Camp Atterbury’s New Testing Role Supports Johnson County’s Defense Strategy

In early October, Inside INdiana Business reported on Indiana lawmakers’ push to make Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Premier Test Ranges. The U.S. Army announced both designations on October 28, expanding access for companies to test drones and other defense technologies. For Johnson County, Camp Atterbury’s expanded role gives Aspire a local asset to build on as we work to attract and grow defense businesses, a priority in our new economic strategic plan.

+ Read the original story

+ See the U.S. Army's announcement

Aspire Announces 2027 Board Nominees

Aspire’s nominating committee has nominated three business leaders for three-year terms on the board of directors beginning January 1, 2027.

The nominees are Bill Barrett, Esq., a partner at Williams Barrett Wilkowski; Dana Cummings, Ed.D., co-owner of Sunovis Ranch and principal of Northstarr Consulting; and Jean Renk, government relations manager at Duke Energy. The nominees bring experience in public policy, energy, land use, and stakeholder engagement as Aspire advances Johnson County’s new economic development strategy, which focuses on defense, life sciences, and emerging industries.

Two current directors are standing for reelection to second three-year terms beginning January 1, 2027. They are Deana Haworth, CEO of Hirons, and Kyle Stiens, senior director of operations at NSK.

Members may nominate additional candidates by petition. Petitions should include the signatures of ten members in good standing and be filed with Aspire’s CEO by November 14, 2026.

Indiana Employers are Setting a New Benchmark for Talent Development

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and its Institute for Workforce Excellence have announced the inaugural recipients of the new Workforce First Employer designation, recognizing organizations that excel in workforce development, employee training, education partnerships and career advancement opportunities. Honorees include Cimtech, The Garrett Companies, George E. Booth Co. and Soulful Kitchen, each demonstrating a strong commitment to investing in people and strengthening Indiana’s workforce pipeline

Interested in becoming a Workforce First Employer? Join a free information session on November 18 to learn more.

+ Register to attend the Workforce First Employer Designation Information Session

Renewed Member Investors

Clark Pleasant Community Schools

Comcast Business

Countertop Connections Inc

Dugan Air

Escapology Greenwood

Girls Inc. of Johnson County

Greenwood Christian Academy

HWC Engineering

Journey Health and Wellness

Le Rose Dance Academy

Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial

More Upcoming Aspire Events:

+ Nov 30 - PRS Physical Therapy Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting

+ Dec 1 - W.I.L.D. Women In Leadership Development

+ Dec. 3 - Aspire Member Accounting Office Hours

+ Dec. 9 - Tidings + Tinsel

+ Dec. 15 - Coffee Connections

You may have complimentary tickets to select events available with your membership. Contact Angie Keene for more information.



If you are interested in learning more about our municipalities and attending local public meetings, you can access websites and meeting calendars through the links below. 

Your Social Media Is Talking Behind Your Brand’s Back

By: Joe Ake, Owner, Joe Ake Studios

Your company may look professional everywhere else. Your website is polished. Your team knows what they’re doing. Your customers trust you. Your service is strong. Then social media shows up and tells a completely different story. A poorly chosen room. Bad sound. Distracting backgrounds. Weak framing. Random messaging. Content posted simply because someone felt like something needed to go out that day. That is where brands can get into trouble.

+ Learn more

+ Partner with Duke Companies & Aberdeen to assist those in need in Johnson County!

+ #GRIZTuesday Returns Dec. 1 to Support Franklin College Athletics 

+ Franciscan Health Indianapolis Ranked No. 1 in Indiana Across Multiple Disciplines by Healthgrades 



+ Festival Country Employee Receives Hoosier Hospitality Award