2018 EDCMC Annual Report

THE T I M E

NOWIS
MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA

2018 ANNUAL REPORT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MICHIGAN CITY

GREAT2018 WASA
YEAR IN
MICHIGAN CITY

Welcome to a momentous year of economic In 2018, the EDCMC continued to build Clarence Hulse
growth from the city whose time has come in on its Business Retention and Expansion Executive Director
Northwest Indiana - Michigan City. Tucked on Program (BR&E) and saw record returns on its
the southern tip of Lake Michigan and home investment in local companies. Most common Katie Eaton
to the nation’s newest national park, Indiana issues responded to were workforce, Economic
Dunes National Park, Michigan City continues expansion and relocation within the city. Both Development Manager
to forge forward in creating jobs and capital the BR&E and Business Attraction programs
investments while enhancing its small-town saw 14 projects completed, yielding 1,710 Michele Hyland
appeal through quality of life projects. retained jobs, 306 new jobs and generating Office Administrator
In early spring 2018, we celebrated over $305 million in capital investment.
the successes of 13 local companies that Significant developments that
believed in the community by investing and occurred in 2018 that will continue to grow
creating economic growth for Michigan City future dividends were the SiteLink Forum
at the Business Investment Awards Banquet. Conference that featured seven site selectors
Our speaker, Becky Frankiewicz, President that visited our community and left with
of ManpowerGroup North America, delivered positive impressions, two insightful articles
a powerful and well received message in FDI Alliance Magazine that heralded our
about creating value in the workforce and presence in European markets, and last but
the importance of appreciating your human not least, the annexation of 426 acres to city
resources. She added that “wages are the boundaries and planned for two new business
cost of entry. You don’t have to be ahead parks and a major residential subdivision.
(of the market), but are you in line with the These initiatives have laid the groundwork
market?” This message holds true in the tight for increased economic capital investment
employment market today. and higher paying jobs for all Michigan City
One of EDCMC’s major focuses has residents.
been building the pipeline for our existing It is time for Michigan City to seize
companies who are experiencing significant this moment. Lots of planning, public
growth but who are also challenged with investments and hard work has been carried
finding qualified employees. The EDCMC has out by many past community leaders and
partnered with Michigan City Area Schools residents. We are on the cusp of many great
to create symbiotic relationships with the accomplishments, projects and initiatives,
business community to focus on building and we need to keep the momentum
a curriculum to support current and future moving forward. Let’s seize this time to build
employer needs. To that end, the Compressed Michigan City for all our current and future
Air Academy was formed at Michigan City generations. The TIME is NOW!
High School with the support and resources
from five local companies that are projecting Sincerely,
future growth and will need qualified
employees to facilitate their economic Clarence L. Hulse
investment. This business education
partnership approach is also followed in the
healthcare, software, advance manufacturing
and hospitality industries.

“As we strive for more economic opportunities, programs such as the CEXOMECMUITTITVEEE
workforce development meetings, facilitated by the Economic Development
Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC), will continue to be extremely important. Mayor Ron Meer
Panelists of workforce development specialists and educators come City of Michigan City
together to discuss programs being offered in our community with an end
goal being the creation of a highly skilled and ready workforce.” Bill Hackney
The News Dispatch
Mayor Ron Meer Chair
State of City Speech
Stephanie Oberlie
Harbour Trust &
Investment Management
Vice Chair

Linda Simmons
Visit Michigan City
LaPorte CVB
Treasurer

Rick Dekker
Dekker Vacuum
Technologies, Inc.
Past Chair

BOFOADRIRDECTORS

Don Babcock
NIPSCO

Tim Bietry
Michigan City
Common Council

Barbara Eason-Watkins
Michigan City Area Schools

Bill Kaminski
Newby, Lewis, Kaminski &
Jones, LLP

Dennis Kuhn
Horizon Bank

Dean Mazzoni
Franciscan St. Anthony
Health – Michigan City

Mary Jo Orlowski
Michigan City Chamber of
Commerce

Anna Radtke
Bridges Waterside Grille

Brenda Temple
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel,
and Spa

Brian Tylisz
Sullair: A Hitachi Group
Company

AREWHO WE
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. The EDCMC also
takes a leadership role in major community-related 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 specific economic development activities.

