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Indiana Uplands announces READI commitments totaling more than $24.6 million: Projects will leverage more than $860 million in private and public investment to expand and enhance innovation, talent, and place across the region

12/19/2022

The Indiana Uplands READI Steering Committee and Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) has announced more than $24.6 million in committed investments from the $30 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funds awarded to the Indiana Uplands by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to enhance the vitality of this 11-county region.

“We are grateful to the state legislature, Governor Eric Holcomb, Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for this incredible opportunity to invest in the Indiana Uplands, a region on the rise,” said ROI President and CEO Tina Peterson.

“READI is allowing this region to build upon opportunities, to advance industry innovations, develop the talent needed for a technology-driven workforce, and create the assets and amenities that make this a great place for people to live, work and play,” added Peterson.

Since the December 2021 funding announcement, ROI and its partners have worked with regional stakeholders to refine programs and projects in the “Region on the Rise READI Development Plan” to align with the eligibility requirements defined by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded READI program. The Uplands READI Steering Committee has also worked to launch and advance funding strategies in the areas of innovation, housing, community development, and talent.

SERVPRO Set to Kick Off Fifth First Responder Bowl: Hometown heroes are the focus of annual college bowl game set for Dec. 27

12/16/2022

In recognition of the service and sacrifice of thousands of first responders nationwide, SERVPRO will host the fifth annual SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. The University of Memphis Tigers will face off against the Utah State University Aggies. Kickoff is set for December 27, 2022, at 3:15 Eastern Standard Time on ESPN.

"This game shines a spotlight on hometown heroes across the country," said Ryan Wolfe, a disaster restoration specialist with SERVPRO of Lawrence, Owen, Greene & Martin Cos.. "We are proud to be part of a company that honors all first responders for willingly putting the welfare of others ahead of their own personal safety."

Nationwide, SERVPRO franchises, including Lawrence, Owen, Greene & Martin Cos., were asked to submit the name of a first responder from their hometown to be considered for special recognition at the game. This year, SERVPRO is honoring Cpl. Phillip Zonn and POFC. Geobani Guerra of the Prince George's County (Maryland) Police Department. Zonn and Guerra were both separately traveling home from their shift when they approached a vehicle that had been involved in an accident. The two officers bravely worked to cut the unconscious and injured driver free from the burning vehicle before it was engulfed in flames.

Jake Keller and Grace McKay awarded Monroe County’s 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships

12/15/2022

The Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Monroe County – Jake Keller and Grace McKay. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

“Each year, we are inspired by the accomplishments of our community’s young people, and this year is no exception, said Community Foundation President and CEO Tina Peterson. “Jake and Grace have both demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service. They have also found unique ways to pursue their passions and extend their learning experiences within the community. We look forward to following their academic journeys and hope one day they will choose to seek our fulfilling careers here in Monroe County or in the Indiana Uplands region.”

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for undergraduate students studying on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

WTIU to premiere ‘Chimes of Christmas’ December 18

12/12/2022

WTIU Public Television is collaborating with Indiana University’s Singing Hoosiers to bring a holiday tradition to south central Indiana viewers. Chimes of Christmas premieres Sunday, December 18 at 7 p.m. on WTIU. The program will also be available to stream on Facebook Live and PBS Video.

Recorded before a live audience at the Indiana University Auditorium, this concert film features a mix of well-known carols, contemporary hits, and classical choral arrangements presented by the Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers under the direction of Dr. Chris Albanese.

This year’s Chimes of Christmas production also includes a special performance of “The Ballad of the Brown King.” The piece is Margaret Bonds’ most performed work. It is set to the poetry of Langston Hughes and celebrates African participation in the nativity story through the figure of King Balthazar. The work incorporates elements of jazz and Gospel, set within the context of a lushly orchestrated choral/orchestral score. Along with the Singing Hoosiers, the piece will feature IU’s African American Choral Ensemble and NOTUS (the IU Jacobs School of Music Contemporary Vocal Ensemble) with a solo vocal quartet and full orchestra.

Chimes of Christmas is made possible with support from Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyers and IU Credit Union.

WFIU/WTIU News named Report for America newsroom partner

12/9/2022

WFIU/WTIU News bureau chief, Sara Wittmeyer

Report for America has selected WFIU/WTIU News to be one of nearly 30 new host newsroom partners for next year. This national service program places talented emerging journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered topics and communities across the United States and its territories.

“Far too many Americans desperately need reliable, fact-based information to make decisions about their daily lives, and a growing number of local newsrooms are turning to us for support,” said Kim Kleman, senior vice president of Report for America. “We were blown away by the breadth of applications we received, and only wish we had the ability to bring on even more newsrooms this year.”

