One Southern Indiana reaches a huge milestone: 200 projects in 15 years 

by 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development


Economic development sets record pace set in 2021 in capital investment and new jobs.

NEW ALBANY, IND. (January 19, 2022) — One Southern Indiana ended 2021 with its 200th economic development announcement, thanks in large part to the red-hot pace of new projects finalized during the year.  The fourteen projects announced over the course of 2021 alone added up to a total capital investment in southern Indiana of well over half a billion dollars.  

Just as impactful are the new jobs being created.  As these projects are completed, the region will add as many as 2,111 new positions, the vast majority of which pay well above the average wage in the region, for total additional estimated payroll in excess of $118 million annually.

“One of the most telling things about this,” noted One Southern Indiana Executive Vice President Matt Hall, “is that the vast majority of new capital investment comes from existing companies expanding their footprint here.  That says they’re finding the workforce, infrastructure, amenities and business climate they need to succeed, all here in southern Indiana.”

Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana, concurred.  “Our mix of projects from both existing businesses and new additions to the region tells me that we’re doing a lot of things right.  Nearly half of the job growth we’ll see from these projects comes from our existing companies choosing to grow right here.  The other half comes from companies who have become aware of our reputation as a business-friendly region with a strong focus on quality of life.  The recent news that we were awarded the maximum $50 million READI grant from the state only reinforces that.”   

Laurie Kemp, who serves on One Southern Indiana’s board of directors and chairs its Economic Development Council, also sees strength in the array of industries those projects represent.  “This year alone, we were able to announce expansion by or attraction of companies in industries from liquor, labels, logistics and digital communications to manufacturing of precision components, automotive interior components, automotive structural supports and parts, and much more.  That speaks volumes about our mix of logistic ease, infrastructure, talent and more.” 

The totals for 2021 include the largest project in One Southern Indiana’s 15-year history in terms of capital investment (over $400 million) and a tie for the largest in terms of job creation (1,000).  At the very end of the year, yet another project was announced, bringing the total for the organization to 201 projects since its founding. 

One Southern Indiana 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 provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area.  For more, visit 1si.org.

For Additional Information:
Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO, One Southern Indiana
Wendy@1si.org |  812.945.0266

 

CRG-Automation-logo

CRG Automation Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies for 2022

by 1si NewsMember NewsMetro Manufacturing Alliance

CRG Automation joins the ranks of Canva, Microsoft, SpaceX, and more

Louisville, KY (March 8, 2022) — CRG Automation has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022.

This year’s list honors businesses that are making the biggest impact on their industries and culture as a whole—ultimately thriving in today’s ever-changing world. These companies are creating the future today with some of the most inspiring accomplishments of the 21st century. In addition to the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, 528 organizations are recognized across 52 categories.

CRG Automation’s engineers teamed up with the Department of Defense to overhaul the destruction of a stockpile of the Army’s chemical weapons, creating a more efficient and safe process. CRG Automation helped design an automated system utilizing eight industrial robots and six autonomous mobile robots to process more than 25 warheads per hour. Additional improvements to the process increased safety by identifying and handling leaking rockets, as well as reducing in-person maintenance requirements, lowering the risk of injury.

“As a past member of the military, this project took on a special importance for me,” said CRG

Automation President James DeSmet. “The perplexing engineering problems to solve, the rapidly approaching deadline and the severity of the chemical agents involved all added up to a challenge we wanted to tackle. We’ve often talked here at CRG about how our engineers like the kind of problems that leave other R&D teams scratching their heads or banging them against the wall. We knew this was an opportunity unlike any other, and, even staring down the pandemic, we knew we could do it.”

Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across the globe and industries. They also judged nominations received through their application process.

CRG Automation
1700 Watterson Trail
Louisville, KY 40299
502-499-4921
www.crgautomation.com

 

CRG Automation is a Metro Manufacturing Alliance member of One Southern Indiana.

Economic Update | Another Positive Employment Report

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

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

The Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the monthly employment report this week, and there were a few highlights worthy of discussion.

