One Southern Indiana 2023/2024 | Page 9

2024 Priorities
1si ’ s role in promoting a fiscally-stable business-friendly environment is crucial in allowing businesses of all sizes and types to sustain and flourish . Economic development is a team sport and , as the world embraces challenges for growth and sustainability , 1si will continue to lead our business community in addressing issues involving people , efficiencies and support . More than ever before , our region has the opportunity to create a better , more inclusive environment moving forward .
By utilizing our contacts in the areas of development , healthcare , manufacturing , and the financial industries , among others , 1si can solicit key issues on which to advocate and better support our members through input from industry experts within the scope of 1si ’ s 2024 Advocacy Agenda .
Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative ( READI ) --
We strongly encourage regional priorities be supported in the deployment of READI 2.0 funding with the goal of continued development of quality of place assets and outdoor recreation to promote population growth
Meeting Workforce Demands --
Indiana should prioritize talent attraction and retention strategies focused on housing growth , quality of place assets and safety concerns
--
By providing employers with hiring and training resources , individuals with skill development opportunities and educators with college- AND career-ready curriculum , the State of Indiana will help build motivated and productive residents with the skills necessary to support themselves and their families
--
By providing incentives to increase access to childcare and eldercare , we address a main barrier to employment for many potential workers
--
Assist those with mental health barriers and other disabilities so they can join the workforce , increasing Indiana ’ s labor force participation rate
--
Support families and schools in addressing mental health challenges
ONE SOUTHERN INDIANA 2023-24 YEAR IN REVIEW 9