MISSION VISION OBJECTIVES
STATEMENT STATEMENT
• Workforce Development &
To develop and implement To assure the long-term viability of Education
seamless policies, procedures Michigan City with a healthy and
and programs for economic and robust business environment, modern • Business Retention & Expansion
community development that public infrastructure, a stable tax base, • Business Attraction &
drive systemic and long-term outstanding customer service and
viability through collaboration and quality human, technical and financial Development
consensus with our stakeholders resources so that local leaders are able • Integration with Community
and community resources. to sustain needed change.
Development
• Organizational Sustainability

CNC mill unveiling ceremony on May 3, 2018.
Students in the Modern Machine Technology
program at the A.K. Smith Career Center will
be using a new Computer Numerical Control
(CNC) mill, thanks to a $10,000 donation from
the Morgan Family Foundation.

BUSINESS
STARTS

MICHIGAN CITY OFFERS AN ENRICHING QUALITY
OF LIFE AS LOCAL BUSINESS THRIVES.

Many local area officials and community members
came out to celebrate the grand opening of
Silver Birch of Michigan City, a premier 119-unit
affordable assisted living facility for local 65 and
older seniors.

HERE

While the EDCMC does not stand THE NEW EDCMC VIDEO KEY PARTNERS
side-by-side with each business as
they locate, grow or expand here After nearly a year in the making, • City of Michigan City
in Michigan City, there is a strong the EDCMC was proud to unveil the • Michigan City Chamber of Commerce
possibility we spoke with them when “Open for Business” video, which will • Ivy Tech Community College
their project first began. The EDCMC be used to promote Michigan City’s • Purdue University Northwest
is the first stop for many businesses great business climate for potential • Indiana University Northwest
when they need assistance. That is companies. It showcases the incredible • Michigan City Area Schools
why partnerships • LaPorte County Career and Technical
are essential for quality of life found in
our staff, and we Michigan City. From Lake Education
make it a priority Michigan to museums, • Greater La Porte Economic
to maintain we offer many activities
relationships for everyone from one Development Corporation
and build new to 100 to enjoy. We • Michigan City Mainstreet Association
ones. From inquiries about how specifically included • Northwest Indiana Small Business
to start a business, where to find the Promise Scholarship to encourage
workers and what permits are needed homeownership for newcomers. With Development Center
for construction, to incentives for cameos by Don Babcock, Rick Dekker, • NWI World Trade Alliance
expanding or relocating, the calls we Sgt. Chris Yagelski, and other notable • Visit Michigan City LaPorte CVB
receive are vast. And most of the time, people, this video will help us sell • WorkOne of Northwest Indiana
we can walk a business through the investors and developers on the great • Center of Workforce Innovations
availability of services for their needs. things Michigan City has to offer. • Northwest Indiana Forum
At other times, we need to call in the • Indiana Economic Development
assistance of one of our partners. Thank you to the City of Michigan City
Either way, we can help. and WeCreate Media for their help in the Corporation
creation of this video. • Site Selectors - Nationwide
THE EDCMC IS THE • Commercial Realtors
FIRST STOP FOR MANY Watch the video on edcmc.com, or • Northern Indiana Human Resources
BUSINESSES WHEN THEY search for Michigan City, IN – Open
NEED ASSISTANCE. for Business on YouTube. Association

GROWTH

NEW&
CONSTRUCTION

THE RETAIL, RESTAURANT, AND SERVICE SECTORS CONTINUE TO
POP UP IN MICHIGAN CITY WITH OVER $305 MILLION COMBINED
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS FROM THESE BUSINESSES IN 2018.

