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Advocacy Leadership Group Issue Statement for Catalytic Leadership

by 1si NewsAdvocacy

Issue Statement for Catalytic Leadership:  The role of 1si in promoting a fiscally-stable, business-friendly environment transcends local, regional, state and national issues.  Our members and investors support our leadership as a change agent to further our organizational mission.  Through our leadership and advocacy initiatives, we promote positive change by serving as the “Champions of Ideas” to achieve economic and business vitality for the region.  Additionally, we strive to provide for our investors and members access to policy makers through forums, roundtables and one-on-one meetings.

February 23 Advocacy Leadership Update:

  1. Budget Bill includes $150 million for Regional Recovery – Remember the Regional Cities program we watched pass us by in 2015? Well, we may have a second chance for our share of state resources dedicated to regional projects if HB-1001 (the budget bill) passes in its current state.  The Governor’s Next Level Regional Recovery program will award grants to regional development authorities for to support economic regional recovery.
  2. Small Business Restart Grants – Last month HB-1004 passed the full House by a vote of 93-3! If approved by the Senate, this action will establish the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart grant program to provide grants to eligible entities to accelerate economic recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.  An eligible business may apply for a grant under the program for reimbursement of up 80% of non-payroll business expenses and 100% of payroll expenses incurred between March 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021, up to $50,000 total.  Up to $30 million can be allocated to this fund through the budget process.
  3. COVID-Related Liability Protections – 1si’s top priority for this session were COVID-related risk reduction and recovery efforts. SB-1 quickly passed and was sent to the House.  The two chambers conferred on agreed bill to protect business, public bodies and venues against liabilities related to COVID 19 transmission.  Governor Holcomb signed the bill into law on February 11!
  4. Broadband Support – Many broadband bills are still alive! Several bills were filed and designed to increase and enhance the reliability and affordability of broadband service are scheduled for hearings this week, and several others are moving.  The specific bills – some of which incorporate other filings – include HB-1449, SB-359 and SB-377.  1si is on record to support broadband enhancement and we expect to see movement on this issue this session.
  5. Wetlands Regulation – SB-389 has passed the full Senate 29-19 and is crossing the hallway to be taken up by the House of Representatives. If approved, this will repeal the law requiring a permit from IDEM for wetlands activity in a state-regulated wetlands, leading to enhanced development opportunities.  1si supports this Bill.
  6. Local Economic Development Tools – 1si continues to support economic development as a priority.  As we partner with local governments to attract, expand and retain jobs and investment, we support protecting and enhancing existing economic development tools, including:
    1. Tax Increment Financing.  We will continue to look for ways to encourage flexible and responsible use of TIF to maximize the needs of our growing businesses.   Bills addressing TIF include HB-1187, HB-1249 and SB-408.
    2. Certified Technology Parks. Giving greater flexibility for state certified technology parks (CTPs) is the intent of SB-213.  We support CTPs and the enhanced use proposed by this bill, which is scheduled for a hearing this week.
    3. Enterprise Zones. As presented, HB-1025 outlines the process for extending Enterprise Zones – a valuable economic development tool – by an additional five (5) years.

 

 

The State of Manufacturing—a Brief Review

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

Early in the pandemic, manufacturing was one of the hardest hit sectors. A complete shutdown in the economy, work stoppages due to the nature of manufacturing floor layouts, and supply chain challenges all played a role in steep manufacturing job losses. Locked in the home with no place to go and few places to spend, and with extra cash due to government stimulus, the seeds were planted for a quick recovery in manufacturing. Consumers then began spending, and were interested in pursuing home improvements, or buying a new home altogether. Consumers bought bikes, appliances, RVs, sporting goods, and anything that would increase their comfort at home, or naturally distance themselves from others (like an RV). Will the consumer continue to drive solid manufacturing activity, or begin to pull back, perhaps resulting in a manufacturing slowdown? Growth will vary by industry, but the evidence continues to point to an overall strong recovery in manufacturing.

