edcmc-annual-report-2017-FINAL Version

A CITY

MIN OTION

MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MICHIGAN CITY

2017
WAS ABIG YE A R

Once again, another year has brought The EDCMC has coordinated the efforts Clarence Hulse
much growth and progress in Michigan to bring approximately 500 acres into Executive Director
City. Building on the momentum that the City for new growth. Organizational
the City has cultivated over the last Sustainability is critical for us to maintain Katie Eaton
few years, we continue to develop new our services. In 2017, we surpassed our Economic
opportunities to make Michigan City the goal for the “Building Success Together” Development Manager
place for all to call home. Whether you investment campaign which will help
are an artist, a family, an entrepreneur us continually provide the resources Michele Hyland
or an established business, Michigan and assistance that is helping to build a Office Administrator
City has what you need. The growth stronger Michigan City.
and resurgence that Michigan City has
experienced in recent years did not The EDCMC is energized by the many
happen by chance or accident. The great things that are happening in
City has been strategically investing Michigan City and the Northwest Indiana
in itself to build the platform that region. Michigan City will see many
generates investment from others. changes over the next few years as we
From beautification of roadways, to inch closer to newly annexed land, the
expanding sewer lines and main corridor South Shore Line Double Track project,
improvements, the City is putting a new plaza in our downtown, new hotel
in the infrastructure needed for key development on our north end, and
development areas. Working hand- new housing structures. The Economic
in-hand with the City, the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City
Development Corporation Michigan City is excited for what the future holds, and
is a key partner in helping the City grow. we are happy to assist in the efforts.
The Strategic Action Initiative continues Our organization will continue to work
to serve as the driver for many of the with our partners to help this City reach
programs and plans that we focus on. great heights. I hope you enjoy the 2017
The EDCMC partnered with Michigan Annual Report and realize the great
City Area Schools to bring a “Week of collaboration that takes place to make
Code” program to grades kindergarten development happen. The EDCMC is
through 12 as a commitment to grateful to its investors, its partners,
Workforce Development and Education. and to the City of Michigan City. We
As an organization, we continue to are proud to serve as the economic
engage with our existing businesses development organization for the City,
and employers through our Business and we look forward to showing anyone
Retention & Expansion program. This how they too can call Michigan City
past year, we had 50 visits with local home.
businesses. As a part of Integration with
Community Development, we continued Sincerely,
to provide opportunities to share with
a larger audience some of the top Clarence L. Hulse
priorities in community development.
This past year, we progressed greatly
on a large annexation for the City which
will provide a great opportunity for
Business Attraction & Development.

HISTORY CEXOMECMUITTITVEEE

A Civil War Monument, sometimes Rick Dekker
referred to as the Soldiers’ and Dekker Vacuum
Sailors’ Monument, at the Technologies, Inc.
entrance to Washington Chair
Park, Michigan City, IN
Bill Hackney
The News Dispatch
Vice Chair

Tom Edwards
Horizon Bank
Treasurer

Mayor Ron Meer
City of Michigan City

Don Babcock
NIPSCO
Past Chair

BOFOADRIRDECTORS

Tim Bietry
Michigan City
Common Council

Barbara Eason-Watkins
Michigan City Area Schools

Lief Erickson
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel
and Spa

Bill Kaminski
Newby, Lewis, Kaminski &
Jones, LLP

Dean Mazzoni
Franciscan Health
Michigan City

Stephanie Oberlie
Harbour Trust &
Investment Management

Mary Jo Orlowski
Michigan City Area Chamber
of Commerce

Linda Simmons
LaPorte County CVB

Joie Winski
LaPorte County

WHO

AREWE

THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MICHIGAN CITY

Organized in 1996, the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) has assumed the lead
role in attracting new business to the Michigan City area, and in assisting existing business expansion
and a leadership role in major related community initiatives, including the Woodruff Business Park and
Brownfield redevelopment, among others. Because of its success, the EDCMC is positioned to nurture and generate
community leadership for the accomplishment of a consensus-built economic development strategy combining efforts of
many “partner” civic, private and public sector organizations which undertake economic development specific activities.

MISSION VISION
STATEMENT STATEMENT

To develop and implement To assure the long-term viability of
seamless policies, procedures Michigan City with a healthy and
and programs for economic and robust business environment, modern
community development that public infrastructure, a stable tax base,
drive systemic and long-term outstanding customer service and
viability through collaboration and quality human, technical and financial
consensus with our stakeholders resources so that local leaders are able
and community resources. to sustain needed change.

