2018 ANNUAL REPOR T 1
Momentum!
CONTENTS
A Word From President Ellen Horan & Board Chairmain, Rick Schulz
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Mission & Focus
OUR MISSION
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Momentum
To drive and support economic development activities that provide positive economic impact and sustainable growth through attraction and expansion of investment and new jobs, retention of existing jobs, and incubation of new innovation-based businesses in the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
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Business Attraction Retention, & Expansion
OUR FOCUS
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Company Expansions
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Entrepreneurship & Innovation
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Quality of Place & Talent
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Business Retention & Expansion
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Leadership & Staff
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Business Attraction
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Sponsors
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Entrepreneurship & Innovation
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Quality of Place & Talent
Economic Development requires a series of strategies to successfully grow an economy and a community. 2018 was a year with a clear focus on supporting our existing businesses, encouraging Innovation and investing in Placemaking. Staff assisted six expansion and development projects with $120 million in capital investment and nearly 400 new high-wage Rick Schulz jobs. Projects were a mix of manufacturing, logistics and mixedBoard Chairman use development. All good signs of a diverse economy. (2017–2018)
Ellen Horan President
Our coworking space expansion at Innovation Pointe has been an overwhelming success with the number of coworking members doubling between the October opening and the end of the year. Activity at Innovation Pointe was robust with collaborative efforts on the part of the Growth Alliance, Evansville Tech-on-Tap, USI, the ISBDC and the Coalition of SW IN. Pitch competitions, workshops, tech demos and tech meetups brought much energy and inspiration. Complementing regional Placemaking initiatives, such as Indiana Regional Cities and E is for Everyone, the Growth Alliance made TED the Trolley a reality to better connect our cultural districts. We also initiated the community’s first “self-e” Alley, bringing mural art, light and fun to our downtown – the first of more to come! Enjoy reading of our progress through 2018 assisting expansion and development, promoting and facilitating innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhancing our Quality of Place to make Evansville and Vanderburgh County a community of choice for talent and business growth.
We encourage the community – YOU – to join us, participate and watch Greater Evansville Grow.
“Smart governments understand that to compete for today’s top talent, “place” is a quality that must be honed, and we are doing just that with our projects. From the Rathbone mixed-use development with its smart apartments in the Haynie’s Corner Arts District, to the co-work space at Innovation Pointe, we are making our corner of the world an even better place to attract and retain quality talent.” 2
— Mayor Lloyd Winnecke
“2018 was an influential year in many ways! The collaborative relationship between the Growth Alliance and the Vanderburgh County Commissioners brought economic opportunity, job creation and transformational quality of place initiatives. The future is bright in Vanderburgh County and our entire region!” — Ben Shoulders Vanderburgh County Commissioner 3
BUSINESS ATTRACTION, RETENTION, & EXPANSION There are many ways the Growth Alliance can assist new and expanding companies in Evansville and Vanderburgh County, but one of the most valuable ways is continuing to be a resource. The Growth Alliance is knowledgeable and maintains relationships with many resources providers.
Encom Polymers Inc.
From connecting to workforce programs and grants, to developing relationships with universities — to identifying sites, buildings and local incentives — the Growth Alliance is there for your business.
$120 MILLION Capital Investment
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High-wage jobs
Woodward Breaks Ground on Second Shell Building in Vanderburgh County
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RB Mead Johnson 62
Vanderburgh County Commissioners gathered for a groundbreaking announcing the construction of a new 100,00 square-foot shell building situated on 12.15 acres in the Vanderburgh Industrial Park.
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Goodman HVAC
EVANSVILLE The Rathbone
2018 BUSINESS ATTRACTION VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IN
Business Expansions
INVESTMENT
Berry Global Group
Business Expansion
36 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS – 26 Manufacturing – 8 International Projects – 8 Food Related Companies
Washington Plaza, LLC
Rehab/New Development
$4,800,000.00
The Rathbone, LLC
Rehab/New Development
$3,000,000.00
Encom Polymers Inc.