Layoffs and Employment
It was almost a year ago when manufacturing began to see substantial layoffs. Locally, layoffs in manufacturing exceeded all other industries. including retail, healthcare, and food and accommodation. Continued claims in manufacturing for both Floyd and Clark exceeded 1,500 at the height of the downturn. The most recent data show that continued claims hover around 150, a 10-fold decline from the peak.

Louisville area manufacturing payrolls have not fully recovered pandemic-induced losses. Manufacturing payrolls were at 82,000 at the start of 2020, and now stand at 80,000. Payrolls had declined to 62,000 in April, which also coincides with the overall bottoming of the economy. Unlike the Great Recession, the recovery has been swifter. It took 6 years to go from 62,000 payrolls to a level of 82,000 following the Great Recession. In the current recession, the region has almost recovered all job losses in a year.

Savings
Considerable challenges remain among some households. The decimation of certain industries due to lockdowns and Covid restrictions have placed uneven burdens on firms and respective employees. Overall, however, the consumer is in great shape. Sky-rocketing savings, and muted delinquency rates (consumer delinquency rates have declined during the pandemic), along with anecdotal evidence of pent-up demand suggest that manufacturing will boom the rest of the year, and into next. The most recent savings rate was at 13.7%, and this is the highest since the 1970s. During the Great Recession, savings rates had reached a high of a little more than 8%. During the Covid-19 recession, savings rates had reached an unheard level of 33%! The consumer is ready to spend even more and has the means to do so. Some of these savings will return to services (dining out, vacations), but the demand for goods is expected to continue.

Institute for Supply Management Index
The ISM Report on Manufacturing showed a deep contraction back in April, but the sector has been expanding since. An ISM reading above 50 points to expansion, and below 50 indicate contraction. The latest reading of 60 points to solid growth. If we examine the ISM coming out of prior recessions, 60 is one of the strongest numbers. One would have to go back to the recession of the early 80s to find an ISM higher than 60 upon exiting a recession.

Inventories
Inventory readings provide an indication of the potential growth pipeline in manufacturing. Excessive inventories relative to demand can spell trouble for manufacturing, but lean levels can portend solid growth. The inventory to sales ratio combines inventory levels and demand, as measured through sales, and is an indicator of upcoming manufacturing activity.

The latest reading on the inventory to sales ratio stands at 1.36 and can be interpreted as the average number of months it takes to sell off inventories. How does this 1.36 compare to previous readings? Back in April 2020, the inventory to sales ratio ballooned up to 1.66, the highest number going back to 1991. The shutdown of the nation’s economy gave consumers few places to spend money, and consequently this led to shelves that were overstocked. As we all know, this did not last long. The inventory to sales ratio then began to plummet over the past year and is now at the lowest level since 2012.

What is the significance to Louisville Metro manufacturing? The year of 2012 marked the highest year over year growth in Louisville area manufacturing since 1991. In essence, this was the “shelf-restocking” phase following the Great Recession, and the region saw very high percentage growth in manufacturing as a result. To be sure, year over year growth in manufacturing payroll growth remains negative, but in a better position than other sectors. Only two sectors are showing positive year over year growth: retail trade (surprisingly) and transportation and utilities. Low inventory levels, relative to sales, and pent-up demand from the consumer will combine to produce strong growth for area manufacturing this year.

Durable Goods Orders
Durable goods are longer lasting and have a life that exceeds 3 years. Think appliances, computers, automobiles, and machinery. As an indicator, durables goods orders provide a signal of future manufacturing activity. Prior to the pandemic, growth in durable goods was sluggish. Uncertainty around trade policy produced reluctance among manufacturers, and this showed up in an overall decline in durable goods orders from the peak of 2018 to February 2020. The pandemic then led to a massive decline in durable goods orders that bottomed out in April 2020. Since then, durable goods have been on the upswing. While levels have yet to return to the peak of 2018, durable goods are significantly higher than levels that existed following the Great Recession, and higher than levels that existed during 2012, the year that was associated with strong manufacturing employment growth for Louisville Metro.