In early 2017, the old Police
Station and News Dispatch
building were demolished to
create a new space for future
development less than a mile
from Lake Michigan’s shores.
City planners worked with
Hunden Partners on a qualifying
process for a hotel development
proposal in the location. A
development company will
be chosen with expected
groundbreaking in late 2018.
City officials, leaders, and
community supporters came
together for the demolition.
Mayor Ron Meer even got in on
the action.

Two long-term board The EDCMC celebrated National Economic
members, Joie Winski Development Week in May of 2017. Mayor Meer signed
and Tom Edwards, a proclamation, the EDCMC had daily trivia winners
finished their time with the on social media who received gift certificates to local
board in December 2017. restaurants, and the EDCMC and the Greater La Porte
EDCMC thanked them for Economic Development Corporation received R.O.S.E.
their service by presenting (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards from the
them with commemorative LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The
plaques. awards were for Quality of Life/Quality of Place.

Partnering with the Supporting Michigan City
K-12 educational Mainstreet Association
system is an extremely enhances our downtown
important partnership which ultimately
for us at the EDCMC. contributes to the quality
We continue to explore of life for our city.
opportunities that
enhance the skill sets
of students for
our employers.

Working with local
employers, like Dekker
Vacuum Technologies, to
assist them in whatever
area they need is a key
component of our work.

BUSINESS

HERESTARTS

While the EDCMC does not stand THE KEY PARTNERS
side-by-side with each business EDCMC IS
as they locate, grow, or expand THE BEST • City of Michigan City
here in Michigan City, there is PLACE TO • Michigan City Chamber of Commerce
a strong possibility we spoke BEGIN FOR • Ivy Tech Community College
with them when their project first BUSINESS • Purdue University Northwest
began. The EDCMC is the first IN • Indiana University Northwest
stop for many businesses when MICHIGAN • Michigan City Area Schools
they need assistance. That is why CITY. • LaPorte County Career and Technical
partnerships are essential for our
staff, and we make it a priority to Education
maintain relationships and build • Michigan City Mainstreet Association
new ones. From inquiries about • Northwest Indiana Small Business
how to start a business, where
to find workers, what permits Development Center
are needed for construction, • NWI World Trade Alliance
to incentives for expanding or • LaPorte County Conventions and
relocating, the calls we receive
are vast. And most of the time, Visitors Bureau
we can walk a business through • WorkOne of Northwest Indiana
the availability of services for their • Center of Workforce Innovations
needs. At other times, we need to • Northwest Indiana Forum
call in the assistance of one of our • Indiana Economic Development
partners. Either way, we can help.
Corporation
THE EDCMC IS THE FIRST STOP FOR MANY • Site Selectors - Nationwide
BUSINESSES WHEN THEY NEED ASSISTANCE. • Commercial Realtors
• Northern Indiana Human Resources

Association

GROWNTHE&W
CONSTRUCTION

THE RETAIL, RESTAURANT, AND SERVICE SECTORS CONTINUE TO
POP UP IN MICHIGAN CITY WITH OVER $3.4 MILLION COMBINED
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS FROM THESE BUSINESSES IN 2017.

2017 INVESTMENTS

Edgewood Dental $987k
Belle Tire
$700k
O’Reily Auto Parts $594k
Sonic $550k

Cool Runnings $350k
Details Laundry $250k
Popcorn World $20k
Third Degree BBQ $10k

