JULY 2015

Building Better Business

E-Newsletter

Site #2: 17.2 Acres, $47,900 Per AcreSite #3: 5.8 Acres, $47,900 Per AcreSite #4: 29.7 Acres, $47,900 per AcreSite #5: 6.1 Acres, $47,900 Per AcreSite #6: 124.36 Acres, $28,900 Per Acre

• FiveseparateparcelsalongUS20/US35Corridor• Mixedzoningincludesindustrialandmanufacturing, retail/office,residential,andagricultural.• SouthShoreFreightRailroadservesasthesouthern borderforthe117acretract.• ExcellentproximitytotheI-94,Hwy212interchanges andTollRoad.

FormoreinformationcontactEDCMCat219-873-1211

US 20 & US 35, Michigan City, IN

•10Acres•ZonedLightIndustrial•$30,000peracre•RoadAccessfromMonroeSt./Hwy4

FormoreinformationcontactGLEDCat219-324-8584

3539 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN

Featured  Properties  

 

US  20  &  US  35,  Michigan  City,  IN    46360    Site  #2:  17.2  Acres,  $47,900  Per  Acre  Site  #3:  5.8  Acres,  $47,900  Per  Acre  Site  #4:  29.7  Acres,  $47,900  per  Acre  Site  #5:  6.1  Acres,  $47,900  Per  Acre  Site  #6:  124.36  Acres,  $28,900  Per  Acre    

• Five  separate  parcels  along  US  20/US  35  Corridor  • Mixed  zoning  includes  industrial  and  manufacturing,  retail/office,  residential,  and  agricultural.  • South  Shore  Freight  Railroad  serves  as  the  southern  border  for  the  117  acre  tract.  • Excellent  proximity  to  the  I-­‐94,  Hwy  212  interchanges  and  Toll  Road.  

 For  more  information  contact  EDCMC  at  219-­‐873-­‐1211  

 

 

 

 

3539  Monroe  St.,  La  Porte,  IN  

•  10  Acres    •  Zoned  Light  Industrial  •  $30,000  per  acre  •  Road  Access  from  Monroe  St./Hwy  4  

 

For  more  information  contact  GLEDC  at  219-­‐324-­‐8584  

 

 

 

 

 

 

featured properties

GLEDC Greater La Porte EconomicDevelopment Corporation

GLEDC Greater La Porte EconomicDevelopment Corporation

GLEDC Greater La Porte EconomicDevelopment Corporation

GLEDC Greater La Porte EconomicDevelopment Corporation

GLEDC Greater La Porte EconomicDevelopment Corporation

GLEDC Greater La Porte EconomicDevelopment Corporation

The Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) will once again be hosting “Made in La Porte County”. The popular event will be held on Thursday September 24th from 9:00AM to 3:00PM at the Space Center Facility, formerly the Whirlpool Complex, located at 1900 Whirlpool Drive in La Porte. This special event will allow local firms to showcase their products that are produced, assembled and/or distributed from right here in La Porte County. The County-wide event will showcase all types of products, big and small. The Space Center Facility has 70’ clearance and plenty of space. It will provide an opportunity for local citizens and visitors to view the interesting array of products first hand, all in one location. The event will also provide an opportunity for the local firms to interface with one another on a “business to business” basis. While this is not a career or job fair, another great feature of the event will be an opportunity for middle school, high school and college students throughout the County to get acquainted with the products and associated processes, training, education and potential employment opportunities as they prepare for their futures. This type

SAVE THE DATE

September 24, 2015

NO cost to participate!

It all works here

MIchIgan cIty, indiana

2014 annual report

Economic Development Corporation Michigan City

www.edcmc.com

specIal thanks to these generous cIrcle oF InVestors

these companies are committed to supporting economic development efforts in Michigan city and

city of la porte. the funds will be used to continue an aggressive economic Development program of

action that includes new business attraction, existing business retention, research and marketing.

at a glance

the economic Development Investment Fund has been established with the unity Foundation

of la porte county to accept the tax deductible donations over the next three years.