Summary
Manufacturing suffered some of the deepest job losses, but these losses were transitory. As we begin 2021, signs are pointing to a very good year for manufacturing. Manufacturing does not hold the number of jobs it once did, `but is still one of the key sectors for the entire region. The overall positive outlook for manufacturing is one of the reasons Louisville Metro should fully recover total job losses by year end.

By Dr. Uric Dufrene, Sanders Chair in Business and Professor of Finance, Indiana University Southeast

J. Knipper and Company, Inc., Announces Expansion at Charlestown, Ind., Facility

by 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

Charlestown, Ind. (February 15, 2021) – Representatives of One Southern Indiana (1si), working in partnership with the River Ridge Development Authority and J. Knipper and Company, Inc. (Knipper), announced today the expansion of the current Knipper distribution center at 1250 Patrol Road.  The expansion of this facility will consist of an additional 150,000-square-foot of space, including a refrigerator which can hold 1,500 pallets and a drive-in freezer.  The company, which provides complete supply chain services to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry and is the largest provider of samples management services, anticipates making a capital investment of $17.4 million and increasing its workforce by 38 employees by the end of 2024.

Knipper’s CEO Mike Laferrera stated, “Our mission is to work with our clients to create solutions that are strategically designed, faithfully executed, and driven by market insight and data to ensure maximum return on our clients’ investments, and ultimately to improve people’s lives. The expansion of our Charlestown, Ind., facility will help us work toward that, and we appreciate the State of Indiana, the City of Charlestown, River Ridge Commerce Center and 1si for helping us expand to meet new demands.”

The company, which established the Charlestown distribution center in 2016, was founded in 1986, and it is headquartered in Lakewood, N.J.  Known for being an integral part of the communities in which it is located, Knipper has been awarded the Clara Barton Corporate Humanitarian Award by the American Red Cross and the Corporate Citizen of the Year award by Catholic Charities for volunteer efforts by Knipper employees.

Mayor of Charlestown, Dr. Treva Hodges, said, “On behalf of the City of Charlestown, I’d like to congratulate J. Knipper and Company on their recent announcement.  It is always great news for Charlestown when a company like Knipper announces the addition of more than 35 jobs with wages 25 percent above the Clark County average.  We wish them the best of luck and stand ready to assist in any way we can.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Knipper up to $400,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“Indiana has a legacy of life sciences excellence with companies like Knipper continuing to grow in our state,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “Approximately 2,100 life sciences companies in Indiana employ 56,000 Hoosiers, and as a state, we’ll keep providing a top-ranked business environment so companies like Knipper have the confidence to invest in their Indiana operations and add high-quality career opportunities.”

Located between Charlestown and Jeffersonville, Ind., Knipper’s facility is situated in the River Ridge Commerce Center, a world-class 6,000-acre business and manufacturing park under development along the Ohio River, across from Louisville, Ky. Recently, the River Ridge Commerce Center reported increased employment, expanded development and generated an increase of $2.5 billion in economic output in 2019 alone — the largest output from the business park since it opened.

“We are ecstatic that Knipper has decided to expand and reinvest in its operations at the River Ridge Commerce Center. When the company opened at River Ridge, we knew it was the kind of innovative, growth-oriented employer that could thrive in a new home at River Ridge,” said Jerry Acy, executive director of the River Ridge Commerce Center. “The River Ridge Development Authority will continue to invest in infrastructure and amenities, so River Ridge remains an appealing location for Knipper and other firms serving the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.”

“Five years ago, we welcomed Knipper into the Southern Indiana business community, and this will be the company’s second expansion since the initial build in 2016.  While that kind of success is due to the hard work of Knipper’s employees and forward-thinking management, we believe choosing to locate and grow within the River Ridge Commerce Center, and the State of Indiana itself, contributed to the active growth the company has experienced. As always, 1si is happy to have played a small role in this notable achievement and looks forward to working with Knipper in the future,” said 1si President and CEO Wendy Dant Chesser.

