Duke Energy is awarding nearly $120,000 in strategic grants to 26 economic development groups to spur new jobs and investment across Indiana including a $5,000 grant to the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council and a $5,000 grant to the Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation.
“Duke Energy is working hand in hand with our local and regional economic development partners to accelerate growth and job creation in the communities we serve,” said Erin Schneider, director of economic development for Duke Energy Indiana. “We’re proud to support these organizations, each of which plays a critical role in marketing Indiana’s communities to attract businesses and enhance the quality of life for our customers.”
The funding is through Duke Energy’s Partnership Program, which supports organizations that increase awareness of a community or region’s economic development strategies and product availability. This may include tours and special events to promote business sites and communities; marketing campaigns and promotional materials; and website development and updates.
“Shelby County’s highly skilled workforce, affordable utilities and central location make it a really attractive area for large manufacturing operations,” said Brian Asher, executive director of the Shelby County Development Corporation. “Duke Energy’s support will help fund an advertisement in The Japan Times that coincides with our travel to the country this fall to attract additional jobs and investment to our community as we visit the headquarters of several Japanese companies with facilities in Shelbyville.”
Since the program was established in 2017, Duke Energy has contributed nearly $600,000 in grant funding to organizations that are helping create vibrant economies in Indiana.
To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. These awards help local and regional economic development organizations fund marketing and strategic efforts in the communities they serve. Amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.
This year, grants were awarded to the following organizations:
- Accelerate West Central Indiana Economic Development – $5,000
- Carroll County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
- Cass County Economic Development – $4,200
- City of Batesville – $5,000
- City of Madison Economic Development – $5,000
- East Central Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000
- Gibson County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
- Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance – $5,000
- Greater Lafayette Economic Alliance – $5,000
- Greater Lafayette Commerce– $5,000
- Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center – $5,000
- Grow Wabash County – $5,000
- Hancock Economic Development Council – $2,500
- Indy Partnership – $5,000
- Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation – $5,000
- Knox County Indiana Economic Development – $5,000
- Lawrence County Economic Growth Council – $5,000
- Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000
- One Dearborn – $5,000
- Owen County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation – $1,745
- Pike County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
- Shelby County Development Corporation – $5,000
- Southwest Indiana Development Council – $5,000
- Terre Haute Regional Airport – $5,000
- Vermillion County Economic Development Council – $1,200
- Vermillion Rise Mega Park – $5,000
