Sep 24, 2019 | Jackson County News & Info
2019 marks the 35th anniversary of Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation (JCIDC).
Established in 1984, JCIDC has, for 3 1/2 decades, worked to raise the local standard of living and improve the area tax base by attracting quality employers and assisting with the expansion and competitiveness of local industries.
JCIDC is led by Jim Plump who was the first, and only, executive director of the organization.
The organization celebrated the milestone with a reception featuring Crothersville native, Scott McKain, an internationally known distinction expert, bestselling author and iconic keynote speaker.
The celebration was held at The Pines Evergreen Room on Sept. 24th, 2019.
Guests received a signed copy of McKain’s latest book ICONIC.
Aug 2, 2019 | Jackson County News & Info
Jackson County, Indiana is part of the EcO Network of Southeast Indiana which has been designated the state’s second “21st Century Talent Region”, a statewide designation awarded to Indiana communities focused on working collaboratively to attract, develop and connect talent.
On August 2nd, Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo, and Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) President Elaine Bedel joined southeast Indiana officials to make the announcement.
“The EcO Network Partner Partner Communities have been working diligently to cultivate the collaborative partnerships necessary for regional development and growth in southeast Indiana,” said Secretary Milo. “Their collective leadership has been inspirational and will be key to helping grow the population, increase educational attainment, and raise household income for the region.”
By taking a comprehensive, systems approach, participating regions will identify strategic priorities and projects aimed at helping its communities create a better quality of place, develop and skill up its workforce, and connect talented Hoosiers with businesses seeking to fill high-demand, high-wage jobs.
“Ensuring a sustainable pipeline of talent to support our region’s critical industry sectors requires a systems approach to cross-sector collaboration that links the learning system with economic opportunity in the places we call home in southeast Indiana,” said Kathy Oren, executive director of Community Education Coalition.
Dec 31, 2018 | Jackson County News & Info
Supporters of the JCIDC Workforce Partnership were honored during the organization’s annual Reports, Reviews & Rewards Luncheon on October 23rd, where guests also heard remarks from Blair Milo, Secretary of Career Connections and Talent for the State of Indiana.
Milo’s address centered on the challenges all companies face with low unemployment rates, and state programs that are hoped will help fill an estimated one million job openings over the next 10 years.
Milo was appointed Indiana’s first Chief Talent Officer by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in August of 2017 while she was serving her 2nd term as Mayor of LaPorte. Following her speech, Milo joined Workforce Partnership Director Jackie Hill and Coordinator Jody Deckard honoring companies and other entities that have supported the workforce partnership program since its creation 20 years ago in 1998.
THOSE COMPANIES HONORED WERE:
Aisin Drivetrain, Aisin USA Manufacturing, Cerrowire, City of Seymour, Excel Manufacturing, Excel Tool, Lannett, Seymour Tubing, Valeo North America and Wal-Mart Distribution for 20 years of continuous support.
Also, Columbus Container, Cummins-Seymour Engine Plant, RR Donnelley, Dicksons, E&H Tubing, Aisin Holdings of America, Brownstown Quality Tool & Automation, Aisin Chemical, O&k American, PD Pharmatech, The Royal Group, Rose Acre Farms, Community Foundation of Jackson County, Duke Energy, Elwood Staffing, Schneck Medical Center, Brownstown Schools, Community Education Coalition, Seymour Schools, Jackson County Education Coalition, and Jackson County Visitor Center were recognized.
Over 100 guests attended the event which was sponsored by First Financial Bank, Jackson County Bank, Louisville & Indiana Railroad Company, Mutual Bank, Ranger Enterprises, Schneck Medical Center, SIHO and Duke Energy.
Dec 31, 2018 | Jackson County News & Info
2019 is off to a fast start while 2018 ended up being one of the strongest years for industrial “promised investment” in Jackson County, Indiana.
Over $52 million in new promised investment for 2019 was announced during the 4th quarter of 2018 involving 5 projects, which followed on the heels of a very successful 2018 when 10 projects announced promised investment of $84.14 million.
Valeo North America and Lannett announced expansion plans totaling $50.47 million, which Indiana Polymer LLC said it would invest $650,000 during the November 26th Seymour City Council meeting. That followed an announcement by Spaceguard in earlier November that they plan a $2 million expansion.
Indiana Polymer is a new company that plans to invest $500,000 in new equipment, while JSF Investment LLC (the holding company for Indiana Polymer) will invest $150,000 in renovations at 916 and 926 F Avenue in Freeman Field, where the company will establish their operation. The parent company, Ameridge Industries Inc., has been in the plastic recycling business for the last 11 years in North Carolina. 10 new jobs are projected, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) granted up to $140,000 in EDGE tax credits.
Lighting manufacturer Valeo North America announced plans for a $39.87 million investment in equipment at the company’s Freeman Field location that is expected to add 255 workers earning $163 million by end of 2019.
Kremers Urban, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lannett Company Inc., announced its plan to invest $10.45 million in new equipment and $100,000 in logistics distribution equipment as part of its expansion at Freeman Field. The project is expected to add 30 jobs and $1.1 million in wages.
Spaceguard plans to add a 25,600 square foot addition to their facility and purchase additional equipment with a total project cost of $2 million. The expansion is expected to add 8 new workers to their current workforce of 39. The IEDC offered a $125,000 EDGE tax credit incentive to the company.
All companies applied for, and were granted, tax abatement on their investments.
Dec 31, 2018 | Jackson County News & Info
In partnership with the City of Seymour and the Seymour Redevelopment Commission, Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation is assisting in the planning and marketing of an area in the southeastern section of Seymour which has been names an “Opportunity Zone” by the U.S. Treasury Department. This designation can provide tax incentives for investors in that area.
A Phase I study of the census tract was completed and a community meeting was held in late November to report the results of the study. A follow-up meeting was held and it was determined that the Redevelopment Commission would be asked to fund a Phase II study.
The federal “Opportunity Zone” program was created in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and provides federal capital gains tax incentives to attract private sector investment.
Seymour Mayor Craig Luedeman said the area that qualified for zone status will soon see the southern extension of Burkart Boulevard built through it, thus creating possible investment opportunities for industry, commercial and housing projects.
Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb had submitted 156 areas for Opportunity Zone status which were all approved by the U.S. Treasury Department in May. The 156 zones in Indiana are located in 58 counties covering all or portions of 83 cities and towns.
Jul 19, 2018 | Jackson County News & Info
Local firearms manufacturer moving into city limits
Local firearms manufacturer, FosTech Inc. will move into Seymour city limits this year, taking over the former Bender Lumber building at 320 Myers Lane in order to expand.
Owned by brothers Judd, Paul and Mark Foster, the company makes Origin-12 shotguns, ultralight AR-15 rifles and a line of firearm accessories.
With continued demand in the firearms market, the business has experienced much success and growth.
Founded in a garage in Seymour in 2010, FosTech has grown into a multi-million dollar company employing 13 full-time and more then 15 part-time workers.
The company tends to hire police officers, firemen and emergency technicians as part-time workers, President Judd Foster said.
The relocation will allow the business to add 4 more full-time positions.
FosTech attended Seymour’s City Council meeting to request tax abatement on a total investment of $1,075.000. Council approved two 10 year abatements; the first for $500,000 in real estate improvements, and the second for $575,000 in new equipment.
City Council also approved a transfer of a previous abatement that had been granted by the Jackson County Council in 2017 for a $360,000 investment in equipment.
The company’s mission requires them to stay on the cutting edge of technology, and they currently own multiple patents and have patents pending on a variety of products.