If any other companies are interested in joining the circle of Investors, please contact:

Bert cook at gleDc—219-324-8584 or clarence hulse at eDcMc—219-873-1211

american Structurepoint, inc.

donald & Cynthia Berchem

BMO Harris Bank, na

Centier Bank

Compress air

dage-MTi

Fas-Pak First Trust Credit Union

Frontier Communications

G.M. Fedorchak & associates

General insurance Services

Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce

indiana Michigan Power

Jaeger-Unitek Sealing Solutions

Kabelin ace Hardware

Kingsbury Utilities

Larson-danielson Construction

Meridian Title

Michigan City Paper Box Company

Monosol

newby Lewis Kaminski & Jones

Regional development Company

Rieth Riley

Rowley Bushue

Sager Metal Strip Company

Sullivan-Palatek

The news-dispatch

The Troyer Group

Unity Foundation

Winn Machine

sIlVer -> $1,000+ per year

Barry F. Mcdonnell

Cadence Environmental

Cender & Company

Community dynamics

Craighead, Lange & Hough

Environmental, inc.

Figment Creative Group

Haas & associates, LLC

J & L dimensional Services, inc.

Jay Pouzar/CBRE

KTRMorse & Harris Marketing, LLC

Ron Meer

Rich & Beverly Mrozinski

Oehmstead Company

Packaging Logic

Parkison Hinton

Schmitt & Kaylor

TCB Manufacturing

Vanair

copper

1st Source Bank

Crowe Horwath, LLP

Key development Partners MC, LLC

nECa/iBEW

Michigan City area

Chamber of Commerce golD -> $2,500+ per year

Chicago South Shore &

South Bend Railroad

La Porte Savings Bank

Space Center

Sullair Tonn & BlankDIaMonD -> $5,000+ per year

alcoa/Howmet

Franciscan St. anthony Health/

Michigan City

Horizon Bank

i U Health LaPorte Hospital

niPSCO

platInuM -> $10,000+ per year

two cadence park plaza

Michigan city, In 46360

phone (219) 873-1211

fax (219) 873-1595

www.edcmc.com

new BusIness attractIon

responDeD to 48 requests FroM sIte selectors Leads originated from:

IeDc 40 nwI ForuM 2 eDcMc relatIonshIps 6

chicago craft Bottling, llc

Chicago Craft Bottling, LLC announced plans to locate its first indiana bottling facility in Michigan

City, creating up to 35 new jobs by 2017. The Chicago, illinois-based company will invest $910,000

to construct and equip a new 10,000 square-foot bottling and packaging plant. The new facility, will

allow the company to provide bottling and co-packing services to craft and innovative beverages,

including its anchor client, Crafthouse Cocktails. Chicago Craft Bottling plans to hire approximately

10 employees at the Michigan City location.

InVestIng $910,000 to purchase & equIp a 10,000 sq. Ft.

BottlIng & packagIng plant

35

new JoBsBy 2017

22 total new & exIstIng coMpanIes assIsteD

By eDcMc (workforce, expansion, incentives, relocation)

Expansion & relocation

assistance to existing

Michigan City businesses10

Estimated new jobs created

with EDCMC assistance 63

New businesses to

Michigan City with

EDCMC assistance12

Business Retention &

Expansion (BR&E) visits 50

New building space

constructed with

EDCMC assistance55,000 sq. ft.