Business Expansion
$14,900,000.00
RB (Mead Johnson)
Business Expansion
$25,000,000.00
Goodman HVAC
Business Expansion
$2,300,000.00
$70,000,000.00
$120,000,000.00 4
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COMPANY EXPANSIONS
Berry Global Group Expands Manufacturing in Downtown Evansville March 13, 2018 — Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY)
announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations in downtown Evansville, Indiana, by investing $70 million dollars in new equipment and creating up to 150 new jobs by 2020.
“The City of Evansville is honored to be the home of Berry Global, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the worldwide leader in plastics manufacturing and marketing,” said Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.
The Rathbone - Evansville’s First Smart Apartments August 6, 2018 — Plans for The Rathbone, Evansville’s first Smart
Apartments moves forward. Originally built in 1905 as a retirement home “for ladies of means” the facility will be renovated into 58 modernized multifamily apartment units with banquet space and a rooftop lounge. No-keys, please! The Rathbone will be wi-fi enabled, with smart locks and dedicated fiber. Investment: $3M
“We have received tremendous support from local business owners and community groups,” said Shannon Huffer of Rathbone, LP. “We look forward to working with local contractors and collaborating with Haynie’s Corner business leaders to complete this project.”
Mixed-Use Commercial Development Project May 14, 2018 — Washington Plaza Evansville, LLC will renovate
the former Schnucks on South Green River Road converting the vacant facility into Medical and Professional Offices with the possibility of retail or restaurant space. Investment: $4.8M
“Our vision is to turn a blighted eyesore at the intersection of two of Evansville’s main thoroughfares into an aesthetically pleasing, bustling center of commerce,” said developer, Tyler Hinds, “If the initial leasing goes well, there is another 7 acres of land available for future build out.”
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COMPANY EXPANSIONS
EnCom Polymers Consolidating Operations to Evansville HQ July 17, 2018 — EnCom Polymers, Inc., a rapidly growing custom
compounder of high performance polymers serving multiple industries, plans to expand its headquarters in Evansville by integrating volume from out-of-state production locations to Evansville, creating 56 new jobs by 2021. Investment: $14.9M
“We are grateful for the forward-looking leadership style our community leaders have exhibited which will allow us to take our company to the next level of performance and service,” stated Rick Kaskel, CEO and board chairman of EnCom
RB Adds Further Investment in Mead Johnson Facility Oct. 22, 2018 — Driven by a purpose of creating healthier lives and
happier homes while making a difference in the communities where it operates, RB announced today that it plans to invest $25 million to update and further increase capabilities and capacity at the Mead Johnson Nutrition facility in Evansville, creating 95 new jobs in southwest Indiana over the next five years. Investment: $25M
“The Evansville facility is a significant manufacturing site for RB, and we are honored to continue the legacy of Mead Johnson as a partner in this community.”
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“We have received tremendous support from local business owners and community groups. We look forward to working with local contractors and collaborating with Haynie’s Corner business leaders to complete this project.” — SHANNON HUFFER OF RATHBONE
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION 10
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION Advancing Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Evansville The connectivity provided at Innovation Pointe is designed to further a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Evansville region. Managed by the Growth Alliance, Innovation Pointe offers startup office space, coworking space, and resources for entrepreneurs to thrive.
IoT Lab IoT Lab planning and reactivation of Maker space @ Innovation Pointe: Strategic planning sessions took place for
a new Internet of Things (IoT) Lab and reactivated maker space in the lower level of Innovation Pointe. Construction kicked off in the lab shortly after the expansion and launch of Cowork Evansville in October. The space is expected to be complete by Spring of 2019.
New Occupants INGen Technologies is a provider of creative software and hi-tech engineering solutions. HELIPONIXŠ is an American agricultural engineering firm on a mission to end world hunger through IoT software, advanced mechanical, and electrical system designs.
IOT LAB CONSTRUCTION
Elements Design Studio (retail space on 1st floor) is a full-service interior design studio, providing assistance in all phases of design —from conceptualization through installation. Nexus Growth Coaching assists startups and small businesses with marketing strategy and implementation of digital tactics.
