students from Orleans, Paoli and Springs Valley will visit local manufacturing/distributing partners such as Jasper Seating, Inc, Best Home Furnishings, Pluto Inc., and Boston International. 

Additionally, the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council is continuing its trend from 2021 to celebrate a 5-day Manufacturing Week that includes activities with students from The

Collaboration of Shoals, Orleans, and Mitchell Schools (COSMOS) and the North Lawrence Career Center to introduce the industry through informational sessions and tours with local manufacturers. Those companies include WF Meyers, Stone City Products, CAP, IN-FAB, and PRD. 

“We applaud our manufacturers, their employees and the contributions they make to our economy in the Radius Region. We will continue to monitor this important sector and work with our regional employers to help them thrive as well as make the region a choice location for new investment,” said Quyle. 

###

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

‘Choose Southern Indiana’ Emerges as National Competitor in Talent Attraction

Posted on by Radius Indiana

Bedford, IN (Aug 26, 2022) – The first year of Radius Indiana’s talent attraction and workforce development initiative, Choose Southern Indiana, has provided $135,000 in relocation packages to 27 new residents and their families as an incentive to move to the region. The response has exceeded initial expectations and proven that southern Indiana can compete with other areas of the country to attract talent.

The program offers a $5,000 relocation incentive to qualified out-of-state individuals or families who relocate to the region. Those who relocate to southern Indiana must maintain residency for a minimum of two years. Such incentive programs are being increasingly used by states and communities throughout the country to attract talent. Though not the first attraction program in Indiana, the Radius program is the State’s first rural regional approach.

The Radius region has a workforce of over 108,000 people, and many communities are finding that their companies have additional vacant positions that need to be filled. Attracting talent to the region is a critical part of growing the local workforce, which stimulates economic growth and prosperity in communities.

“We are excited about the level of interest in the Choose Southern Indiana program and the commitment from our new neighbors in the region,” said Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana. “From our strong job market to our quality of life and low cost of living – everyone seems eager to experience all we have to offer in the region and we look forward to the opportunity to help people learn more about our communities.”

Dubois and Orange Counties joined the program in summer 2021 to recruit both remote workers and veterans to add to their workforce. Since then, Daviess and Greene Counties have also joined the initiative and are excited about the early success and potential for more. Dubois county has provided the most incentives thus far at 18, and more are expected to come. Recipients have filled jobs in fields such as healthcare, government, education and manufacturing, and have moved from many states across the country including California, Florida and Tennessee. In many cases, their spouses and partners have also become members of the local workforce.

“I am so happy I moved to Jasper and love the small town community,” said Caroline Brinster, incentive recipient and new Dubois County resident. “It boasts a vibrant economy and I am excited and fortunate enough to be working as an attorney for Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, a leading law firm that serves clients both locally and across the globe.”

Radius partnered with Indianapolis-based MakeMyMove, the first and only marketplace for move-ready talent. MakeMyMove’s platform and marketing services help communities pitch their wares and attract new residents. It also provides key data and analytics to assist in reporting. To date, the Choose Southern Indiana initiative has received over 1,000 applications, and the 27 recipients along with their families account for more than 70 new residents, who will bring over $1.2 million in annual income to the communities. Additionally, an economic impact increase of over $750,000 can be attributed to this initiative, which measures revenue from property taxes, local household spending and other socioeconomic factors.

Talent attraction and workforce development are now two of the most important aspects of economic development. Talent attraction focuses on recruitment from the talent pipeline outside of a given community, while workforce development aims to further an individual’s ability to grow their skills and develop the tools they need for business success in their community. The Radius program has specified that it is targeting the attraction of talent from outside the state of Indiana, in order to avoid depleting talent in other Indiana communities.

To learn more and apply to the relocation incentive program, visit www.choosesouthernindiana.com.

 

 

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

Martin County Economic Development Names Potts as Executive Director

Posted on by Radius Indiana

Loogootee, IN (Aug 09, 2022) – The Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth Board of Directors hired local businesswoman Jessica Potts as the organization’s new Executive Director.  The Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth is an organization charged with leading business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts in Martin County.

