Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy, at left, Mary Ferdon, mayor of Columbus, Ind., and Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of Indy Chamber, listen during a Spotlight On Columbus event sponsored by Duke Energy in parternship with the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Columbus Indiana Economic Development Corporation, at the Commons, Columbus, Ind., Friday, December 6, 2024.
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County and Columbus are teaming up with an organization within the Indy Chamber in hopes of bringing more economic opportunities to a region spanning much of central Indiana.
Jason Hester, president of the Greater Columbus (Indiana) Economic Development Corporation, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indy Partnership, a regional economic development organization, described by Matt Mindrum, Indy Chamber president and CEO, as similar to a “talent attraction agency.”
With Hester’s and Mindrum’s signatures on the agreement, Bartholomew County joins nine other central Indiana counties that are a part of the Indy Partnership service area, including: Marion, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, Boone, Hamilton and Madison counties.
The growth to 10 counties “brings enhanced collaboration opportunities” for advancing economic initiatives in central Indiana “and bolsters the region’s appeal to businesses and investors,” according to a joint press release issued by Indy Partnership and the Greater Columbus EDC.
“Joining the Indy Partnership will provide our organization with new resources and connections that are critical to advancing our goals for local and regional economic growth,” Hester said. “We look forward to working with regional partners to build on our shared strengths and attract quality jobs and investment to benefit our residents and businesses alike.”
City officials and guests gathered with members from the region Friday morning to listen to a conversation between Mindrum, Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy’s Indiana operations and Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon, where they discussed Bartholomew County and what economic advantages it brings to the table.
In introducing guests to the area who may have been first-time visitors, Ferdon talked a bit about what makes Columbus and Bartholomew County unique, discussing the healthy local manufacturing and engineering base, its rich architectural history and how BCSC and local schools are working to build on the area’s workforce through an emphasis on STEM education.
For the complete story and more photos, see Saturday’s Republic.
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