Economic Development News

Bargersville Main Street

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

New restaurants have been popping up in Bargersville, contributing to the town's growth and revitalization.

Company Spotlight: ERMCO

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance is excited to feature ERMCO for a company spotlight to highlight their contributions to the local business community.

Aspire Launches New Workforce Development Initiatives for 2023

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire’s School-to-Work Specialist, Jennifer Hollingshead, has been working with schools and employers across Johnson County, providing career exploration and work-based learning opportunities to local high school students at all six county schools since August of last year.

Infrastructure Improvements in Johnson County

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The Indiana Department of Transportation is tasked with awarding grants to towns, cities and counties across the state to improve infrastructure such as bridges, sidewalks and roads.

Bus Driver Shortage

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Although often overlooked, bus drivers are critical to the transportation system in both urban and rural areas where driving is the only way to get from point A to point B.

Industry Tours for High School Students

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire’s School to Work Specialist, Jennifer Hollingshead, recently coordinated tours for local high school seniors to several businesses at the cutting edge of their respective advanced industries.

Workforce Ready Grant and Adult Education Fair on December 2

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire is launching an adult education fair to help strengthen our adult workforce by expanding on skills through additional education.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Helps Employers See Value of Disability Inclusion in October and Year Round

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

This October will mark the 77th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month or NDEAM.

New study: Tourism Contributes $341.3 Million to Johnson County Economy

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

A new economic impact study shows tourism contributed $341.3 million to Johnson County’s economy in 2021, up from $255.7 million in 2017.

Field Trips to Local Industries Inform Teachers about Youth Job Opportunities

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire has just wrapped up a successful summer of field trips to educate teachers and guidance counselors on youth job opportunities in Johnson County.

Franklin Housing Redevelopment Project Supports Economic Development

By Franklin Development Corp.

Downtown Franklin is taking on a new look as historic and/or underutilized homes are rehabilitated and turned into desirable properties.

Partnership Connects Employers to Students with Disabilities

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire and Earlywood Educational Services have joined forces to create a powerful partnership to build the local K-12 talent pipeline for employers.

Now Hiring: School to Work Specialist

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Local Automotive Parts Manufacturers Face Supply-Chain Challenges

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire has conducted a mid-year check on some of these businesses and found that they continue to face supply-chain challenges, as do other companies today.

Housing Demand in Johnson County, South Indy Remains Steady

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

While mortgage rates creep up nationwide, local housing professionals agree demand remains steady.

Marc Adams Woodworking School Impacts Johnson County Economy

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

An unassuming structure located on a county road near Whiteland is actually a school that teaches woodworking and a variety of other creative skills.

Now Hiring: Community Leadership Intern

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Interns will complete the internship with an understanding of the impact of municipal government, economic development, quality of life, and nonprofits have on a community.

Now Hiring: Economic Development Specialist

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

This is an opportunity to work directly with existing and potential new businesses to support business location, expansion, and success.

First-Ever Virtual Field Trip Held at Milwaukee Tools

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Industrial Growth Heads South to Franklin

By Mickey Shuey, Indianapolis Business Journal

The Franklin Tech Park was among the first industrial developments at Interstate 65 and State Road 44, where growth is starting to boom.

Aspire Announces Winners of Business Awards

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Each winner and finalist embraced challenges and found new ways to achieve success.

Aspire Introduces 2022 Board Chair and Directors

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Sanchez is the Vice President and General Counsel of Endress+Hauser USA where she serves as legal counselor and strategic advisor for the company’s North America region.

Aspire Launches County-wide Workforce Pipeline Initiative

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The Johnson County-wide initiative is designed to identify opportunities to further develop and build a school-to-career labor pool pipeline.

Aspire Spotlights Trades Careers to Address Workforce Pipeline

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire’s first-ever Discover Your Career Path Forum held recently was an outright success, attracting some 30 high school students and their parents to learn about in-demand career opportunities in the skilled trades.

Sarnova Selects Greenwood for Expansion

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The company provides equipment to first responders and EMS agencies across the country.

Northern Johnson County Transit Plan Offers Road Map for Improved Connectivity

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

This Transit Plan outlines existing transportation trends and explores potential transportation type and network goals for Northern Johnson County.

New Sewer Pipeline to Spur Development in Northwest Johnson County

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Tourism in Johnson County Made Major Strides in 2021

By Festival Country Indiana

Johnson County's tourism agency set records for key indicators during 2021, including website traffic, social media reach, advertising campaign impressions,and generated revenue.