AmeriPlex Marquette Elston Legacy “I AM EXCITED
Apartments ABOUT OUR
Project Type: Light Industrial FUTURE
Business Park Project Type: High-End Apartment GROWTH AND
Developer: Holladay Properties Complex OUR FUTURE IN
Developer: Pine Street Development MICHIGAN CITY.”
AmeriPlex Marquette is a new +/- 20 LLC
acre business park development located AL HOODWIN
at Cleveland Avenue and US Highway Developers broke ground to begin the
20 in Michigan City, Indiana. AmeriPlex infrastructure work needed for what will CEO OF MICHIGAN CITY PAPER BOX
Marquette will offer up to 228,000 SF of be the first of four apartment buildings
flexible space to serve office, warehousing, in the Elston Legacy Apartment project
and light manufacturing requirements on Michigan City’s north end. With the
with direct access to heavy truck routes, apartment location only one block from
including US Highway 20. The first building the City’s thriving downtown, it brings
in this development broke ground in 2017. anticipation of more foot traffic for the
The Haskell Building is 64,000 square variety of businesses located there. The
feet featuring 24-foot ceilings. The multi- first building will be located on the corner of
tenant building is divisible down to 8,000 5th and Pine and will include 8,000 square
square feet per unit. Each tenant will feet of commercial retail space on the first
have their own entrance at the front of floor with about 20 residential apartment
the building, warehouse/industrial space units on the second and third floors. The
in the back, and access to one drive-in entire project, once completed, will include
door and recess dock. This first building the four apartment buildings with attached
came about as a collaborative effort parking and lot parking.
between Holladay Properties, Economic
Development Corporation Michigan City, Reprographic Arts Michigan City
and the Michigan City Redevelopment Paper Box
Commission. As a response to the data Project Type: Relocation and
that the EDCMC has tracked over the Expansion Project Type: Manufacturing
years for property requests, the Haskell Equipment Expansion
Building creates a supply to the demand for Reprographic Arts has been in Michigan
newer industrial space with higher ceilings, City for over 25 years and continues to see Michigan City Paper Box has been
flexible space, and quick access to the growth and opportunity. As the business manufacturing boxes in Michigan City since
interstate. has grown, space was something that 1913. Their latest equipment expansion
become more of a demand for the company. adds several new machines that will allow
AMERIPLEX With a call to the EDCMC, they were quickly them to launch an e-commerce site in
MARQUETTE given options of other buildings available in the near future where customers will be
WILL OFFER UP the city that would allow them to expand. able to design their own boxes and place
TO 228,000 SF OF With a relocation and $250,000 investment orders directly for a variety of uses. This
FLEXIBLE SPACE. that took them from 3,000 square feet to $1,280,000 investment in new equipment
just over 5,500 square feet, the business will support the current 87 employees
has been able to add new machinery that and will add approximately 12 new jobs at
will continue to help their business grow. the plant. This equipment purchase was
made possible through tax abatement that
was granted to Michigan City Paper Box
by the Michigan City Common Council.
Tax abatements for both real estate and
personal property are administered through
Economic Development Corporation
Michigan City. This equipment purchase
was crucial in helping Michigan City Paper
Box remain competitive and grow their
business.

ECONOMIC  92
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
community development
Working hand-in-hand with businesses, whether meetings
new or existing, the EDCMC is proud of the impact
our work makes in the community. 

  50 17 

$9,711,000 visits 148
resulted in
total capital follow up companies
investment assisted by the
visits with local employers
 154 EDCMC

new jobs projected 4  51  115k

visits resulted workforce square feet added or
in relocation development redeveloped
discussions
meetings

2017 BUSINESS Workforce
RETENTION & 21%
EXPANSION

  Expansion
42%
79 3
Follow Up
general local 30%
inquiries were projects
responded to

 97 Relocation
7%

requests for information Through our organization’s Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program
were responded to we strive to meet with our business community to ensure that our local
businesses receive the necessary support and attention to their needs/issues to
compete in the global marketplace.

   97  12

26 24 jobs retained visits resulted in workforce
development conversations or
promotional or visits resulted  10
site selection in expansion referrals
discussions new expansion or relocation projects
meetings completed or in process

LEADS & ACREAGE
REQUESTS REQUESTS

Many of our business inquiries are specific 2017 1-10 3 18
to finding real estate available in or around 2016 Acres
Michigan City. The EDCMC maintains a database 2015 6
of a variety of commercial properties for sale 11-20 2 6
or lease in the area. We also track the requests Acres 0
for property that come to us, so we may have 7
a better understanding of the types of facilities 21-30 2 5
that are needed for development. In 2017, we Acres 2
responded to 97 requests for information about 1
properties available in Michigan City. That is
31 more inquiries or leads than we received in 31-40 0
2016. Through those inquiries, we have learned Acres
that newer industrial buildings with higher ceiling 2
heights are needed in the area to meet the needs 1
of businesses.
41-50 2
Acres 1
0