Jessica is excited to work with local cities and towns as well as civic organizations and chambers of commerce to help promote Martin County. She enjoys the challenge of getting projects completed on a budget and has a passion for bringing everyone to the table to accomplish goals.

Mike Arvin, president of the Alliance board stated, “I am very excited to have Jessica Potts join the Alliance as our Executive Director.  We have made great progress over the last year in our Martin County community and Jessica has the talent, skills and love for our community to lead us into the future. ”

A Martin County native, Jessica graduated from Loogootee High School and went on to continue her education at the University of Southern Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in Health Services with concentrations in Gerontology and Health Administration. She has diverse work experience ranging from workforce development to defense contracting. In her most recent position, she worked for the Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC) to help the five-county region they serve to develop an economic recovery and resiliency plan. Additionally, she served as a liaison between local governments, nonprofit organizations and the EDA to help identify and acquire grant resources.

Martin County is home to NSA Crane, the third-largest U.S.  Naval installation in the world. Other primary industries include mining, agriculture, and small business. Affordable housing, natural beauty in the scenic landscape, and short commutes to major employers are only a few of its many strengths to attract business and workforce to the area.

Potts will work closely with Radius Indiana on projects related to economic development.  Radius is an eight-county regional economic development organization that includes Martin County.

“We’re delighted to have Jessica as a partner who can direct us on promoting and serving economic development in Martin County communities. We’ve already been impressed with her work ethic and her creativity when we’ve collaborated with her on projects in her SIDC capacity. Her experience in the defense industry and with SIDC will be extremely valuable and we look forward to the success to come,” said Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius.

Jessica enjoys being a part of her small rural community in Loogootee where she resides with her husband Mark, and their two children Judd and Morgan.

Jessica will begin her role as Executive Director August 8. If you would like to reach out to the Alliance, you can reach her at:

Jessica Potts/Executive Director

Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth

2664 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN 47553

Jessica.Potts@martinalliance.org

812-295-4800

 

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA

Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

Discover Southern Indiana Launches Sweets And Treats Trail

Posted on by Radius Indiana

Discover Southern Indiana – Tourism organization welcomes locals, visitors to participate in this sweet adventure across eight counties

BEDFORD, Ind. (July 21, 2022) — Discover Southern Indiana has launched its new Sweets and Treats
Trail, which invites locals and visitors to check out more than 25 participating businesses across the
region to receive special offers and earn prizes.

Consumers are encouraged to download the free Sweets and Treats Trail mobile passport by visiting
https://discoversouthernindiana.com/sweetsandtreatstrail/ and check-in to as many businesses as
possible. At each location, participants will be given a unique PIN code to enter into the passport and
track their progress. Participants will be eligible to win special prizes after checking in to various locations.
Prizes include a sticker after five check-ins, a branded ice cream scoop after 10 check-ins, and a branded
tote bag after 20 check-ins. Those who make it to all locations on the trail will receive a special treat from
one of the participating trail locations. All prizes will be mailed to winners.

“We have so many local businesses across our eight counties that offer some of the best desserts you
can get your hands on,” said Misty Weisensteiner, Chief Operating Officer of Discover Southern Indiana.
“The Sweets and Treats Trail is a fun way for both visitors and those who have lived in the area for their
entire lives to find a new favorite treat.”

Radius Indiana launched Discover Southern Indiana, making it the first region-wide tourism initiative of its
kind. Tourism is the region’s sixth-largest economic driver. The initiative bolsters the commercial interests
of the region by highlighting the opportunities, attractions and events for visitors traveling to Crawford,
Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Martin, Lawrence, Orange and Washington counties. Discover Southern
Indiana’s Sweets and Treats Trail, originally named the Ice Cream Trail, launched in 2020 and is returning
with even more delectable desserts.

For a full list of trail stops and to download your mobile passport, visit: https://discoversouthernindiana.com/sweetsandtreatstrail/.