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Coworking Space Expansion @ Innovation Pointe Construction Dust was Flying From 1,300 square-feet on the 2nd floor of Innovation Pointe to nearly 5,000 square-feet on the first floor, Cowork Evansville opened its expanded doors on October 1, 2018. The open desk workspace can now accommodate approximately 200 members; a significant increase from the previous 40-member cap. From its opening in October to the end of the year, membership doubled — adding 30 new members. Managed by the Growth Alliance, Cowork Evansville offers 24-hour secure access, high speed Internet connection, Wi-Fi, conference rooms, mail delivery, essential operating services, and convenient access to an extensive network of business resource groups throughout Innovation Pointe. We’re confident the newly expanded space will continue to help us retain a creative class, spur local economic and community development and contribute to a successful livework-play downtown.
Joining the cowork space is the single best business decision I have ever made. – COWORK SATISFACTION SURVEY RESPONSE 6/12/2018 COWORKEVANSVILLE.COM
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QUALITY OF PLACE & TALENT 16
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QUALITY OF PLACE & TALENT
All Aboard! TED hits the streets! May 2018 — Funded through a community crowdsourcing grant, headed by the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville and Franklin Street Events Association, nearly $60,000 was raised by the community in late 2017 to purchase a trolley, affectionately referred to as TED (Trolley of Evansville Districts). TED arrived in February and hit the streets in May, providing much-needed connectivity to support the vibrant and growing cultural districts of Evansville. X TED: Trolley of Evansville Districts
TED TROLLEY
TED TROLLEY
SELFIE WITH THE NEW SELF.E WALL
It’s True We created an alley for selfies. October 2018 — Self.e Alley at Innovation Pointe is about celebrating the Evansville community, creating conversations, increasing our city’s walk-ability, and connecting with the e is for everyone regional brand. The first interactive mural in this alley is a modern take on an old Evansville postcard and cityscape.
BEFORE
& AFTER
Concept: Abby Elpers, Growth Alliance Artist: Michael Smith Orange Moon Art Studio.
Tag your Self.eAlley Photo with #eisforeveryone
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QUALITY OF PLACE & TALENT
THE RESULTS
Focus Groups With Young Professionals We sat down with 10 groups of young professionals to chat about our corner of the world and how to make it an even better place. The finding will be used to guide a talent attraction campaign in 2019, targeting individuals who grew up in the area, moved away, and may consider returning. Special thanks to the following companies/groups for coordinating sessions; Berry Global, Old National Bank, SS&C Technologies, Deaconess Hospital, German American Local Attorneys, and Cowork Evansville.
AGE OF PARTICIPANTS 30 25 20 15 10
WE ASKED: WHAT NEW AMENITIES OR SERVICES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN EVANSVILLE?
5 0 20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40+
NOT PROVIDED
COMMON ANSWER: For a city our size we have great amenities already; we don’t need new things. We need to invest in what we already have and make them better.
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO BETTER CONNECT NEWCOMERS: • •
Many wanted their employer to do a better job connecting them to the community Make it easier to find hobby groups in town to meet others with common interests
• Connecting running, biking and hiking groups, woodworkers, book clubs, etc.
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NAME TWO CHANGES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN OUR COMMUNITY SOON MOST POPULAR WRITE IN RESPONSES
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Downtown Development / Improved Riverfront Beautification Downtown & Main Street Continued Growth of Greenway & Trails + More Green Spaces More Connectivity / Transportation More Diversity / Culture
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EVENTS HOSTED 2018 EVENTS GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK (GEW)
Celebrating entrepreneurship around the world.
One week full of events, networking and educational opportunities centered around entrepreneurship, Innovation and small business growth. Events hosted in Evansville were led by the Growth Alliance Entrepreneurship & Innovation committee. COMMON GROUNDS
Every Tuesday morning at Innovation Pointe.