 About J. Knipper and Company, Inc.:
For 35 years, J. Knipper and Company, Inc. has been purpose-built on a strong foundation of healthcare service, support, and excellence. The largest U.S. provider of sampling distribution, Knipper also provides prescriber validation, sample accountability, web ordering solutions and third-party logistics services to the Pharmaceutical and Life Science Industries. The company has locations throughout New Jersey, Indiana, Florida, and California. For more information on J. Knipper and Company, please visit www.knipper.com.

 About One Southern Indiana:
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses thrive in the Southern Indiana and metro area.

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org

 Media Contacts:

J. Knipper and Company, Inc.
Eric Johnson
Chief Commercial Growth Office
908.447.1047
Eric.Johnson@knipper.com 

One Southern Indiana
Suzanne Ruark
Director, Marketing and Communications
suzanner@1si.org

Advocacy Update | February 8, 2021

by 1si NewsAdvocacy

Issue Statement for Catalytic Leadership:  The role of 1si in promoting a fiscally-stable, business-friendly environment transcends local, regional, state and national issues.  Our members and investors support our leadership as a change agent to further our organizational mission.  Through our leadership and advocacy initiatives, we promote positive change by serving as the “Champions of Ideas” to achieve economic and business vitality for the region.  Additionally, we strive to provide for our investors and members access to policy makers through forums, roundtables and one-on-one meetings.

February 8 Advocacy Leadership Update:

  1. Small Business Restart Grants – 1si Director Jim Epperson testified in support of HB-1004 last month and the bill passed the full House by a vote of 93-3! If approved by the Senate, this action will establish the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart grant program to provide grants to eligible entities to accelerate economic recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
  2. COVID-Related Liability Protections – 1si’s Public Policy Leadership Group is supporting two bills currently being considered to protect business, public bodies and venues against liabilities related to COVID 19 transmission. Both for HB-1002 and SB-01 center around civil immunity and are moving through their respective Chambers.  Differences between the two Bills will likely be worked out during the second half of session.
  3. Broadband Support – This is a big week for broadband! Several bills designed to increase and enhance the reliability and affordability of broadband service are scheduled for hearings this week, and several others are moving.  The specific bills include HB-1413, HB-1426, HB-1449, SB-352, SB-359 and SB-377.  1si is on record to support broadband enhancement and we expect to see movement on many of these proposals this session.
  4. Wetlands Regulation – SB-389 has passed the full Senate 29-19 and is crossing the hallway to be taken up by the House of Representatives. If approved, this will repeal the law requiring a permit from IDEM for wetlands activity in a state-regulated wetlands, leading to enhanced development opportunities.  1si supports this Bill.
  5. Local Economic Development Tools – 1si continues to support economic development as a priority.  As we partner with local governments to attract, expand and retain jobs and investment, we support protecting and enhancing existing economic development tools, including:
    1. Tax Increment Financing.  We will continue to look for ways to encourage flexible and responsible use of TIF to maximize the needs of our growing businesses.   Bills addressing TIF include HB-1187, HB-1249 and SB-408.
    2. Certified Technology Parks. Giving greater flexibility for state certified technology parks (CTPs) is the intent of SB-213.  We support CTPs and the enhanced use proposed by this bill, which is scheduled for a hearing this week.
    3. Enterprise Zones. As presented, HB-1025 outlines the process for extending Enterprise Zones – a valuable economic development tool – by an additional five (5) years.

Multi-Color Corporation Announces Plan to Expand in Scottsburg, Ind.

by 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

Multi-Color Corporation Announces Plan to Expand in Scottsburg, Ind.

Company Looks to Grow Operations and Workforce

Scottsburg, Ind. (February 5, 2021) – Representatives of One Southern Indiana (1si), working in support of the Scott County Economic Development Corporation, and Multi-Color Corporation, a label printing company located at 2281 South U.S. Highway 31, Scottsburg, will appear before the Scottsburg City Council on Monday, February 8, 2021, to ask for a resolution in support of tax incentives for a planned expansion. The company would like to make a capital investment of $7.7 million and increase its workforce.