First, the headline payrolls number came in much higher than expected.   Consensus estimates had payroll gains at 400,000 plus, and the actual number came in much higher at 678,000. Leisure and hospitality led the way with 179,000 jobs.  Of that number food and drinking places added 124,000.   Employment in leisure and hospitality is still down 1.5 million since February 2020.    We will likely see continued growth in the leisure and hospitality number this year, but headwinds are developing, and these will be discussed in the conclusion.

Professional and business services were next with 95,000 jobs.  This included 36,000 temporary labor services positions.  A strong number in professional and business services is normally a positive signal about the overall business environment and growth in general.

Employment in healthcare increased by 64,000 and remains 306,000 lower than February 2020 employment.   Registered nurses continue to be in significant demand and the occupation with the highest number of openings in Louisville Metro, and nation-wide.   In the past 90 days, there were over 500,000 job postings for registered nurses positions across the country, about 200,000 higher than software developers, the second-highest number of postings.  As a comparison, we know that truck drivers continue to be in significant demand as well, but total postings nationwide were only 242,000.

Other notable gains include transportation and warehousing and retail.  Transportation and warehousing added 48,000 jobs and is 584,000 higher than February 2020.  For Southern Indiana, we see a similar occurrence.  Transportation and warehousing observed the greatest change in jobs across the five counties and is almost 3,000 jobs higher than existed in late 2019.    Retail added another 37,000 jobs is also at a level that exceeds retail jobs in early 2020.   The same applies for Southern Indiana.  Retail jobs based on the latest available data exceed levels of late 2019, and early 2020.

Another industry with importance to Southern Indiana is manufacturing.  The national jobs report showed that manufacturing added 36,000 jobs and remains lower by 178,000 compared to February 2020.    For Southern Indiana, manufacturing is showing the greatest decline among all industries when compared to early 2020.  Even though payrolls are lower, total wages are up.   One inference we might draw from this is that productivity in manufacturing is higher.  Manufacturers, due to labor scarcity, are finding ways to meet demand, and the growth does not necessarily equate to stronger payroll gains.

An important highlight in last Friday’s report was gains to the labor force.  An ongoing challenge for employers has been the availability of labor.    Record job openings and quits point to the challenges that employers face in adding payrolls.  Last Friday’s report showed that the nation’s labor force increased by 304,000, and the labor participation rate ticked upward to 62.3%.    While these numbers don’t get as much attention as the headline unemployment rate or the total payrolls added number, both were quite significant.   As this labor force number continues to increase, along with labor force participation, this will support overall payroll growth.

The other number that was quite significant was average hourly earnings.   It only increased by one cent, over the month.  While there is another geo-political issue that will present additional inflationary pressures,  last month’s average hourly wage muted increase provided some relief against a wage price spiral.

And now the bad news.   Consumer sentiment has been on the decline for the past several months and is now at the lowest level since 2011.   Inflation is the primary culprit for that. Jobs are quite plentiful, and the consumer is in much better shape now than prior to the pandemic.  But the consumer also likes shelves that are stocked and prices that are contained.     However, even with sinking consumer sentiment, consumers continue to spend.  Retail sales remain strong, and the last consumer spending report indicated another solid gain.   We will begin to see greater pressures on some of this spending, however.  As gas prices exceed $4.00 a gallon, consumer sentiment will sour even more.  Stock market volatility and loss in equity values will provide additional support for declining sentiment.     Growth was expected to slow because it was impossible to maintain the level of growth that occurred when the economy was coming out of the pandemic.   Recent developments, however, point to slower growth on top of what was already expected.

Advocacy Update | 03.08.2022

by 1si NewsAdvocacy

The Indiana General Assembly is coming to the end of their short session. Conference Committees started last week and must conclude for final adjournment no later than Monday, March 14.

This session the House wrote 434 Bills with 84 still active. The Senate wrote 417 Bills with 96 still active. Currently, the Governor has signed 1 Bill into law. You can follow the Governor’s signed Bills here. 1si Leadership has discussed 25 Bills over the session consisting of 16 that have died (including two that we opposed), and nine that are still alive (including three that we support and are hopeful will be signed into law).

