Q1 REPORT 2017
Providing Partnership & Support The Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville was created in early 2007 as a public-private non-profit par tnership through the concer ted ef for ts of government, business and higher education. We provide suppor t to new and existing businesses that enhance the overall economic vitality of the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
Our Mission To drive and suppor t 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 innovationbased businesses in the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
Evansville’s Hub, Fostering a Culture of Collaboration & Innovation to Fuel Growth.
Growth Alliance Welcomes New Leadership in March 2017
With over twenty years of experience in the civic, business and nonprofit arenas, Ellen Horan will lead the organizations’ objectives to retain, expand, incubate and attract businesses in Evansville and Vanderburgh County.
Ellen Horan
“Ellen’s history of leadership, collaboration and outstanding skillsets will support and strengthen the economic growth and momentum taking place in Evansville and Vanderburgh County,” stated Rick Schulz, president of the Growth Alliance Board of Directors. “We’re thrilled to introduce her to the community and have her on the team.”
Horan brings over twenty years of experience in the civic, business and non-profit arenas, most recently as President and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Reading, Pennsylvania. During her successful tenure in Reading, Horan led the Chamber to 5 Star Accreditation Status, the highest level achievable. Prior to joining the Chamber, Horan was president of The Manufacturers Association of Berks County, a regional trade association comprised of 370 employers from Berks and the surrounding counties. The Association provided advocacy, employee development and employee relations services. A native of the area since June of 2016, Horan has witnessed the momentum building in the community. “This is such an exciting time to be engaged in Greater Evansville with so much happening in economic development. I look forward to working with our stakeholders and partners to accelerate the region’s growth.” Horan, a graduate of Shippensburg University, received her master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her professional leadership and community involvement.
“
Greater Evansville is on the move. You can feel a buzz and excitement about the growth of the City, the County and the region as a whole. I am equally excited about the Growth Alliance staff, Board and partners and their combined commitment to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation to fuel growth. Ellen Horan President, Growth Alliance
”
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
Q1
The Growth Alliance's business retention and expansion efforts encourage the survival and growth of established businesses in Vanderburgh County. Examples of support that the Growth Alliance could provide, or help secure, include: Business Expansion Opportunities Facility Relocation Retention of Existing Industry Building and Site Searches
Identification of Applicable Incentives Connecting to Workforce / University Resources Tax Phase-in Assistance
Q1 PROJECTS Complete NEW JOBS: 25
INVESTMENT: $700,000
MANUFACTURER OF SEALANTS EXPANDS - ADDING 25 NEW JOBS
MultiSeal Inc., a manufacturer of sealants and adhesives expands, creating 25 new jobs over the next 5 years.The Evansville-based manufacturer invests $700,000 to build a warehouse and add a new process line at 4320 Hitch Peters Road.
In Process
PROJECT
INDUSTRY
Rehab of Existing Complex
Retail
Expansion of Regional Manufacturing
Plastics
Retention of Existing Manufacturing
Industrial Supplier
Hyatt Place Hotel
Hospitality Q1 TOTALS:
NEW JOBS
RETAINED JOBS
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
100
0
$12.5M
70
0
$3-5M
7 7
66
$1.4M $1.4M
42
0
$12.6M
219
6
$30M
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
Q1
ONLINE BUSINESS LICENSING & PERMITTING
In partnership with Matt Lehman, project manager for Evansville/Vanderburgh County, the Growth Alliance reached out to masterminds behind the State of Indiana’s INBiz portal to discuss the opportunity of expanding the portal to local Indiana governments. INBiz is the state of Indiana’s one-stop resource for registering and managing your business and ensuring existing businesses are compliant with state laws and regulations.
City of Evansville & Vanderburgh County
TAX PHASE-IN & COMPLIANCE REPORTING The Growth Alliance administers the Evansville/ Vanderburgh County Tax Phase-In Application process and compliance reporting. Year-to-date, 72 projects/companies have been contacted by the Growth Alliance for compliance reporting.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION
Q1
Innovation Pointe is a high-tech business incubator managed by the Growth Alliance for
Greater Evansville. Located in the heart of Downtown Evansville, Innovation Pointe assists in the creation and growth of new businesses in the Evansville area
INNOVATION POINTE UPGRADES Internet capacity at Innovation Pointe was upgraded to 100MB and redistributed throughout the facility. In addition to upgrading the internet capacity at Innovation Pointe, a wifi equipment upgrade was implemented, improving connectivity and speed.
NEW COWORKERS Joined The Station Coworking Space
COWORKING EXPANSION An evaluation of the 2nd floor is currently underway in order to devise a cost/benefit analysis of a possible expansion. A cumulative research proposal will hopefully justify this project for implementation in 2017. Several sponsorship opportunities and collaborations are currently being explored as well.