Major Improvements to Emerson Avenue Underway

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The project includes additional lanes in each direction, sidewalks on both sides, new traffic signals and a new four-lane bridge over I-65.

Digital Talent Attraction Campaign a Big Success

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The objective of the campaign was to convey the message that Johnson County is the best place to live and work.

Newkirk Square to Provide Franklin Housing and Retail Opportunities

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The Bemis Group development, scheduled to be completed by late 2023, will help Franklin meet the demand for upscale housing and spur investment.

Economic Development Series: Community Development

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Community development is a key piece of Johnson County’s total economic development.

New Hoosier Talent Network Links Employers with Workers Displaced by COVID

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The issue with employment is not only finding talent but retaining it.

Community Development Teams Recap Progress, Move Forward to 2022

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

“Our volunteer teams are an extension of Aspire and are integral to achieving our strategic plan goals.”

Bargersville Downtown Renovation Spurs Investment, Quality of Life

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Bargersville is taking aggressive steps to improve its downtown, reaping a variety of benefits for residents and investors alike.

Economic Development Series: Business Attraction Incentives

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire supports communities in negotiating and analyzing the benefit of providing incentives versus the cost, and it also shepherds projects through the public approval process.

Maurer Joins Aspire as Investor Development Executive

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Maurer’s role will be integral to Aspire’s growth and retention strategies.

Economic Development: Business Retention and Expansion

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Approximately 80 percent of new jobs and investments come from companies already operating here. These efforts complement aggressive efforts to attract new businesses to the community.

Johnson County Housing Demand Outpaces Inventory

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire collaborates with housing stakeholders including developers, real estate agents, planners, consultants, and community leaders to understand issues and develop solutions affecting affordability, quality, regulatory issues, and infrastructure needs.

Employer Resource Network Charts Successes, Provides Career Development

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

ERN has proven to be a powerful ally to help local businesses with employee retention.

Business Leaders Nominated for Aspire Board Leadership

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The board of directors will vote on this slate of nominees at its November meeting.

Economic Development Series: Site Selection

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire maintains a database of sites and buildings that makes it easier to submit potential locations to the site selector.

New Region Puts Quality Downtowns, Outdoor Amenities in the Spotlight

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The 180 Alliance Region is the newly formed formal partnership of Boone, Hendricks, Johnson, Montgomery, Morgan, and Putnam counties.

October Spotlights Staffing Solution for Labor Crunch

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The purpose of NDEAM is to celebrate the many great contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.”

Johnson County Wage and Benefit Survey Completed

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Study reveals several barriers to hiring and contributors to turnover.

Hoosiers Encouraged to Test Internet Speed

By Indiana Broadband Strategic Partnership

This tool gathers data in all areas of Indiana and encourages data-driven broadband investment decisions.

Business Recovery Series: Non-Profits Endure through Support and Technology

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

This story illustrates two important messages about the community. We are caring, and our non-profits are well-run.

Long-Time Business G+H Orthodontics Expands in Franklin, Grows Workforce

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

G&H Orthodontics is relocating to the shell building to accommodate its growing business and expanding workforce.

Business Recovery Series: Home Services Quickly Close Then Recover

By Cyhper

Owners of these businesses found creative ways to navigate the new landscape.

Next Level Jobs Grants Now Available, Employers Encouraged to Move Fast

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The Next Level Jobs program reimburses employers who train, hire, and retain new or existing workers to fill in-demand positions in a half dozen priority sectors.

Skillful Talent Four-part Series Workshops Soon Available

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The new Skillful Talent Series is a four-part workshop that walks employers through attraction of the right talent, candidate evaluation, selection and onboarding, and employee retention.

Centurion Arms Selects Bargersville for Expansion

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Johnson County’s Milwaukee Tool Project Contributes to Indiana’s Gold Shovel Award

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance assisted with 2020 development

Aspire Releases Greenwood Daytime Population Study Results

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Half of survey respondents currently work from home and 85% of those workers believe they will continue to do so in the future.

Business Recovery Series: Financial and Legal Industries Embraced Change to Take Care of Businesses

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

While last summer was the most difficult period, he said, clients began returning later in the year when the economic climate began to settle down and the business situation stabilized.

Bargersville and Greenwood Increase Available Liquor Permits through Riverfront Districts

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The “riverfront” can be property located within 1,500 feet of virtually any body of running water — a creek or brook will meet the criteria.

South Korean Automotive Supplier Expands to Franklin

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The company manufactures seat frames for Kia, Hyundai and Subaru car makers.