51-100 2
Acres 1
0

101-250+ 2
Acres

SQUARE FOOTAGE CEILING HEIGHT
REQUESTS REQUESTED

0-25k 22 28
Sq. Ft. 18
26k-50k 5 10 10-15 7
Sq. Ft. 3 13 Ft. 0 2
51k-100k
Sq. Ft. 6 16-20 6
101k-150k Ft. 5
Sq. Ft. 11 12
151k-200k 21-25 8
Sq. Ft. 7 Ft. 9 12
201k+ 2 9 14
Sq. Ft. 26-30
5 Ft. 5

4 31-35 3
3 Ft. 2
2
3
7
8

3

LEADING
THE WAY

INVESTORS STEP UP TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT IN LAPORTE COUNTY

In an effort that was kicked off The Campaign is a partnership that Because of the investments made,
early in 2017, the Economic the two organizations have had for GLEDC and EDCMC have been
Development Corporation the past several years. The increase able to play key roles in ensuring
Michigan City (EDCMC) and in the number of investors for this projects continue to prosper in
the Greater La Porte Economic campaign shows that the growth in both communities. Investors in the
Development Corporation (GLEDC) our area is being recognized campaign become part of both
have completed the 2017-2019 by many. organizations’ Preferred Vendor List
Economic Development Community This joint effort between GLEDC and are included on promotional
Investment Campaign. The and EDCMC illustrates a unique materials as well as invited to
three-year goal of $500,000 was partnership to position both exclusive events. The two economic
surpassed and represents over La Porte and Michigan City development organizations
a 25% increase in the previous as locations of choice for new partner with the Unity Foundation
goal of $400,000 during the business investments and existing of LaPorte County which has
2014-2016 campaign. A total of business growth. The funding established the Economic
88 organizations pledged to the from the business community Development Investment Fund
Campaign at various levels of is essential to continue these for the tax-deductible donations.
investment, which included yearly aggressive initiatives through this If you would like to contribute to
commitments of $10,000, $5,000, pivotal joint Program of Action. the campaign, please contact the
$2,500, $1,000 and other amounts. EDCMC office.

Linda Simmons (far left) and Jack Arnett (far THE FUNDING FROM
right) both of the LaPorte County Convention THE BUSINESS
& Visitors Bureau present a check in support COMMUNITY IS
of the Economic Development Community ESSENTIAL TO
Investment Campaign at the kick-off event. CONTINUE THESE
AGGRESSIVE
INITIATIVES THROUGH
THIS PIVOTAL JOINT
PROGRAM OF ACTION.



“Holladay Properties chose to build in Michigan City because
of the great access to the Interstate, heavy haul route east
and west and the skilled workforce here. With the business
climate, the quality of life and the South Shore Double Track, I
feel as if Michigan City and Northwest Indiana is on the rise.”
Mike Micka, Vice President of Development, Holladay
Properties, Haskell Building, Ameriplex Marquette



“The City has been a great partner for us. As
we have progressed in the construction of our
new state-of-the-art facility, the City has been a
great supporter and resource.”
Dean Mazzoni, President & CEO for Franciscan
Health Michigan City



“Michigan City has it all. First, it is a diverse community.
There is great public safety, wonderful career paths that
start in the public school and a pretty great quality of life.
Michigan City’s workforce has an incredible work ethic.
They are committed, self-motivated and self-doers. I think
it’s part of the mid-west heritage we all have.”
Craig Dwight, Chairman & CEO of Horizon Bank

INVESTORS
MAKING ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Special thanks to these generous INVESTORS who are committed to supporting economic development efforts in
Michigan City and La Porte. The funds will be used to continue an aggressive Economic Development Program of
Action that includes new business attraction, existing business retention, research and marketing.

PLATINUM LEVEL DIAMOND LEVEL GOLD LEVEL

$10,000+ $5,000+ $2,500+

Arconic Accurate Castings 1st Source Bank
Horizon Bank American Licorice Dekker Vacuum
Indiana Kentucky Ohio Chicago South Shore & South General Insurance Services
Holladay Properties
Regional Council of Bend Railroad Jaeger-Unitek
Carpenters (IKORCC) Franciscan St. Anthony Health/ Michigan City Chamber of
NIPSCO Commerce
La Porte Hospital Michigan City Regional Development Company
LaPorte County Convention RQAW
Walsh & Kelly
& Visitors Bureau Woodruff & Sons
NECA/IBEW
Space Center
Tonn & Blank

