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For the second year in a row, RQAW is named as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana. RQAW qualifies this year in the medium company category with their commitment to innovation, excellence, and growth. This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the participating employers in Indiana with the leading workplace cultures. The list is made up of 125 companies. The final rankings will be announced at an awards dinner on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. For more information and to see the 2019 list, visit the Best Places to Work website.

Vincennes University is collaborating with the RQAW Vincennes office to create a new dynamic type of student housing that will stretch four city blocks at the edge of campus between 2nd Street and the riverfront.  While only in conceptual design, the buildings aim to reflect 1800s New Orleans French Quarter Creole townhomes. With their two- to three-story massing, they are symmetrically arranged with steep roofs and lacy ironwork, as well as the iconic continuous second floor balcony across the facade of all the buildings. The property will house approximately 200 bedrooms with walk-in-closets and private bathrooms in mostly two-story buildings, while one three-story building will boast private rooftop decks overlooking the Wabash River. Parking exceeding one-to-one ratios will be provided through tree lined parking lots and street parking. Not only will the buildings reflect this iconic architecture but the property will be designed with plazas, greenspaces and activity nodes. A gateway plaza is planned at the intersection of Hart Street and 2nd Street to welcome students and visitors onto the campus. The gateway plaza will also direct pedestrians onto the property to a courtyard highlighting the Schultz and Yocum Residence, commonly known as the Clay Tile House, and guiding them further on to the William Henry Harrison Presidential Mansion and future Visitors Center. Additional plazas are designed at the intersection of 1st Street and Hart Street to activate the Riverwalk trail as well as allow the university and the downtown City of Vincennes to merge together in unity. A tree lined boulevard is being considered on 2nd Street along the property. Conceptually the boulevard could reach the full length of 2nd Street through campus to serve as a spine, further unifying the development and campus.

Elisa imagined she would be doing administration work as an interior design intern, but she had a much different experience at RQAW. The architecture department gave her endless opportunities by meeting with reps and designers, training her in Revit, and constantly utilizing her design skills. Her boss and mentor Betsy said, “Elisa has been my intern and has helped the architectural team as well in many ways. Please take a moment to thank her for all of her hard work. She has helped us so much in the months she has been here! We wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors!”

Media Contact: Kevin Hannah | 317.602.1546 ext. 3 | [email protected] LIBERTY, IND. (AUG. 21, 2018) – Today the Eastern Indiana Region delegation announced from the courthouse grounds in Rushville that two key Rush County projects have been included in the Eastern Indiana region’s submission to earn a Stellar designation from the Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Program. The Morgan Street Corridor Trail and the Urban Loop Trail projects, were listed as projects in the regional submission. The full submission included projects from Randolph, Wayne and Union counties as well. Rushville Mayor Mike Pavey announced the inclusion of the Morgan Street Corridor Trail and the Urban Loop Trail projects. The completion of these projects provides connectivity via bicycle and foot traffic in the area. “While OCRA’s Regional Stellar Program is, in theory, a competition, we in Eastern Indiana view it as another way to assist us in the journey towards being better able to work together on the many common challenges that face us from day to day,” said Jeff Plasterer, executive director of the Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. “This application process has allowed us to strengthen the way we communicate, plan, and assist each other on a regular and ongoing basis to improve our recruitment, retention, and development of a qualified workforce through improvements to our Region’s quality of place.” If the Eastern Indiana Region’s submission is selected as one of two recipients in the Stellar Communities Program, funding could be available for the submitted plan. The Eastern Indiana Region is one of six finalist for this year’s regional Stellar Communities Program. “Our projects will work to improve quality of place, which will assist in retaining and attracting residents which play a crucial part in supplying workforce to our region,” said Pavey. The Eastern Indiana Region’s comprehensive regional development plan was developed with input from each county’s residents, businesses and organizations to address quality of life, workforce, housing, health, wellness and economic development projects. “This process has strengthened our regional partnership and ensures its continuation throughout the years,” said Mike Row, chief executive officer of Eastern Indiana Works. The Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Program promotes regionalism by design with a comprehensive community and economic development approach through a multi-year, multi-million investment initiative.  The Regional Stellar Communities Program is led by the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s office and is funded by three state agencies: the Indiana Housing and Community Economic Development Authority, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Department of Transportation.  Other State Partners in the program are: Indiana Department of Tourism, Indiana State Department of Health, The Indiana Bond Bank, Serve Indiana, Indiana Arts Commission and Indiana Department of Natural Resources ###

