Economic opportunities: A strategic plan to benefit rural Hoosiers in the works

The plan, titled "Rise 2020," has yet to be unveiled, but Skillman offered a few details during a speech at an economic development conference at The Centre.

"I can tell you now that I expect this to mean great things for all Hoosiers," said Skillman, who also serves as the state's secretary of agriculture and rural development. "Rural Indiana is as much a part of our economic comeback as Indianapolis and Fort Wayne."

A key part of the strategy is improving rural access to broadband Internet services, Skillman said. With high-speed Internet access, rural residents and workers would be able to take part in online courses offered at learning centers scattered throughout the state.

"We included some innovative means to encourage life-long learning and work force development," Skillman said. "Our goal is to make broadband access available for use in our smallest cities and towns."

The General Assembly's move earlier this year to deregulate parts of the telecommunications industry has improved broadband access, Skillman said.

"We're already seeing high-speed Internet access spreading to a very high number of rural communities and a very high number of small towns," she said.

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, created in 2005, also gives small communities "a team to work with."

Skillman also touted the state's overall economic development strategy and summarized a number of recent announcements, including plans by Shoe Carnival and American General Finance to build new headquarters in Evansville and plans for two ethanol plants in Posey County.

In the first six months of this year, the state has attracted more than 100 projects expected to create 15,700 jobs and $3.9 billion in investment, Skillman said.

"There's an environment here that's very attractive to successful businesses," Skillman said. "That's why economic development remains a linchpin for Indiana's comeback."