Report for America will help fund a new reporter for WFIU/WTIU News who will cover higher education.

“We are honored to receive support from Report for America to expand our local news coverage,” said WFIU/WTIU News bureau chief Sara Wittmeyer. “This position will allow us to report on the cost of higher education, the enrollment cliff, the skills gap, workforce training, and more.”

Middle Way House sending special thanks!

12/8/2022

Middle Way House would like to recognize and thank Andy Siebert, owner of Blue Sky Painting, for reaching out to this organization for the past two years offering to do work on their slow time. Middle Way House is grateful for the thoughtfulness, timeliness, and quality of work. Contact Andy Siebert 812 630 4242 www.blueskypainting.net

Most Companies Unable to Focus on "IT" Disaster Protection: Matrix Integration Helps Enterprise-Level Corporations Move Past “Putting Out Fires” to Implement Comprehensive, Long-Term IT Strategies

12/7/2022

Although all companies want their IT to run smoothly, this goal continues to become more difficult for most enterprises as they struggle to keep up with day-to-day IT operations, according to the expert engineers at Matrix Integration, a strategic IT infrastructure partner for more than 1,000 businesses and schools in the Midwest and beyond. The 2022 Data Protection Trends Report from Matrix Partner Veeam confirms that 90 percent of organizations have an “availability gap” between what business units expect from IT after a data breach, loss or breakdown, and how quickly IT can return the company to productivity.

Tim Pritchett, engineer operations manager at Matrix, is also a former CTO who has seen this situation play out often in his previous organization as well as in current clients.

Ivy Tech offering introductory welding course in Martinsville

12/6/2022

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is offering a Welding 100 course in Martinsville, Ind. The course starts Jan. 17, 2023 and will be held Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Martinsville High School. Grant-funding with the state’s Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready grant covers the cost of tuition for eligible students.

In partnership with Martinsville High School, Martinsville Chamber of Commerce, and Structural Components Fabrication, Ivy Tech is offering the WELD 100 course with plans to expand to MIG, TIG, and Stick courses. Future plans include the opportunity to earn a full Structural Welding Certificate entirely in Martinsville.

Welding 100 provides a basic study and application of commonly used welding processes as well as blueprint reading, OSHA 10-hour and welding safety, weld joint design, welding terminology, and welding quality control. Students prepare to take nationally recognized certification exams that qualify them for work in the field.

For more information and to apply, fill out a free application online at ivytech.edu/applynow or email Darrin Dayhoff at ddayhoff1@ivytech.edu.

Ivy Tech accepting applicants for Entrepreneur Certificate program

12/5/2022

Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus in partnership with Regional Innovation and Startup Education (RISE) is accepting applications for the spring 2023 Entrepreneur Certificate program. In three courses, students will be provided resources and networking opportunities to launch a successful startup or grow an existing business. Classes begin Jan. 17.

“We partner with the Ivy Tech Cook Center for Entrepreneurship and the Indiana Small Business Development Center to guide students in proof of concept, market research, business model canvas, marketing, and virtually any aspect of starting and running a business,” Sueann Graham, Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship program chair said. “We also provide opportunities for funding.”

Benefits of the certificate program include a cohort-style education, business networking, making pitches for funding, and creating business plans. This program has assisted in the launching of numerous businesses across Indiana.

“Our students have graduated and gone on to start successful businesses,” Graham said. “For those who did not start their business right away, they were able to secure a great position in a small business utilizing their entrepreneurial skills.”

For more information and to apply, fill out an online inquiry or contact program chair Sueann Graham at sgraham116@ivytech.edu or (812) 330-6361.

United Way 2023 Chilly Cook-Off is Calling All Chefs! Community cooks invited to put their chili to the test at annual United Way Chilly Cook-Off

12/1/2022

Think your chili is the best in town? Put your recipe to the test!

The United Way Chilly Cook-Off is recruiting chefs – from novice and seasoned home cooks to professional chefs – to put their favorite recipe to the test and share their chili with the community.

Showcase your skills while competing to make the best chili in town at the Chilly Cook-Off! Chef space is limited. Registration closes on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 or when all the chef spaces are filled.

The United Way Chilly Cook-Off, a Freezefest event benefiting United Way of Monroe County, will be held on Saturday, January 21 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Mill (located at 642 N Madison St, across from Upland Brewing).

All varieties of chili are welcome. A panel of judges will determine best overall, best vegetarian, most creative, and best professional. Attendees will determine the People’s Choice Award.