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Lora Steele

Owner and CEO

My motivation.

I am a problem solver that develops and champions creative solutions to complex issues.

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Throughout my 10 years in marketing, economic development, and workforce development, I have  built relationships with an extensive network of connections spanning different industries, regions, and populations. I have experience collaborating and working in/alongside local government, K-12 and higher education institutions, non-profit  organizations, entrepreneurs and small business, and the corporate world. 

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One project that proves my experience was my work closing the skills gap in Hendricks County’s transportation and warehousing  industry. Through the Hendricks Logistics Sector Partnership (HLSP) and a $600,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Workforce  Development, the HLSP impacted more than 500 individuals working in the supply chain industry or looking to join the industry for their career. Not only were individuals supported through training dollars, but local industry leaders saw major impact internally. Turnover rates for those organizations implementing  industry changing strategies dropped below 50% during a time when most industry peers were experiencing 100% turnover.

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Additionally, I work for Marion County's workforce board, building out their Business Consulting division. Through this work I continue to maintain my relationships with industry, non-profits, and community based organizations as well as keeping my finger on the pulse of the business community at large.

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If you are a community, industry organization, non-profit group, and/or board looking for solutions to help address an opportunity in your circle, I am your person! I have been known to breathe life and innovation into projects, find solutions during a good brainstorming session, develop ideas when groups have hit a stalemate, and bring unique perspective to help achieve the goal. 

My experience.

Branding and marketing work for:

  • EmployIndy Choice Employer program (job quality in Marion County, IN)

  • EmployIndy Good Wages Initiative

  • The Hendricks Logistics Sector Partnership

  • The Supply chain Education and Exposure Conference (2020)

  • Level 2 Coworking in Plainfield, IN

  • HendricksJobs.com 

  • Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership

  • Once Upon A Goldendoodle book series 

  • Aaron Michael Willard Fund at Riley Children's Hospital

 

Economic, Community, and Workforce Development: 

  • Lead for Indiana in the US-Department of Labor and Jobs For the Future's Job Quality Academy

  • Job Quality expert speaker and consulting across U.S.

    • Midwest Urban Strategies Yearly Convening (2022)​

    • National Fund for Workforce Solutions SHIFT biennial Conference (2022)

    • Technical Assistant for Business Equity for Indy's Workforce Pilot (2023)

    • Indiana Chamber Workforce Summit (2023)

    • National Association of Workforce Development Partners Yearly summit (2024)

    • National Fund for Workforce Solutions SHIFT Biennial Conference (2024)

    • Innovative Inclusion Seminar hosted by EmployIndy and Goodwill (2024)

    • Coaching for workforce development agencies in Ohio, Kentucky, Oregon, Washington, and Delaware (2023 - current)

    • Advisor on the National Fund for Workforce Solutions Activating Employers Community of Practice network (2024 - current)

  • RISE Small Business Loan Fund 

  • Transportation assessments, needs evaluations, and strategizing (in both Hendricks and Marion County, IN)

  • Contribution to MADE at Plainfield 

  • IEDC’s Strategic Sites Inventory program 

  • Collaborative planning and strategizing around shared infrastructure and development in Hendricks and Morgan County, IN.

  • Worked with Danville, IN on their comprehensive plan, future use for land around airport 

  • Graduated from Oklahoma University- Economic Development Institute

  • Named 2021 North America's Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect

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Data and Research:

  • JobsEQ Fit Certified

  • 4 years experience working in Lightcast LMI portal

  • Managed data and reporting for multiple grants totaling more than $2.5 million

  • National research developing Job Quality programming in Marion County, IN

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Non-profit:

  • IU Fundraising Management Certificate

  • Board activities and management (Hendricks County Youth Advisory Board, Marketing Consultant for Jameson Camp, Program Committee for Leadership Hendricks County, Board member for Level 2 Coworking, and Board Director for the Aaron Michael Willard Fund through Riley Children's Foundation)

Please reach out if you would like for me to expand on any of the above projects!
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