SILVER LEVEL Donald & Cynthia Berchem Fidelity National Title
Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce Hickman, Williams & Co.
$1,000+ McColly Bennett Commercial Newby Lewis Kaminski & Jones
Rieth Riley Sullivan-Palatek
American Renolit Centier Bank First Merchants Bank
G.M. Fedorchak & Associates H W Lochner Kabelin Ace Hardware
KTR Meridian Title Newmark, Grubb, Cressy & Everett
Oehmstead Company Rowley & Company The Antero Group
American Structurepoint CRI-Criterion First Trust Credit Union
Greater Indiana Title Company Harbour Trust & Investment Kingsbury Utilities
Larson Danielson Construction Michigan City Paper Box Company News Dispatch/Herald Argus
Pyramid Equipment SEH of Indiana Unity Foundation
Winn Machine

COPPER LEVEL Craighead, Lange & Hough Cadence Environmental
Guardian Couplings
McKay Printing Packaging Logic
Strategic Management
Abonmarche Schmitt & Kaylor Cender & Company
Community Dynamics BCA Environmental Consultants Haas & Associates
LaPorte County Assoc of Realtors Edward Jones/Jon Salisbury Parkison Hinton
RE/MAX Commercial-Tom Larson Monosol Vermilion Development
atProperties sevenOK’s Center of Workforce Innovations
Compress Air Business Development Corporation Kemp’s Office City
Mayor Ron Meer Environmental, Inc. Pioneer Lumber
Sager Metal Strip New York Blower
Barry F. McDonnell Shrewsberry & Associates

ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
INVESTMENT FUND

The Economic Development Investment Fund has been established with the Unity
Foundation of LaPorte County to accept the tax-deductible donations over the next three
years. Interested in joining the Circle of Investors? Contact Bert or Clarence today.

Bert Cook, GLEDC Clarence Hulse, EDCMC
(219) 324-8584 (219) 873-1211

A very special thank you to Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa and
the City of Michigan City for your significant contributions.

DEVELOPMENT

G& ROWTH

MICHIGAN CITY HAS BEEN ON A PATH OF REVITALIZATION OVER THE
LAST SEVERAL YEARS, AND THE EDCMC HAS BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE
TO BE A PARTNER ALONG THE JOURNEY.

Sullair purchased by Michigan City Promise EDCMC celebrated with Sullair
Hitachi Group Scholarship as they became Sullair- A Hitachi
Group Company
Hitachi Group announced the In an effort that began with EDCMC,
purchase of long-time Michigan City the Michigan City Promise Scholarship Mayor Ron Meer speaks with the
business Sullair. The first in what has was introduced in 2016 and students first group of Promise Scholarship
become a cluster of air compressor of the 2017 graduating class were the recipients
companies in the community, Sullair first to take advantage of it. A total of
was founded in Michigan City in 33 students have received funding for
1965. With plans to stay and grow the start of their schooling after high
in Michigan City, the purchase by school. For a student to be eligible for
Hitachi gives Sullair and Michigan the Promise Scholarship, they must
City a greater global presence. reside within Michigan City, attend
The Hitachi Group, a Tokyo-based Michigan City High School, graduate
company, celebrated in Michigan City with a cumulative GPA of at least
with a large Japanese-themed party. 2.5 and also complete 40 hours of
Mayor Ron Meer and state leaders community service while attending
echoed their excitement about the high school. In addition, students must
commitment to the city. complete at least another 40 hours of
community service for each year of
WITH CONSISTENT funding which is renewable up to four
DEVELOPMENT AND years. The program also underwent
GROWTH, MICHIGAN a branding initiative that has created
CITY CAN REACH campaigns in order to promote the
NEW HEIGHTS. opportunity to existing and potential
families.

