1si Recaps Successful Development Year
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Officials from One Southern Indiana say 2021 was a banner year, ending with its 200th economic development announcement. The 15-year-old organization says 14 projects were announced last year that represented a total capital investment in the region of over a half billion dollars.
One such project came just before Christmas when Louisiana-based Sazerac Distillery announced plans to invest $400 million to build a new facility in Charlestown.
One Southern Indiana says the announced projects will add more than 2,100 new jobs.
“One of the most telling things about this,” noted One Southern Indiana Executive Vice President Matt Hall, “is that the vast majority of new capital investment comes from existing companies expanding their footprint here. That says they’re finding the workforce, infrastructure, amenities and business climate they need to succeed, all here in southern Indiana.”
1si was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. The organization says 2021 saw expansion of current businesses and attraction of new companies in “liquor, labels and logistics.”
“Our mix of projects from both existing businesses and new additions to the region tells me that we’re doing a lot of things right,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, president and chief executive officer of One Southern Indiana. “Nearly half of the job growth we’ll see from these projects comes from our existing companies choosing to grow right here. The other half comes from companies who have become aware of our reputation as a business-friendly region with a strong focus on quality of life.”
Also in December, 1si learned the region was one of five in the state to receive the maximum $50 million READI grant.