ECI Regional Planning District propose $300k solution for defunct manufacturing sites in Muncie, New Castle, and Anderson

Muncie – The ECI Regional Planning District has submitted a joint grant application for $150,000 in financing from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to assist in developing a plan to address the redevelopment and marketing of defunct automotive manufacturing sites located in Anderson, Muncie, and New Castle. If awarded, each city has promised to pledge an additional $50,000 grant match to assist in addition to providing the necessary resources to see the project through to completion. Several of the sites being targeted by this project are the former BorgWarner, Chevrolet, and Delco Battery plants of Muncie, the Guide Lamp and Delco-Remy plants of Anderson, and the Chrysler related plants in New Castle. The final decision from the EDA on the approval of this grant is expected in early September. More details will be forthcoming.

State Reports Strong Start to 2013 Economic Development Efforts

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation announced that it has worked with 148 companies that have made decisions to expand or establish new business operations in Indiana for a total of more than 11,700 projected new jobs. The new positions, which companies anticipate hiring over the next five years, pay an expected average hourly wage of $21.73, above the state’s current hourly wage of $19.82. Under the IEDC, state incentives are activated only when Hoosiers are hired.   Victor Smith, Secretary of Commerce said, “More good news is on the horizon for companies. Following this year’s legislative session, the largest state tax cut in Indiana history was enacted, further distinguishing Indiana as a state that works for business.”

Source:
http://www.laportecountylife.com/business/business-development/32748-state-reports-strong-start-to-2013-economic-development-efforts

Author:
Economic Development Corporation

Muncie Hotel Plan Clears Hurdle

The Arc of Indiana, a statewide advocacy organization for the people with disabilities, has been working for several months with the City of Muncie and the Horizon Convention Center to build a 125 room hotel and hospitality training center in downtown Muncie. The $20 million project is an Arc of Indiana initiative and calls for around 200 Hoosiers with disabilities to be trained at the hotel each year. The Muncie City Council voted unanimously on August 5 to close High Street between Victor and Seymour streets, as well as a north-south alley between the same streets east of High, where construction of the facilities is planned.

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Entrepreneurship: Indiana to Help Small Businesses

Governor Mike Pence, joined by Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, announced the realignment of state efforts to serve entrepreneurs and small business owners with the establishment of the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE).

The office will house the Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) and specialty programs, providing integrated resources and consulting services to Hoosier businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

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