New business Capital

Investment thru

EDCMC Assistance

$2,323,690

New payroll created

with EDCMC assistance$910,648

Existing Payroll retained

thru BR&E Program$3,311,891

GLEDC Greater La Porte Economic

Development Corporation

GLEDC Greater La Porte Economic

Development Corporation

GLEDC Greater La Porte Economic

Development Corporation

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

click here to download the 2014 edcMc annual report

click here todownload the the 2014 gledc annual report

news

save the date - september 24, 2015 (continued)Page 2

La Porte Component Parts Manufacturer Expands ProductionMediaContacts: Dina Gasaway (Winn Machine)—219.324.2978 or dina.gasaway@winnmachine.com

Bert Cook (GLEDC)—219.324.8584 or bertc@gledc.com

La Porte (February 2nd, 2015)—Winn Machine, a job-shop producer of component parts for the utilities and heavy equipment industries, plans to expand its production capacity through the acquisition of new equipment. The company currently has 16 people on staff and plans to add 3 new employees to meet demand.

“Working with Damon and Dina Gasaway I have been truly impressed with their dedication to our city. They are engaged in so many aspects of our community development and their efforts with our educational system is a testament to the type of company Winn Machine is. I am happy to see them growing here and look forward to their continued success,” said Mayor Blair Milo. Winn Machine will be acquiring $600,000 in new CNC lathes and mills to meet their customer needs. The equipment will be housed at their facility located at 720 Boyd Boulevard in La Porte. Winn Machine was founded in 1979 in Michigan City. The company has grown from 2 employees to 16 full time staff and completed a move to the City of La Porte in

2012 to accommodate this growth. Damon Gasaway, President, credits Winn Machine’s focus for the growth, “Winn Machine is a customer centric organization. We are dedicated to on-time delivery, maintaining inventory to accommodate urgent needs and offering line stocking at the customer facility to ease the purchasing department’s work load, we ensure our customers can continue to provide top-notch service to their customers.” Winn Machine also takes a major interest in the betterment of their community. They are active in the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce, the La Porte County Manufacturer’s Association, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and a cooperative training partner with local high schools. Dina Gasaway, Sales Manager, explained the company’s thinking, “Winn Machine believes in giving back to its hometown. Our contributions assist in the growth of our community, but these partnerships also strengthen the local economy which in turn benefits our company.” The La Porte City Council approved a five year personal property tax abatement to assist in the new equipment acquisition.

of exposure can ultimately help build your future workforce. Bob Schaefer of Community Dynamics will once again coordinate the event. Please contact Bob by email at communitydynamics@comcast.net, or you may contact him at the GLEDC office, 219-324-8584 if your company is interested in participating.

This a great community project and we hope that you will be able to participate this year. Thanks for your support and help in making Michigan City, La Porte and La Porte County a great place to live, work, play and conduct business.

Mayor Blair Milo Mayor Ron MeerCity of La Porte City of Michigan CityBert Cook, Executive Director Clarence Hulse, Executive DirectorGreater La Porte Economic Development Corporation Economic Development Corporation Michigan City

Page 3news

La Porte (Jan. 20th, 2015)—B&B Manufacturing, a producer of custom and standard synchronous drive products including timing belt pulleys, roller chain sprockets and related parts announced plans to expand its operations in the City of La Porte retaining 74 employees and creating 40 new jobs in the State of Indiana.

“The City of La Porte is proud that B&B Manufacturing decided to expand its operations in our community. We look forward to growing the strong partnership that exists between the company and this community in the years to come,” said Mayor Blair Milo. The company has been in operation for over ten years and continues to experience strong growth in the market.

B&B Manufacturing will invest $6.85 million to construct and equip an 80,000 sq. ft. facility on its 52 acre site located in East Gate Industrial Park. The site was chosen from a myriad of other sites both in-State and across the Midwest. “B&B Manufacturing was very pleased that many states and local governments desired to make us a part of their communities. That being said, there was a strong desire to remain in La Porte, and the State of Indiana, and the work of Mayor Milo, the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) made this possible, said Bob Hamilton President of B&B Manufacturing.

One of the major factors that influenced the site selection was the presence of the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in La Porte. The company has utilized the programs at their current location and searched for a site that could accommodate. While their new site is not currently located in the Zone the Urban Enterprise Association has petitioned the IEDC to grant a geographic expansion to encompass this parcel. Mike Riehle, President of the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association said, “B&B Manufacturing has been a major supporter of the La Porte UEZ and the Board felt strongly about continuing to support their growth here in La Porte. It is our hope that the IEDC will grant our expansion and we will continue to be able to land projects such as this.”

