Southern Indiana economic development presents 2024 review, asks Floyd County for $15,000 support

John Launice, vice president of economic development at 1 Southern Indiana, briefed the Floyd County Commissioners on the agency’s 2024 activities and asked the commissioners to continue county support at $15,000 for 2025.

Launice said the office handled “right at a 100 new projects” and conducted 352 company visits in 2024. He described small-business work, revolving loan programs (the 1 Fund and the Caesars revolving loan program), marketing partnerships including a three-year partnership with Livability Media, and participation in regional groups such as the South Central Indiana Economic Development Group and cooperative outreach with the Louisville Economic Development Alliance. Launice said the group produced a childcare access study and a short broadcast feature tied to that work.

The request for $15,000 was presented as a continuation of prior support; Launice said the county’s packet included the childcare overview and additional data. Commissioners said they valued the work but noted they had not scheduled a vote and that last year’s contribution had been handled during budget deliberations. One commissioner suggested placing the item on the joint meeting agenda with the county council and noted the broader fiscal uncertainties following recent state action.

Because the board did not take a motion or vote at the April 15 meeting, no formal county commitment was made; commissioners said the request will be considered during the county’s budget process and at upcoming joint meetings with council members.

Launice answered commissioner questions about program scope and said Southern Indiana can return for a Q&A at a later meeting.

The presentation closed without action. The commissioners asked staff to schedule the request for future budget discussion and the joint meeting with the council.