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The Indiana University East Business and Economics Research Center Generates comprehensive economic data to support the vitality of the Eastern Indiana and Western Ohio regions.
Goal 1.1: Establish a centralized digital dashboard to house regional economic indicators, ensuring that 100% of data sets for the majority of IU East service counties in Eastern Indiana by mid-2031 and, phased in thereafter, those remaining counties in Eastern Indiana and Western Ohio, are updated on a rolling basis as new federal and state data becomes available. [Vision] Goal 1.2: Disseminate the collected economic data and business survey findings through the annual “Futurecast” event, local talks, and/or contributions to newspaper articles. [Impact] Conducts targeted research and studies to capture the "pulse" of the local and regional economies. Goal: Publish the annual Richmond Forecast and Business Survey Report by mid-December of the year and mid-May of the following year, respectively, maintaining a high standard of internal and external peer review. [Discipline] Collaborates with community organizations to enhance public understanding of the local business environment. Goal: Partner with local economic development organizations in at least three new counties in the IU East service region in Indiana to expand the geographic impact of BERC’s research. [Growth] Engages alumni networks to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world regional business applications. Goal: Develop an "Alumni Research Liaison" program to integrate at least two distinguished alumni into the external review process for major economic reports. [Legacy] Leverages student effort in promoting economic development in the community. Goal: Organize activities/events in which students can contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the region and their residing counties. [Contribution] The BERC delivers on its mission through six strategic pillars: Vision through our new digital dashboard; Impact by disseminating research through community engagement and media; Discipline in our peer-reviewed reporting; Growth through expanded regional partnerships; Legacy by integrating our alumni back into the research process; Contribution by promoting regional economic development.
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Western Wayne News - Millie Martin Emery A Richmond employer has received initial support for its $8 million expansion plans. At its May 11 meeting, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County’s board voted unanimously to give an Economic Development Income Tax grant of $85,000 to Primex Plastics Corp. Primex is one of the largest sheet extrusion operations in the nation, and its plastic sheets are used in multiple industries. Read the full article on Western Wayne News
Richmond, IN – May 15, 2026 – Every Child Can Read (ECCR) is proud to announce the return of Wayne County Reads, a one-book, one-community initiative that brings families together through the shared experience of reading and conversation.
The program will run until July 31, 2026, encouraging families to read and discuss the selected book together. This year’s featured book is Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate, a New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal winner. The story follows Jackson, a boy facing housing instability as his family struggles to make ends meet. Along the way, Jackson reconnects with Crenshaw—an unlikely imaginary cat—who helps him navigate uncertainty, resilience, and what it means to ask for help. Through this shared reading experience, families can explore themes such as resilience, empathy, and the importance of support during difficult times. The selection aligns with ECCR’s mission to promote literacy while helping families navigate real-life topics through shared reading. Free copies of Crenshaw – are available at multiple locations across Wayne County while supplies last, thanks to the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including: · Bader Mechanical · Ahaus · Brewer Broadcasting · Reid Health Community Engagement · Quigg Fund · Rob & Kelli Quigg Family · Robin Henry · Vonderhaar Farms Pick up a free copy at: · All Wayne County libraries (Richmond, Cambridge City, Hagerstown, Dublin, Centerville) · Two Sisters Books & More (Richmond) · Twice Read Books (Richmond) · Northeastern Schools Administration Building (Fountain City) Families are encouraged to pick up a copy early, read together throughout the summer, and follow ECCR on social media for weekly discussion prompts and updates. “Wayne County Reads is about more than reading a book—it’s about creating space for meaningful conversations within families,” said Patti Peterson, Executive Director of ECCR. “We know when families read together, children build stronger literacy skills and confidence. With Crenshaw, we also have an opportunity to spark conversations about empathy and perseverance.” Wayne County Reads is an annual event that continues to inspire and connect the community through literature. When the program was reintroduced in 2025, over 1,100 free books were distributed throughout Wayne County. For more information about Wayne County Reads and Every Child Can Read, visit everychildcanread.org. About Every Child Can Read (ECCR) Every Child Can Read is a Wayne County nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s literacy by increasing access to books and fostering a culture of reading across the community. Richmond, IN – On Wednesday evening, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Senior Celebration at the First Bank Richmond Expo Hall. The event recognized high school seniors from across the county who demonstrated exceptional school attendance as part of the Chamber’s Every Day Counts program.
