In a globally connected world, access to the internet can link people to a variety of resources that can be of value in their daily living, such as information on health, education, finances and more. Yet, according to an article recently published in Daily Yonder, about 31 million people (or about 10 percent of the …

For the next 10 months, the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) will be serving four new communities through its Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program (DMAP), funded by the Department of Defense – Office of Economic Adjustment: Jefferson County has identified the need for a transportation demand study, which PCRD will deliver in conjunction with Purdue’s …

On June 3, the City of Indianapolis, Indy Food Council, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and Purdue Extension-Marion County hosted the People’s Food Summit. The objective of the Food Summit was to bring together the people of the City of Indianapolis and Marion County with City officials and subject-matter experts to engage in developing a …

This article was originally published in the Tribune-Star on June 18, 2017 . Growth in business is a challenge for many companies and realizing constraints is the first step in the process. For many business owners, the Internet is daunting and they fear even the idea of being acquainted with the Internet. Many know that they …

The Indiana Office of USDA Rural Development (RD) announced the designation of the Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC) as a Stronger Economies Together (SET) region. Seven regional economic-development groups in five states were selected to participate in this latest round of technical assistance awards. “Rural communities recognize the vital importance of economic development for the …

“Small Business Starts Here” – RushCountyBiz.com That’s the message that Rushville and Rush County are championing with the launching of the community’s own entrepreneurial website. Over fifty community members gathered on Wednesday when the Hometown Collaboration Initiative (HCI) team hosted an official launch party for the new website. The Rush County Biz website is the “go-to” …

This article was originally published in the Tribune-Star on May 7, 2017. Hiring employees from various backgrounds, cultures and experiences leads to workplace diversity. The vast majority of employers view diversity as an investment toward establishing a stronger business foundation, and many benefits are associated with diversity. Managers and leaders must recognize the benefits and …

No one likes to sit through a bad meeting. Many of us can point to things we don’t like about the meetings we attend that are not productive: The purpose is unclear It feels unorganized Someone dominates the conversation We never seem to get anywhere The meeting is too long! If you had a magic …

On a beautiful May day, more than 100 people gathered at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds to learn, network and share about the local food system for Auburn, Indiana. This event is the mid-way point in the Rebuilding Your Local Food System program that the Hometown Collaboration Initiative (HCI) Team is pursuing as part of their …

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced on May 4, 2017 that the Towns of Albion and Cumberland, Cities of Angola and Washington, and Brown County have been welcomed into the Indiana Hometown Collaboration Initiative (HCI). To date, nineteen communities across the State of Indiana have joined this community capacity-building initiative. “We are so pleased …