River Ridge Earns Top International Development Honors
(photo courtesy of the River Ridge Commerce Center)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe operator of the River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville has received top honors from the International Economic Development Council for its revitalization of the 6,000 acres that once made up the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant.
The River Ridge Development Authority was awarded a 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Award in the category of real estate redevelopment and reuse.
The award recognizes innovative projects that create jobs and serve as a catalyst for economic development in their region.
“To compete against economic development agencies from across the U.S. as well as Canada, Europe and other nations and win speaks volumes about River Ridge,” said Jerry Acy, executive director of the River Ridge Commerce Center. “We continue to reinvest in our region and amplify the positive impacts on our community and its being recognized on an international level.”
The RRDA was established in 1998 to replace lost jobs and economic activity after the ammunition facility was shuttered.
So far, the authority has invested more than $120 million to redevelop about 30% of the property, including the installation of infrastructure, roads, and utilities.
The RRDA says more than 60 businesses have established facilities, including warehouses and logistics center at the complex.
River Ridge gives credit for its success to the support from local and state government leaders and regional economic officials.
“We’ve had great economic success in Southern Indiana, but we know we are only as good as the product we represent, the leading economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties.
“River Ridge is a tremendous redevelopment project so deserving of the IEDC’s highest award,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, president and chief executive officer of One Southern Indiana. “It serves as an asset to draw a variety of companies into our region.”
Dant Chesser will be a guest this week on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick to discuss the economic prowess of River Ridge.
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