Why Here?
Business Climate
Indiana is recognized as one of the best states in the nation for business. As a result, the state is at the forefront of business attraction and expansion efforts.
- CNBC – America’s Top States for Business 2022 – Infrastructure (#1)
- CNBC – America’s Top States for Business 2022 – Cost of Doing Business (#2)
- Site Selection – 2022 Prosperity Cup Top (#4, tie)
- Area Development – 2022 Top States for Doing Business – Logistics & Infrastructure (#5)
- Forbes - The Best States for Business 2019 – Regulatory (#5)
- Area Development – 2022 Top States for Doing Business – Favorable Regulatory Environment (#6)
- Chief Executive – 2021 Best & Worst States for Business (#6)
- Tax Foundation 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index (#9)
- S&P Global State Credit Rating – AAA (highest level)
Workforce
Indiana and our region have historically played critical roles in the production of automobiles and the parts that support those vehicles. As the automotive industry evolves, our highly skilled workforce is in demand to design and produce the next generation of the automotive industry vehicles and components.
Geography
The Indiana economy has thrived partly due to its proximity to major markets and ability to reach 75% of the U.S. population within a one-day drive. The region's supply chain strengths include accessibility to the road, rail, air, and ports via SR 2, US 20, US 31, I-94, and I 80/90.
Shovel Ready
Site selection is focused on minimizing risk and reducing time and cost. St. Joseph County has taken significant steps and invested significant resources in recent years to make IEC Site 1 shovel ready. A shovel-ready site lets companies know that the parcel meets specific environmental standards, offers truck-quality road access, is appropriately zoned, has utilities and infrastructure largely in place or proximate, and has completed soil reports. The completion of these reports and studies positions the site favorably for development and has elevated IEC Site 1 for companies, site selectors and real estate professionals.
Infrastructure
Almost 50 years ago, leaders in St. Joseph County built western St. Joseph County infrastructure to support large-scale industrial development like IN Tek/Kote (now Cleveland Cliffs), Unifrax (now Alkegen), and the St. Joseph Energy Center. Today, more than one thousand people work in the 15+ companies that call this area home. The development area has access to water and sewer and a high concentration of power, something that is in demand throughout the United States but with limited availability.