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

“In 2023, our EDCMC team and community leaders were able to mark how all of the little steps truly add up to big changes as monumental projects took off and broke ground. The South Shore Double Track and SoLa (South of the Lake) developments are on pace as we see the progress take tangible shape.

While these projects are undeniably important to our city’s future path, I am especially proud of our progress in the social-economic arena this past year. Our city was one of three in the state that participated in an Economic Inclusion Learning Lab initiative that created our Vibrant Michigan City playbook.

From building healthy and engaged neighborhoods to constructing safe and affordable housing, the playbook pathways are imperative to our progress as an economically inclusive city that not only celebrates all of our residents but also welcomes our tourists and guests.”

– 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

Karaline Cartagena Edwards

Economic Development Manager

Tristan Gaston

Special Projects Coordinator

Erin Meisner

Community Development Manager

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.

Angie Nelson Deuitch

Mayor – City of Michigan City

Seth Spencer

Chair

CEO & Founder – Sera Group

Steve Kring

Vice Chair

Regional President – Horizon Bank

Bill Hackney

Past Chair

Publisher – Herald Dispatch

Jessica Bailey

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

Don Babcock

Director of Economic Development & Community – Purdue University Northwest

Jesse Baldwin

Chief Operating Officer – Triplex Plating

Brian Coleman

Commercial Broker – Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Group

Bryant Dabney

City Council at Large – Michigan City Common Council

Dean Mazzoni

President & CEO – Franciscan Health – Michigan City

Stephanie Oberlie

President & COO – Harbour Trust & Investment Management Company

Aco Sikoski

Campus Chancellor – IVY Tech Community College

Dr. Wendell McCollum

Superintendent – Michigan City Area Schools

Antonio Conley

CEO & Founder – Temerity Boutique

Cassie Martin Graham

VP of Operations – D. Martin Enterprises