Common Grounds is a weekly event focused on bringing innovative people together for a superb cup of (free) local coffee and a 5-minute story about great innovation, entrepreneurship or exciting things happening in our community. This popular event is sponsored by Evansville Tech-On-Tap, Evansville Coffee Company and the Growth Alliance. INNOVATION SHOWCASE REGIONAL QUALIFIER
Connecting high-growth potential companies with Venture Capitalists
July 2018 — Evansville Hosts Regional Pitch Competition Leading up to the Venture Club of Indiana’s Innovation Showcase. Aric Pryor of Quarion Technology won the regional competition, advancing onto the statewide Showcase in Indianapolis where he took home the top prize!
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HAPPY ‘BIRTH’DAY COWORK EVANSVILLE September 24 — A grand opening and first day working in the expanded space for original members of Cowork Evansville. The space opened to new members on October 1st.
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LEADERSHIP STAFF ELLEN HORAN President ALLIE BUSCH Administrative Assistant ABBY ELPERS Marketing Communications Manager ANDREA LENDY Business Development Manager CELIA SHOULDERS Facility Operations Manager MARK WOOLSEY Intern University of Southern Indiana
//EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIR: RICK SCHULZ Executive Vice President & CFO United Companies
SECRETARY: PEPPER MULHERIN Director - External Affairs AT&T
VICE CHAIR: BRAD ELLSWORTH President, Vectren Energy Delivery - South Vectren Corporation
MAYOR LLOYD WINNECKE City of Evansville
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR: ALFONSO VIDAL President Vidal Plastics, LLC
BEN SHOULDERS Vanderburgh County Commissioner Representative Assistant VP & Corporate Relationship Manager Old National Bank
TREASURER: LYNELL WALTON SVP - Director of Investor Relations Old National Bank
LEADERSHIP
//BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAN ARENS Retired Chairman & Co-founder Keller Schroeder & Associates, Inc.
KEVIN HAMMETT President & Chief Executive Officer Regency Properties
BRAD BEGLE Director of Corporate Development Berry Global, Inc.
JOE KIEFER Vanderburgh County Council Representative President, Hahn Kiefer Real Estate
MARK BERNHARD Associate Provost Outreach and Engagement University of Southern Indiana
COURT KULL President Fifth Third Bank
SHAWN COLLINS Founder and CEO EXTEND GROUP
STACEY MCNEILL Executive Director of Marketing Tropicana Evansville
KELLEY COURES *EX OFFICIO MEMBER Executive Director Department of Metropolitan Development
DR. ZANE MITCHELL, JR. Dean, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education University of Southern Indiana
THOM ENDRESS Former VP of Operations Ditto NETA ETZIONY Operations Manager Polyram Industries EMILY FIEDLER Relationship Consultant PBIS Rewards KYLE FIELDS VP & General Manager of Evansville Operations SS&C Technologies, Inc. DR. JILL GRIFFIN Executive Director UE Institute for Global-Enterprise PATRICK GRIFFIN Vice President, Corporate Dev. & Investor Relations Escalade Sports, Inc.
DR. DREW PEYRONNIN Entrepreneur in Residence Purdue Foundry@WestGate Creator of Evansville Tech-on-Tap LISA BARCLAY SEBREE Vice-President Barclay Sebree Solutions SUSAN VAUGHN Director Southwest Region Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) GREG WATHEN President Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana JONATHAN WEAVER Evansville City Council Representative Realtor, F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors
NATHANIEL HAHN Director of Operations and Maintenance Evansville Regional Airport 24
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THANK YOU
TO OUR PARTNERS
“We are grateful for the forward-looking leadership style our community leaders have exhibited which will allow us to take our company to the next level of performance and service.” — RICK KASKEL, CEO AND BOARD CHAIRMAN OF ENCOM
OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDING
THE CHARLOTTE & LEO PEYRONNIN FAMILY FUND A supporting organization of the Community Foundation 26 Alliance, Inc.
Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority 27
318 Main Street, Suite 500 Evansville, IN 47708 (812) 401-4243 WWW.GROWTHALLIANCEEV V.COM 28