The 1si Leadership Team continues to review those Bills that are being heard and are consistent with 1si’s 2022 Advocacy Agenda.

All Bills that 1si Leadership have taken position on:

  • HB1094 – includes a business will provide adequate employer liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage for students enrolled in a work-based learning course.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS PRO-WORKFORCE BILL.
    • Passed House 88-0.
    • Passed Senate 49-0 with amendments.
    • Went to Conference Committee.
  • SB264 – establishes the Administrative Rules Review Taskforce to oversee state agencies that create fees. This Bill is authored by Senator Garten and co-authored by Senator Houchin and Senator Boehnlein.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS BILL.
    • Passed Senate 49-0.
    • Passed House 90-1 without amendments.
    • Senator Garten expressed that this would go to a Summer Study Taskforce or Committee.
  • SB408 – amends the statute authorizing a bank or trust company to make investments in community based economic development projects.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS BILL.
    • Passed Senate 46-0.
    • Passed House 93-1 without amendments.
    • Headed to Governor’s desk.
  • SB390 – phases out food and beverage taxes.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP OPPOSED THIS BILL.
    • Passed Senate 37-12.
    • Died in House Ways and Means Committee.
    • Language is being added into another bill – HB1002.
  • HB1083 – creates a tax on service.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP OPPOSED THIS BILL.
    • Died in House Ways and Means Committee.

Other live Bills we are currently monitoring:

  • HB1002 – the Senate has made several amendments that have fundamentally changed the Bill.
    • Passed House with language that would reduce taxes with 68-25.
    • Senate has stripped this bill and added language from SB390 with Food and Beverage Tax.
    • Went to Conference Committee.
  • SB5 – establishes a reciprocity procedure to grant licenses and certificates to practice certain health care professions in Indiana.
    • Passed Senate 47-0.
    • Passed House 89-0, returned to Senate with amendments.
    • Went to Conference Committee.
  • SB290 – establishes a career coaching pilot program for high schools who wish to participate, will award grants to school corporations to establish the career coaching program.
    • Passed Senate 48-0.
    • Passed House 82-0 with amendments.
    • Went to Conference Committee.
  • SB245 – establishes a Statewide Sports and Tourism Bid Fund.
    • Passed Senate 46-0.
    • Passed House 86-6 with amendments.
    • Senate accepted House amendments 47-0.
    • Headed to Governor’s Office.

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2022 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.

1si Advocacy Update | 03.01.2022

by 1si NewsAdvocacy

The Indiana General Assembly is coming to the end of its short session. Some important deadlines are facing our legislators this week. The Senate must pass Bills no later than today, March 1. The House deadline was yesterday.  Due to the short session, Conference Committees start this week and must conclude for final adjournment no later than Monday, March 14.

Bills that passed both chambers without amendments go straight to the governor for consideration. However, Bills that were amended in the other chamber will return to their chamber of origin. Bill authors have the option to concur or approve, the amended bill, which would then move to the governor’s desk following an affirmative vote from the chamber of origin. Bill authors also have the option to dissent, or disagree, which sends the Bill to a conference committee. The agreed-upon Bill will then be subject to a final vote in each chamber before going to the governor for consideration.

The 1si Leadership Team continues to review those Bills that are being heard and are consistent with 1si’s 2022 Advocacy Agenda.

Live Bills that 1si Leadership have taken position on:

  • HB1094 – includes a business will provide adequate employer liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage for students enrolled in a work-based learning course.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS PRO-WORKFORCE BILL.
    • Passed House 88-0.
    • Passed Senate 49-0 with amendments.
    • Headed to Conference Committee.
  • SB264 – establishes the Administrative Rules Review Taskforce to oversee state agencies that create fees. This Bill is authored by Senator Garten and co-authored by Senator Houchin and Senator Boehnlein.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS BILL.
    • Passed Senate 49-0.
    • Passed House 90-1 without amendments.
    • Senator Garten expressed that this would go to a Summer Study Taskforce or Committee.
  • SB408 – amends the statute authorizing a bank or trust company to make investments in community-based economic development projects.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS BILL.
    • Passed Senate 46-0.
    • Passed House 93-1 without amendments.
    • Headed to Governor’s desk.
  • SB390 – phases out food and beverage taxes.
    • 1SI LEADERSHIP OPPOSES THIS BILL.
    • Passed Senate 37-12.
    • Died in House Ways and Means Committee.
    • Language is being added into another bill – HB1002.

