Silence is Golden

gledclogoThis year I am the president of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Committee (GLEDC). Few citizens outside of the business community are aware of our activities. Part of the reason for the anonymity is that much of GLEDC’s work is done out of the public eye. This article will help you to be aware of what we do for the betterment of La Porte.

We are a not for profit 501 C 3 formed to help our community attract and retain employers. It is funded by the city of La Porte, the La Porte Chamber of Commerce and business contributors. Through these financial resources we fund a staff who responds to leads for new business generated from various sources including the State of Indiana, NIPSCO, and site selection firms. Often these firms request that the location efforts are held in confidence, so unfortunately the community often does not know of the potential new employer. Site location is a very competitive business and more often than not firms are looking at many states and sites within each state.

Despite the poor odds we have had a lot of success in the past eleven years we have been in existence. Monosol and American Licorice both located to La Porte, and have both recently expanded in our community. Space Leasing is also expanding the Thomas Rose Industrial Park in La Porte allowing us first rate sites for more new firms to locate in La Porte.

Dan-KaminskiThe best opportunities for additional employment in our community comes from existing businesses. Each year we visit over 60 of our firms in greater La Porte. We interview them to learn of the firm’s needs, and probe for expansion opportunities. Recently Showman Supplies has moved to a larger location and will expand its employment in our community. This is one illustration of the importance of retention efforts on the part of our community which is facilitated by GLEDC.

We at GLEDC recognize that working together with EDCMC (Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City) is important. We share leads, and work together to attract firms to all of La Porte County. Both of us know that what is good for the other community is good for us. We are way beyond the Red Devils vs. Slicers! Together we have added 1,308 new jobs, retained 1,268 jobs and attracted $171,089,000 since 2010- in a bad national economy.

Moving forward we will continue to work together to attract new jobs, and win expansions from our existing employers. Now you know a little bit more about us, we will keep you updated on our business development progress.

Daniel Kaminski

Chairman

Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation