State’s Top Challenge? Still Work Force

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More than 150 economic development executives and some of the nation’s top site selection consultants are in Indianapolis for a conference that includes discussion on a myriad of topics. And the conversation at the Indiana Economic Development Association’s Site Selectors Guild Conference always seems to come back to one issue: work force. "Indiana is facing the same dilemma as many other states around the nation," said Memphis-based J.M. Mullis Inc. Chief Executive Officer Mike Mullis. "The economy is relatively good and the skill set availability is very tight."

While no silver bullet was identified to solve the workforce challenge, there was general agreement on what is working. Executives from Cummins Inc., Clabber Girl Corp., Draper Inc. and Urschel Laboratories Inc. took part in a panel discussion at the event. All pointed to business-academic partnerships as helping to solve talent challenges around the state.

Cummins Vice President Ed Pence pointed to a long-standing workforce partnership in Jackson and Bartholomew counties as just one example of proactive efforts on the workforce front.

Work force challenges aside, Indiana seems to be an increasingly attractive target for site selection consultants.

Mullis is regarded as one of the nation’s top site selectors, with clients like Boeing, BP and Nike. He says Indiana’s reputation is growing. “This is one of the most consistent states in terms of low cost for doing business and one of the most quality states in terms of workforce productivity,” said Mullis. “If you look, bottom line across the board, it is and will be a competitive state, in particular in the Midwest, but even in the southeast, Indiana is recognized as a leader.”

The IEDA Site Selectors Guild Conference, which kicked off Wednesday with remarks by Indiana Governor Mike Pence, runs through Thursday at the Alexander in downtown Indianapolis.