Other live Bills we are currently monitoring:

  • HB1002 – the Senate has made several amendments that have fundamentally changed the Bill. It will move to a Conference Committee if it passes the Senate by March 1.
    • Passed House with language that would reduce taxes with 68-25.
    • Senate has stripped this bill and added language from SB390 with Food and Beverage Tax.
    • Must be passed by March 1 and if passed will head to a Conference Committee.
  • SB5 – establishes a procedure to grant licenses and certificates to practice certain health care professions in Indiana.
    • Passed Senate 47-0.
    • Passed House 89-0, returned to Senate with amendments.
    • Senate will have a chance to accept amendments or send it to a Conference Committee.
  • SB290 – establishes a career coaching pilot program for high schools who wish to participate, will award grants to school corporations to establish the career coaching program.
    • Passed Senate 48-0.
    • Passed House 82-0 with amendments.
    • Senate will have a chance to accept amendments or send it to a Conference Committee.
  • SB245 – establishes a Statewide Sports and Tourism Bid Fund.
    • Passed Senate 46-0.
    • Passed House 86-6 with amendments.
    • Senate accepted House amendments 47-0.
    • Headed to Governor’s Office.

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2022 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.

Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | February 2022

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 February 2022.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More) Member Since
The Koetter Group 1975
Westminster Village Kentuckiana & Health Care Center 1976
Greater Clark County Schools 1980
Indiana University Southeast 1985
Hitachi Cable America Inc. 1988
Jeffersonville Township Public Library 1991
New Albany Floyd County Schools 1991
Childplace 1994
Indiana Land Co. 1994
J. Rorrer & Company, CPA 1994
Ten to 24 Years
Rock Creek Community Academy 1998
Sherwin – Williams 1998
St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities 1999
Nicholson Insurance Agency 2003
Kentuckiana Air Education Network 2004
Old National Bank 2004
Smith & Smith, Attorneys – James U. Smith III 2004
Leadership Southern Indiana 2007
Storage Express 2007
Scot Mailing and Shipping Systems 2008
FormWood Industries, Inc. 2009
YMCA of Greater Louisville, Inc. 2009
Environmental Compliance Source, LLC 2010
S & M Precast, Inc. 2010
Unified Technologies 2010
Arctic Minerals 2011
Five to Nine Years
Air Hydro Power 2013
Schmitt Furniture Co. 2013
Vecoplan Midwest, LLC 2013
A Plus Paper Shredding 2014
Purdue Polytechnic New Albany, Purdue University 2014
Pure Education Initiative, Inc. 2015
Center for Lay Ministries, Inc. 2017
Edward Jones – Scott Donald 2017
Facilities Management Services, Inc. 2017
Premier Capital Corporation 2017
Terracon Consultants, Inc 2017
Two to Four Years
Premier Homes 2018
Ramiro’s Cantina Express 2018
Vitality Senior Services 2018
Copier Mart 2019
PayFWDs 2019
Caris College 2020
Diversified Concepts & Solutions, LLC 2020
Hilton Garden Inn Jeffersonville 2020
Lincoln Hills Health Center 2020
Parker 2020
SERVPRO of Floyd, Clark, Harrison, Perry, Crawford, Orange, Washington & Scott Counties 2020
Southern Hospitality 2020
The Sporting Club at the Farm 2020
One Year
Buckeye Corrugated Inc. 2021
CRG Automation 2021
Cripe 2021
Mansion 1886 2021
Opineapple 2021
Ready Set Prep’d 2021
The Carriage House at the Howard Steamboat Museum 2021
Torchy’s Tacos 2021