Media Contact: Kevin Hannah | 317.602.1546 ext. 3 | [email protected] LIBERTY, IND. (AUG. 21, 2018) – Today the Eastern Indiana Region delegation announced from the courthouse grounds in Liberty that a key Union County project has been included in the Eastern Indiana region’s submission to earn a Stellar designation from the Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Program. The Owner-Occupied Renovation project, was listed as a project in the regional submission. The full submission included projects from Fayette, Randolph, Rush and Wayne counties as well. Chief Executive Officer of the Union County Development Corporation Melissa Browning announced the inclusion of the Owner-Occupied Renovation project. This project will renovate approximately 10 houses to provide appropriate housing for residents, as well as potential new immigrants, which continues to be a high priority for the entire region. “While OCRA’s Regional Stellar Program is, in theory, a competition, we in Eastern Indiana view it as another way to assist us in the journey towards being better able to work together on the many common challenges that face us from day to day,” said Jeff Plasterer, executive director of the Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. “This application process has allowed us to strengthen the way we communicate, plan, and assist each other on a regular and ongoing basis to improve our recruitment, retention, and development of a qualified workforce through improvements to our Region’s quality of place.” If the Eastern Indiana Region’s submission is selected as one of two recipients in the Stellar Communities Program, funding could be available for the submitted plan. The Eastern Indiana Region is one of six finalist for this year’s regional Stellar Communities Program. “Working together on a regional approach to identified shared issues of our five county region has given us a clearer vision of strategy’s that best fit each Community,” said Browning. The Eastern Indiana Region’s comprehensive regional development plan was developed with input from each county’s residents, businesses and organizations to address quality of life, workforce, housing, health, wellness and economic development projects. “This process has strengthened our regional partnership and ensures its continuation throughout the years,” said Mike Row, chief executive officer of Eastern Indiana Works. The Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Program promotes regionalism by design with a comprehensive community and economic development approach through a multi-year, multi-million investment initiative.  The Regional Stellar Communities Program is led by the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s office and is funded by three state agencies: the Indiana Housing and Community Economic Development Authority, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Department of Transportation.  Other State Partners in the program are: Indiana Department of Tourism, Indiana State Department of Health, The Indiana Bond Bank, Serve Indiana, Indiana Arts Commission and Indiana Department of Natural Resources ###

Media Contact: Kevin Hannah | 317.602.1546 ext. 3 | [email protected] RICHMOND, IND. (AUG. 21, 2018) – Today the Eastern Indiana Region delegation announced from the courthouse grounds in Richmond that a key Wayne County project has been included in the Eastern Indiana region’s submission to earn a Stellar designation from the Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Program. The Townsend Townhomes project, was listed as a project in the regional submission. The full submission included projects from Fayette, Randolph, Rush and Union counties as well. Richmond Mayor Dave Snow announced the inclusion of the Townsend Townhomes project. This project is a low-to-moderate income 40-unit housing project that is phase one of a two-phase project.  This first phase address the need for affordable housing for families in the region. Approximately 100 residents will be directly impacted by this project annually. “While OCRA’s Regional Stellar Program is, in theory, a competition, we in Eastern Indiana view it as another way to assist us in the journey towards being better able to work together on the many common challenges that face us from day to day,” said Jeff Plasterer, executive director of the Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. “This application process has allowed us to strengthen the way we communicate, plan, and assist each other on a regular and ongoing basis to improve our recruitment, retention, and development of a qualified workforce through improvements to our Region’s quality of place.” If the Eastern Indiana Region’s submission is selected as one of two recipients in the Stellar Communities Program, funding could be available for the submitted plan. The Eastern Indiana Region is one of six finalist for this year’s regional Stellar Communities Program. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”41″ gal_title=”Stellar – Wayne County”] “The Stellar Regional process is beneficial to our communities in a couple of key areas,” said Snow. “First, it enhances our already strong working relationships and gives us a stronger foundation from which to work. Second, it showcases the interdependence of quality of life and workforce development.” The Eastern Indiana Region’s comprehensive regional development plan was developed with input from each county’s residents, businesses and organizations to address quality of life, workforce, housing, health, wellness and economic development projects. “This process has strengthened our regional partnership and ensures its continuation throughout the years,” said Mike Row, chief executive officer of Eastern Indiana Works. The Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Program promotes regionalism by design with a comprehensive community and economic development approach through a multi-year, multi-million investment initiative.  The Regional Stellar Communities Program is led by the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s office and is funded by three state agencies: the Indiana Housing and Community Economic Development Authority, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Department of Transportation.  Other State Partners in the program are: Indiana Department of Tourism, Indiana State Department of Health, The Indiana Bond Bank, Serve Indiana, Indiana Arts Commission and Indiana Department of Natural Resources ###