“With our low tax rates, pro-growth policies and outstanding location, Indiana continues to focus on building a healthy and sustainable business environment so companies can succeed,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “The Hoosier State is proud that B&B Manufacturing has chosen Indiana as a fixture in its long-term business plans, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow in the years to come.” The La Porte City Council approved both real and personal property tax abatement as an alternative to the UEZ incentives on the project. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered the company up to $200,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.

Indiana Power Transmission Parts Manufacturer Expands in La Porte MediaContacts: Rick Talbert (B&B Manufacturing)—219.324.0247 or rick.talbert@bbman.com Bert Cook (GLEDC)—219.324.8584 or bertc@gledc.com

.

news Page 4

MICHIGAN CITY — The City of Michigan City has been awarded a Great Lakes Shoreline Cities Green Infrastructure Grant for $224,823 for the Wabash Street green infrastructure project, according to a news release.

This is the second grant award for the project. The Lake Michigan Coastal Program previously awarded the city $92,000.

The Environmental Protection Agency grant is awarded to shoreline cities on the Great Lakes to fund green infrastructure projects that will improve Great Lakes water quality.

The Wabash Street green infrastructure project consists of a set of improvements including the installation of stormwater

best management practices in the form of rain gardens and bioswales. It also includes pedestrian improvements such as sidewalks and crosswalks; aesthetic enhancements including decorative LED street lighting and landscaping; and streetscaping and safety modifications to intersections.

The project limits extend from U.S. Highway 12 to 11th Street. Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2016.

The city and its Redevelopment Commission worked with Haas and Associates Engineers, The Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Delta Institute to obtain the grant. The project is a direct recommendation of the recently adopted Lake Michigan Gateway Implementation Strategy.

Valparaiso, IN – April 1, 2015 – The Regional Development Company (RDC) has recently signed a contract with the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City to serve as the administrator of the Michigan City Revolving Loan Fund.

Created by the Michigan City Common Council in 2010, the fund has not been utilized as it has not had a professional firm to administer the program. Under the new agreement, potential borrowers can contact the RDC directly for a loan request, which the RDC will underwrite and present to the fund’s appointed Loan Committee. Upon approval, the RDC will manage the closing process. The funds will remain

held by the city of Michigan City, and will not be incorporated into the RDC’s existing loan portfolio.

Mayor Ron Meer stated, “Entrepreneurship has always been one of my top priorities for Michigan City and this partnership will give our residents an opportunity to be a part of the economic growth currently happening.

It is truly an exciting time to be in Michigan City.”

“We are looking forward to new and exciting projects in Michigan City. This is a great partnership between the EDCMC, City of Michigan City and the RDC,” said Clarence Hulse, Executive Director of the Economic Development

Wabash Street green infrastructure project awarded EPA grant OriginallyPublishedApril16,2015byTheNews-Dispatch

Regional Development Company (RDC) Signs Contract to Administer Michigan City Revolving Loan Fund

This artist’s rendering shows some of the proposed improvements in the Wabash Street green infrastructure project.

newsPage 5

Corporation of Michigan City (EDCMC). “Thanks to the Michigan City Common Council for their vision on this program, especially council persons Don Przybylinski and Pat Boy.

Erica Dombey, Executive Director of the RDC, said, “The Board of Directors at the RDC is very excited about being selected to be the administrator for Michigan City’s revolving loan fund. We feel that we are providing an additional service to small businesses in NWI and that administering this program furthers the economic development mission of the RDC.”

The Michigan City Revolving Loan Fund will provide loan opportunities of $10,000 to $260,000 to businesses located within Michigan City or within one half mile of the city

limits if that business is served by the Michigan City Water or Sanitary District. Loan proceeds can be used to purchase real estate, equipment, operating capital, inventory and renovations to existing facilities.