1si Advocacy Update | 02.22.2022

by 1si NewsAdvocacy

The Indiana General Assembly finished its seventh week of legislative action for the short session. Some important deadlines are facing our legislators this week. The Senate’s Committee Review Deadline is Thursday, February 24 and each Bill must pass through the Senate no later than Tuesday, March 1. The House’s Committee Review Deadline is today, Tuesday, February 22 and each Bill must pass through the House no later than Monday, February 28. Due to the short session, Conference Committees start at the beginning of March and will last until adjournment on Monday, March 14.

Last week members of the 1si Advocacy Leadership team attended Chamber Day at the Statehouse, an event hosted by the Indiana Chamber Executive Association. This event allowed the team to hear issues impacting the business community and potential legislation impacting talent attraction. The team visited with our local State Senators and State Representatives, and photos of our visit can be seen on 1si social media at facebook.com/OneSouthernIndiana

The 1si Leadership Team continues to review those Bills that are being heard and are consistent with 1si’s 2022 Advocacy Agenda.

Live Bills that 1si Leadership have taken position on:

  • HB1094 – includes a business will provide adequate employer liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage for students enrolled in a work-based learning course. The Bill also provides that the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) shall designate certain career and technical education (CTE) programs as youth apprenticeship programs. This Bill passed out of the Senate Education and Career Development Committee 11-0. 1si LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS PRO-WORKFORCE BILL.
  • SB264 – establishes the Administrative Rules Review Taskforce to oversee state agencies that create fees. This Bill is authored by Senator Garten and co-authored by Senator Houchin and Senator Boehnlein. While visiting with Senator Garten, he expressed that this bill might go to a Summer Study Committee. 1si LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS BILL.
  • SB408 – amends the statute authorizing a bank or trust company to make investments in community-based economic development to also authorize investments in: (1) any community and economic development entity, community development project, or other public welfare investment; and (2) tax equity finance transactions; subject to the investments being made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and any regulation, rule, policy, or guidance adopted by the department of financial institutions. This bill passed the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee 11-0. 1si LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS BILL.
  • SB390 – phases out food and beverage taxes that do not otherwise contain an expiration date as of the later of: (1) January 1, 2042; or (2) the date on which all bonds or lease agreements outstanding on March 15, 2022, are completely paid. This Bill hinders an Economic Development Tool that can be used for the development of quality of place projects. As talent attraction and tourism play a huge role on business retention/expansion and business attraction, we need to ensure the opportunity of having these methods of economic development financing. 1si LEADERSHIP OPPOSES THIS BILL.

Other Bills we are currently monitoring:

  • HB1002 – phases out of business personal property tax, the repeal of utilities’ receipts tax and sales tax exemption certain manufacturing inputs. Co-authored by Representative Clere and Representative Engleman. (Still in committee).
  • SB4 – authorizes a local unit (municipality, township, or school) to establish a workforce retention and recruitment program and fund for the purposes of recruiting and retaining individuals. (Still in committee).
  • SB5 – establishes a procedure to grant licenses and certificates to practice certain health care professions in Indiana. (Passed two committees unanimously).
  • SB361 – creates an Innovation Development District in an agreement between municipalities and IEDC, among other incentive changes. (Still in committee).
  • SB370 – creates a procedure to establish a community infrastructure improvement district. (Still in committee).

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2022 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.

Cimtech, Inc. Plans Expansion of Operations in New Albany, Ind.

by 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

New Albany, Ind. (February 18, 2022) – Southern Indiana continues to be an excellent region for commerce, as Cimtech, Inc. announced its intention to expand its corporate headquarters at 325 Park East Boulevard in New Albany.  The company plans to invest $2.3 million over the next ten years in equipment and property improvements.  The project will increase their building footprint by 13,900 square feet while increasing the number of production positions by five over the next several years.  These will be quality positions with compensation above the average for Floyd County.