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS Monthly Innovation Pointe tenant/coworking emails launched in Q1 to improve connectivity and awareness among organizations and individuals at Innovation Pointe. A monthly “Know Your Neighbors� lunch hour event also launched to facilitate introductions among tenants and coworkers.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION
Q1
CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGY PARK DESIGNATION In collaboration with the University of Southern Indiana and others, the Growth Alliance is working to complete reporting for Certified Technology Park Designation in Evansville. The Certified Technology Park program was created by the IEDC as a tool to support the attraction and growth of high-technology businesses in Indiana and promote technology transfer opportunities. Designation as a Certified Technology Park allows for the local recapture of certain state and local tax revenue which can be invested in the development of the technology park.
STARTUP WEEKEND 6.0 Event Sponsor Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event where developers, designers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams, build products and launch startups.
CONNECTING ENTREPRENEURS TO STATEWIDE RESOURCES In March, the Growth Alliance assisted in hosting the Launch Indiana Program kick-off in Evansville. The program brings together experienced professionals from Launch Fishers, Ball State University, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to create opportunities for innovation driven entrepreneurial growth in a different manner than traditional economic development. Our programming also helps to create new connections to statewide entrepreneurial resources and programming.
QUALITY OF PLACE & TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Q1
JANUARY 25, 2017
“
OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF UBER Uber’s launch will bring ridesharing to thousands of Evansville residents, creating earning opportunities for drivers in the region and expanding transportation options for all. Thanks in part to the collaborative efforts of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, we quickly realized that Uber would be a great fit for the community and look forward to serving riders and drivers in Evansville. Marco McCottry, General Manager Uber Illinois and Indiana
FEBRUARY
23
”
ENGAGING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The Growth Alliance, Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Alliance presented updates on current and ongoing activities to theYoung Professionals Alliance and Toyota’s Young Professionals group.
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSISTS The Growth Alliance assisted five Downtown businesses through the City of Evansville’s Downtown Design Review Process. Each business presented plans for noticeable renovations to the exterior of their property located within the Downtown Redevelopment Area.
INDIANA MAIN STREET REPORTING Indiana Main Street encourages the revitalization and restoration of downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns. The program provides technical assistance, funding and educational opportunities to participating communities. The Growth Alliance, in partnership with the Downtown Alliance, completed Evansville’s 2016 Annual Review and Assessment to remain an active Indiana Main Street community.
QUALITY OF PLACE & TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Example
Q1
CONNECTING CULTURAL DISTRICTS
To continue growth among Evansville’s cultural districts and increase overall connectivity of the city’s core, planning for a privately-owned Trolley is underway. This project is a partnership between the Growth Alliance and Amy Word-Smith of the Franklin Street Events Association. Target Launch: Q2 of 2017
SUPPORTING LOCAL GROWERS & BUILDING A MARKET COMMUNITY
1
The Growth Alliance proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Evansville Farmers’ Market. In Q1 the Growth Alliance secured necessary pre-event agreements between the market, the City of Evansville and vendors, and provided graphic design, public relations and marketing assistance in preperation for the market’s opening day in May. The market will operate on Fridays, May 19th through September 29th. Activities and events planned for the 2017 season, include: live music, educational presentations, health screenings, wellness tips, kid-friendly activities, recipes & prizes!
JULY 4TH FREEDOM CELEBRATION The Growth Alliance successfully secured the July 4th Freedom Celebration title sponsors, Tropicana Evansville and the Tri-State Area Ford Dealerships. Planning for the 2017 event, hosted by the Growth Alliance, is underway.
NEW BUSINESS ATTRACTION
Q1
The Growth Alliance’s business attractions efforts are fueled by leads from many sources including: the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, local real estate professionals, the Economic Development Coalition of SW Indiana and the Growth Alliance website. In responding to attraction projects, the Growth Alliance acts as the liaison between site-seeking companies, local and state government officials, education providers, transportation and utility offices, as well as private sector resources.
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
10 projects reached out for information regarding Evansville/Vanderburgh County as a potential location for their business in Q1.
SITE VISITS HOSTED
The Growth Alliance hosted company representatives visiting a number of existing facilities and sites in the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County. INDUSTRY: Food MFG (2 company visits), Plastics (1 company, 4 visits)
Q1 NEW BUSINESS ATTRACTION PROJECTS 1
Plastics MFG Manufacturing Food MFG
3
2
INDUSTRY
3
1
Auto MFG Chemical MFG
318Main MainStreet, Street,Suite Suite500 500 318 Evansville, IN 47708 Evansville, IN 47708 (812) 401.4243 1(812)401.4243
WWW.GROWTHALLIANCEEVV.COM
WWW.GROWTHALLIANCEEVV.COM