INDIANAPOLIS (July 15, 2015) – The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) board of directors today announced members of the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative Strategic Review Committee, who will be responsible for reviewing regional plan submissions and providing recommendations for funding.
“The Regional Cities Initiative has sparked tremendous energy and action in all corners of the Hoosier State,” said Governor Mike Pence. “While Indiana continues to share news of economic growth and build on our reputation as a nationally-recognized location for business, regional collaboration will carry our state even further as we work to attract the best and brightest workforce. This effort will grow our regions into global destinations for not only investment but also vibrant, talented people wanting to live and work in Indiana.”
The ten executives selected for the committee have proven expertise in the private and public sectors, with accomplishments on the state, national and international levels. Members of the Strategic Review Committee are:
Keira Amstutz – President and Chief Executive Officer, Indiana Humanities
Kathy Davis – President and Owner, Davis Design Group
Larry Gigerich – Managing Director, Ginovus
Stephen Goldsmith – Daniel Paul Professor of the Practice of Government, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Gary Hobbs – Chief Executive Officer, BWi
Ryan Kitchell – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Indiana University Health
Chris LaMothe – Chief Executive Officer, Elevate Ventures
Mark Maassel – President, Indiana Energy Association
Mitch Roob – Executive Vice President, KERAMIDA
John Thompson – Chief Executive Officer, Thompson Distribution
The IEDC is accepting regional plan applications for matching funds until August 31. The committee will hold several meetings over the coming months to evaluate submitted applications and will make formal recommendations to the IEDC Board during the fourth quarter.
“With noted success in business, both nationally and internationally, these committee members will be a vital asset in the continued momentum of this initiative and regionalism in Indiana,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “We are confident that their vast experiences in the public and private sectors will be valuable as regions across the Hoosier State pursue national recognition as quality-of-place leaders.”
The Indiana Regional Cities Initiative (HB 1403) sets the framework for neighboring communities across the state to work together to develop vision and action plans for quality of place initiatives, with plans for at least $1 billion in joint private and public investment over the next decade. The Indiana Regional Cities Initiative has sparked action across the state as multiple regions have formed steering committees and held public forums with hundreds of civic and business leaders to identify key areas for regional advancement.
For more information about the initiative, including tools and resources for Indiana regions seeking to apply for funding, visit IndianaRegionalCities.com.
