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Indiana’s economy is built on communities that work, businesses that grow and infrastructure that supports both. As Vigo County commissioners, we know firsthand that economic success starts with a strong, skilled workforce—and no institution has done more to prepare Hoosiers for in-demand careers than Ivy Tech Community College.
This is why we strongly support Ivy Tech’s $67 million state budget request to modernize and expand its Terre Haute campus. This investment is not just about education—it is about strengthening the entire west central Indiana economy and ensuring long-term business success across the state.
This 78,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will allow Ivy Tech to expand training in high-demand fields such as health care, IT, early childhood education and criminal justice—ensuring that Indiana businesses have a steady pipeline of job-ready graduates. More than 20 academic programs will see expanded enrollment, filling critical workforce gaps that, if left unaddressed, could hinder economic growth and investment in our region.
Local businesses depend on Ivy Tech to produce skilled workers, and this investment will ensure that employers—from hospitals and police departments to manufacturers and logistics companies—have access to the talent they need to stay competitive.
Regional, statewide priority
While the project is focused on Ivy Tech Terre Haute, its benefits extend far beyond Vigo County. West central Indiana plays a key role in Indiana’s logistics, health care and advanced manufacturing sectors. This investment ensures that businesses across the state have access to job-ready talent in two ways:
◗ Indiana’s ability to attract new industries depends on workforce readiness. Companies evaluating where to expand look at whether a community has a pipeline of skilled workers. This investment ensures our region remains a prime destination for new business development.
◗ Modernizing Ivy Tech ensures that Indiana competes with other states. Workforce training and education investments are a competitive advantage—if we fail to act, Indiana risks falling behind states making larger commitments to their workforce.
Defining moment
We appreciate the leadership of west central Indiana legislators, who have pledged their support for this funding. Now, we urge policymakers across Indiana to recognize the statewide impact of this investment.
The choice is clear:
◗ Invest in Ivy Tech, and we strengthen local economies, fill workforce gaps and ensure businesses have the skilled employees they need.
◗ Fail to invest, and we risk stagnating job growth, falling behind in business attraction and weakening our state’s economic future.
This is a defining moment. We urge our fellow policymakers, business leaders and Hoosiers to support this funding request and invest in Indiana’s workforce, businesses and future.•
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Clinkenbeard, Switzer and Morris are Vigo County commissioners.
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