About Discover Southern Indiana:
Headquartered in Bedford, IN, Discover Southern Indiana is a regional tourism initiative serving a total of
eight counties. The initiative aims to boost awareness of all that Southern Indiana has to offer, inviting
visitors and prospective residents to explore the charming spirit of the bustling region while indulging in
thrilling world-class experiences. Travelers have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of
family-friendly, one-of-a-kind experiences, including five-star accommodations, Indiana’s finest State
Parks, prestigious golf courses, and much more. Your pleasant surprises await.

Radius Indiana and Crane Regional Defense Group host congressional events in U.S. Capital

Posted on by Radius Indiana

ODON, Ind. (July 5, 2022) – Radius Indiana and Crane Regional Defense Group (CRDG) hosted a series of events last month in Washington D.C in coordination with NSA Crane and industry peers. The events served to engage government leaders, defense and technology firms, and constituents in conversations and updates about ongoing developments for the base and southern Indiana’s defense industry.

The annual Team Crane Congressional Breakfast was held on Capitol Hill for the first time since 2019 after a pause due to pandemic restrictions. Indiana Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young and Indiana Congressmen Larry Bucshon, and Trey Hollingsworth hosted the breakfast, sponsored by Radius Indiana in partnership with the Federal Manager’s Association (FMA) Crane Chapter 170, Indiana Innovation Institute (IN3), and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). 

As Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane continues to demonstrate the success of its technologies and products, Radius and its partners took this opportunity to highlight the increasing military value of Crane and give insight into the future goals for the base. The events also served to underscore the positive impact NSA Crane has on the advancement of technology in the state of Indiana and to the continued well-being of nearby communities as it remains the region’s largest employer.

“We are immensely grateful for our relationship with Crane and the work with our many regional partners to strengthen the defense innovation ecosystem in southern Indiana,” said Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius and emcee for the Breakfast. “Radius is dedicated to growing the region’s prosperity, using economic development tools to strengthen our current business community as well as attract new companies. The rise of technological innovation at Crane is initiating conversations with companies that seek to grow here for access to the talent and innovation that reside in this region.”

As a prelude to the Congressional Breakfast, CRDG brought together the defense ecosystem for a first-of-its-kind networking event in our nation’s capital. Guests had a unique opportunity to interact with other defense industry peers along with academic and government officials and staff to discuss relevant topics. Additionally, CRDG officers and members were available to discuss the organization’s role in the southern Indiana community as an effort to expand community support and advocate for Crane at the local and federal levels. 

“As the Chief of Staff for the headquarters element overseeing 14 U.S. Navy installations, Naval Support Activity, Crane tops the list in terms of support from external Navy partners,” said Captain John Hewitt, Chief of Staff, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “NSA Crane and their resident Navy and Army commands have and will continue to have tremendously strong support from a range of stakeholders including private industry, academia, the State of Indiana, civic organizations such as Radius Indiana and IN3, and Indiana’s Congressional delegation. These partners understand the vital work that goes on aboard NSA Crane – everything from ammunition manufacturing and storage all the way to advancements in hypersonic technology – and how the installation supports the broader context of America’s national defense.”

There were nearly 100 attendees for each event, including defense industry representatives, flag officers, congressional delegation members, senior executive service members, program office personnel, Department of Defense officials, professional staff members (House and Senate), corporate partners, Congressional Delegation staff members, and academic partners. 

“It was a pleasure and success to see so many industry peers and leaders together again in one room, not just once, but twice with the addition of the CRDG reception,” said Kent Parisien, chair of CRDG. “Our organization looks forward to hosting and attending both events again next year as we continue to advocate for Crane and the defense sector at the local, state and national level.”

Radius and CRDG expect to participate annually, and planning for future events has already begun. 

###

ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA and CRANE REGIONAL DEFENSE GROUP: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

Radius is also the parent organization of the Crane Regional Defense Group, formed to preserve the strategic value of Crane by supporting local outreach and legislative initiatives that protect military installations in the region and state, and leverage the installation’s potential to bring economic growth to Southern Indiana.