State names next 21st Century Talent Region

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – The Indiana Office of Career Connections and Talent has selected southwest Indiana as the state’s ninth 21st Century Talent Region. The designation is awarded to Hoosier communities focused on “working collaboratively to attract, develop and connect talent.”

The designation was announced during a virtual event hosted by Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo and Indiana Destination Development Corp. Chief Executive Officer Elaine Bedel.

“We have prioritized inclusivity, quality of place and talent development as cornerstones of our economic development,” said Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville President Ellan Horan. “The ‘E is for everyone’ and Talent 2025 initiatives laid the groundwork for aligning our efforts with the State’s 21st Century Talent Region designation and State workforce initiatives and resources.”

Milo says business, education and community leaders have been instrumental in growing talent and fostering innovation in southwest Indiana. She says the region’s efforts to foster collaboration among Hoosier communities and those across state lines set the foundation for receiving the 21st Century Talent Region designation.

Milo’s office says the Southwest Indiana Region encompasses the Evansville Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties in southwest Indiana, as well as Henderson County in Kentucky.

“Southwest Indiana business, education and community leaders have been instrumental in growing talent, fostering innovation and improving communities in the southwest corner of Indiana,” said Milo. “The collaborative approach they have taken, building relationships within Hoosier communities and across state lines, has helped them set the foundation for attracting, developing and connecting talent to the region and state as a 21st Century Talent Region.”