This past year has been tough and we know it’s not going to get any easier. But we do have some good news stories to share. We continue to seek ways to help local businesses. There have been a number of successes over the year.
The city saw two new eateries, Wings, Etc., which opened last summer, and Buffalo Wild Wings, set to open in March. These establishments offer a variety of food and entertainment for the entire family. A brand new and much larger CVS Pharmacy opened in late summer, with new access to parking and beautiful streetscaping.
Alpha Baking started a $1.5 million upgrade with a new 70-foot-long furnace which not only allowed the company to retain its major customer but add a new product line for that customer. This valuable improvement retained 260 jobs in LaPorte. This expansion will include the addition of a Norfolk/ Southern rail spur.
LKQ (Like Kind Quality) Distribution Center of Indiana opened a new distribution center at Space Center LaPorte, located in the former Whirlpool facility. Occupying 38,000 sq. ft., this new distribution center handles quality recycled auto parts for distribution across the Midwest. This new distribution center added 20 new jobs in our community.
MonoSol saw the expansion of 40,000 sq. ft. and 2-3 new product lines just 1 year after opening its new facility in LaPorte in 2008. The new $20 million investment includes equipment and a building addition, adding approximately 16 new jobs. Bids are in and construction is expected to begin in the spring.
Filter and Separation Technology, LLC, opened its doors in 2009. Located in the “One Stop Builders Shop Building,” F.A.S.T. produces automotive paint filters for the world market. This new business opened a production and distribution shop at 620 Boston Street, a re-use of a 6,900-sq.-ft. building.
The Community Health Center is a $970,000 investment and improvement to Founder’s Square. This new center affords access to medical services for those individuals who may be challenged with little or no income or lack of insurance. This facility offers comprehensive health services including prescription drug assistance, physical exams, diagnostic imaging services and gynecological exams. This program helps to address the ongoing problem of limited access to health care.
Set for renovations in 2010, the LaPorte Movie Theatre will become a first-run movie theater. Improvements will include new audio and visual equipment and all new concessions, seating and décor totaling more than $100,000. Being an avid moviegoer, I look forward to this welcomed addition.
Ongoing projects outside the city’s corporate limits include the expansion of Kingsbury Elevator with its all-new feed mill and grain system; the development at Kingsbury Industrial Park which continues to move forward with planned upgrades of more than 4 miles of rail and 4 miles of road improvements slated.
The newest in cancer treatment in LaPorte County, the Westville Facility for Michiana Hematology Oncology containing the latest in cancer treatment technology, is located across from the Purdue North Central campus.
Finally, after many delays, Indiana Melting & Manufacturing (IMM) is up and operating under new ownership. This 50,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility located on Highway 39 N. processes foundry sand into useful abrasives. The hiring process has begun with 32 new employees planned.
A shining star in our community in 2009 was the recognition of one of our own, A Packaging Systems. The awards program of the 50 Top Companies to Watch, held in Indianapolis, was a celebration of the 50 Top outstanding second-stage businesses and their contributions to our economy in our great state. Nearly $1.2 billion dollars in revenue was generated by these top 50 companies in 2008. The organizers of this event were The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, The Indiana Small Business Development Center and Purdue University. A Packaging, founded in 2003, manufactures custom equipment used to package a wide variety of liquid products, with a customer base that covers the entire world. It was a privilege and an honor for me to accompany them to the celebration. Congratulations to Todd and Marc Cannon and A Packaging Systems.
We thank the businesses for their confidence in investing in our community and applaud our economic development team who dedicated their time to our business community. Successes like these in tough economic times do not just happen. It takes dedication and perseverance and Tim Gropp and Bert Cook of the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corp. have proven that hard work, commitment and extreme knowledge of state and local incentives pays off. Also, thank you to The Michigan City Economic Development Corp. and the collaborative efforts of both organizations through LaPorte County Biz. This is an excellent example of two communities putting all differences aside and working towards one goal, countywide economic development. One event organized by both economic development corporations was “Made In LaPorte County.” Modeled after previous events held in Michigan City, this countywide event allowed local industries to set up displays and show samples of the wide variety of products that are made in LaPorte County. One key component to the success of this event was the participation of our area high school students by introducing them to the variety of career opportunities available right here in LaPorte County.
READ THE REST of the 2010 State of the City by clicking on WNLP’s Local Government category.
