Duke Energy supports economic development in Indiana with nearly $120,000 in grants

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Mar 31, 2022, 10:04 ET

PLAINFIELD, Ind., March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is awarding nearly $120,000 in strategic grants to 26 economic development groups to spur new jobs and investment across Indiana.

"Duke Energy is working hand in hand with our local and regional economic development partners to accelerate growth and job creation in the communities we serve," said Erin Schneider, director of economic development for Duke Energy Indiana. "We're proud to support these organizations, each of which plays a critical role in marketing Indiana's communities to attract businesses and enhance the quality of life for our customers."

The funding is through Duke Energy's Partnership Program, which supports organizations that increase awareness of a community or region's economic development strategies and product availability. This may include tours and special events to promote business sites and communities; marketing campaigns and promotional materials; and website development and updates.

"Shelby County's highly skilled workforce, affordable utilities and central location make it a really attractive area for large manufacturing operations," said Brian Asher, executive director of the Shelby County Development Corporation. "Duke Energy's support will help fund an advertisement in The Japan Times that coincides with our travel to the country this fall to attract additional jobs and investment to our community as we visit the headquarters of several Japanese companies with facilities in Shelbyville."

Since the program was established in 2017, Duke Energy has contributed nearly $600,000 in grant funding to organizations that are helping create vibrant economies in Indiana.

To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community's economic growth. These awards help local and regional economic development organizations fund marketing and strategic efforts in the communities they serve. Amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.

This year, grants were awarded to the following organizations:

Accelerate West Central Indiana Economic Development – $5,000
Carroll County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
Cass County Economic Development – $4,200
City of Batesville – $5,000
City of Madison Economic Development – $5,000
East Central Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000
Gibson County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance – $5,000
Greater Lafayette Economic Alliance – $5,000
Greater Lafayette Commerce – $5,000
Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center – $5,000
Grow Wabash County – $5,000
Hancock Economic Development Council – $2,500
Indy Partnership – $5,000
Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation – $5,000
Knox County Indiana Economic Development – $5,000
Lawrence County Economic Growth Council – $5,000
Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000
One Dearborn – $5,000
Owen County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation – $1,745
Pike County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000
Shelby County Development Corporation – $5,000
Southwest Indiana Development Council – $5,000
Terre Haute Regional Airport – $5,000
Vermillion County Economic Development Council – $1,200
Vermillion Rise Mega Park – $5,000

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 870,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana's largest electric supplier.

Media contact: McKenzie Barbknecht
800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy