Ready to showcase Terre Haute, Valley – Terre Haute Tribune Star

Rachel Leslie has launched a new bi-partisan advocacy firm, and its located in the heart of downtown Terre Haute for a reason.

RJL Solutions LLC will be located in space once occupied by Modern Charm and Millie and Maude, just south of Wabash Avenue. The location was very intentional, said Leslie, the firms managing partner.

As she works to build stronger relationships with state and federal officials, she plans to invite them to Terre Haute to tell our story more effectively, she said. When they come here, I want to say, this is downtown, this is the front door to our community. I think downtown shows some of the best growth and possibilities weve had in this community for a very long time.

The official launch date for RJL Solutions is July 1, and Leslie hopes to move into her new downtown office once minor renovation work is complete within a few weeks. The grand opening is slated for Aug. 11, and the event will be open to the public.

What was formerly Modern Charm will be the office space, and the former Millie and Maude space will be a conference area. The address is 9 S. Seventh Street.

The upgrade includes fresh paint, new lighting, addition of a small kitchen and new technology.

Window dressings will show the Indiana Statehouse, U.S. Capitol and Vigo County Courthouse.

Leslie plans to staff the firm with a full-time office employee and a paid college intern. Terre Haute businessman Greg Gibson is a partner in the firm, she confirmed.

The new business will partner with communities, government entities, corporations and organizations, and she hopes to work with the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.

Services will include relationship-building, lobbying, advocating and educating on specific issues, promoting public/private partnerships and general external relations business services.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Leslies recent employer, will be one of her clients, she said. While working at the Woods as vice president for external relations, she was involved with some really unique projects at the state and federal levels, which she plans to continue.

Shed also be available to advocate for the communitys other higher education institutions, as long as it didnt conflict with her advocacy on behalf of the Woods.

Through her work at the college, shes seen the opportunities including grants that are available, not only to government, but also to business and industry. Her role will be to help better tell West Central Indianas story and help land some of those grants.

Working within the community development, higher education, and political framework for the last 13 years, my eyes have been opened to new opportunities for our area, Leslie said. This business concept doesnt exist in the region, yet its a vital tool for winning. I am confident the West Central Indiana region can benefit from such services.

She adds that competition is fierce ... You cant win the game if you dont play the game. She hopes the firm will provide the region with a new, competitive edge.

Currently, those locally who want such advocacy often must hire someone out of Indianapolis or Washington, D.C. to represent them. Through RJL Solutions, local clients now have an advocate who not only understands how to maneuver and be competitive in that market, but uniquely understands the community, loves the community and wants to live here, she said.

If she cant meet the needs of a particular client, shell connect them with those who have the necessary expertise. Im only going to take on what I know I can win and be good at, she said.

Leslie previously was employed at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce in several capacities, including executive vice president, and more recently, she served as vice president for external relations at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com Follow Sue on Twitter @TribStarSue.

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Ready to showcase Terre Haute, Valley - Terre Haute Tribune Star