What does a Reimagined community look like? On Tuesday, September 22, United Way of Monroe County kicked-off the Reimagine fall fundraising drive with a live virtual event. Attendees were invited to share their single biggest hope for the months and years ahead as the community has the opportunity to Reimagine a better normal as it rebuilds from the COVID-19 pandemic. ​

WHEN: Thursday, October 8, 2020; 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Wake Up! series takes place second Thursday of each month) 

WHERE: Virtual Event via Zoom 

WHO: Co-hosted by United Way and Indiana University's Political and Civic Engagement program. Guest speakers are Nicole Browne, Monroe County Clerk; Kylie Lewis, student organizer, Big Ten Voting Challenge; and Mary Ann Williams, Voter services co-chair, League of Women Voters. ​

With support from the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission, the City of Bloomington, together with the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), submitted an application on Monday, September 28 for federal funds to support the establishment of a technology center in the downtown Trades District, the city’s Certified Technology Park (CTP).
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The proposed Trades District Technology Center, to be located on a site at the southwest corner of the intersection of Madison Street and Maker Way, would support regional employment growth and economic development in the emerging technology sector as the city rebuilds from the COVID-19 downturn.  The application seeks approximately  $5.9 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) within the US Department of Commerce.  At their meeting Monday, September 21, the RDC committed to matching the federal contribution with a $1.9 million pledge, representing 25% of the total cost of the project (around $7.8 million).  ​

​Applications have opened for the 2020 Fast 15 Business Awards. Now in their second year, the Fast 15 Business Awards showcase Monroe County’s 15 fastest-growing companies. New this year, the Fast 15 MVP Awards will celebrate 15 exceptional employees who help accelerate growth through unusual ability to get things done.
 
The Fast 15 Awards program is part of The Mill’s commitment to showcasing Bloomington’s thriving startup and business ecosystem. “There’s a symbiotic relationship between talent and business growth,” said Executive Director Pat East.  “Fast growth require access to a skilled workforce, and talented people look for exceptional opportunities. When we publicize our community’s success, we position Bloomington as a great place to grow businesses and careers. Growth attracts the investment and opportunity we’ll need to make a full economic recovery from COVID and lay the foundation for a prosperous future.”
 
More information and application links are available at The Fast 15 Awards. The deadline to apply is October 9. Online applications for the awards take just a few minutes. Business owners apply for the Fast 15 Awards by submitting simple growth metrics. (all financial details are kept confidential). For the MVP Award for exceptional employees, The Mill accepts employer, peer, and self-nominations. Employee nominees can be affiliated with any company, not just those applying for the business awards. Winners will be announced and publicized through local media in late October. 

For more details visit mcpl.info/restart or click the image below.

​Gather your smart friends and colleagues for the The Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools’ first ever Virtual Trivia Night – October 8th from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.  We are partnering with Hambone’s Trivia for a FUN trivia game while raising support for educational needs in our public schools.  Friends & Family Team is just $250 – register at https://mccsfoundation.org/ through the Donate button.