City School
Planning Growth

Comprehensive Plan Michigan City Area
Schools
As part of the EDCMC’s strategic initiatives from
2014, one of the key objectives under “Business With a class motto of “Exceed Expectations,”
Attraction & Development” was to encourage the the Michigan City High School graduating class
City to create and adopt a Comprehensive Plan. of 2017 has done just that. “This is a class that
In the summer of 2017, Michigan City kicked off has truly gone above and beyond. You are artists
the Momentum: Michigan City 2040 project. The and scholars and athletes and everything in
beginning of this project was to connect with between,” states superintendent of MCAS, Dr.
residents and community leaders and gather ideas Barbara Eason-Watkins, during her remarks at the
on what they would want Michigan City to look like graduation ceremony. She continues, “It’s clear
in 2040. Led by the City’s Planning Department, that the Michigan City High School Class of 2017 is
data was collected for a few months before being nothing short of amazing!”
handed over to consultants to begin the process
of creating a plan. While the report is still in draft Key Highlights Include:
stages, several community meetings have been
held to review some of the information in the plan. • 32 students graduating with distinction or
Many more meetings and reviews of the draft highest distinction
will take place before the City is asked to adopt
a final comprehensive plan sometime in 2018. A • 14 students with a perfect 4.0 GPA
comprehensive plan for the City will help guide its • 29 students with a 3.9 GPA or above
changes in the future. It is a long-term plan that • 92 students earning an academic or technical
covers many community goals for development.
The plan will be used as a guide to create policies honors diploma
for transportation, utilities, land use, recreation, • 89.8% graduation rate
housing, and more. • Over $3 million in academic and athletic

Annexation scholarships received by graduates
• The highest graduation rate ever for Michigan
Over the past couple of years, the City and the
EDCMC have been working with property owners City High School
close to the City’s east limits on a voluntary • Students performed over 4,000 hours of service
annexation of approximately 500 acres. While
annexation of land is a time consuming project, the to school and community
newly added land will bring much needed space for • Students earned over 3,500 dual college credits,
opportunities. The anticipated land is in very close
proximity to Interstate 94 and Hwy 20 which is a in both core academics and technical areas
heavy haul route; therefore, much of the land will • Students have received numerous technical
be zoned for light to heavy industrial. It will create a
new Business Park that will be very attractive to the certifications in nursing, manufacturing,
transportation, distribution, and logistics industry. culinary sciences, early childhood, electronics,
Portions of the land will also create much needed construction, automotive technology, welding
space for new single family homes in the area. and more!

The graduating class of 2017 is college and
career ready!

WORKFORCE &

DEVCOEMMLUONITYPMENT

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES OF SUPPORT FOR BOTH BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

2nd Annual Michigan City Lorri Feldt, NWI SBDC, presents to a group Week of Code
Community Job Fair
Workshop Series On Friday afternoon, May 12th, the
On April 5, 2017, the Economic Development EDCMC joined with Michigan City Area
Corporation Michigan City, with several In 2017, the Economic Development Schools, Unity Foundation of LaPorte
other sponsors, held their 2nd Community Corporation Michigan City partnered with County, Horizon Bank, and Michigan City’s
Job Fair. The event brought together 50 the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce Commission for Women to celebrate a
employers, universities, skilled trades to offer a Business Resource Workshop successful “Week of Code” in Michigan
and community organizations. Over 100 Series. The series consisted of four City. The week began with a two-day boot
jobseekers attended the event to learn workshops held quarterly to provide free camp that was then followed with coding
more about available jobs, career training business advice on topics ranging from activities during the week for students
opportunities, educational programs, and tax abatement filing to Marketing 101 for in grades K-12. All students at Michigan
community resources. Employers and other small businesses. The two organizations City Area Schools were able to take part
organizations that participate in the event partnered with other agencies to provide in some type of coding activity during the
are able to do so because of the partnership the series at no cost to the community and week of May 6 – 12. The week was led by
among the sponsors that keep the event local businesses. facilitators from Eleven Fifty Academy, a
free. “The goal is to connect employers nonprofit organization out of Indianapolis,
that have open and available positions to SERIES that assisted teachers with computer coding
jobseekers who have the skills and are and technology curriculum. As technology
qualified to meet those openings,” said Tax Abatement Workshop: Compliance advances in all sectors of the workplace, it is
Allison Bertl, Business Services Manager Presented by Dan Botich important to introduce these key computer
with WorkOne Northwest IN. of SEH Indiana science components as early as possible
to help prepare our future workforce.
Sponsors: Digital Marketing: MCAS is expanding coding accessibility in
Creating a Google Presence partnership with the Michigan City Public
City of Michigan City, Michigan City Library, LaPorte County Public Library, the
Chamber of Commerce, Blue Chip Casino, Presented by S.C.O.R.E. & Seth Boys and Girls Club of MC, and Safe Harbor.
WorkOne Northwest IN, Northwest Indiana Spencer of SERA Solutions Michigan City Area Schools also plans to
Workforce Board, Economic Development have a “Week of Code” program each year
Corporation, Michigan City Government Contracting to keep students excited about coding
Presented by Diana Hunter of technology.
OVER 100 Indiana PTAC
JOBSEEKERS The “Week of Code” team included many
ATTENDED THE Business Marketing: Creating a Plan individuals and much collaboration. Because
EVENT TO LEARN Presented by Lorri Feldt of the of their hard work and successful program,
MORE ABOUT NWI SBDC the team was inducted into the Northwest
AVAILABLE JOBS. Indiana Society of Innovators.

