Page 45 - FDI Alliance International Magazine Summer 2020 Digital Interactive Issue

said. “The city has constantly worked toward
redeveloping the assets it has – whether it is
the waterfront or charming downtown – while
maintaining its manufacturing base that has
historically driven the economy.”
Newly elected mayor Duane Parry of Michigan
City said the city is a manufacturing bastion
strategically located in the middle of the
country.
“We have an abundance of natural
resources,” he said. “Lake Michigan is not
has truly embraced its biggest quality of life partners with the city to provide incentives just a recreational resource but one of the
asset - the Lake Michigan shoreline - and and support to existing and new businesses largest bodies of freshwater in North America.”
has transformed the lakeshore area and throughout the community in order to foster Parry said the lake would be a benefit for
surrounding parks. Residents enjoy Washington continued economic growth.” light industry he intends to pursue, such as
Park, which is home to a marina, the Guy The Economic Development Corp. Michigan the plastics sector.
Foreman Amphitheatre, and many events City’s long-term strategic initiative ‘An Agenda “Plastics are a heavy user of water but they
and activities throughout the year.” for Economic Prosperity’ is helping draw new don’t pollute it,” he said. “They can use the
“The city has transformed itself from economic investment and encouraging existing water for their product and we also have
a traditional Midwestern city in order to companies to keep growing in the lakefront the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor. Many
take advantage of its lakefront and unique city, Sweitzer said. The plan, based upon foreign entities don’t know that we have
downtown,” she said. “Now there is an input for various community stakeholders, international shipping.”
opportunity to continue that transformation and offers a blueprint for the city’s continued “I envision a prosperous future for Michigan
focus even more on quality-of-life initiatives.” growth and future development. City and our residents,” Parry said.
The city offers unique amenities to employers “The city is forward-looking and developed
and employees alike, she said. “Michigan the ‘Michigan City Momentum 2040
City has grown to be a large, vibrant city, Comprehensive Plan’ to guide future
attracting thousands of visitors to the Indiana development, redevelopment, and community
Dunes, Lake Michigan shoreline, its historic enhancement efforts over the next 20 years
neighborhoods and locally-owned boutiques, through 2040,” she said. “This plan lays out a
galleries and restaurants,” Sweitzer said. ‘big picture’ vision and long-range planning
“This lakeside city boasts many attractions, efforts so the community can accommodate its
including Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, projected growth in a manner that preserves CLARENCE HULSE
Washington Park and Zoo, Blue Chip Casino, and enhances its history, culture and overall Executive Director
Hotel and Spa, Friendship Gardens, and the quality of life for current and future residents.” Economic Development
Lubeznik Center for the Arts, and attracts Michigan City also is poised to open up
residents with its lakefront living.” more of the Lake Michigan lakefront when Corporation
The state of Indiana offers many incentives the NIPSCO utility removes the hyperbolic Michigan City.
for investing in Michigan City and across the cooling tower. It’s a local landmark that
rest of the state. has reinforced the city’s image as another F
“The Indiana Economic Development factory town along the lakeshore even after
Corporation offers many business tax its economy evolved. Two Cadence Park Plaza Michigan
City, IN 46360
incentives, corporate tax credits and economic “After so much great progress, Michigan City
development programs for companies leaders are always making plans for the future. ☎
committing to creating new jobs and investing NIPSCO, the local electric utility, plans to 219-873-1211
in Indiana,” she said. “The state works hand decommission the Michigan City Generating ✉
in hand with local economic development Station by 2028, which will open a mile of
partners, like the Economic Development lakefront and over 10 acres that city leaders chulse@edcmc.com
Corporation Michigan City, Indiana, which plan to put to the best possible use,” Sweitzer

45. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL