Indiana Works Council Up and Running

The goal: Building an education system that leads to workforce readiness.

Last Wednesday, state leaders took another step toward achieving that goal. Gov. Pence launched the Indiana Works Council in Vigo County as a result of the new law that creates regional works councils tasked with coordinating between education, job skills and career training.

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Ready Indiana were fervent supporters of this legislation that brings together workforce development groups, employers and schools to evaluate and ensure that career and technical education opportunities for high school students address the workforce needs of the region.

"We need to make sure that our schools work just as well for our kids who want to get a job right away instead of getting a degree,” said Gov. Mike Pence.

Read the story from WTHI.

‘Stay Classy, Terre Haute’: Will Ferrell Brings Beer Ads to Indiana

Back in September, there were reports of Will Ferrell running around Terre Haute.

The actor, famous for his starring roles in “Elf,” “Talladega Nights” and “Anchorman” (his signoff phrase as a news anchor: “You stay classy, San Diego”), was seen by residents and local media wearing a cheesy polo shirt, khaki shorts, tube socks and sandals (yikes) and standing in the middle of a busy city intersection with a small camera crew.

It was rumored at the time that he seemed to be carrying around a can and was potentially shooting a commercial of some kind – though details were vague at best.

Finally, if you live in the Terre Haute viewing area, you’re likely to see the result of Ferrell’s antics at the intersection of Wabash and Seventh streets and along the railroad tracks near 10th and Ohio streets (there are two commercials).

In one commercial posted here on YouTube, Ferrell waxes philosophical for a few seconds on being in the Crossroads of America and then proceeds to crack open a frosty cold Old Milwaukee brew. In the other,  you can see him walking along a railroad track going on about rusty trampolines before popping open the beverage.

The Terre Haute Tribune-Star reported that the ads were Ferrell’s idea and were produced by his web site, FunnyorDie.com (beware: probably salty language), Ferrell reportedly shot three commercials in Davenport, Iowa and at least two in Terre Haute. For now, the newspaper reports, the commercials will only be aired in the markets where they were shot – but you can watch them online no matter where you live.

Terre Haute: Top Community Keeps Earning Recognition

I’ve been enjoying this Indiana Chamber/BizVoice thing for nearly 13 full years now. Which means I’ve seen 13 towns and cities honored as the Chamber’s Community of the Year at our annual awards dinner.

No slight intended at any of the past winners, but it’s likely that no one has done a better job of taking advantage of this honor than the 2010 recipient — Terre Haute. From a live televised press conference to announce the award to bringing nearly 200 community members to the celebration (and many other activities before and since), Terre Haute is letting everyone at home and beyond know about its transformation.

The latest is recognition from lawmakers at the Statehouse. The Terre Haute Tribune-Star has the recap. For those who missed out on our coverage, read the BizVoice article and view the award video.

Congratulations once again, Terre Haute. For 2011 contenders (nominations will be open in the spring), this just might be too good an opportunity to pass up.

PICTURED: Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett accepts the 2010 Community of the Year Award.

Terre Haute: From Stagnation to Inspiration

Terre Haute, once labeled a "community of stagnation" by the media, has used that label as motivation to become a bright point in Indiana’s western corridor. Our Tom Schuman sat down with Rod Henry, president of the Terre Haute Chamber, to discuss what the community has done to earn the Indiana Chamber’s award as 2010 Community of the Year.

Also see this recent BizVoice article on Terre Haute’s achievements.

Walk This Way (in Terre Haute, That Is)

I wish I enjoyed exercising. But, the last time I went to the gym, I saw my life flash before my eyes while trying to lift weights. And, I’m not exactly the most coordinated athlete. But, I do like walking outdoors (what better way to get fit than while exploring nature?), which is why I’m intrigued by an initiative involving trails and greenways in Terre Haute.

Many projects currently taking place downtown were inspired by the National Road Heritage Trail, which will ultimately stretch 150 miles from the Indiana/Illinois border to the edge of Ohio. Locally, it encompasses the east end of Vigo County to the Wabash River and extends through downtown Terre Haute.

“The genesis of that trail system is right here in Terre Haute,” declares Pat Martin, chief planner for the City of Terre Haute Department of Engineering. “The vision for the trail was to establish an east-west backbone for the trail and greenway system and revitalize neighborhoods and redevelop adjacent land parcels.”

Since 2002, 23 miles of trails and greenways have been developed in the city. The system will be lengthened this year and eventually span approximately 55 miles.

Economic development projects spurred by the trail include:

  • Heritage Trail Apartments – a $40 million luxury apartment complex with 296 units located on the city’s east side within walking distance of Indiana State University and the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
  • Multi-million dollar extension of Locust Street
  • Neighborhood and park connectivity and redevelopment 
  • Increase in the value of adjacent brownfield properties

“Perhaps the biggest change of all is in the change in lifestyle for the community,” Martin observes. “This has brought about a greater interest in active lifestyles, not only with the National Heritage Trail, but with the entire trail and greenway system."

Learn about additional downtown revitalization projects, as well as other important initiatives taking place in Terre Haute, in the current issue of BizVoice®.