Welcome to East Central Indiana. Our region is home to the hardest working, most tenacious, generous, and inventive people in the state. We know how to dig deep, push beyond the status quo, and rise to meet challenges.
East Central Indiana is an exceptional place to grow a business, pursue professional goals and personal passions, and raise the next generation. It’s an exceptional place to get involved and make a real difference.
Who We Are
In 2021, eight ECI counties (Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, and Wayne) developed the Forge Your Path Regional Development Plan as part of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s READI initiative.
The plan represents the hard work, goals, and shared aspirations of nearly 400,000 ECI residents and hundreds of organizations and businesses across 67 cities and towns.
The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, east central Indiana’s regional economic development organization, provides infrastructure and support to promote cohesion across these efforts.
READI 1.0 Timeline
Regional Kickoff Meeting – July 2021
The region (Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Wayne) was defined and notified the Indiana Economic Development Corporation of their intent to seek funding. The counties began to coordinate the planning process. The READI Governing Body was formed consisting of economic development partners, major employers, and anchor institutions.
Plan Submission – September 2021
The region submitted the Forge Your Path Regional Development Plan to the IEDC.
READI Announcement – December 2021
The IEDC approved an investment of $15 million, contingent on local match, to advance projects in East Central Indiana.
Final Project Selection – May 2022
The READI Governing Body made final selections on the regional projects that will be awarded funding.
Project Administration Process Begins – June 2022
The region began to work with the IEDC and EY to approve projects and allocate funding.
First Disbursement – February 2023
The region disbursed the first of the READI funds to the Vision Corner project in Randolph County.
Forging Ahead to READI 2.0.
As the IEDC prepares for READI 2.0, the region is already gearing up for the next round of the program. The ECIRP has made a commitment to meet in all counties to develop needs, share information, and work with community leaders, including local elected officials, for READI 2.0.