Gigerich: State Needs Work Force Innovation

The managing director of Indianapolis-based business consulting firm Ginovus LLC believes work force development is the “missing link” for Indiana to be one of the country's top five business states. Larry Gigerich says business-education partnerships throughout the state have created more awareness of the issue. He says efforts such as flexible growth incentives and tax reform have kept Indiana a leader in the Midwest, but adds economic leaders will need to “continue to innovate” as neighboring states look to close the gap. Gigerich gave his economic outlook on this weekend's edition of Inside INdiana Business Television. Gigerich believes Indiana benefited from “self-inflicted wounds” from other states for years. However, he says states such as Ohio and Michigan are now putting business-friendly policies in place. Michigan has approved the phase-out of personal property taxes as well as Right-to-Work legislation. Ohio has already phased out personal property and inventory taxes and is now investing in infrastructure improvement projects throughout the state.

Gigerich says Indiana can look to states such as Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, which are “recognized as leaders” in work force development. He says Georgia has the “best model.” The state uses lottery proceeds to fund certifications for the state's top ten fastest-growing jobs.

Sources: Ginovus LLC, Inside INdiana Business