Media Contact: Kevin Hannah | 317.602.1546 ext. 3 | [email protected] WINCHESTER, IND. (AUG. 21, 2018) – Today the Eastern Indiana Region delegation announced from the courthouse grounds in Winchester that two key Randolph County projects have been included in the Eastern Indiana region’s submission to earn a Stellar designation from the Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Program. The East Greenville Pike project in Winchester, and the Back Lofts apartments and training center in Union City, were both listed as projects in the regional submission. The full submission included projects from Fayette, Rush, Wayne and Union counties as well. Chief Executive Officer of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation Greg Beumer announced inclusion of the East Greenville Pike project, which will focus on approximately two miles of the roadway starting at the Winchester city limits and heading southeast, making transportation safer for the traveling public. City Manager of Union City Monte Poling announced the inclusion of the Backstay Loft Apartments project. This project will convert an old industrial building into approximately 40 new apartments and workforce training space. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”39″ gal_title=”Stellar – Randolph County”] “While OCRA’s Regional Stellar Program is, in theory, a competition, we in Eastern Indiana view it as another way to assist us in the journey towards being better able to work together on the many common challenges that face us from day to day,” said Jeff Plasterer, executive director of the Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. “This application process has allowed us to strengthen the way we communicate, plan, and assist each other on a regular and ongoing basis to improve our recruitment, retention, and development of a qualified workforce through improvements to our Region’s quality of place.” If the Eastern Indiana Region’s submission is selected as one of two recipients in the Stellar Communities Program, funding could be available for the submitted plans. The Eastern Indiana Region is one of six finalist for this year’s regional Stellar Communities Program. The Eastern Indiana Region’s comprehensive regional development plan was developed with input from each county’s residents, businesses and organizations to address quality of life, workforce, housing, health, wellness and economic development projects. “This process has strengthened our regional partnership and ensures its continuation throughout the years,” said Mike Row, chief executive officer of Eastern Indiana Works. The Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Program promotes regionalism by design with a comprehensive community and economic development approach through a multi-year, multi-million investment initiative. The Regional Stellar Communities Program is led by the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s office and is funded by three state agencies: the Indiana Housing and Community Economic Development Authority, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Department of Transportation. Other State Partners in the program are: Indiana Department of Tourism, Indiana State Department of Health, The Indiana Bond Bank, Serve Indiana, Indiana Arts Commission and Indiana Department of Natural Resources ###

The anticipation was building as the day of the ribbon cutting/open house grew closer and closer. Suddenly, the building came together—signage was up, sidewalks were usable, trees were planted, and lights were hung. When the day had finally arrived, the crowd was buzzing as the new RQAW Headquarters opened its doors for the first time to the public. Family members, friends, employees, and county and city officials were in attendance to watch Mayor Scott Fadness, Troy Woodruff, and Brad Battin cut the ceremonial ribbon. Afterwards, proud employees gave tours to curious attendees.The new headquarters resembles not only the path that RQAW took to get here, but also the direction that it is going. There is a continuous growth within the company—creating more jobs and more opportunities. Moving to Fishers was no simple task, but employees couldn’t be happier or more excited that they are finally here. RQAW looks forward to embracing the City of Fishers and all it has to offer: the vibrant community of new people we will meet, the ambiance and local flair of the Nickel Plate District, and new and endless opportunities right outside our doorstep.

There is not yet an answer, but now there are plans to combat overcrowding at the Vanderburgh County Jail. Commissioners met Wednesday to comb over a study by RQAW Architecture that lays out five different options for jail expansion. According to Vanderburgh County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave, progress was made. “We had a great deal more numbers to look at and options presented to us. Enough options that we were able to focus in – laser focus—on really what we need and that’s the financing pieces, is what we need more information on.” The expansion plans in the study are listed as options “A” through “E” and range from a 300-bed one-pod addition at $23.7 million dollars – to a 900 bed three-pod addition at $60.8  million dollars. Several of the expansion options include a “shell” – which is a pod that would be built in anticipation of future increased inmate population, and could be finished when needed. A shell would accomplish the need to plan for the future overcrowding, without draining resources immediately. The county can currently afford a 300 bed addition comfortably, but need was estimated at 900 to 1,200 additional beds at earlier meetings. According to Sheriff Dave Wedding, 300 is not enough. “I don’t think 300 would be adequate with 850 inmates.” The commissioners also discussed options besides expansion to relieve the overcrowding– including adding more judges, courtrooms and prosecutors to speed up court process and reduce inmate headcount. The study found that the county’s average daily population is already one of the lowest in the state at 19. A proposed project schedule begins September of this year, with an August 2019 construction start date. The plan targets March 2022 for project completion. For now, commissioners want to continue to crunch numbers — and hear from the state regarding financial considerations. “$30, $35 dollars a day does not pay for us keeping Indiana State convicted prisoners. How can we factor our cost when we don’t know what they’re going to do?” Pressure from inmate overcrowding has been building forcing the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s office to consider temporary measures to relieve the strain on the system. As 700 inmates remain behind bars at the 500-bed facility – many have been transferred to other facilities to ease crowding. To read the complete plan proposal, click here. Read original story from the Tristate Homepage here.

