One Southern IN Breaks Billion-Dollar Barrier
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne Southern Indiana is marking a major milestone less than 10 years since its founding. The economic development organization says companies have committed $1 billion in capital investment in Floyd and Clark counties since July 2006. 1si says those projects include commitments for more than 11,000 new jobs. President Wendy Dant Chesser says the Ohio River Bridges Project and the 6,000-acre River Ridge Commerce Center are essential economic assets for the region.
The organization passed the milestone with the recent announcement from McCrite Milling & Construction Co. Inc., involving a $3.4 million investment. Just prior to that, steel producer POSCO announced plans to invest $19 million in a wire rod processing center at the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville, resulting in 60 high-wage jobs by 2018. In all, nearly 140 projects resulted in the billion-dollar total.
One Southern Indiana says its programs are privately-funded. They include a business retention and expansion program, which helps businesses navigate resources including tax abatement, site selection and recruitment. In addition, the organization offers a business attraction program, focusing on promoting the region to corporations as an ideal spot for a new business.
In a release from One Southern Indiana, Dant Chesser said, "Matt Hall and our economic development staff at 1si have a combined 60 years of experience in attracting, retaining and growing businesses, all of which benefited Southern Indiana. This is a tribute not only to our expertise but also the tremendous growth opportunities available in the region."
The massive Ohio River Bridges Project continues to progress. Last month, additional ramps on the Louisville and Jeffersonville sides of the project opened. River Ridge continues its growth as well. Among its latest tenants is Shoe Sensation Inc., which has a 148,000 square-foot space combining three separate facilities.