According to Indiana Economic Digest, James Hamilton, president of Colbert Packaging said, "Any possible expansions and new equipment might go to the Elkhart operation instead of the plants in Illinois." This expansion could lead to 500 new jobs in Elkhart. "This is a promising sign for Elkhart and northern Indiana as we continue to rebound from the recession," said Rep. Neese. "The policies put in place by Governor Daniels and state legislature have Indiana not only more firmly positioned than our neighboring states, but nationwide." The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has said they will be running an "aggressive campaign" to attract companies to Indiana. Currently, Indiana is ranked sixth in the nation according to Area Development magazine's "Top States for Doing Business" study. In November, Hoosiers voted to make tax caps constitutional, which gives Hoosiers and business owner's more predictability in an un-predictable economy. Indiana is ideal real estate for job creation and growth. Continuing with business friendly legislation and having a "jobs-first" mentality, House Republicans have proposed a number of economic development bills including House Bill 1005 and House Bill 1007. HB 1005 addresses the "dinosaur building" industrial recovery tax credit which provides an incentive for companies to invest in facilities requiring significant rehabilitation or remodeling expense, and HB 1007 allows individual counties the option to exempt personal property and new investments from their property taxes. "If we are able to provide local government the economic development tools they need, combined with Illinois' recent tax increases, Indiana is looking at developing a more solidified economic environment to attract businesses," said Rep. Neese. |