Multi-Color Corporation is a leader in global label solutions with more than 103 years of experience. The company supports a number of the world’s most prominent brands including leading producers of home and personal care, wine and spirits, food and beverage, healthcare and specialty consumer products.

“The City of Scottsburg is excited about Multi-Color Corporation’s current success and the possibility of the company expanding its capabilities to accommodate this new phase of its business,” said Scottsburg Mayor Terry Amick. “The capital investment of $7.7 million in its facility here is a big win for the city and the region as a whole. We look forward to working with Multi-Color Corporation on their proposal and in the years to come.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Multi-Color Corporation up to $425,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“We’re excited to support Multi-Color Corporation’s Scottsburg expansion,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “Being a global company, Multi-Color Corporation had a world of options to expand, but we’re grateful the company chose to expand its Indiana operations and create more career opportunities for Hoosiers.”

President and CEO of 1si Wendy Dant Chesser said, “1si is happy to be working in support of the Scott County Economic Development Corporation and Multi-Color Corporation on this exciting expansion. The fact the company is considering an expansion in Scottsburg is a good economic indicator for the city, county, and the region. 1si stands ready to assist in any way we can.”

About Multi-Color Corporation
A true global label solutions provider, Multi-Color Corporation is one of the largest label companies in the world in the following market segments: beverage, wine and spirits, food and dairy, personal care and beauty, home care and laundry, healthcare, durables and technical and automotive and chemicals.

Established in 1916 and headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, Multi-Color Corporation has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most awarded label printers today supporting the world’s most prominent brands. In 2016, Multi-Color celebrated its 100th year in business. For more information on Multi-Color Corporation, visit www.mcclabel.com.

About Scott County Economic Development Corporation
Representing Scott County, Indiana, it is the mission of the Scott County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) to offer the best services for thriving new and existing industries, while expanding future opportunities for Scott County residents through the jobs and benefits successful businesses and industries create. Our dedicated team is focused on helping local businesses and entrepreneurs thrive, and businesses outside of the area relocate, by providing the services they need to increase sales, add jobs and expand operations. We assist businesses with everything from keeping costs low to building or expanding multi-million-dollar facilities.

SCEDC also offers comprehensive facility location services, from initial contact through site location to future growth and expansion. In essence, we provide “one-stop shopping” for your relocation and expansion needs. For more information, visit our website at www.scottcountyin.com.

About One Southern Indiana:
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses thrive in the Southern Indiana and metro area.

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Media Contacts:
Scott County Economic Development Corporation
Terry Amick
Mayor of Scottsburg
812.722.5039
tamick@cityofscottsburg.com

One Southern Indiana
Suzanne Ruark
Director, Marketing and Communications
812.206.9050
suzanner@1si.org

Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | January 2021

by 1si NewsThank Your for Renewing Your Membership

One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following members for renewing their membership during the month of January 2021.

 

