About EDCMC

The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation is proud to partner with you to chart a prosperous path for your business. By leveraging our extensive resources, industry expertise, and valuable connections within the community, we offer the support you need to grow and succeed. Whether it’s accessing financial incentives, finding the right location, or building strategic partnerships, we’re here to help you navigate every step of your journey toward long-term success. Together, we can shape a brighter economic future for Michigan City and beyond.

Welcome from the Executive Director

“Breaking through stagnation and complacency is not meant to be comfortable. This uncomfortable zone – that brings about uneasiness and awkwardness – is where we can find the motivation and vision to take our city to new heights.

While innovation may be seen as a buzzword that is thrown around to describe anything new and unique, it is truly a direction that Michigan City has been working toward for years and continues to follow with new ideas, economic development approaches and ingenious mindsets.

The EDCMC is joining leaders from our city and the Region to approach growth and development with a strategy that leans toward the uneasy arena to propel change and future momentum.

We may face more growing pains with our nod toward innovation, but our community is poised to enter a fresh phase of energy & positivity that is backed by valuable partnerships, visionary leaders & vibrant perspectives. We look forward to traveling an innovative path!”

– Clarence L. Hulse

2024 Annual Report: A Year of Growth, Development, and Community Impact

The EDCMC 2024 Annual Report highlights significant growth in Michigan City, marked by the advancement of the Vibrant Michigan City initiative, the launch of housing developments like Woodland Ridge and The Franklin at 11th Street Station, and the redevelopment of the Indiana State Prison site. The local business community thrived with new openings and expansions, while infrastructure improvements, including the Double Track Northwest Indiana project, enhanced connectivity to Chicago. Additionally, the EDCMC introduced a new Strategic Plan focused on five pillars: economic inclusion, workforce development, placemaking, storytelling, and financial modernization – laying a strong foundation for progress through 2040.

EDCMC Mission & Vision

The Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City (EDCMC) is committed to fostering a thriving community by focusing on five key pillars: Economic Modernization, Economic Inclusion, Workforce Development, Placemaking, and Storytelling. These strategic priorities work together to create a vibrant, inclusive, and competitive economy where residents, businesses, and entrepreneurs can prosper.

Mission Statement: To champion economic growth, prosperity, and opportunity by creating a vibrant, inclusive, and competitive economy where residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses thrive.

Vision Statement: To be a trusted broker and engine of economic opportunity for residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses, enhancing the business environment and quality of life for Michigan City.

EDCMC mission

A NEW PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

A refreshed Michigan City Strategic Action Plan plots key points to forge toward continuous economic development and socioeconomic opportunities and innovations.

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and business and community leaders worked closely with the Ascendant Global Consulting team to update the Strategic Plan for a groundwork to pave the way to 2040.

“Our vision is rooted in our city’s history and current path while not shying away from the challenges and issues our community members face,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “The framework is based on months of interviews, discussions, roundtables, surveys, analysis and connections with a cross-section of our community and businesses – all with an eye toward collaboration and unity.”

The Strategic Action Plan is built on the base created by the Ascendant team that pinpoints five pillars: economic inclusion, workforce development, placemaking, storytelling and economic modernization. The plan drills down each area into actionable steps that will serve as a guide to move toward measurable and meaningful benchmarks.

2040 Strategic Plan Cover
Michigan City exhibits disparities in economic inclusion, with limited opportunities for certain demographics and communities. There is a need to address trust issues, align career opportunities with workforce interests, and improve access to economic information and resources.

While workforce development programs exist, there are concerns about their effectiveness in reaching those most in need and addressing talent acquisition challenges. There is a desire to enhance training programs, particularly for youth, and leverage technology to expand market capacity.

Michigan City boasts areas of natural beauty but faces challenges such as crime, blight, and inadequate amenities in some neighborhoods. Stakeholders emphasize the need for housing affordability, downtown revitalization, arts and cultural programming of public spaces, and leveraging transportation infrastructure for economic growth.

Michigan City should cultivate a shared narrative and promote its value proposition to attract businesses and talent. Stakeholders recommend crafting a shared narrative highlighting quality of life, diversity, employment opportunities, and regional amenities.

Michigan City’s economic modernization efforts involve traditional business development, support for small businesses, and digital transformation. Recommendations include diversifying sectors for corporate attraction, enhancing regional collaboration, updating comprehensive plans, supporting small business growth, and investing in digital infrastructure.

EDCMC STAFF

The team at the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Michigan City. With a strong focus on attracting new investments and helping local businesses succeed, they work to improve the city’s economic landscape. Their knowledge of the community and commitment to its future drives their efforts to create opportunities that benefit both businesses and residents. At EDCMC, they’re focused on building a positive future for Michigan City.

Clarence Hulse

Executive Director

Liliana Franco

Operations Director

Tracey Clark Jeffries

ERC Fellow

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors for the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) is a diverse group of local leaders and professionals committed to guiding the organization’s strategic vision. Representing various industries and backgrounds, the board works collaboratively to promote economic growth and development in Michigan City. Their combined expertise helps ensure that the EDCMC remains focused on supporting business expansion, attracting investment, and fostering a vibrant local economy.

Seth Spencer

Chair

CEO & Founder – Sera Group

Stephanie Oberlie

Vice Chair

President & COO – Harbour Trust & Investment Management Company

Bill Hackney

Past Chair

Publisher – Herald Dispatch

Steve Kring

Treasurer

Regional President – Horizon Bank

Jessica Bailey

Secretary

Vice President, Human Resources – Sullair – A Hitachi Group Company

Angie Nelson Deuitch

Mayor – City of Michigan City

Don Babcock

Director of Economic Development & Community – Purdue University Northwest

Jesse Baldwin

Chief Operating Officer – Triplex Plating

Dr. Vidya S. Kora

City Council at Large – Michigan City Common Council

John C. Rieger Jr.

Vice President and General Manager – Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa

Antonio Conley

CEO & Founder – Temerity Boutique

Cassie Martin Graham

VP of Operations – D. Martin Enterprises

Dean Mazzoni

President & CEO – Franciscan Health – Michigan City

Dr. Wendell McCollum

Superintendent – Michigan City Area Schools

Aco Sikoski

Campus Chancellor – IVY Tech Community College