Amazon Bid Draws Eyes to Northwest Indiana

The State Line Generating Plant site was included in the pitch for Amazon's second headquarters. (photo courtesy The Times of Northwest Indiana).

The mayor of Hammond says, while northwest Indiana was not included in the list of 20 finalists to land Amazon.com Inc.’s (Nasdaq: AMZN) second headquarters, the region’s pitch has drawn other interest. Tom McDermott tells our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana another company is pursuing a $200 million development in the Lake County city.

While he declined to name the company considering the investment, McDermott says it involves a tech project at the old State Line Generating Plant on Lake Michigan. The site was included in northwest Indiana’s pitch for the Amazon project.

Heather Ennis, chief executive officer of Northwest Indiana Forum, tells the publication the failed bid for Amazon put the region on the map for future projects.

"We’re more prepared for every opportunity," Ennis said. "It sharpens our game, helps us put our best foot forward. There we no surprises on the list. It was what people anticipated. We have to believe we’re worthy of these opportunities. This elevated us in the eyes of the state. We showed we were serious contenders and have a lot of assets. The more we get our name out there the better it is for everyone. It’s important to dream, to think we’re good enough for other opportunities and to compete."

McDermott added he was considering a bid for Apple Inc.’s (Nasdaq: AAPL) planned new campus, which is part of the company’s multi-billion dollar pledge to create 20,000 jobs over the next five years.

"I want to challenge my team and have them submit bids, even if it doesn’t turn out the way you wanted," McDermott said. "We had a great bid for Amazon and swung for the fences… We have to fight for jobs and investment."

You can read more in The Times of Northwest Indiana.