Page 42 - FDI Alliance International Magazine | September 2018 1

MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA’S WORKFORCE

IS INTERNATIONALLY COMPETITIVE

BY JOSEPH S. PETE

Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan, Michigan a business because of a work-ready workforce.The having a 60 percent graduation rate to a 90 percent
City, Indiana boasts a workforce that not only meets cost of living is low compared to other regions and graduation rate. They’re doing great things with the
the needs of local employers but is internationally there are many amenities that other areas do not school district.”
competitive. have, like the lakeshore, ease of travel and commute
and we’re close to a large metro area – Chicago.” Michigan City Area Schools do an excellent job of
The city of more than 31,000 residents on the Great teaching soft skills, such as showing up on time,
Lake’s south shore lies about an hour’s drive south- Michigan City has brought in more than $1 billion showing up every day and showing work ethic,
east of downtown Chicago. It’s home to a lively and in private and public sector investment over the past Hulse said. They also increasingly have tailored the
diverse economy that includes tourism, manufactur- five years. The city has spent millions of dollars on curriculum to the needs of local employers.
ing, healthcare, gaming, retail, banking, profession- upgrades to its lakefront, a downtown plaza and
al services and the arts. other amenities for attracting and retaining talent. This fall, Michigan City High School will launch its Air
“We have the workers for several industries and for Compressor Academy that’s sponsored by Sullair: A
The beachfront city is home to a K-12 school system more outside investment,” Economic Development Hitachi Group Company where students can work
that had the state’s first STEM-certified middle school. Corporation Michigan City, Indiana Executive Direc- on equipment used in its Michigan City plant.
And, the LaPorte County Career Center boasts pro- tor Clarence Hulse said. “We invited national and
grams such as an Energy Academy, Construction international companies to give our area a second “They get to assemble and disassemble air com-
Apprenticeship program and a new air compressor look. We have the workforce, the strategic location, pressors,” Hulse said. “Several other companies
academy at the high school. the access to consumer markets, low cost of doing have since jumped on board, including Sullivan
business, favorable business climate and an existing Palatek, Dekker Vacuum Technologies, Boss Indus-
Michigan City recently showcased its assets to site pipeline that ensures qualified employees.” tries and Vanair. It’s a very active cluster that supplies
selectors from across the country at the SiteLink con- over 2,000 jobs in Michigan City, which is the No. 1
ference at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel, and Spa. The Economic Development Corporation Michigan location in Indiana for air compressor-related com-
City, Indiana helped bring the city 25 new projects panies.”
“It was important for the selectors to get a true feel of between 2015 and 2017 that resulted in $54 mil-
what Michigan City and LaPorte County has to offer lion in investment, 350 new jobs and the retention Ensuring a ready supply of workers is the number
and meet the generous and friendly people here,” of 750 jobs. one priority needed to persuade current companies
Michigan City Chamber of Commerce President to expand and lure outside companies in, Hulse
Mary Jo Orlowski said. “It is a great location to open Michigan City has a workforce that can attract new said. That’s why the city has been investing so heav-
employers because it’s fortunate enough to have ily in quality of life, such as with $5 million in im-
Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Northwest in provements to the lakefront Washington Park, the
nearby Westville and Indiana University Northwest new North Pointe Pavilion with rooftop views of Lake
down Interstate 80/94 in Gary, Hulse said. Michigan and a new cruise boat that takes visitors
“Region schools have been very proactive in build- out on sightseeing trips and sunset dinner cruises.
ing a pipeline for future workers,” he said. “They’ve
worked with NIPSCO to prepare students for utili- “Quality of life is key to workforce,” Hulse said. “You
ty careers, whether as linemen or energy analysts. want to be able to attract quality people and give the
They’ve taught students welding, machining, con- local talent a reason to stay at home. You want to
struction and helped them land apprenticeships to give them a place to feel welcome. If you want to be
gain work experience. The high school doesn’t just attractive to more companies, you have to create a
promote the trades; it offers more dual-credit class- place where more people want to congregate and
es than anyone in Northwest Indiana. It went from have positive experiences.”

42 FDI ALLIANCE | SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2018