​Indianapolis, Indiana – On Tuesday, June 23, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce sent three students, Calin Ledgerwood, Arianna Stevenson, and Emily Meeker, to participate in the 2026 state championship of the National Civics Bee at the Indiana War Memorial. The National Civics Bee, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, aims to foster civic engagement among young Americans and encourage their active contribution to our communities and nation.
 
The state competition was hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Department of education. It featured 15 students representing their respective regions and Chambers and comprised two segments: a live quiz event followed by a presentation of their essays and a Q&A session with the judges.
 
“It is incredibly important for our students to engage in civic discussions,” said Melissa Vance, President and CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. “They are the future of our community, and we are proud to give them a platform to share their ideas, explore important issues, and make their voices heard.”
 
Only the top five students were selected to present their essay pitches. Among these finalists was Calin Ledgerwood, representing the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce and Nettle Creek School Corporation. Entering the speech segment after winning the tiebreaker, Calin spoke passionately about children and families receiving adequate care and education on resources to improve quality of life.

​RICHMOND, Ind. (June 8, 2026) — The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County 
has launched the READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program, a competitive funding initiative aimed 
at driving commercial redevelopment, housing creation, and private investment across Wayne County's 
downtown districts.

Backed by funding from Indiana's Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 
2.0 through Lilly Endowment Inc. funding, along with Wayne County and Consolidated EDIT funds, the 
program is expected to leverage nearly $17 million in total public and private investment.

The first application round opens June 8 and closes July 27. Eligible applicants include commercial 
property owners, for-profit businesses, and property tax-paying nonprofit organizations located within 
designated downtown districts in Boston, Cambridge City, Centerville, Dublin, East Germantown, 
Fountain City, Greens Fork, Hagerstown, Milton, Mount Auburn, Richmond, and Spring Grove.

Grant awards are available for projects with a minimum investment of $20,000. Applicants may request
up to $200,000 for projects and require a 75/25 match. Eligible projects include façade improvements, 
upper-story residential development, commercial rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades, and other 
investments that strengthen commercial districts. A look-back period to Aug. 1, 2024, allows eligible 
completed and ongoing projects to be considered for funding.

The program builds on the momentum of Wayne County's previous downtown revitalization efforts 
through the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP), which generated strong demand for 
redevelopment funding across the county.

"The continued revitalization of our downtowns is essential to building thriving, connected communities," 
said Valerie Shaffer, president of the EDC of Wayne County. "This program will help preserve the 
character of our city and towns while encouraging private investment, supporting local businesses, 
creating new housing opportunities, and strengthening the economic vitality of communities across 
Wayne County."

The initiative is designed to stimulate private investment, support housing development, reduce 
commercial vacancies, preserve historic assets, and enhance quality of place throughout Wayne County.

Program guidelines, eligibility maps, FAQs, and application materials are available at 
whywaynecounty.com/downtown-grant