NORTHWEST INDIANA Donald Babcock, President of Michigan City Redevelopment Commission, leads dignitaries in a ribbon
SMALL BUSINESS cutting ceremony in February 2018 inside the new Haskell Building as Mayor Ron Meer, left, and Mike
DEVELOPMENT CENTER Micka, Vice President of Development of Holladay Properties, handle the scissors.

Each year, several individuals REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS
approach the EDCMC with hopes of
opening a business. Our economy is The Michigan City Revolving Loan Fund step in the application process. Niccole
powered by the small business owner, began as a way to provide capital to small Zell, VP Lending at Regional Development
and the EDCMC is here to help. One businesses that had challenges getting Company, will then work with the
of the key players to assist our future institutional financing. In 2018, we had 10 applicant to move the process forward
entrepreneurs is Lorri Feldt, Regional inquiries about the RLF, and three have to assess and make a recommendation
Director of the Northwest ISBDC. started the application process. Once to the Revolving Loan Committee. The
When we receive that first call asking again, Lorri Feldt, Regional Director of EDCMC looks forward to working with
how to start a new company, we call the NW ISBDC offered her assistance in current and future Michigan City residents
the ISBDC to be the guide through creating a business plan which is the first to bring their economic dreams to reality.
business plans, the need for capital,
and how to market. Lorri uses the
EDCMC Conference Room to counsel
potential clients. In 2018, she met
with 25 clients from Michigan City (12
African American, 1 Hispanic, and
2 women). Our partnership with the
ISBDC even offered a Business Start
Up Workshop to reach entrepreneurs.

BUSINESS RETENTION NEW PROJECTS
& EXPANSION PROJECTS
Holiday Inn Express
Interacting with local businesses is a key objective for the $7,200,000 Capital Investment
EDCMC. Through our organization’s Business Retention 25 New Jobs
and Expansion (BR&E) program, we strive to meet with 58,000 Square Feet
our business community to ensure that they receive the Broke Ground in January 2019
necessary support and attention with their needs/issues BIG Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Car Wash
to compete in the global marketplace. $3,000,000 Capital Investment
5 New Jobs Projected
Our BR&E program offers assistance and provides 1 Acre Land Developed
information in the following areas: Golden Sands Motel
$2,500,000 Capital Investment
• Local, regional, and national incentive programs Under Renovations
• Identify and market to supplier networks
• Workforce Development Centier Bank
• Educational Opportunities $1,500,000 Capital Investment
• Small Business Assistance 2,000 Square Feet
• Updates about local infrastructure, business 15 New Jobs
Broke Ground August 2018
environment, and quality of life
• EDCMC acts as a liaison between local business and city Biggby Coffee
$400,000 Capital Investment
government 2,000 Square Feet
15 New Jobs
We conducted 42 Business Retention visits in 2018 which Opened in November 2018
covered numerous topics. Data Center
$1,000,000 Capital Investment
Mulhern Belting GAF 60,000 Square Feet
• $1,000,000 New 10 New Jobs
• $30,000,000 New Building Opened in December 2018
Building Investment Investment
• 14,000 Square Feet
• 10 New Jobs • 250,000 Square Feet
• 15 Retained Jobs • 40 Acres of Land
• 50 New Jobs
Blue Chip Casino Hotel • 150 Retained Jobs
& Spa
• $10,000,000 New Hearthside

Conference Space • $3,000,000 Building Purchase
• 15,000 Square Feet • 100,000 Square Feet
• 10 New Jobs • 100 New Jobs
• 400 Retained Jobs
Fifth Third Bank
• $1,000,000 New Sera Solutions

Building • $250,000 Capital Investment
• 2,000 Square Feet • 2,000 Square Feet
• 15 New Jobs
Fiber Bond • 10 Retained Jobs
• $280,000 Equipment
Franciscan Michigan City
Investment
• 10 New Jobs • $243,000,000 Capital
• 130 Retained Jobs Investment

• 420,000 Square Feet
• 1,000 Retained Jobs

ECONOMIC  140
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. 

