The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting an addition of 1.8 million construction jobs in all areas of construction, contributing to a 33 percent employment increase. However, the industry will not recover its pre-recession peak of 7.7 million achieved in 2006. Predictions are detailed in the bureau’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Continue reading →

Indianapolis has announced plans to begin construction on the “keystone project, which should prevent raw sewage from leaking into nearby waterways, after years of debate with environmental officials, the Indy Star reports. Continue reading →

The cost of construction materials took a breather in April, while contractors begin to include price increases into their bids, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that despite the temporary reprieve from materials price hikes, market conditions for construction remain difficult. Continue reading →

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has launched a new marketing campaign—100 Reasons Indiana—designed to draw attention to the incredible number of reasons Indiana is a great place to do business while encouraging others to submit even more reasons of their own.

“Every state touts their top five or ten reasons they are great for business,” says Dan Hasler, secretary of commerce and Indiana Economic Development Corporation CEO. “IEDC challenged our business leaders and economic development partners to send us their top reasonsIndianaworks for them. And they answered in force.”

Those reasons can be found at 100ReasonsIndiana.com. The compilation was selected by an external judging committee and put into a fun, interactive and dynamic Web site. The reasons highlight nearly every geographical part of the state,Indiana industries and quality of life. They include pro-business facts and figures as well as focusing on the state’s leadership in life sciences, agriculture, high-tech, manufacturing and logistics. Reasons also includeIndiana’s art and cultural sectors, sports industry and top tier academic institutions.

“I learn something new every time I look at the list,” adds Hasler. “For example, we lead the nation in duck production, have a legacy of NASA astronauts and Indiana is home to two Golf Digest top-100 public courses. And this list barely scratches the surface of whatIndianahas to offer. We have a lot to be proud of.”

Advanced Metal Technologies of Indiana Inc., a member of Whitesell Group, has plans to locate operations inIndiana, creating up to 350 new jobs by 2015.

The announcement comes after AMT acquired the assets of MKM Machine Tool Company in December 2011. MKM previously operated inJeffersonvillesince 1953. AMT, which manufactures complex metal and plastic parts for industrial markets, will invest $19 million to lease, renovate and equip the 310,000-square-foot former plant at100 Technology Way. The facility already is up and running and employs more than 130 associates, including 106 former MKM employees.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman announced today that the state will invest more than $20 million over the next three years in the state’s 2012 Stellar Communities, which are Delphi and Princeton.

Launched in 2011 by Lt. Governor Skillman, Stellar Communities is a collaboration between INDOT, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and the State Revolving Fund to help fund communities’ strategic plans.

“With Stellar Communities we are intentional and strategic in the way we deliver grant funding to local governments,” says Lt. Governor Skillman. “Collaboration among our state agencies will allowDelphiandPrincetonto make a bigger impact in a shorter timeframe.”

Funding for the initiatives comes from multiple existing federal funds. State agencies will continue to offer grant programs to local units of government not participating in Stellar Communities. The cities ofDelphiandPrincetonwill also invest an additional $7 million in local and private funds.

Delphi’s plan includes revitalizing the downtown business district, creating paths from the Hoosier Heartland Corridor through downtown to increase tourism to theWabashandErie CanalParkand restoring the Delphi Opera House. Officials will also redevelop the historic near-downtown neighborhoods, creating owner-occupied housing.

Princetonofficials will develop the downtown area as a community and economic hub by continuing to strengthen ties with companies in the city, including Toyota Manufacturing. Downtown revitalization projects will focus on the courthouse square as well as a new plaza for the community’s civic events and senior cottages.

The Indiana Chapter of The ESOP Association was named the 2012 ESOP Chapter of the Year by The ESOP Association. The award was presented at the Association’s 35th Annual Conference in Washington, DC.

The Association’s Indiana Chapter experienced all time highs in meeting attendance over the last year and Chapter members outdid previous work in support of membership development, fundraising for the Association’s affiliated foundation, the Employee Ownership Foundation, and support of the Association’s government relations efforts. The Indiana Chapter was selected from among 18 Association Chapters across the United States for this honor. The ESOP Association is the national trade association for companies with employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).

“The leaders of the Indiana Chapter provide excellent programming and value to ESOP Association members in their state,” says ESOP Association President J. Michael Keeling. ”I’m proud to honor the Indiana Chapter, and its members, with the 2012 ESOP Chapter of the Year Award for their work to promote employee ownership.”