Indiana Economic Development

 I do not usually do news. Thing is I have made repeated comments here about Indiana needing to improve itself and these two posts need to be made known,

Indiana Chamber launches digital workforce-development hub:

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday launched an online hub, dubbed the Talent Resource Navigator, to connect individual Hoosiers and businesses to workforce education and career development resources.

The website went live with nearly 550 entries for a range of programs and organizations — and the Chamber says there’s more to come.

“Indiana needs a stronger and deeper talent pool to support the great business climate that has been created over the past 20 years,” longtime chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar said at a virtual news conference Tuesday.

“The only way Indiana is going to reach its economic potential and compete effectively in this talent-driven economy is to lift up the educational attainment and workforce skills of its citizens,” he added.

Innovation Connector makes plans to triple its size as it seeks funding for expansion:

Ted Baker, executive director and CEO of the business incubator at 1208 W. White River Blvd., told the Muncie Redevelopment Commission last week that he is talking with federal officials about funding a 28,800-square-foot expansion for the tech park.

Baker said he has been making a pitch for a $3 million grant from the Economic Development Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, to pay for part of the expansion project. That money would cover about half the cost.

"We are very early in the process," Baker told The Star Press this week.

He said a commitment from the EDA will be a big boost in getting funding going for the expansion. The current offices are 100% full at this point with no room available for more start ups at this point.

The takeaway? There are two:  Economic development takes education, and there exists those wanting to develop Indiana's economy.

sch 8/25/22