Interested parties may contact Niccole Zell, Vice President of Lending with the Regional Development Company at 219-476-0504 or niccole@rdc504.org. Questions may also be directed to Clarence Hulse, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City at 219-873-1211 or chulse@edcmc.com

See more at: http://www.edcmc.com/regional-development-company-rdc-signs-contract-to-administer-michigan-city-revolving-loan-fund/#sthash.gtPgs0Q6.dpuf

PostedJune,92015bywww.laportecountyonline.comWrittenbyKyleHovanec

The City of La Porte broke ground and marked the beginning of Younger Life Plaza 618 a new, centrally located outdoor facility designed to allow individuals and groups participate in outdoor shows, dining social interaction.

“The creation of this location was made with through a formed task force composed of City of La Porte employees, Downtown La Porte Main Street Association members, Business Improvement District representatives, Redevelopment Comission members and community stake holders,” said Executive Director of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation Bert Cook. “It was a clear vision of what we wanted from the beginning, a centralized outdoor location for everyone in La Porte to enjoy.”

Younger Life Plaza 618 is located at 618 Lincolnway, a location previously owned by the older Woolworths and Michael’s Furniture Store. Due to age and outside conditions, the building fell into a state of decrepitude which made it unsafe to be sold and too costly to fix.

“It came to a point that I couldn’t even bring people inside the building due to safety issues,” said Cook. “Fixing it up was also out of the question as the cost to completely renovate the building and make it safe again far outweighed the acceptable cost.”

Through planning and brainstorming with the city’s task force, plans were eventually developed to tear down the building and turn the area into something that the entire town could benefit from. After the building was identified by the task force and the project initiated by the Redevelopment Comission, The La Porte Urban Enterprise Association donated a sizable contribution to assist with demolition and initial construction of the plaza.

“The building was in such a prime location in our downtown and also being near Lincolnway and Monroe Street. It was also nearby our main street which features famous restaurants like Mucho Mas,” says Cook. Before there were times that these places simply couldn’t accommodate the amount of people that wanted to have access to these locations. Now that the plaza is being established, people can have a nice area to sit down and have downtown restaurants take out food to them.”

City of La Porte Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Younger Life Plaza 618

news Page 6

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (June 3, 2015) – Commercial Vehicle Group’s (CVG), wholly owned subsidiary, CVG Sprague Devices, LLC, a design and manufacturer of the wiper brand, Sprague Devices, is adding a new production line in its Michigan City, Indiana location. The $1.83 million investment will be made over the next five years in CVG’s facility located at 527 W US Highway 20, Michigan City, Indiana and will increase content value for CVG. In addition, it is expected to provide additional job opportunities in the area once the project is completed.

CVG acquired Sprague Devices through the purchase of Commercial Vehicle Systems, Inc. in 2000, along with two other well-known vehicle supplier brands, to provide original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers a single source solution to their global commercial needs. Since that time, CVG has achieved major success in establishing Sprague Devices as a global leading wiper supplier. It has also become one of CVG’s prominent brands.

The tax abatement was approved unanimously by the Michigan City Council at a meeting on June 2, 2015.

“Michigan City, Indiana continues to attract and retain global companies. We are proud to be a partner with great companies that continue to call Michigan City home” said Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer.

CVG’s President & CEO, Richard Lavin said, “as a long-time manufacturer in Michigan City, this tax abatement is greatly appreciated and will contribute toward CVG growing our business according to our long term strategic plan, CVG 2020”.

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. is a Delaware (USA) corporation. CVG was formed as a privately-held company in August 2000 and became a public company, listed on the NASDAQ (CVGI), in 2004. The Company (and its subsidiaries) is a leading supplier of a full range of cab related products and systems for the global commercial vehicle market, including the medium- and heavy-duty truck market, the medium- and heavy-construction vehicle market, and the military, bus, agriculture, specialty transportation, mining, industrial equipment and off-road recreational markets. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC) Chairman, Joie Winski, who is also the LaPorte County Auditor said, “Michigan City, Indiana is a progressive community and the EDCMC will continue its mission in attracting and retaining key industries to our community.”