These employers were recognized by the Top Workplaces 2018 employee survey conducted by Energage, working in partnership with IndyStar. For more information, go to IndyStar.com. Top large companies 1. Keller Williams Indy Metro 2. Crew Carwash 3. ERMCO 4. Monarch Beverage 5. Charles Schwab 6. Ricker Oil 7. Fifth Third Bank 8. Comcast 9. RCI 10. White Castle  11. Aldi 12. Witham Health Services 13. Clark-Pleasant Community Schools 14. Protective Insurance 15. Freedom Mortgage Top midsize companies 1. Van Rooy 2. Insights Consulting 3. Royal United Mortgage 4. First Internet Bank 5. BSA LifeStructures 6. Crowe Horwath 7. Tendercare Home Health Service 8. Opportunities for Positive Growth 9. Northwestern Mutual 10. HomeAdvisor 11. Dauby O’Connor & Zaleski 12. Key Benefit Administrators 13. Bose McKinney & Evans 14. Fusion Alliance 15. Indiana Members Credit Union 16. Taft Stettinius & Hollister 17. Edwards Electrical & Mechanical 18. Orchard Software Corp. 19. Bill Estes Automotive Group 20. Renewal by Andersen of Indiana 21. Seven Corners 22. Williams Comfort Air 23. DWA Healthcare Communications Group 24. MOBI Wireless Management 25. Reynolds Farm Equipment  Small companies 1. Vaco Indianapolis 2. Hare Honda 3. Bailey and Wood Financial Group 4. Indesign  5. BGBC Partners 6. Terry Lee Hyundai 7. Covenant Christian High School 8. Software Engineering Professionals 9. Dawes Fretzin Dermatology Group 10. Express Employment Professionals 11. Integration Partners  12. Pondurance 13. R&R Plumbing  14. Scopelitis Garvin Light Hanson & Feary 15. Blue Horseshoe 16. Peterman Heating Cooling & Plumbing 17. Hensley Legal Group 18. Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 19. RQAW  20. TEKsystems 21. American Income Life — Indiana 22. Student Connections 23. Indiana Donor Network 24. Meyer Najem 25. PERQ 26. One Click Ventures 27. Central Restaurant Products 28. Towne Park Ltd. 29. Aerotek 30. PITT OHIO 31. MS Inspection & Logistics 32. Lewis Wagner 33. Quality Mill Supply 34. Nelbud Services Group 35. Knowledge Services 36. Mister Quik Home Services 37. Johnson Melloh 38. First Databank 39. Brooksource 40. Northview Church 41. NOW Courier  42. Manheim Indianapolis 43. Haggard & Stocking Associates 44. Indiana Health Information Exchange 45. Octiv 46. Engaging Solutions  47. Arbor Homes 48. Total Quality Logistics 49. Unique Home Solutions 50. Interactions How we compiled our rankings: Behind the Top Workplaces 2018 survey Top Workplaces 2018. Special awards These awards were based on standout scores for specific survey statements. Employees rated criteria — such as “I have confidence in the leadership of this company” — on a seven-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. LEADERSHIP Criteria: I have confidence in the leadership of my company. Winners Large: Billy Schaming, Crew Carwash Midsize: David Becker, First Internet Bank Small: Terry Lee, Hare Honda DIRECTION Criteria: I believe this company is going in the right direction. Winner: Van Rooy Cos. MANAGERS Criteria: My manager helps me learn and grow. My manager makes it easier to do my job well. My manager cares about my concerns. Winner: Keller Williams Indy Metro NEW IDEAS Criteria: New ideas are encouraged at this company. Winner: Vaco Indianapolis DOERS Criteria: At this company, we do things efficiently and well. Winner: Royal United Mortgage MEANINGFULNESS Criteria: My job makes me feel as I am part of something meaningful. Winner: Indiana Donor Network ETHICS Criteria: This company operates by strong values and ethics. Winner: Charles Schwab CLUED-IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT Criteria: Senior managers understand what is really happening at this company. Winner: Insights Consulting COMMMUNICATION Criteria: I feel well-informed about important decisions at this company. Winner: Indesign APPRECIATION Criteria: I feel genuinely appreciated at this company. Winner: Opportunities for Positive Growth WORK/LIFE FLEXIBILITY Criteria: I have the flexibility I need to balance my work and personal life. Winner: BSA LifeStructures TRAINING Criteria: I get the formal training I want for my career. Winner: ERMCO BENEFITS Criteria: My benefits package is good compared to others in this industry. Winner: Blue Horsehoe Read the original article from the Indy Star here.