A few members of the “Week of Code” team together
at the Society of Innovators Award ceremony.

LaPorte County Welding A Sullair employee talks with students during Community and Workforce
Students Enjoy FABTECH Made in LaPorte County Development Meetings

Over 60 students got to experience North Made in LaPorte County In 2017, the EDCMC took two development
America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, groups and combined them into one. Over
welding and finishing event at McCormick A warehouse full of manufacturing the years, the EDCMC has met with several
Place in Chicago this past month. Through employers and hundreds of students from partners in both a Workforce Development
the combined financial support of both the across LaPorte County came together task force and Community Development
Michigan City Chamber of Commerce and on September 14th during the “Made in task force. Many of the partners overlap
the Economic Development Corporation of LaPorte County” event. Working together in the groups because so many of the
Michigan City both welding and machining for the 5th time to co-host this event, workforce issues are also community
students from the LaPorte County Career the Economic Development Corporation issues. To tackle topics that appeal to
& Technical Education Center were able Michigan City and the Greater La Porte both groups, the EDCMC brought the
to take a part in this hands-on career Economic Development Corporation invited groups together for specific topics driven
experience. Audra Peterson, Director of the manufacturers from across the county to by a panel of experts. The first combined
LaPorte County CTE, was grateful for the display the products they make here in our meeting took place in June of 2017 and
trip saying, “Our students benefited a great communities. Students poured in by the bus covered the topic of the effects of drug use
deal from this event, and it is always so cool loads to speak with the employers and learn on workforce, community, and economic
to see how excited they get! Definitely a lot more about the manufacturing industry and development. The conversation centered
of energy upon their return to the school!” future career opportunities here in LaPorte on prevention, counseling, and support.
County. Speakers on the panel included LaPorte
With over 1,700 exhibiting businesses, County Drug Free Partnership Executive
FABTECH provides a venue to meet 37 Employers set up displays Director Jim Musial, WorkOne LaPorte
suppliers, see new products and 8 Schools participated County Manager Alfred Hughes, Figment
developments, and learn about new tools in 700 Students attended Group Inc. President and CEO Mary
the industry. Below are a few quotes from 150 Community members Wellnitz and Dekker Vacuum Technology
students who attended the trip: Incorporated CEO Rick Dekker. The
second meeting took place in December
“FABTECH was amazing! It was the best on had a focus on creating an employer
field trip I have had my entire high school ready community. A panelist of workforce
career. The best part was seeing all the development specialist and educators
newest machines for welding and cutting in came together to talk about the program
action.” being offered in the community to create
a skilled workforce. Panelists included
“We got to experience powder coating, Alison Bertl, Business Services Manager
cutting, drilling, 3D printing and a whole lot for WorkOne; Kathy Neary, Workforce
more. This was a great trip!” Alignment Consultant for Ivy Tech; Dr.
Barbara Eason-Watkins, Superintendent
“To me, FABTECH was a learning of Michigan City Area Schools; and Audra
experience like no other. Seeing the different Peterson, Director of LaPorte County
companies displaying their gear let me see Career & Technical Education.
just how diverse the metal working industry
is. Being able to test out different machines Sponsors:
gave me a better idea of what I want to do
for a career in welding.” EDCMC, GLEDC, Center of Workforce
Innovations, and Unity Foundation of
One student gets hands-on welding LaPorte County
time at FABTECH
Special thank you to Matt Griswold for the
use of the former Foster Printing facility.

Panelists from the December meeting
speak on workforce

“TO ME, FABTECH WAS A LEARNING
EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER.”

Two Cadence Park Plaza
Michigan City, IN 46360
P: 219.873.1211
F: 219.873.1595

edcmc.com