Southern Indiana Business March-April 2020 | Page 8

FIVE QUESTIONS By John Boyle One Southern Indiana Executive Vice President Matt Hall talks about the Renaissance Park project in Charlestown during the groundbreaking ceremony in August 2019. The project, which will house retail as well as apartments, is expected to be completed this year. 5 QUESTIONS Setting the stage for success Matt Hall pushes for economic growth in the region at One Southern Indiana I t’s no secret that Southern Indi- ana is in the midst of an ongoing renaissance that has transformed the physical landscape and eco- nomic environment in recent years. Each of the individual communities in Floyd and Clark counties has much to be proud of over the past decade or so. From the larger Ohio River cities of Jeffersonville and New Albany, to the smaller inland towns of Sellersburg and Georgetown, an abundance of developments both completed and in the planning process have brought 8 File photo March / April 2020 with them an influx of new residents and businesses. Of course, this has given a boost to the local economy. Playing a key role in making sure the right businesses find a home here has been One Southern Indiana (1si), the area’s local chamber of commerce. Since 2006, executive vice president Matt Hall has helped push growth on the Hoosier side of the river. The Clark County native said that even with all the progress that’s been made so far, more of the same is expected in the years to come. A big portion of Hall’s duties includes showcasing all the region has to offer to prospective developers and companies eyeing the area for a possible expansion or relocation. Without that leg work, much of the growth that’s been seen may have never come to fruition. Seeing 1si’s work pay off has been a source of great pride for Hall and his colleagues, both as business people and residents. 1 What’s your favorite part of your job with 1si? I get the chance to create opportunities for folks here. We work to attract jobs that