  42 23 138

$305,139,000 visits with local employers visits companies
resulted in assisted by the
total capital   follow up
investment EDCMC
5 14 
 306 
visits resulted workforce 25
new jobs projected 6
in relocation development visits resulted
in expansion promotional or
discussions meetings discussions site selection

meetings

2018 BUSINESS
RETENTION &
EXPANSION

Workforce
28%

  Expansion
42%
94 14

general local
inquiries were projects
responded to
Follow Up
 96 19%

Relocation
11%

requests for information During our Business Retention and Expansion visits we discuss several topics
were responded to with current employers. Expansion remains the top focus of discussions. In 2018,
workforce became a priority to aid in the expansion of businesses.

 505k LEADS & 2016 ACREAGE REQUESTED
REQUESTS 2017
square feet added or 2018 1-10 3 18
redeveloped Acres
Many of our business inquiries 11-20 2 5 9
 14 are specific to finding real estate Acres 6
available in or around Michigan City. 21-30 2
new expansion or The EDCMC maintains a database Acres 2 5
relocation projects of a variety of commercial properties 31-40 1 7
completed or in process for sale or lease in the area. We Acres 2
also track the requests for property 41-50 0
 1,710 that come to us, so we may have a Acres
better understanding of the types 51-100 3
jobs retained of facilities that are needed for Acres 1
development. 101-250+
 10 Acres 2
2
visits resulted in workforce 1
development conversations or 2
2
referrals 2

SQUARE FOOTAGE MONTH RFI RECEIVED
REQUESTS
Jan. 5 8
Feb. 6
Mar.
0-9k 7 Apr. 3
Sq. Ft. 8 May 6
10-25k 8 Jun. 8
Sq. Ft. Jul.
26-50k 15 20 Aug. 7
Sq. Ft. 18 Sep. 8
51-75k Oct.
Sq. Ft. 16 Nov. 7
76-100k Dec.
Sq. Ft. 3 10 13 5
101-125k 4
Sq. Ft. 4
126-150k
Sq. Ft. 5 9
151-175k 25 11
Sq. Ft. 12
176-200k
Sq. Ft. 7 5
201k+ 8 9
Sq. Ft. 8 11

1 7 5 13
4 8

2 3
13 7
1 8
1
1 9
1 4

2 9
3
3 2
10
5 11

79
6

4 10
6

SOURCE OF RFI

TYPE OF PROPERTY BR&E 6 CEILING HEIGHT REQUESTED
REQUESTED Direct Call/ 7
8 2
Referral 10-15 4 7
IEDC 16 55 Sq. Ft.
Land 9 29 16 57 6
27 NWI Forum
Building 23 16-20 8 12
48 Realtor 23 Sq. Ft. 9 12
68 Site Selection/
3 12 21-25 8
64 Consultant 1 Sq. Ft. 8
Marketing/ 26-30
Other 9 4 Sq. Ft. 5
0 Media 7 8
31-35+
5 1 Sq. Ft. 2
3 3
6
9
6
2
0
0

WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING A PIPELINE

BUSINESS EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS TO RESPOND TO
BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURING NEEDS

The EDCMC brings both businesses and
educators to the table to ensure that we are
preparing the next generation, not only for
careers of today, but also looking forward into
the future and predicting jobs that may not
currently exist. Think about that. Twenty years
ago, people were not looking for “Social Media
Managers.” Today, that is a popular career
choice for the millennial generation.

LaPorte County Skill Up 3 Network was
brought to LaPorte County by a consortium of
employers, educators, economic developers,
government agencies and non-profits to
identify and secure the education and training
needed to match the needs of LaPorte County
employers.