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More) Member Since
DMLO – New Albany 1972
Jeffersonville Housing Authority 1984
K.M. Stemler Company, Inc. 1989
Foam Fabricators 1990
City of New Albany 1992
WesBanco Bank, Inc. 1994
Strandz Salon & Threadz Boutique 1995
Mister ”P” Express, Inc. 1996
Ten to 24 Years
Ameriguard Storage Center 1998
Hurst & Associates, LLC 1998
Mane Event Decorators 1998
Technidyne Corporation 1998
Smith Creek, Inc. 2001
Voss Clark 2001
Stephen C. Gault Co. 2002
The Grand 2002
Business Health Plus, Inc. 2003
Toby’s Lawn & Landscape 2003
Charlestown Clark County Public Library 2003
RE/MAX FIRST 2004
Christian Academy of Indiana 2004
Mariner Wealth Advisors 2005
MCM CPAs & Advisors 2006
R. H. Clarkson Insurance Agency 2007
Purdue Research Park of Southeast Indiana 2008
Paul Ogle Foundation, Inc. 2009
Theresa J. Lamb Insurance Agency, Inc. 2009
Environmental Compliance Source, LLC 2010
Unified Technologies 2010
U.S. Bank 2011
Five to Nine Years
Bennett Place 2012
C. W. Erecting, LLC 2013
R. I. C. Electric, LLC 2013
Vecoplan Midwest, LLC 2013
United Consulting 2013
ERL, Inc. 2014
Healthy Living and Beyond 2014
Clayton & Lambert Mfg. Co. 2015
Hampton Inn by Hilton New Albany Louisville West 2016
Priority Radiology 2016
Denton Floyd Real Estate Group 2016
RE/MAX Pat Harrison Enterprises 2016
Two to Four Years
LegalShield – Larry J. Lynn 2017
W.M. Kelley Company, Inc. 2017
Little Star Center, Inc. 2017
ATC Group Services LLC 2017
Facilities Management Services, Inc. 2017
Cunningham Campers, Inc. 2017
A. C. Equipment 2017
First Savings Wealth Management – Daniel Shepard 2017
Louisville Gas & Electric Co. 2017
Edward Jones – Scott Donald 2017
Innovators Insurance Group – Sylvia Rehmel 2018
The Barrelhouse On Market 2018
Julie Gamble Group 2018
Packet Pi 2018
New Albanian Brewing Co. 2018
S&ME, Inc. 2018
Brandon’s House Counseling Center, Inc. 2018
Preferred Meats, Inc. 2018
The Floyd County Library 2018
Janet Fulton – 180 Degrees 2018
Kirchner Dental 2018
Uncommon Cups and Cones 2018
Purple Pearl Skin & Beauty 2018
Aflac – Southern Indiana 2019
RJE Business Interiors 2019
Rally’s 2019
Mercer 2019
Arnold Painting, LLC 2019
One Year
Caris College 2020
The Sporting Club at the Farm 2020
Ice Miller LLP 2020
Martin’s Body Shop 2020

IQPack, LLC, Plans Expansion of Operations in New Albany, Ind.

by 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

IQPack, LLC, Plans Expansion of Operations in New Albany, Ind.

Company Estimates Potential Hiring of 55 People at Four Times the Floyd County Average Wage

New Albany, Ind. (January 8, 2021) – Representatives of One Southern Indiana (1si), the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties, and IQPack, LLC, a packaging and supply-chain solutions company based in New Albany, Ind., will appear before the city redevelopment commission on January 12, 2021. The company has plans for an expansion of its current operations at 3000 Technology Avenue to accommodate a new two-year software development contract.

Company leaders will request consideration for incentives in the form of training reimbursement funds up to $10,000 annually for up to three years.  Should the commission offer incentives, they would be contingent upon Floyd County citizens being hired.  If approved, the $1.17-million-dollar project will require the hiring of more than 50 high-skilled employees, such as packaging engineers, supply-chain experts and software developers with an average wage approximately four times the Floyd County average hourly wage.

“There is a major need for what we do, as many e-commerce and manufacturing companies are struggling to optimize their packaging operations and shipments to support more efficient supply chains. This has been a consistent problem in the industry for generations,” said John Moore, co-Founder and director of packaging for IQPack.

“Packaging is the vital thread connecting all parts of an operation such as materials cost, handling and storage, labor productivity, transportation cube and sustainability. We bring unique expertise, a laser focus, and passion to harness the value of packaging innovation, along with the proper tools to ensure a positive impact in all these areas,” said Moore.

New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan said, “While the Midwest is known as the manufacturing hub of the nation, the City of New Albany is also an ideal location for technology-driven companies looking for a smart, highly-skilled labor force.  The planned expansion of IQPack illustrates this point perfectly, and the City of New Albany will continue to assist the company in its efforts to grow and succeed.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered IQPack up to $1.5 million in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“With a strong logistics industry and thriving tech ecosystem, Indiana offers companies like IQPack the perfect location to scale up their operations,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “We’re excited to continue supporting IQPack’s growth in New Albany and grateful for the company’s commitment to expanding its operations and creating high-wage career opportunities in Southern Indiana.”