To qualify for the celebration, students had to meet the following criteria:
Students had the chance to win a wide range of prizes, including gift cards, waterproof speakers, and other electronics. The evening culminated in one lucky senior winning a car, generously donated by Wetzel Auto. Every student in attendance left with a prize, with a value of $50 or more in addition to scholarships and book credits from IU East, Ivy Tech, and Earlham. With all prizes totaling over $400,000. Eva Soper of Centerville took home the grand prize: a brand-new car provided by Wetzel Auto. DOT Foods gifted our second-place student, Kaden Ervin of Hagerstown $2,500. “Good attendance is a foundational piece of preparing our next generation,” said Shawntel Baker, WCACC Director of Membership and Education. “We’re proud to celebrate these seniors and reward their continued commitment and effort.” This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the following sponsors and donors:
Below are the names of all students who met the attendance requirements: Western Wayne Ben Bates Ian Bates Daniel Bogue Allison Clayton Braxton Dick Justin Driskill Braydon Hampton Shelby Houseworth Dustin Lunsford Olivia Myers James Ramsey Grace Smith Hagerstown Leyton Berger Evan Bowlin Ethan Bymaster Davin Chew Darien Combes Carlie Cushing Greydee Deguira Kaden Ervin Orion Houghton Matthew Laster Abby Lumpkin Zak McDonald Wyatt Mitchell Sydney Nicholson Taylor Patterson Halle Pruitt Jameson Ramey Isaac Schmitz Olivia Smith Desirae Study Richmond Dominique Dominguez Anthony Fioto Katie Mathena Reagan Phillips Angel Cruz-Hernandez Teegan Baker Celina Cheng David Lewis Jacob Lindahl Gabriel Reece Fernanda Ruiz-Fernandez Anabella Triana Vaness Vance Brayden Villafuerte Seton Elizabeth Daoud Carina Feliciano Makayla Minor Centerville Gavin Abbey Julian Armstead Boston Beatty Lilah Bellew Andrew Brock Emma Bullock Owen Burdette Tate Chasteen Troy Cole Elizabeth Cox Cohen Current Taylor Feaster Carson Hathaway Alivia Hicks Shea Hollendonner Dawson Huber Baylei Hughes Abram Jarvis Adanech Jarvis Landyn Keiser Nicholas Kenny Josie Kincaid Taylor Lickfelt Logan Mann Tabatha Moore Micahia Mullen Aiden Nelson Elizabeth Nevels Evan Noe John Norris Keith Plyley Eva Soper Ava Spears Kendall Spears Cameron Stiggleman Lily Thompson Matthew Warner Eli West Kyson Wright Northeastern Carson Abney Brooklynne Adams Ava Bales Julia Beatty Brandt Benjamin Aiden Brinker Jacob Buchs Lucas Chamness Brayden Champman Cooper Cline Dalton Clouse Aubrey Day Riley Day Cameron Gipson Haven Handley Landen Heaston Riley Isaacs Gavin Johnson Paige Keith Adysson Kircher Grayson Longnecker Aubrey Mainous Sarah May Dakota May Gavin Melton Kaleb Moore Rory Mull Grayson Pennington Chole Peters Charlotte Rayburn David Reneau Austin Robles Logan Seal Aiden Shaffer Nicole Sheets Cooper Smith Charlotte Stofferahn Caleb Ward Alaina Webster Cody Wright Addisyn Wright |
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June 2026
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