In June 2005, Governor Daniels and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development introduced the Strategic Skills Initiative (SSI), a project aimed at growing Hoosier jobs and personal income.

The Eastern Indiana Regional Workforce Board provides oversight for this Initiative in Eastern Indiana.  Working with employers, educators, and community partners, the EIEGR determined occupational and skill shortages, and root causes specific to the Eastern Indiana workforce.  In the short-term, this information will be used to determine solutions and compete for $20 million statewide.  These funded solutions will be implemented over the next several years in Eastern Indiana.