IQPack is known for its unique, performance-based operating model, Packaging-as-a-Service, or PaaS.  The model is anchored in industry-leading packaging solutions that drive positive effects across customers’ total cost of supply chain.  Services include comprehensive, diagnostic packaging innovation combined with a team of packaging, supply chain and logistics experts. IQPack also utilizes powerful data analytics tools through its PACKCHAIN technology, which provides key operational assessments, on-going solution management, and operational dashboards for performance tracking.

“We’re creating solutions for our customers that drive predictable and sustainable results, year after year. We utilize many key tools to ensure packaging optimization brings real value to our customers’ material spend, labor efficiency, parcel and load spend management and sustainability goals such as reducing waste, returns, and damage.” said Doug Jones, IQPack’s co-founder and chief operating officer.

“It’s time to elevate the expectations and performance of packaging across the entire industry. Packaging material costs are important, but they represent only nine percent of the total supply-chain cost for our customers. Our PaaS model also attacks the other 91 percent of costs, and it reflects very positively on the customer experience, service metrics, and profitability of large shippers,” said Moore. “This expansion is the next stage of IQPack’s evolution, and we’re excited about the possibility of doing it here in New Albany.”

John Moore founded IQPack in 2013. The company recently went through a rebranding effort which included changing the name of the company from Packaging and Logistics Solutions. The new name and brand better reflect the innovative, technology-savvy approach the company is taking.

“The expansion of IQPack would be a big win for the community and a great way to start 2021,” said 1si President and CEO Wendy Dant Chesser. “The growth and current success of this home-grown, high-tech company send a signal to other interested businesses that Southern Indiana is the right location for high-wage, high-skilled operations. We congratulate IQPack on this fantastic news and thank them for considering New Albany for these extremely desired career opportunities.”

All business inquiries for IQPack must be directed to the company’s website at www.theiqpack.com.

About IQPack, LLC

 IQPack, LLC, which was founded by John Moore as Packaging and Logistics Solutions in New Albany, Indiana, in 2013, has grown and flourished as a high-tech, packaging solutions company with a reputation for innovation and customer satisfaction. Guided by seasoned leaders of the packaging and global operations industries, our team of best-in-class packaging, logistics, and data analytics experts have a genuine passion to live our core values of integrity, innovation, customer focus, community, and family. IQPack, LLC, developed a unique “Packaging-as-a-Service,” or PaaS, model, which is designed to utilize progressive packaging optimization solutions that drive cost savings and operating efficiencies across 100-percent of our clients’ supply chains. The company is also known for PackChain, a proprietary, data analytics software platform that supports the PaaS model, providing objective analysis, broad solution features sets and a performance tracking capability for all key cost centers within our customers total supply chain operations. Given the steady growth in the company’s customer base of e-commerce and manufacturing, the team at IQPack, LLC, is focused on continuing its track record of success in meeting and exceeding the goals of its clients. For more information, visit www.theiqpack.com.

About One Southern Indiana:

One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses thrive in the Southern Indiana and metro area.

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org

 Media Contact:

IQPack, LLC

https://theiqpack.com/contact-iqpack/

 