“We are very excited to expand our headquarters in southern Indiana,” said Jesika Young, Team Member and CEO of Cimtech, Inc. “We were looking to increase our footprint at our current location which will allow us to grow aggressively and attract top talent as we continue to build our brand.  The City of New Albany and One Southern Indiana have been critical in assisting us in achieving this for our company’s future as a manufacturing solution provider.”

“New Albany continues to have the reputation for retaining dynamic companies choosing to expand operations in our great city.  Cimtech Inc.’s approved incentives from the Common Council is further proof our hard work and commitment to business are paying off for the city and the region,” said New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan, “I am excited about the company’s decision to invest in their future here and look forward to many years of success and growth for our friends at Cimtech.”

Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana, said, “Cimtech expanding in southern Indiana at its current corporate headquarters speaks volumes about the company’s dedication to its team members, products and our region.  Cimtech’s dynamic manufacturing production and distribution serve not only our area but also regions throughout the United States.  1si looks forward to our partnership with the Cimtech team to ensure their continued success.”

About Cimtech

Cimtech is a family-owned, team-operated company established in 1975 and headquartered in New Albany, Indiana since 1992.  Their mission is to be the premier solution provider to manufacturers that is supported by a team of dedicated, experienced engineers, machinists, and fabricators with over 750 combined years of experience.  They are nationally recognized as a top ten precision manufacturer providing solutions to industries across the United States, which include the Department of Defense, HVAC, food and beverage, rail, automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial businesses.

About One Southern Indiana

One Southern Indiana 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 provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area.  For more, visit www.1si.org

 

-30-

 

CONTACTS:

Wendy Dant Chesser
President & CEO
One Southern Indiana
Wendy@1si.org
812.945.0266

Jesika Young
Team Member and CEO
Cimtech, Inc.
Jesika@cimtechmachine.com
812.948.1422

Economic Update | Southern Indiana Payrolls Show Continued Progress

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

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

New data released confirms that the recovery in Southern Indiana is well on its way and quite strong.   STATS Indiana Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages for the 3rd quarter of 2021 show that the five Indiana counties of the Louisville Metro region added 2,821 from the 3rd quarter of 2020.   This marks the second-largest quarterly gain since the end of the Covid recession, but a deceleration from the significant increase of the previous 2nd quarter.   As of the 3rd quarter of 2021, the region was down only about 663 jobs from the level that existed during the 3rd quarter of 2019.

The largest gain occurred in the leisure and hospitality sector with accommodation and food services adding almost 1,000 jobs.   This puts accommodation and food services about 450 payrolls short of the total that existed in the 3rd quarter of 2019.  Challenges faced in accommodation and food services are more about supply as opposed to demand.   Patrons are there to dine out, but establishments continue to face labor scarcity issues and supply availability.    There are certainly anecdotes and media accounts of restaurants closing due to the lack of staffing, for example.

Transportation and warehousing gained another 832 positions from the previous year.  This industry has experienced the largest growth across Southern Indiana since 2019, adding about 2,900 positions.      The economy saw the largest increase in goods spending over a two-year period in the history of the series, and this was the origin of the supply chain issues that we continue to face today.   The supply chain capacity simply was not large enough to accommodate the level of goods spending that occurred.   In essence, the growth in transportation and warehousing payrolls reflects an expansion in the supply chain capacity.

The Admin. & Support & Waste Mgt. & Rem. Services industry gained 573 payrolls from the previous year. This likely reflects gains to temporary labor services.    As an economy expands, employers will often resort to temporary labor services to help meet demand.   Since 2019, 437 payrolls were added making it the industry with the 2nd highest level of expansion, second to transportation and warehousing.

Brick and mortar retail is not dead.  Retail trade gained an additional 265 jobs from the previous year, and the industry has a higher job count than existed in 2019.     Significant demand for hires remains.   Job postings data show that retail salespersons rank 3rd in postings behind registered nurses and truck drivers.