A.K. Smith Career Center offers courses in:
Culinary Arts
Forklift Operation
Banking
Healthcare

Michigan City Area Schools offer the
following courses:
Coding
Energy
Construction
Compressed Air Academy
Work Ethic
STEM Schools

MICHIGAN CITY STUDENTS manufacturing companies and the jobs that MICHIGAN CITY
ATTEND IMTS go with them. They participated in hands-on PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP
experiences and were able to learn about
The Economic Development Corporation Edge Factor. Edge Factor then visited with Mayor Ron Meer’s Michigan City
Michigan City and the Michigan City Chamber community members at the AK Smith Career Promise Scholarship initiative is in its
of Commerce partnered again to help send Center to talk about the programs that will second full year. The Promise Scholar-
community middle school students to the be introduced to LaPorte County schools ship was designed as an economic
International Manufacturing and Technology starting this year. This program is being development driver, as well as a tool
Show (IMTS) and the FABTECH Expo. At these brought to LaPorte County schools through to help stabilize neighborhoods and
events, students were able to learn about the Skill Up 3 Network. schools by requiring homeownership
as one of its eligibility requirements.
LAPORTE COUNTY SKILL Workforce Development. In addition, JP (Full eligibility requirements can be
UP 3 NETWORK Morgan Chase Foundation also provided found at michigancitypromise.com).
for this initiative. With the concentration But ultimately, Mayor Meer believes
Mayor Mark Krentz of La Porte and Mayor of manufacturing jobs in LaPorte County that investing in our youth, our most
Ron Meer of Michigan City, along with the being greater than the region as a whole, precious resource, is paramount for
Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, the it’s believed that the LaPorte County Skill the successful future and growth of
Center of Workforce Innovations, economic Up 3 Network will address the need for Michigan City.
developers, a consortium of employers, change, while utilizing resources when
educators, and the Unity Foundation joined it comes to identifying and securing We are seeing students begin to
together to pursue a $677,000 Skill UP the education and training to match the pursue educational opportunities they
3 Network grant from the Department of needs of LaPorte County employers. did not think were within their reach
before the Promise Scholarship.

Available to students who graduate
from Michigan City High School and
who plan to attend a post-second-
ary school in Indiana, the Promise
Scholarship is helping students
pursue bachelor’s degrees, associ-
ate degrees, and certifications from
vocational/technical schools. The
scholarship award is up to $5,000 per
year and is renewable for 4 years. In
the last two years, the Promise Schol-
arship has awarded over $262,000 to
48 students at a variety of institutions
in Indiana, including Indiana Universi-
ty, IU South Bend, Purdue University,
Purdue Northwest, Ball State, Valpo
University, Bethel College, Wabash
College, Rose Hulman, Ivy Tech,
South Bend Dental Assistant School,
University of Indianapolis, IUPUI,
Vincennes, and Manchester Univer-
sity. Promise students are studying a
wide variety of disciplines, including
aerospace engineering, chemistry,
journalism, dance, elementary edu-
cation, nursing, international studies,
zoology, construction management,
dentistry, animal science, pharmacy,
German education, Arabic, nutrition,
electronics and computer technology,
dental assistance, and paramedic
science.

Michigan City’s students are excited
that the City supports their endeav-
ors and that they will be an integral
cog in the growth and leadership of
their City. Students today. Leaders
tomorrow!

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 Commerce
NIPSCO Regional Development Company
La Porte Hospital Michigan City RQAW
Sullair LaPorte County Convention Walsh & Kelly
Woodruff & Sons
SILVER LEVEL & Visitors Bureau
NECA/IBEW
$1,000+ Space Center
Tonn & Blank
American Renolit
American Structurepoint Greater Indiana Title Company Newby Lewis Kaminski and Jones
Don & Cindy Berchem Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce News Dispatch/Herald Argus
Centier Bank H W Lochner Oehmstead Company
Cressy Commercial Real Estate Harbour Trust & Investment Pioneer Pier
CRI-Criterion Haas & Associates PNC Bank
Fidelity National Title Hickman, Williams & Co Pyramid Equipment, Inc
First Merchant’s Bank Kabelin Ace Hardware Rieth Riley
First Trust Credit Union Kingsbury Utility Rowley & Company
G.M. Fedorchak & Associates KTR SEH, Inc.
Larson Danielson Sullivan Palatek
COPPER LEVEL McColly Bennett Commercial The Antero Group
Meridian Title Unity Foundation
Abonmarche Michigan City Paper Box Company Winn Machine
@ Properties
Barry McDonnell Compress Air New York Blower
BCA Environmental Craighead, Lange & Hough Packaging Logic
Business Development Corporation Edward Jones/Jon Salisbury Parkinson Hinton
Cadence Environmental Environmental, Inc Pioneer Lumber
Cender & Co. Guardian Couplings RE/MAX Tom Larson
Center of Workforce Innovations LaPorte County Association of Sager Metal Strip
Community Dynamics Schmitt & Kaylor
Realtors sevenOk’s
Kemp’s Office City Shrewsberry & Assoc.
Mayor Ron Meer Strategic Management
McKay Printing Vermilion Development
Monosol

