Program Helps Sites ‘Get Ahead of The Game’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo sites with potential for future economic development have been selected for Duke Energy Indiana’s Site Readiness Program. As a result, officials looking to market a 53-acre parcel near the Monroe County Airport in Bloomington and a 49-acre site near the Terre Haute International Airport will receive consultation and $10,000 toward business attraction efforts. Once recommendations are complete, the utility will work with county and economic development leaders on infrastructure strategies.
Senior Economic Development Manager Misty McCammack says "when a company comes in and they’re interested in a site or a community, a lot of questions come with that." Going through the process, she says, gives them answers they can take to potential locators, employers or investors. "When a company does call on them, they are ready to answer questions and do so in quick manner," which McCammack says can set them apart from competitors.
The program is part of Duke Energy Indiana’s overall economic development efforts, which it says have helped generate nearly 20,000 jobs and a total capital investment of some $4.5 billion.
The sites will be evaluated by national firm McCallum Sweeney Consulting and Banning Engineering will work with officials to create conceptual drawings and site plans. Duke says it will also help market the properties nationally.
Duke Energy Indiana Senior Economic Development Manager Misty McCammack says the program gives the properties a leg up.