Vigo County Economic Development Corporation

Vigo County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership that aims to promote economic development in Vigo County, Indiana, in collaboration with organizations such as the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. The corporation works closely with local businesses, including Clabber Girl, Sony DADC, and Caterpillar Inc., to create a favorable business environment. By leveraging resources from Indiana State University and the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the corporation supports innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The corporation's efforts are also aligned with the goals of the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission and the Federal Railroad Administration.

● Overview

The Vigo County Economic Development Corporation operates in a region with a rich history, including the Wabash River and the National Road, which have played significant roles in the development of Terre Haute, Indiana. The corporation's activities are influenced by the presence of major transportation infrastructure, such as Interstate 70 and US Route 40, which connect the region to Indianapolis, Indiana, Chicago, Illinois, and other major cities. The corporation works with local institutions, including the Vigo County School Corporation and the Terre Haute International Airport, to support the growth of businesses and industries. By partnering with organizations like the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, the corporation promotes the development of transportation infrastructure in the region.

● History

The Vigo County Economic Development Corporation was established to address the economic challenges faced by Vigo County, Indiana, which has a history dating back to the Indiana Territory and the Wabash Valley. The corporation's formation was influenced by the decline of traditional industries, such as coal mining and manufacturing, which were once dominant in the region. In response to these challenges, the corporation has worked to diversify the local economy, with a focus on industries such as healthcare, technology, and logistics, in collaboration with companies like Union Hospital and FedEx. The corporation's efforts have been supported by initiatives from the Indiana General Assembly and the US Congress, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the Vigo County Economic Development Corporation is to promote economic growth and job creation in Vigo County, Indiana, by supporting the development of new businesses and industries, and by helping existing companies to expand and thrive. The corporation's objectives include improving the quality of life for residents, increasing the tax base, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the region, in partnership with organizations like the National Association of Counties and the International Economic Development Council. To achieve these goals, the corporation works with local, state, and federal agencies, including the US Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration, to access resources and expertise. The corporation also collaborates with educational institutions, such as Purdue University and the University of Illinois, to support workforce development and innovation.

● Economic_Development_Initiatives

The Vigo County Economic Development Corporation has launched several initiatives to support economic development in the region, including the creation of business parks and industrial sites, such as the Vigo County Industrial Park and the Terre Haute Industrial Park. The corporation has also established programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, such as the Small Business Development Center and the Terre Haute Entrepreneurship Center, in partnership with organizations like the National Small Business Association and the Kauffman Foundation. Additionally, the corporation has worked to promote tourism and quality of life initiatives, including the development of the Wabash Riverfront and the Terre Haute Cultural Trail, in collaboration with the Indiana Tourism Association and the National Park Service.

● Organization_and_Leadership

The Vigo County Economic Development Corporation is governed by a board of directors composed of local business and community leaders, including representatives from Indiana State University, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, and the Vigo County Commissioners. The corporation's leadership team includes a president and CEO, who work closely with staff and partners to implement the corporation's mission and objectives, in collaboration with organizations like the National Association of Development Organizations and the International City/County Management Association. The corporation also has a range of committees and task forces, which focus on specific areas such as workforce development, infrastructure, and marketing, and work with groups like the US Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business.

● Impact_and_Achievements

The Vigo County Economic Development Corporation has achieved significant successes in promoting economic development in Vigo County, Indiana, including the creation of new jobs and the attraction of new businesses to the region, such as Bemis Company and Crown Equipment Corporation. The corporation's efforts have also led to the development of new infrastructure, including the Terre Haute International Airport and the Wabash Riverfront, in partnership with organizations like the Federal Highway Administration and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, the corporation has supported the growth of local industries, such as healthcare and technology, and has helped to establish Terre Haute, Indiana as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, in collaboration with groups like the National Science Foundation and the Kauffman Foundation. The corporation's impact has been recognized by organizations like the International Economic Development Council and the National Association of Counties, which have awarded the corporation for its excellence in economic development.