EDCMC addresses the needs of local businesses with the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E). Through the program, EDCMC works to understand the local business climate, determine future expansion plans with local action, acquaint business executives with programs available through its partners and provide effective solutions to specific concerns and problems.

Local companies looking to expand their business may call the EDCMC at (219) 873-1211 for more information.

CVG’s Sprague Devices, LLC receives tax abatement to expand production line at Michigan City facility Ohio manufacturer expands production line in MC

“I’m very excited to see what this plaza can bring to downtown businesses,” said Adam Wilson of Wilson’s Barbershop. “There’s more people in downtown that will take advantage of this area. There currently are not a lot of people who use this downtown area but this has the ability to change that.”Along with a centralized location, Younger Life Plaza 618 features areas to sit, tables, fountains, benches, umbrellas, a live performance area and even an electric vehicle charging station.

See more at: http://www.laportecountylife.com/business/business-development/53975-city-of-la-porte-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-younger-life-plaza-618#

to Make a donation, please visit the gofundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/Plaza618

Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation

809 Washington Street, Suite ALa Porte, IN 46350

(219) 324-8584www.gledc.com

Economic Development Corporation - Michigan City

Two Cadence Park plaza, Michigan City, IN 46360

(219) 873-1211www.edcmc.com

Page 7CirCLe of investors

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY INVESTMENT CAMPAIGN

Special thanks to these generous CIRCLE OF INVESTORS who are committed to supporting economic development efforts in Michigan City and City of La Porte. The funds will be used to continue an aggressive Economic Development Program of Action that includes new business attraction, existing business retention, research and marketing.

The Economic Development Investment Fund has been established with the Unity Foundation of La Porte County to accept the tax deductible donations over the next three years. If any other

companies are interested in joining the Circle of Investors, please contact:Bert Cook at GLEDC—219-324-8584 or Clarence Hulse at EDCMC—219-873-1211

American Structurepoint, Inc. Donald & Cynthia Berchem BMO Harris Bank, NA Centier Bank Compress Air Dage-MTI Fas-Pak First Trust Credit Union Frontier CommunicationsG.M. Fedorchak & Associates

General Insurance ServicesGreater La Porte Chamber of CommerceIndiana Michigan PowerJaeger-Unitek Sealing SolutionsKabelin Ace HardwareKingsbury UtilitiesLarson-Danielson Construction Meridian Title Michigan City Paper Box CompanyMonosol

Newby Lewis Kaminski & Jones Regional Development Company Rieth RileyRowley BushueSager Metal Strip Company Sullivan-Palatek The News-Dispatch The Troyer GroupUnity FoundationWinn Machine

SILVEr -> $1,000+ PEr YEAr

Barry F. McDonnellCadence Environmental Cender & Company Community Dynamics Craighead, Lange & HoughEnvironmental, Inc.Figment Creative Group

Haas & Associates, LLCJ & L Dimensional Services, Inc.Jay Pouzar/CBREKTRMorse & Harris Marketing, LLC Ron MeerRich & Beverly Mrozinski

Oehmstead Company Packaging Logic Parkison HintonSchmitt & Kaylor TCB ManufacturingVanair

CoPPEr

1st Source Bank Crowe Horwath, LLP

Key Development Partners MC, LLC NECA/IBEW

Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce

GoLD -> $2,500+ PEr YEAr

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

La Porte Savings Bank Space Center

Sullair Tonn & Blank

DIAMonD -> $5,000+ PEr YEAr

Alcoa/HowmetFranciscan St. Anthony Health/ Michigan City

Horizon Bank I U Health LaPorte Hospital

NIPSCOPLATInUM -> $10,000+ PEr YEAr

2014-2016