About - Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana

Welcome from the Executive Director

As an economic development organization, the EDCMC certainly strives to attract and retain business as well as partner to develop our workforce. But economic development is so much more than site selection, data and tax incentives. Our mission and goals are focused on areas and arenas that go beyond the numbers.

We are addressing the issues and needs of our diverse population by always adopting a synergetic scope to evaluate transportation, health care, economic inclusion, childcare, food access and more. In 2022, we tackled these topics with a variety of community, state and federal partner organizations.

Leaders gathered to officially mark the South Shore Line’s Double Track project in Michigan City. We joined community members to “break ground” on HealthLinc’s new Michigan City location. Initiatives are also focusing on economic inclusion and child care. As we move on from our Silver Anniversary, we are proud of our past, present and how we are progressing.

– Clarence L. Hulse

EDCMC Staff

Clarence
Hulse

Executive
Director

chulse@edcmc.com

About Clarence

Liliana
Franco

Office
Manager

lfranco@edcmc.com

About Liliana

Karaline
Cartagena Edwards

Economic Development
Manager

kcedwards@edcmc.com

About Karaline

Mission Statement

To develop and implement seamless policies, procedures and programs for economic and community development that drive systemic and long-term viability through collaboration and consensus with our stakeholders and community resources.

Vision Statement

To assure the long-term viability of Michigan City with a healthy and robust business environment, modern public infrastructure, a stable tax base, outstanding customer service and quality human, technical and financial resources so that local leaders are able to sustain needed change.

Where We’re Going From Here

As a private nonprofit, the EDCMC is best able to serve the business community. We are dedicated to attracting new companies, helping existing businesses, spurring entrepreneurial efforts, developing educational opportunities and cultivating a strong workforce. We work toward this by uniting private and public sectors, business and community leaders and government and industry officials – all to incite economic growth.

In 2019, EDCMC put into place the groundwork for a long-term strategy: “An Agenda for Economic Prosperity.” The essence of the economic development plan is centered around strong synergy between all local entities from government to nonprofits. By partnering under the umbrella of equity, inclusion and a shared vision, local leaders are paving the way toward the city’s continued growth. The strategic plan has taken on an even more vital role as communities across America face challenges and obstacles.

The strategy’s elements include a focus on talent, business retention and development, housing accessibility, transportation solutions and inclusive economic opportunities.

The four tenets adopted by the EDCMC Board of Directors and city officials for the 2019-23 plan:

1. Workforce Development & Talent Attraction

Businesses continue to base location decisions on availability of talent and cultivation of workforce development. Michigan City is concentrating on eight action steps to obtain this goal, including fostering connections to young professionals, partnering with industries to create the needed talent pool and creating a world-class robotics lab.

2. Economic Modernization

Michigan City needs to adapt and adjust to spark economic vitality. With an eye on sources of strength such as manufacturing and tourism, the plan pinpoints additional priorities for business development. While carrying on site selection and attraction efforts, entrepreneurship should take a top role with co-working spaces, small business competition, developer space and expert support.

3. Placemaking

The heart of a city is its sense of community. Michigan City’s amenities, housing and transportation options, attractions and enjoyable atmosphere are all vital to its vitality. The plan lays out five initiatives to continue to create a place where people want to work and live today and tomorrow.

4. Aggressively Tell the Story

Michigan City has a story to tell. The plan looks to spotlight business successes and community assets through a storytelling campaign and branding initiative. By featuring the people and places unique to Michigan City, the plan targets current and future residents as well as visitors and tourists.

View our Plan