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT FUND Bert Cook, GLEDC
(219) 324-8584
The Economic Development Investment Fund has been established with the Unity
Foundation of LaPorte County to accept tax-deductible donations. If any other Clarence Hulse, EDCMC
companies are interested in joining the Circle of Investors, please contact: (219) 873-1211

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

Silver Birch of Michigan City

OUR COMMUNITY’S INVESTMENT IN ITS
FUTURE IS INSPIRING AND INSPIRED.

Franciscan Health Michigan City

INVESTORS
APPRECIATION

BUSINESS INVESTMENT From left - Clarence Hulse, Mayor RECIPIENTS OF
AWARDS BANQUET Meer, Mayor Krentz, and Bert Cook INVESTMENT AWARDS

The EDCMC hosted the Business INVESTMENT CAMPAIGN 2016
Investment Awards on May 17, 2018, to THANK YOU SOCIAL
celebrate the success of businesses Michigan City Paper Box
in Michigan City. Thirteen businesses In February, we had the opportunity to Invested $1.2 Million
were the recipients of a Business thank the private companies, individuals
Investment Award for their investments and other non-profit organizations Williams National Lease
in Michigan City in 2016 or 2017. who support the joint efforts of the Invested $3.5 Million
Five companies were recognized for EDCMC and GLEDC. The event gave
significant anniversaries they celebrated both Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer Sullair
in 2016 or 2017. The keynote speaker and La Porte Mayor Mark Krentz the Invested $5 Million
for the evening was Becky Frankiewicz spotlight to highlight the job creation,
with ManpowerGroup who spoke of the the private sector investment and overall Impreglon
current workforce and changes that accomplishments for each city. Invested $325,000
employers will need to make in retaining
and recruiting talent. Becky even SERA Solutions
made time prior to the event to meet Invested $400,000
with several female leaders in a more
intimate setting. Vanair
Invested $895,000
“YOU HIRE PEOPLE From left - Mayor Meer, Brian
FOR WHAT THEY CAN Tylisz (Sullair), and Clarence Hulse LEFCO
DO, NOT FOR WHAT Invested $450,000
THEY’VE DONE.” YEARS OF ECONOMIC
EXCELLENCE AWARDS BIG Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
BECKY FRANKIEWICZ Invested $6.5 Million
PRESIDENT MANPOWERGROUP 50 Year Recipients
NORTH AMERICA All Phase Electric – 2017 2017

25 Year Recipients Michigan City Paper Box
Harbor Chevrolet – 2016 Invested $1.2 Million
CLH, LLC – 2017
Rowley & Company – 2017 Cool Runnings
ServPro – 2017 Invested $350,000

Holladay Properties
Invested $5.5 Million

Reprographic Arts
Invested $250,000

Sonic Restaurant
Invested $550,000

Edgewood Dental
Invested $987,000

BUSINESS
& COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES OF SUPPORT FOR BOTH BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

