Use of nondisclosure agreements criticized amid data center surge
The NDAs public officials are signing early in the development process are a growing source of friction between tech giants and Indiana residents.
Economic Development Agencies
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Some Indiana Democrats call for further investigation into IEDC, affiliated entities
Rep. Ed Delaney, D-Indianapolis, called the 127-page forensic report “a good start.” But he said it left out important information.
Braun planning to dismantle IEDC board, appoint new members
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun confirmed Thursday that he plans to reconstruct the board of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. with new members beginning Monday.
50+ state employees—including IEDC workers—laid off as Indiana cuts take effect
The Governor’s Office confirmed that agencies under both the education and commerce verticals announced staff reductions on Tuesday. The Indiana State Museum also let go of several employees last week.
Indiana Economic Development Foundation releases annual audits at Gov. Braun’s demand
The state-affiliated nonprofit averaged more than $2 million in spending annually on travel and more.
Policy agenda, secretary pick refine Braun’s vision for economic development
The governor-elect’s plans include creating a consolidated workforce development strategy and adding a new entrepreneurship office.
IEDC announces $27.1B in pledged investments so far in 2024
This year-to-date total investment figure nearly eclipses last year’s total, which was a record of $28.7 billion.
Legislation that would reel in IEDC likely to return in 2025
State Sen. Spencer Deery said he plans to reintroduce similar legislation in 2025. From his viewpoint, the agency has become too focused on big deals that can give it a bad reputation.
Indiana to promote state’s EV industry in trade trip to South Korea
Part of the trip will involve showcasing the state’s growing electric vehicle industry at InterBattery 2024, South Korea’s leading battery exhibition, which is expected to draw about 75,000 attendees and 500 businesses.
Little-known not-for-profit boosts Indiana’s economic development agency
Outside organizations donated nearly $3 million to a state economic development agency’s not-for-profit arm over the last three years—but who the donors are, and how the agency spends their contributions are largely unknown.
Incoming commerce secretary eyes ‘quality over quantity’ in economic development
Brad Chambers said he believes a “reevaluation of what the marketplace is doing” by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. will be a good thing—and a natural move for any agency or company when it changes leadership.
Food-packaging manufacturer plans $380M plant, 345-plus jobs in Indiana
The company, which stands to receive more than $6 million in state and local incentives, said it could expand its investment in central Indiana to $490 million and its hiring plans to 425 by 2025.
Conexus Indiana’s top executive to depart in June
Mark Howell, 56, who joined Conexus in 2018, plans to focus on volunteer and philanthropic activities after leaving the Indianapolis-based not-for-profit, the organization said Wednesday.
Governor names interim Indiana secretary of commerce
Jim Staton, senior vice president and chief business development officer for the IEDC, will fill in until a full-time replacement is found for Jim Schellinger, who stepped down suddenly last week after 5-1/2 years in the role.
Community development exec Tedd Grain moves to new job with Eskenazi
At Eskenazi Health, Tedd Grain, who had been at LISC since 2009, will be tackling food access issues, economic mobility and other social factors that affect local residents’ health status.
IEDC reports 4th straight record year for job commitments
The state’s lead economic development agency announced Thursday that it secured 282 business relocation or expansion deals in 2020 that are expected to result as many as 31,300 new jobs.
Fort Harrison’s last historic building up for grabs
The building, which formerly served as the post exchange for soldiers stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, was offered for sale by the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority this week. Also this week: Tru by Hilton, Culver’s and more.
Indy Chamber announces leadership change at Develop Indy
Indy Chamber executive Ian Nicolini has moved into the organization’s long-vacant role of chief operating officer, and Portia Bailey-Bernard has taken over Nicolini’s former position as the chamber’s economic development leader.
GFS plans $160M local distribution facility, hundreds of jobs
Gordon Food Service plans to hire and train more than 200 workers for the distribution center at hourly wages of $20 to $25 an hour before the facility opens in late 2021. Longer term, employment at the facility is expected to be much greater.
Call-center operator to open Midwest hub, hire 350 in Fishers
Sitel Group, one of the world’s largest call-center management companies, said it plans to spend $4 million to open a Midwest customer service hub in Fishers.