The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership in collaboration with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has been diligently working with local leaders to implement quality-of-place projects across the eight-county area. For the last several months, the team has been working to organize materials, submit regional projects to the IEDC for review and procure project goods and services. The region is excited to announce the first READI disbursement to the City of Union City to facilitate project work on the Vision Corner Learning Center.

Through a $400,000 READI investment, the ECIRP, IEDC, City of Union City, Randolph County, and their local public and private partners will assist in developing education and career pipelines, the launch of new programs, and the development of opportunities for upskilling and training.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the support of the READI initiative and the impact it creates for a cornerstone project in Union City,” said Mayor Chad Spence. “Governor Holcomb’s READI initiative helps propel individual and community development for the region through Vision Corner.”

The Vision Corner Learning Center, located at the intersection of Columbia Street and Pearl Street, focuses on revitalization – both in the location of the facility, and the partnerships and programs offered to residents.

With a successful first phase completed; the mission of Vision Corner was expanded to include adult-level career-focused education. The program, when complete, will provide job training, personal skill enhancement, and career development.

In addition to programmatic additions, Phase Two of Vision Corner included exterior building improvements and a build-out of the first floor of the building. READI funds were used to complete the mechanical and HVAC system improvements throughout the first floor.

The Vision Corner Learning Center has also received local support from the City of Union City, Randolph County, Randolph County Eastern School Corporation, Randolph County Community Foundation, and Frank Miller Lumber. In total, the region’s READI contribution of $400,000 has been matched with $1.6 million in public, private, and state resources.

“Vision Corner is a prime example of how collaboration can lead to unique and innovative community development. This is exactly the type of project that will have a long-lasting impact on the residents of Union City, Randolph County, and east central Indiana,” said Trevor Friedeberg, President and CEO of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership.

Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), READI encourages regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that will attract and retain talent in Indiana. The $500 million READI fund was passed by legislation during the 2021 session and was divided among 17 regions. Through READI, 17 regions across the state that represent all 92 counties are moving forward with projects and programs designed to enhance Indiana’s regions for current and future generations of Hoosiers. Collectively, the state’s $500 million investment is expected to yield an additional $9.86 billion in public, private, and nonprofit dollars invested (19.72:1 investment leverage ratio) in enhancing Indiana’s quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity.

For more information on the region’s READI initiative, please reach out to Trevor Friedeberg.