ChamberofCommerce.org rankings highlight MC business climate
The ChamberofCommerce.org in its 2019 Best Cities for Small Business report ranked Michigan City/ La Porte MSA in the top 100 small cities for business. The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) welcomed the national ranking by the business resource site as a recognition of all the partnerships built to promote business education and business expansion & retention programs in Michigan City.
Small cities in the central western and midwestern states fared best in the rankings, with a whopping 15 out of the top 20 in these regions. Surprisingly, many small and sparsely populated states usually deemed “flyover states,” accounted for over a quarter of the top 20 best small cities for business. Cities in these states are bolstered by low unemployment and high job creation numbers. The Michigan City/LaPorte MSA was ranked at # 83 ahead of three other Indiana cities, Muncie (107), Kokomo (108.5) and Bloomington (118). Columbus (3) and Elkhart-Goshen (9) were in the top 10.
“When a national organization conducts independent research and confirms what we already know to be true, that is icing on the cake. We are a business-friendly community, investing in increasing the quality of life for all our residents and creating high paying jobs,” said Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer. “This is a great honor, although unexpected, is no surprise as my administration has worked tirelessly to invest in Michigan City and create numerous business opportunities for our residents.”
The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce was equally pleased with the national ranking by ChamberofCommerce.org. Katie Eaton, Chamber President, said, “this may help attract more entrepreneurs to our city while encouraging residents to start their own business. Michigan City is open for business, and the Chamber is ready to assist in any way possible.”
The ChamberofCommerce.org resource organization’s findings indicate that being located in a specific region of the country does not alone indicate a positive business environment. Geography-independent variables such as a young, educated workforce, established industry, and a low unemployment rate are the best indicators. More and more, young transplants and new industrial sectors are revitalizing once staid, remote small cities across the Midwest, bringing opportunities along with them. This trend makes it an exciting time to be an entrepreneur.
“Michigan City offers a more welcoming environment for young upstarts to enter the business arena than large cities,” said Clarence Hulse, Executive Director, EDCMC. He continued saying, “the rents are cheaper and competition is less intimidating. Breaking into the top 100 ranking for 2019 Best Cities for Small Business is exciting. We will continue to improve our business environment by creating a city where people want to live, work, and play.”
Entrepreneurs seeking to start or looking to expand their business may call the EDCMC at (219) 873-1211 for more information.
Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana is committed to growing and attracting new industry and business to the community as well as strengthening the existing business. EDCMC services, programs, and one-on-one assistance provide the optimum business environment — a place where commerce and industry can prosper and grow. EDCMC merges the right mix of resources, including: city government officials, residents, and the expertise of business leaders. Exclusive incentive packages and unique natural resources make Michigan City the place to build or expand. For more information, call (219) 873-1211 or visit www.edcmc.com.
The Chamber’s vision is that Michigan City will continue to be a progressive community in which to live, work and invest through partnerships with the business sector and local leadership. Our mission is to be a catalyst for economic growth in our community and for our members through advocacy, education and regional collaborations. The Chamber’s role as a non-Profit, business membership organization is to support our members and represent them as the voice of business in the community. For more information, call (219) 874-6221 or visit www.mcachamber.com
ChamberofCommerce.org is a website dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs start, market, finance, and grow their businesses. By creating in-depth guides, how-tos, and reviews covering relevant business products, the Chamber of Commerce is able to help its readers move past the pitfalls that are often to blame for small business failure. Learn more at chamberofcommerce.org.