Lebanon, Ind. – The Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) announced that 16 companies chose to expand or locate in Boone County in 2018. These companies anticipate hiring more than 1,300 people and investing more than $279 million in the community over the next few years. These deals are expected to bring a tax impact of more than $18 million.
“We are pleased that the amount of new capital investment we brought to Boone County has increased by nearly 45 percent ($86 million) from last year,” said Boone EDC Executive Director Molly Whitehead. “It’s also worth noting that the average pay for the 1,300 new jobs committed this year is more than $25 per hour.”
In 2018, the Boone EDC welcomed three new Japanese companies to Boone County and completed a second trip to Japan. Six Japanese companies now call Boone County home.
The Boone EDC hosted several events this year. In October, the organization kicked off the Boone County Manufacturing Alliance and re-launched quarterly HR Roundtables. In April, the organization partnered with the Boone County Chamber of Commerce to host the State of the Community event, which presented an opportunity for residents and business leaders to engage with representatives from each community. The Boone EDC also held two job fairs this year.
The Boone EDC continued its efforts this year to support small business owners. The organization celebrated the opening of microloan recipient Fundae’s Ice Cream & Sweets in Whitestown. The microloan program serves as a resource for small businesses in Boone County by providing a convenient start-up option for small business owners seeking funding for specific projects. In addition, through the GROW program, the Boone EDC awarded a year-long membership to the zWORKS co-working space in Zionsville to local entrepreneur Matt Phillips, CEO and co-founder of Parker Gwen.
Collaborating with municipalities, as well as business and non-profit partners, the Boone EDC also completed several placemaking projects throughout Boone County including community chalkboards, pollinator habitats and a hammock park.
The organization’s Executive Director was also named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s (IBJ) prestigious “Forty Under 40” list.
Most recently, the Boone EDC hired Rachel Huser as Economic Development Manager to assist with business attraction and expansion projects for small and large businesses in addition to providing guidance and connections to start-ups and existing businesses.
“Looking ahead at 2019, you can expect the Boone EDC to take the lead on workforce development issues in Boone County in addition to continuing our efforts to seek the right economic development opportunities for our community,” said Whitehead. “We also plan to continue our small business education series as well as grow our microloan program.”
About the Boone County Economic Development Corporation
A strong community is a united community, one that achieves balance between its residents and businesses. At the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, we seek the right economic opportunities to support strong communities and enhance the quality of life for all Boone County residents. We aim to be a catalyst for smart growth strategies. We forge mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations capable of understanding and further enriching the unique assets that the residents of Boone County have built. For more information, visit www.betterinboone.org.