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Rural Economic Development Initiative (RUEDI) Progress Report

Explore RUEDI's programs and initiatives aiming to improve the rural economy of Indiana through entrepreneurship, education, and community partnerships. Discover how RUEDI is enhancing rural business owners' needs and supporting artisan entrepreneurs in West Central Indiana.

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Rural Economic Development Initiative (RUEDI) Progress Report

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  1. Unbounded Possibilities Progress Report January 31, 2013 Steven K. Pontius, Ph.D. (812) 237-4386 Steven.Pontius@indstate.edu

  2. Primary objective of RUEDI is to improve the rural economy of Indiana

  3. Rural Counties of Indiana Urban Counties Rural Counties

  4. Defining RUEDI’s niche ISU’s membership in Indiana Rural Roundtable (2009 to present) ISU’s membership in Education Meeting Group of the State office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) (2009-present)

  5. RUEDI seeks to improve the economy of rural Indiana through entrepreneurship development and new business starts in four distinct program areas

  6. K-12 Administrator Survey Leadership/Entrepreneurship Programs: • The most widely available programs tend to be extracurricular activities – Boys/Girls State, Boy/Girls Scouts, FFA, 4-H • Administrators would like to add programs but cite lack of financial resources and awareness and interest by teachers as barriers. • Research indicates that entrepreneurship is best conveyed in an interdisciplinary fashion that also includes interaction with entrepreneurs.

  7. K-12 Entrepreneurial and Leadership Skills Development Activities • Leadership and Entrepreneurial Program Directory (available) • Video case study of an Indiana entrepreneur with interactive components (available) • Simulated business environment game that includes input from faculty from three colleges (under development) • Create a network of teachers and student mentors to promote entrepreneurship education with our 49 high school partners-Summer conference 2013 • Identify funding resources for the implementation of programs

  8. Creating Entrepreneurs through Higher Education • ISU is the notable exception among Indiana schools who offer an entrepreneurship program • ISU niche is “rural entrepreneurship” • A faculty committee from all five colleges is working to develop an interdisciplinary certificate /minor in rural entrepreneurship with a service learning component • Program approval is expected by fall of 2013 • Student recruitment to begin in 2014

  9. Understanding the needs of Rural Business Owners and Operators Indiana Rural Business Survey • Partners: Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA), Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana State Small Business Centers (ISBDC), Chamber Executive Assoc., and Indiana Cooperative Development Center (ICDC)

  10. Other Key Findings • Most respondents started or purchased their business because of a strong desire to live in a rural area and to own a business where they live. • Many respondents were likely to have spent some time away, but a sense of place would often draw them back to their hometowns. • These findings underscore the need for entrepreneurship or leadership development programs that connect elementary and secondary students with business opportunities in the community to help to develop that sense of place at an early age that sticks with students as they go off to college

  11. West Central Indiana Leadership Platform • A regional collaboration of public officials, community, economic and workforce development professionals, K-16 educators, and private industry leaders in Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties to promote the economy of the region. • A strategic plan for the region should be completed by June 2013.

  12. Broadening the market for local products Create and support the Wabash Valley Food Hub • A network of local food producers and consumers • Serve as a catalyst for making the statewide “Indiana Grown” program a success in West Central Indiana • Launching virtually to expedite participation Rivers and Roads Artisan Trail -- Approved by Indiana Artisan Board 1/18/13 • Collaborative with Clabber Girl, Arts Illiana, and Art Spaces, and rural artisans • Trail counties: Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion & Vigo Purpose: • Encourage economic development through small business and artisan entrepreneurship • Raise the awareness of the talent and availability of locally crafted products in West Central Indiana • Provide entrepreneurial support to local artisans as business people • Promote cultural tourism in West Central Indiana

  13. Benchmarks • To date RUEDI has met or exceeded the cross-cutting benchmarks • Future collaboration with regional partners is sure to expand and will provide faculty and students with new opportunities for community engagement and experiential learning opportunities in rural Indiana, the home of over 52 percent of our students.

  14. Sustainability • Providing demographic and economic assistance to localities through the newly formed RUEDI Data Center (Fee Based) • Collaborating with state agencies to provide services (Contracts for services) • Grants activity

  15. The Changing Face of Rural Indiana

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