One Southern Indiana

Suzanne Ruark

Director, Marketing and Communications

812.206.9050

suzanner@1si.org

Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | December 2020

by 1si NewsThank Your for Renewing Your Membership

One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership during the month of December 2020.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More) Member Since
Indiana-American Water Company 1967
Ivy Tech Community College 1970
PC Home Center 1978
Libs Paving Co., Inc. 1990
L & D Mail Masters, Inc. 1992
USI Insurance Services, LLC 1994
Ten to 24 Years
Hope Southern Indiana, Inc. 1998
Wiggam Lumber, Inc. 1999
Kentucky Financial Group 2002
One Vision Credit Union 2002
Silver Creek Leather Co., LLC 2003
LL&A Interior Design 2005
Storage Express 2007
CASI Community Action of Southern Indiana, Inc. 2007
Peyton’s Barricade & Sign Co. 2008
Clark and Riggs 2011
Five to Nine Years
Weatherall Co., Inc. 2012
Schimpff’s Confectionery 2014
Personalized Merchant Services, LLC. 2014
Expedia Cruises, New Albany 2015
Winston Industries 2016
Two to Four Years
King’s-Quality Restoration Services LLC 2017
The Breakwater 2017
Tree of Life Family Birth Center 2018
Red Roof Inn – Georgetown 2018
A Class Act DJ’s 2018
Heine Brothers’ Coffee 2019
The Refinery 2019
American Health Network 2019
Blacksmith Iron Works 2019
Sprechers Automotive 2019
Chicken Salad Chick 2019
One Year
Fibrenew Southern Indiana 2020
Excel Excavating, Incorporated 2020

Survey Results: Employers Expand Efforts to Attract, Retain Talent; Update on COVID-19 Impacts

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

Employers are aggressively taking proactive steps to try and solve some of the workforce challenges that have been prevalent in recent years. The findings are illustrated in the 13th annual employer workforce survey from the Indiana Chamber and its Institute for Workforce Excellence®.

Skillful Indiana was the lead sponsor of the survey, with support from Amatrol and WGU Indiana. There were 937 responses (during a two-week period in mid-September) across a broad range of industries.

“For years, we have heard leaders in the business community lament the lack of skilled employees to meet their workforce needs,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “It appears they are now tackling the issue head-on, offering additional opportunities to attract talent for today and tomorrow.”

To view a summary of the survey, click here.

Economic Update: Transportation and Warehousing Job Gains

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

The pandemic-induced recession is the greatest shock to the economy since the Great Depression. National unemployment rates did not quite approach numbers observed during the Depression, but the sudden rise in job losses is unparallel. Regionally, similar patterns were observed.

Employment losses for the five-county region were just above 30,000, far exceeding losses in the Great Recession. Employment, as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, does not consider county residence. For example, a resident of Floyd County may be working in Jefferson County, KY, and that person will show up as employed and as a member of the Floyd County labor force. When we refer to the 30,000 employment losses across the five-county region in Southern Indiana, some of the associated job losses occurred in Kentucky. Given that more than 35,000 Hoosiers commute to Kentucky daily for work, that is a reasonable conclusion.

Up until now, the only payroll data available for Southern Indiana was for the first quarter of 2020, just before the shutdown of the economy. The first quarter showed slightly positive job gains, but the largest increase occurred in transportation and warehousing, adding 900 jobs. Removing the job gains from public administration, which were linked to the Census, transportation and warehousing jobs easily exceeded all industries combined.

We now have county payrolls data from the 2nd quarter, and the results were expected. Keep in mind that April will go down as the bottom of the current recession. Job losses were severe and abrupt. During the Great Recession, it took a year for unemployment claims to peak. In 2020 recession, unemployment claims peaked in two weeks. The five-county Southern Indiana region saw total job losses of approximately 11,500, about double the losses that occurred during the Great Recession. Like the first quarter, transportation and warehousing saw significant gains, adding 1,776 jobs. The three industries with the highest job losses: manufacturing, accommodation and food services, and health care and social services. Third quarter data will be out around February 2021, and we will see a complete reversal of the job losses that occurred in the second quarter.

More recently, we see that job postings in the Transportation and Material Moving Occupation Family far exceed other occupation families. In the past 30 days, job postings in the transportation and material moving family were almost at 700, and healthcare practitioners were almost 450. Heavy and Tractor Trailer Truck Driver was the dominant position in the transportation family, and registered nurse for the healthcare family of occupations.

The 2020 recession accelerated some trends that have been in development for several years. One of the more noticeable perhaps has been in online shopping. While this trend could both favorably and adversely impact some local retailers, the region stands to benefit primarily through the agglomeration of transportation and warehousing companies. This has been evident in 2020 with transportation and warehousing being the big job generator for the entire region.

Note: Job postings data source: Burning Glass; County payrolls data source: STATS Indiana Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages; County employment data source: FactSet