Hamilton County businesses growing, too

Last year was a busy one for Hamilton County economic development leaders, as businesses announced more projects, more jobs and more investments than in 2013. Economic development agency Invest Hamilton County crunched the numbers: 32 projects (up 78 percent) promising 3,555 jobs (up 16 percent) and $230 million in capital investments (up 44 percent) in the county north of Indianapolis. The growth was balanced throughout the county—not just in the population centers of Carmel and Fishers—and represented a range of industries, said Tim Monger, president and CEO of the countywide economic development group. Almost a third of the jobs are expected to be created at tech companies, he said. Among the highlights: — Noblesville attracted the most capital investment with more than $100 million in projects announced, followed by northern Hamilton County at $62 million. (Atlanta-based Beck’s Hybrids gave the rural area a boost, unveiling plans for a $60 million expansion.) — The now-city of Fishers (a mere town at the time) led the county with the most project announcements: 12, thanks to leaders’ effort to redevelop downtown and focus on business attraction and retention. The total planned investment exceeds $50 million. — Carmel is poised to get 44 percent of the 3,555 new jobs announced last year. — Westfield had a breakthrough project, landing Carrington Mortgage as a headquarters tenant for about a quarter of a long-vacant office complex along U.S. 31.