Letter from the Director

One year into the pandemic, with case numbers at the highest they had ever been, 2021 began with a number of challenges. Supply chain issues affected local shipping and distributing firms such as ODW Logistics, Day & Ross, and the new Home Depot Warehouse. The hospitality industry faced adversity with the impact of lockdown and mandated closures. Issues such as the labor shortage, change in consumer behavior, and new sanitation procedures reached nearly every business in the nation.

However, despite its challenges, 2021 has been a year of record growth and development for the city. Hamilton’s local economy is stronger than ever, with increased tax revenue, high productivity, and low unemployment. Strategic moves from the city over the past decade to diversify the economy have enabled Hamilton to be resilient against any type of calamity, such as that delivered by the pandemic. Additionally, the adaptability and ingenuity of local businesses, combined with the dedicated support efforts led by the city, have created a thriving economy and business-friendly culture in Hamilton.

Industry is as strong as ever, and the city is prepped for further expansion with the recent purchase of 86 acres of land for development in Hamilton Enterprise Park, the city’s largest business park. The growth and attraction of manufacturing business continues to be a priority, with the city seeing thousands of square footage in expansions from companies such as ThyssenKrupp Bilstein, Vinylmax, and 80 Acres Farms, as well as new additions such as Saica. The city’s industry is also expanding and diversifying even further, with growth in a variety of sectors including construction, automotive, packaging, and food.

Redevelopment is also as strong as ever. Investment along the main business corridors has continued, with numerous residential and commercial projects spanning the High-Main Street districts, including the Rossville Flats, which broke ground in November of 2021. While downtown revitalization has been a major priority throughout previous years, 2021 saw focus expand to the Westside with the Brookwood Shopping Center, and Lindenwald with the business district and the Benninghofen Mill. Redevelopment along the river has also been of major interest, with several new development projects underway, the largest of which being Spooky Nook Sports at Champion Mill, which is looking toward completion in 2022.

Workforce development was a major priority for 2021. The city saw the reintroduction of programs that had been previously on hold due to the pandemic such as TAP, the expansion of multiple existing programs such as CHIPs and Work Plus, and the introduction of several new initiatives such as the HAHA and the job placement program at Hamilton High.

So much has been accomplished in 2021, even in the wake of the pandemic and all its resulting obstacles, that I truly believe this city is the strongest it has ever been. I am eager to see what will come in 2022, because Hamilton is on an upward trajectory that we’re only just beginning to witness.

Jody Gunderson Director of Economic Development