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Skillman - Economic Possibilities For Region Unlimited

Last updated on Sunday, August 4, 2013

(SALEM) - Economic possibilities for region unlimited, hose are the words of Becky Skillman, former lieutenant governor as well as state senator and now president and CEO of Radius, an economic development group.

Approximately 40 people came to hear Skillman speak during a luncheon this week sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

Radius represents eight counties in south central Indiana. In addition to Washington, they are Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Daviess, Dubois, Crawford and Orange, with a combined population of 220,373.

The purpose of Radius is to help business owners with site location, business expansion and business retention.

According to the Leader Democrate, Skillman provided information about the eight-county region served by Radius, noting that Crane is the largest employer and that Radius is the contact point for that facility. Other large employers are Westgate Tech Park, the French Lick Casino and the Vincennes University campus at Jasper.

Skillman talked about the region's assets, mentioning that Washington County's assets include a shovel-ready industrial park, the airport and attractions for tourism, such as Beck's Mill and the John Hay Center, including The Depot.

She talked of four key areas that Radius is focusing on: defense, tourism,education and workforce and advanced manufacturing.

She mentioned that Lilly Endowment has recently awarded a $650,000 planning grant to develop economic development strategy for Region 8, a region that includes some of the counties served by Radius. Skillman worked to get the other counties served by Radius included.

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