Duke Energy Indiana assists with economic development in state

The Strategic Development Group (SDG), a site consultant, provided recommendations to local leaders in Indiana to maximize their economic development efforts as part of Duke Energy’s 2018 Site Readiness Program.

The program identifies, evaluates, and improves sites in the company’s service territory for potential industrial development. Duke Energy awarded a $10,000 grant to each organization to implement the site recommendations, which include a 66-acre site in Zionsville; an 80-acre site in Brookville; a 200-acre site at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport; a 143-acre site off Interstate 70; and a 500-acre site inside the Vermillion Rise Mega Park.

“Duke Energy is excited to work with these economic development groups as they move forward to implement the consultant’s recommendations,” Erin Schneider, director of economic development for Duke Energy Indiana, said. “We know from experience that our Site Readiness Program is a valuable tool to help these organizations attract jobs and capital investment.”

The ideal properties for Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program are typically 40 acres or larger and served by the utility or a vacant industrial building of at least 20,000 square feet. Duke Energy Indiana’s economic development program is considered to be one of the best in the country. It has helped create more than 26,000 jobs with a total capital investment of approximately $5.9 billion since 2008.

“Strategic Development Group is pleased to work with Duke Energy Indiana on the 2018 Site Readiness Program,” Jeannette Goldsmith, vice president of SDG, said. “We look forward to expanding and enhancing this important program with our knowledge of important industry trends and site selection expertise.”