Indianapolis Economic Development Inc., the group responsible for promoting the growth of Marion County businesses and brokering incentives for new job creation, yesterday reported a 33-percent increase in its results for the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period a year ago.
Despite the recession, IEDI said it participated in 16 projects, resulting in 1,161 new jobs, 1,139 retained jobs and $26.5 million in capital investment. That’s one-third better than the new-jobs performance a year ago, and the organization’s second-best start in the last seven years, it said.
To achieve those results, IEDI said it teamed up with the work-force development organization Indianapolis Private Industry Council and prioritized face-to-face visits with leaders of Marion County businesses. In the meetings, IEDI offered assistance to businesses adding employees, acquiring new equipment, relocating within Indianapolis or expanding facilities.
“We’re meeting with 25 to 30 companies every week to see how we can connect them with the resources they need to grow and prosper,” said IEDI CEO Scott Miller. “Our sole focus is on helping businesses create and retain jobs.”
During the quarter, IEDI helped with expansions at sports marketing firm MainGate Inc., valuation consultant StreetLinks National Appraisal Services, luxury hotel toiletries company Gilchrist and Soames, and commercial printer SPG Graphics, among others.
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