Manufacturing gained another 198 jobs, but total payrolls are still down almost 1,900 from 2019.   Even with a decline of almost 2,000 jobs, total wages are up in manufacturing.  This suggests that overall productivity is higher as manufacturers have been able to meet demand, but with fewer employees.  Average weekly wages are up by $111 since 2019, representing an 11% gain.

The number of establishments saw the second-largest increase (+191) since 2001.  This follows the largest increase (+203) that occurred during the first quarter of 2020.   This points to a favorable long-term outlook for the region and is reflective of the positive economic development trends.

Payroll data at the county level does come with an approximate 6-month lag.  We can get a more recent view with labor force data, however.        Here we see that the region continues to make significant strides in employment recovery. Compared to December 2019, the region is down in employment by almost 2,000.   This is a considerable improvement from the Covid decline of almost 40,000.   The labor force remains down by almost 4,000, and the difficulty that employers face is linked to the availability of this labor.   Gains to the labor force will support payroll growth, and we can expect additional gains to the region’s labor force over 2022.

Data sources:  FactSet, STATS Indiana QCEW

Advocacy-Update-Email-Header2

1si Advocacy Update | 02.15.2022

by 1si NewsAdvocacy

The Indiana General Assembly finished its sixth week of legislative action for the short session. Now those bills that have passed their house of origin are being heard in committee in the opposite chamber, as the process starts over. Only a few of the bills that 1si Leadership is following were heard last week with none called to a vote.

Today, February 15, members of the 1si Advocacy Leadership team are attending Chamber Day at the Statehouse, an event by the Indiana Chamber Executive Association. This event will allow the team to hear issues impacting the business community and potential legislation impacting talent attraction. The team plans to meet with our local State Senators and State Representatives while in Indianapolis.

The 1si Leadership Team continues to review those Bills that are being heard and are consistent with 1si’s 2022 Advocacy Agenda.

Live Bills that 1si Leadership have taken position on:

  • HB1094 – includes a business will provide adequate employer liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage for students enrolled in a work-based learning course. The Bill also provides that the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) shall designate certain career and technical education (CTE) programs as youth apprenticeship programs. This Bill passed out of the House by a vote of 88-0 and moves to the Senate. 1si LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS PRO-WORKFORCE BILL.
  • SB264 – establishes the Administrative Rules Review Taskforce to oversee state agencies that create fees. The Taskforce will create a final report to be submitted to Legislative Council by December 2022 on its findings. This Bill is authored by Senator Garten and co-authored by Senator Houchin and Senator Boehnlein. 1si LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS BILL.
  • SB408 – amends the statute authorizing a bank or trust company to make investments in community-based economic development to also authorize investments in: (1) any community and economic development entity, community development project, or other public welfare investment; and (2) tax equity finance transactions; subject to the investments being made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and any regulation, rule, policy, or guidance adopted by the department of financial institutions.1si LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS THIS BILL.
  • SB390 – phases out food and beverage taxes that do not otherwise contain an expiration date as of the later of: (1) January 1, 2042; or (2) the date on which all bonds or lease agreements outstanding on March 15, 2022, are completely paid. This Bill hinders an Economic Development Tool that can be used for the development of quality of place projects. As talent attraction and tourism play a huge role in business retention/expansion and business attraction, we need to ensure the opportunity of having these methods of economic development financing. 1si LEADERSHIP OPPOSES THIS BILL.

Other Bills we are currently monitoring:

  • HB1002 – phases out of business personal property tax, the repeal of utilities’ receipts tax, and sales tax exemption certain manufacturing inputs. Co-authored by Representative Clere and Representative Engleman.
  • SB4 – authorizes a local unit (municipality, township, or school) to establish a workforce retention and recruitment program and fund for the purposes of recruiting and retaining individuals.
  • SB361 – creates an Innovation Development District in an agreement between municipalities and IEDC, among other incentive changes.
  • SB370 – creates a procedure to establish a community infrastructure improvement district.

We will keep you updated on our actions related to the 2022 Indiana Legislative Session, but for more information on our Advocacy Agenda, please visit www.1si.org/advocacy.