Duke Energy supports economic development in Lawrence County with $5,000 Grant

PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Duke Energy is awarding nearly $120,000 in strategic grants to 26 economic development groups to spur new jobs and investment across the state of Indiana, including $5,000 to the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council (LCEGC).

“Duke Energy is working hand in hand with our local and regional economic development partners to accelerate growth and job creation in the communities we serve,” said Erin Schneider, director of economic development for Duke Energy Indiana. “We’re proud to support these organizations, each of which plays a critical role in marketing Indiana’s communities to attract businesses and enhance the quality of life for our customers.”  

The funding is through Duke Energy’s Partnership Program, which supports organizations that increase awareness of a community or region’s economic development strategies and product availability. This may include tours and special events to promote business sites and communities; marketing campaigns and promotional materials; and website development and updates.

“The Lawrence County Economic Growth Council understands the complexities of our region, analyzes the realities of today, and explores the potential for strategically promoting our most compelling opportunities for Department of Defense businesses to relocate or build new structures within our county,” said Shance Sizemore, Chief Executive Officer of the LCEGC. “Lawrence County possesses a rich history of military defense with Naval Support Activity Crane (the third largest naval installation in the world) located in an adjacent county. Duke Energy’s support will help fund site planning, strategic marketing plan development, and production of professional marketing materials to be able to ignite the growth of the entire Southern Indiana region.”

Since the program was established in 2017, Duke Energy has contributed nearly $600,000 in grant funding to organizations that are helping create vibrant economies in Indiana.

To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. These awards help local and regional economic development organizations fund marketing and strategic efforts in the communities they serve. Amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.

This year, grants were awarded to the following organizations:

• Accelerate West Central Indiana Economic Development – $5,000
• Carroll County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
• Cass County Economic Development – $4,200
• City of Batesville – $5,000
• City of Madison Economic Development – $5,000
• East Central Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000
• Gibson County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
• Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance – $5,000
• Greater Lafayette Economic Alliance – $5,000
• Greater Lafayette Commerce – $5,000
• Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center – $5,000
• Grow Wabash County – $5,000
• Hancock Economic Development Council – $2,500
• Indy Partnership – $5,000
• Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation – $5,000
• Knox County Indiana Economic Development – $5,000
• Lawrence County Economic Growth Council – $5,000
• Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000
• One Dearborn – $5,000
• Owen County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation – $1,745
• Pike County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
• Shelby County Development Corporation – $5,000
• Southwest Indiana Development Council – $5,000
• Terre Haute Regional Airport – $5,000
• Vermillion County Economic Development Council – $1,200
• Vermillion Rise Mega Park – $5,000

Duke Energy Indiana: Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 870,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.