On March 10, 2026, Southern Indiana Works (SIW) hosted the annual State of the Workforce Summit, bringing together nearly 200 regional leaders, educators, employers, and community partners committed to strengthening the local workforce. The event highlighted progress, shared valuable insights, and reinforced collaboration across sectors to support a thriving regional economy.
Grounded in SIW’s mission to lead a robust talent development system and cultivate a skilled workforce that advances our community, economy, and quality of life, and its vision of a workforce that empowers regional businesses to be competitive in the global economy, the summit served as a powerful platform for connection and forward-thinking dialogue.
The program opened with a Year in Review presented by SIW President and CEO Tony Waterson, who reflected on key accomplishments, partnerships, and strategic initiatives from the past year. His remarks emphasized the importance of alignment between workforce efforts and regional economic needs.
Attendees also gained valuable perspective from Sarah Ehresman of KentuckianaWorks, who delivered a comprehensive Local Market Intelligence Report, providing data-driven insights into workforce trends, in-demand industries, and emerging opportunities across the region.
A panel on Local Workforce Education and Skills Development Initiatives featured Dr. Debbie Ford, Dr. Travis Haire, and Dr. Kyle Lanoue. The discussion highlighted innovative approaches to education and training, emphasizing collaboration between K-12, postsecondary institutions, and workforce partners to better prepare individuals for high-demand careers.
The summit also explored the Employer’s Role in Talent Development, with panelists Dr. Todd Hurst and Kristien Barry sharing practical strategies and real-world examples of how employers training programs help retain employees and creates good jobs.
Participation and feedback from attendees were overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening workforce outcomes and deepening regional partnerships.
SIW extends sincere appreciation to the sponsors who made this event possible:
- Presenting Sponsor: Ivy Tech Community College – Sellersburg
- Platinum Sponsors: IU Southeast, Baptist Health (Floyd), Eckerd Connects
- Silver Sponsors: Amatrol, Duke Energy, Crown Staffing, Prosser Career Education Center, Mister “P” Express, SoIN Tourism, W.M. Kelley
- Host Sponsor: Caesars Southern Indiana
The connections and momentum generated from this year’s summit will continue to drive collaborative efforts as SIW and its partners work to enhance workforce development across the region.
