A regional network of communities in southeastern Indiana that includes Columbus has been designated a 21st Century Talent Region.
The regional network, called the EcO Network of Southeast Indiana, includes Columbus, Seymour, Batesville, Greensburg, North Vernon and Rising Sun. The Indiana governor’s office made the designation official during a ceremony held Friday at Columbus City Hall. Approximately 85 business and education leaders, as well as public officials, from all six communities — including the mayors of Columbus, Seymour, North Vernon and Rising Sun — attended the event.
The 21st Century Talent Region initiative is an effort by the Indiana Office of Career Connections, Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Columbus-based CivicLab, which provides technical assistance, that seeks to encourage communities in Indiana to work together and use a “systems approach” to build and implement a regional plan to increase the region’s population, educational attainment and household incomes, according to initiative’s website.
The EcO Network of Southeast Indiana is the second region to receive the designation. Northeast Indiana became the state’s first 21st Century Talent Region in June.
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