Eleven businesses were the recipients of business investment awards on Thursday during the 2014Business Investment & Anniversary awards celebration at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City.
Put on by the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC), the awards ceremony recognized both companies that have shown a particular commitment or investment in Michigan City and the ones celebrating significant anniversaries (100 years or more) and special anniversaries (10-90 years).
“This year, we are extremely proud and fortunate to honor three businesses who are celebrating extra special anniversaries,” said Bob Schaefer, president of Community Dynamics and former EDCMC board member who introduced all award winners.
Michigan City Paper Box Company and Franciscan St. Anthony Health both were recognized for 110 years in the community while Josam received an award for their 100th anniversary.
The Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration, the order of Sisters that serve Franciscan St. Anthony Health: Michigan City, are also celebrating 150 years of service, Schaefer said.
The business investment awards went to Calumet Pallet Company, D. Martin Enterprises, Gypsum Express, Key Development Partners, Midwest Metal Products, Mikropor America, NIPSCO, Sager Metal Strip Company, Sandin Manufacturing, Sandusky Chicago Abrasive Wheel Company and U.S. Army Reserve Center 88th Support Command.
Schaefer shared a bit of information about each company prior to having a representative from the business accept their award from Mayor Ron Meer and Chuck Compton, chairman of the EDCMC’s executive committee.
Calumet Pallet, a manufacturer of wooden pallets, invested $2.7 million into their facility on Ohio Street.
D. Martin Enterprises recently established offices at 320 Commerce Square with another location within the Michigan City Enterprise Center on Woodland Avenue.
Gypsum Express has a terminal on a ten acre site in Michigan City and maintains three buildings which are used for dispatching, safety, recruiting and driver training.
Key Development Partners worked closely with the city’s Redevelopment Commission to help revamp the Dunes Plaza, which now features several corporations new to Michigan City like Kohl’s, T.J. Maxx and Shoe Carnival.
Midwest Metal Products is in the process of constructing a 27,000 square foot addition to their facility at 111 Mariner Drive.
Mikropor America recently expanded to the United States through a partnership with longtime Michigan City company Sullair and located a 60,000 square foot warehouse and service center on Roeske Ave.
NIPSCO broke ground on their $250 million scrubber project in 2013, with heavy construction occurring during 2014.
Sager Metal Strip Company has invested close to $3 million worth of new manufacturing and technology equipment while adding new jobs over the last two years.
Sandusky Chicago Abrasive Wheel Company recently purchased a 27,000 square foot facility on West 4th Street where it houses manufacturing and warehousing with its 40 employees.
The United States Army Reserve 88th Reserve Support Command has a 40,000 square foot building at 8725 W. Pahs Rd. that provides soldiers the areas necessary to conduct their training.
Following the awards, Jeff Finkle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, discussed some economic trends during a keynote speech that included praise of the Michigan City community for their leadership in manufacturing. Trends included the overall economy recovering at a slow pace, resurgence of manufacturing and that the local economy is “headed in the right direction.”
“It’s wonderful to see a large number of people come out tonight and support these businesses,” he said.