TAX ABATEMENT/UEZ SEMINAR

In March, we were fortunate to have Steven BUSINESS AFTER HOURS OPPORTUNITY ZONES
R. McKinney with the Indiana Department of
Local Government Finance as a guest speaker How do you end a great summer? With a The Opportunity Zone program
for our annual Tax Abatement Seminar. Parking Lot Party! The EDCMC, in conjunction is a new incentive established by
Mr. McKinney is a field representative for with the Michigan City Area Chamber of Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs
the department’s assessment division. Commerce, hosted its annual Business After Act of 2017. It is an incentive program
Participants were taken through the whole Hours in September. In a creative effort to show to spur investment in low-income
process from start to finish. The most popular off another building for sale, Cadence Energy and rural communities which have
segment included common problems and also sponsored the unique party. We had over designated Opportunity Zones. In
problem solving options. The end of the 100 people attend, and it’s getting bigger and October, in an effort to reach out
program concluded with information on bigger each year. It gives local businesses the to current and future investors,
the Urban Enterprise Zone incentive that is opportunity to network and mingle after hours in the EDCMC hosted a seminar that
offered in Michigan City. a more casual atmosphere. Food and beverages covered the goals of Opportunity
were provided by Patrick’s Catering. Zones, the program incentives and
THIRD ANNUAL JOB FAIR creating the fund. Guest speakers
COMMERCIAL REALTOR MEETINGS were Joseph Dean, Manager, Credits
In April, we continued with a successful Job and Incentives Consulting Credits and
Fair at the Blue Chip Casino. The partners In February and September, our local Incentives, Ryan (Global HQ in Dallas,
and sponsors were: EDCMC, Michigan commercial realtors were provided information TX) and Anthony Bridgeman, VP &
City Area Chamber of Commerce, WorkOne on current projects and offered the chance Relationship Manager of Community
Northwest IN, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel, and to promote their properties through the Development at PNC Bank Service
Spa, and the City of Michigan City. Fifty-seven Economic Development Corporation. Indiana in Indianapolis.
employers registered for the event, and over Attendees were able to share current or new
250 job seekers attended the event. A great properties being leased or sold in Michigan Anthony Bridgeman, VP &
new addition was MCAS sending high school City. Assistant City Planner, Skyler York, Relationship Manager of
seniors who did not have immediate plans explained several projects taking place Community Development at PNC
after graduation. including a hotel, apartment complex and the Bank Service
civic plaza. We also invited Superintendent
of MCAS, Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins and
Director of AK Smith Center, Audra Peterson to
speak about how they are committed to create
a pipeline of future employees for Michigan
City. At the end of the event, realtors were
given the chance to tour the AK Smith Center.



“As far as someone starting a business in Michigan
City today, it’s location is at the center of railroads,
fiberoptic trunks, telecommunications. So much runs
through this area that it really just makes great sense
for a company to locate here.”
Rick Dekker
Dekker Vacuum Technologies



“Businesses should start in Michigan City because
it’s a place of opportunity, and you have a supportive
government. You have a supportive business
community. The Economic Development Corporation
can walk you through the steps to get your business
up and operating.”
Don Babcock
NIPSCO



“From Milwaukee to Chicago to Michigan City to
Petoski, we’re all here to some extent because of
the Great Lakes. We loved that aspect of Michigan
City.”
Darrin Jolas
Vermilion Development

A COMMUNITY INVESTED

600$ MIL.
in Public Funds =$

1BIL.+
$400MIL. of Investment

in Private Funds

*From 2012-2018

OPPORTUNITY

LIVES

INANNEXATION

PLANNING FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

One of the biggest accomplishments for the The land will primarily be used to market The annexation was part of a five year old
EDCMC in 2018 was the annexation of 426 acres to prospective companies for growth and EDCMC Strategic Action Plan that identified
of land near US 20 and Interstate 94 to use expansion. It is perfect for manufacturers or areas for future growth. The EDCMC can
for future economic development. In a friendly large warehouses, as it is near highways, rail use this acreage to market to employers
annexation requested by property owners and air transportation. and turn their dreams into realities.
(Oehmstead Co., Green Acres, Pioneer Lumber,
MHP 1, Illinois Indiana Development Co. and Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer said the city
Cemetery Regents of the City of Michigan City, wants to make the property “attractive and
Indiana) the parcels of land will gain access to shovel-ready for potential investors and
services like sewer, water and public safety. developers.”