Business Recovery Series: How Local Food and Beverage Makers Survived

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

"For everyone, food and beverage businesses are places of celebration, connection, relaxation and discovery. Their survival and comeback are not just the story of this one industry, but about all of us."

Employer Resource Network Hires Its First Success Coach

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

spire is part of the Community Core Team tasked with launching and leading the ERN program along with the Johnson County Community Foundation, United Way of Johnson County, Ivy Tech Community College and Express Employment Professionals.

Aspire Spotlights Hiring Employees Out of Judicial System

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

With the employment rate as low as it is, programs like these provide our employers with additional options when it comes to hiring.

Johnson County: Planning Helped Tourism Fare Better than Other Counties

By Festival Country Indiana

Tourism is big business in Johnson County, creating $255 million in spending, generating $60.2 million in tax revenues, resulting in $183.2 million in tourist spending, and creating nearly 2,921 jobs and $50.2 million in wages.

Headquarters for ERMCO Relocate to Johnson County

By ERMCO

Major contractor in electrical, systems, and automation to build new 205,000 square-foot facility.

Aspire Announces Finalists for Business Resilience Award

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Award recognizes employers’ ability to adapt to the COVID pandemic

Indy South Greenwood Airport Growing Business Traffic, Adding New Education Center

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

A new Aeronautical Center of Technology is set to open this autumn at the airport.

Aspire Conducting Study of Remote Workers in Greenwood

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Survey to determine workers’ impact on community

Aspire Discusses Use of Economic Development Incentives

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The program will provide information on economic development in our area, discuss how new company leads are sent through the lead funnel, and review how our municipalities make the determination of what project they will pursue.

Aspire Board of Directors Elects 2021 Officers

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Aspire Releases 5-Year Strategy for Diverse, Sustainable Johnson County Economy

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Plan centers on collaboration among public, private, not-for-profit, education sectors.

Aspire Conducts Economic Development Workshop for Local Officials

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The workshop provided elected and appointed community leaders the opportunity to understand how incentive tools work in Indiana

Major New Industrial Activity Announced at I-65 Exit 90 in Franklin

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Sunbeam is constructing a 519,000-square-foot building to suit a prospective tenant’s specifications and will be available in the first quarter 2021.

Milwaukee Tool Chooses Johnson County for New Service Hub, 450+ New Jobs

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

This new centralized repair facility will complement the company’s other service hub in Greenwood, Mississippi; both will act as the main axis points for the company’s service operations for users around the nation.

Workforce Training Grant Funding Available to Employers

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The Next Level Jobs training program allows employers to skill-up current employees and recruit candidates with little to no experience.

Aspire COVID Impact Survey Shows Area Businesses Struggle Yet Endure

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The survey, conducted April 18-24, involved 100 businesses representing 6,200 full-time and 3,500 part-time jobs.

Aspire Announces New Vice President of Economic Development

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Amanda Rubadue to manage business attraction, expansion efforts in growing Johnson County.

Indiana Climbs Among Growth States

By Inside Indiana Business

The Hoosier state appears to be bucking the trend of people fleeing the Midwest, according to the do-it-yourself mover U-Haul.

Energizer Plans Hundreds of Jobs for Franklin

By Inside Indiana Business

The company plans to invest more than $62 million to equip the shell building at Franklin Tech Park and create 440 jobs.

Whiteland Breaks Ground on Industrial Project

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The development will include modern industrial buildings designed for logistics, advanced manufacturing and related uses.

Cummins Plans $35 Million Investment in Greenwood

By Indianapolis Business Journal

Plans include constructing a 100,000-square-foot office building at Interstate 65 and County Line Road in Greenwood.

Poynter Sheet Metal to Expand in Greenwood

By Inside Indiana Business

The $4.2 million project includes a 54,000-square-foot addition to the existing facility, new equipment and 40 new employees within the next two years.

Fruit Company Selects Greenwood for New Plant

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

California Custom Fruits and Flavors provides custom fruit and flavor ingredients to the dairy, bakery, beverage and food service industries.

Amazon Selects Greenwood for New Center

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

The new $80 million packaging and distribution facility that is expected to create 1,250 full-time jobs.

Biotech Company Plans Long-Term Growth, R&D

By Indiana Economic Development Corporation

The company, which develops pharmaceutical and diagnostic biological reagents, is investing $1.5 million to expand and renovate its nearly 3,000-square foot facility in Franklin.

Racing Component, Engine Company Moving to Franklin

By Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance

Rapid Prototype primarily produces racing components for their largest customer - Indy Car Penske.