Local and Walmart company officials shared news July 10th of significant investment planned at Walmart Distribution Center in Seymour. During a city council meeting, Jim Plump, JCIDC executive director, spoke on behalf of Walmart to announce a $107 million investment at the distribution center on Seymour’s far east side.
The council unanimously approved the statement of benefits for personal property tax abatement ($101 million for supply chain material handling equipment and $2 million in IT (hardware and software) equipment and one real estate improvement tax abatement ($5 million for construction-related costs associated with supply chain enhancements. The council also approved resolutions for the two tax abatements, which are for 10 years apiece. Plump was joined at the meeting by Kevin Porter, senior manager for the Walmart tax department at the company’s home office in Bentonville, Arkansas, and Mike Baecke, general manager for the Regional Distribution Center in Seymour.
“Walmart’s Seymour distribution center has been a pillar in our community for over 30 years. Adding robotics, automation and AI-powered software systems to this facility will revolutionize an already impressive operation, fundamentally changing the way we distribute products to stores,” Baecke said in a news release. “This isn’t just an investment in our facility but also in our associates, our community and our future.
Seven industries and Schneck Medical Center opened their doors to 22 Jackson County educators in June giving them the opportunity to tour and engage in discussion with company personnel learning about what happens in these facilities, opportunities available, and the skill set requirements. From their experience, educators are asked to submit a one or two page report on how they plan to bring back what they learned to their classroom. “It was beyond comforting and reassuring to hear that employers place the same emphasis and importance on societal norms as schools do,” said Brittany Neal, BCHS Algebra/Geometry teacher. “Not only are we trying to develop students that can focus and work efficiently, but we are shaping them to work safely and respectfully with their colleagues in the future!” In addition to Schneck Medical Center, participating companies were Valeo, Guardian Bikes, Pet Supplies Plus, Aisin USA, Wal Mart Distribution, Aisin Drivetrain, and Seymour Engine Plant.
For the majority of students, school is out and summer vacation has begun. But for some students during the first two weeks of June, the classroom doors were open to robotics.
Shawn Mahoney spearheaded week long camps for 62 elementary, middle, and high school students in Seymour. This was the sixth year for this event and this summer focused on the upcoming VEX competition game challenge that will be in place for the 2023-24 school year. Amy Miller, team lead for the middle school and high school teams, assisted with the camps and has been heavily engaged in robotics and instrumental in seeing the energy and excitement continue for students wanting to continue the challenge into high school and careers beyond.
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 school year, Jackson County is projected to have 16 elementary and middle school programs along with 3 high school programs.
“JCIDC has been a leader and partner for Jackson County robotics,” said Jackie Hill, JCIDC Workforce Partnership Director. “It has been rewarding to watch these students work as teams to program and operate their robots all the way to the competition level in navigating the VEX challenge for the year….can’t wait to see what is in store for this upcoming year.”
Seymour and South Central Indiana hosted a delegation from the United Kingdom on June 1st, including David Rutley, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and member of Parliament, 3rd from right, and the British Consul General to Chicago, Alan Gogbashian, far left. During their visit, the group toured the Seymour Engine Plant of Cummins and visited downtown Seymour. Pictured, from left, Gogbashian, Bruce Kettler, President and CEO of Agribusiness Council of Indiana, Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson, Rutley, Jim Plump, executive director of JCIDC, and Kathy Ertel, executive director of Jennings County Economic Development and a member of South Central Indiana regional ED group.
The sixth annual Radius Indiana economic development course at French Lick Resort was held in April, providing community leaders from six Indiana counties with insights into the evolving field of economic development. JCIDC Executive Director, Jim Plump, spoke on Economic Development Theory and Practice and Workforce Partnership Coordinator, Mandy Rohdert, was an attendee.