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426 acres of land near US 20 and Interstate 94

SITELINK
CONFERENCE

BUSINESS NETWORKING LEADS TO STRATEGIC COLLABORATION

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan reasons Dwyer Instruments chose Michigan City SEVEN INTERNATIONALLY
City partnered with Webster Global Site Selectors in the 1960s and why they have stayed here ever RECOGNIZED SITE SELECTORS
to host the SiteLink conference at the Blue Chip since. Fisher also spoke of the region’s strong MADE PRESENTATIONS ON
Casino, Hotel, and Spa. The event was sponsored workforce and partnerships with local universities. THEIR AREAS OF EXPERTISE.
by several Economic Development Organizations THEY ALSO MET WITH
in Northern Indiana, Southwestern Michigan, and Over the weekend, site selectors and regional ATTENDEES AND PROVIDED
private sector companies. Seven internationally developers had the opportunity to explore more ONE-ON-ONE FEEDBACK
recognized site selectors made presentations of Northwest Indiana. The itinerary included AND ADVICE ON BUSINESS
on their areas of expertise. They also met with some of region’s best-known activities, such as RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES.
attendees and provided one-on-one feedback golfing, fishing, touring the Indiana Dues National
and advice on business recruitment strategies. Lakeshore, and spa treatments. Because of the
timing of the conference, several consultants were
Keynote speaker, Mark Fisher, President of Dwyer treated as VIPs at the Great Lakes Grand Prix in
Instruments, spoke about innovation & attracting Michigan City.
and retaining top talent. He also talked about the

PARTNERSHIPBUSINESS & EDUCATION
CREATEOS PPORTUNITY
MICHIGAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERS

WITH SULLAIR: A HITACHI COMPANY GROUP

TO BEGIN COMPRESSED AIR ACADEMY

Sullair, an industry leader in innovative compressed air solutions since Companies involved in the
1965, has announced a partnership with Michigan City Area Schools to Academy include:
increase opportunities for students to learn about industrial equipment
usage, servicing and repair. With the donation of equipment from Sullair: A Hitachi Group Company
Sullair, the Compressed Air Academy will begin this fall at Michigan Vanair Manufacturing, Inc.
City High School. The idea for the Compressed Air Academy began at Sullivan-Palatek, Inc.
the EDCMC with a study completed about the cluster of compressed Dekker Vacuum Technologies
air companies in the area, which employ over 2,000 individuals in the Boss Industries, LLC
area. Purdue University Northwest assisted with compiling data on the
industry and completing the study which showed the need for skilled
workers.

LaPorte County is home to numerous businesses that are directly
or indirectly connected to the compressed air industry and several
have already committed to be a part of this new business-education
partnership. Introducing students at an early age to numerous career
opportunities in the industry will help connect the businesses to their
future workforce. The curriculum was developed by former Michigan
City Area Schools Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Jan Radford.
She assessed the needs of the companies to develop the program.
Students countywide will be able to participate in the Academy and
have an opportunity to learn more about the local employers in the
industry.

The Academy offers one or two year programs where students earn
manufacturing industry certifications, preparing them for entry-level
positions. The students visit different companies and hear from
speakers/trainers in the field. In the Academy, the students work
with industry-grade donated air compressor and vacuum systems.
They have hands-on learning opportunities at local compressor/
vacuum industrial facilities. At the end of the 2 year program,
students are eligible for apprenticeships and/or employment with
industry partners.

“MICHIGAN CITY/LAPORTE COUNTY IS AT THE FOREFRONT
OF THE COMPRESSED AIR AND GAS INDUSTRY – ONE
OF THE FASTEST-GROWING INDUSTRIES IN THE UNITED
STATES. MICHIGAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL’S COMPRESSED
AIR ACADEMY IS AN EXCITING BUSINESS-EDUCATION
PARTNERSHIP THAT WILL HELP US ENSURE WE REMAIN A
NATIONAL LEADER IN THIS SECTOR.”

Clarence Hulse, Executive Director EDCMC

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

edcmc.com