Jackson County, Indiana is part of the EcO Network of Southeast Indiana which has been designated the state’s second “21st Century Talent Region”, a statewide designation awarded to Indiana communities focused on working collaboratively to attract, develop and connect talent.
On August 2nd, Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo, and Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) President Elaine Bedel joined southeast Indiana officials to make the announcement.
“The EcO Network Partner Partner Communities have been working diligently to cultivate the collaborative partnerships necessary for regional development and growth in southeast Indiana,” said Secretary Milo. “Their collective leadership has been inspirational and will be key to helping grow the population, increase educational attainment, and raise household income for the region.”
By taking a comprehensive, systems approach, participating regions will identify strategic priorities and projects aimed at helping its communities create a better quality of place, develop and skill up its workforce, and connect talented Hoosiers with businesses seeking to fill high-demand, high-wage jobs.
“Ensuring a sustainable pipeline of talent to support our region’s critical industry sectors requires a systems approach to cross-sector collaboration that links the learning system with economic opportunity in the places we call home in southeast Indiana,” said Kathy Oren, executive director of Community Education Coalition.