Mid-Year 2009 Posts Positive News

With nearly $160 million in new capital investments and 641 new jobs announced through the first six months of 2009, Greater Lafayette posted positive news at mid-year. That's the word from Jody Hamilton, Director of Economic Development at Greater Lafayette Commerce.

Although capital investment is down from similar periods in previous years, Greater Lafayette Commerce's tools for fostering capital investment and job creation continue to be successful. These tools include a regional site database of available commercial and industrial properties found at www.tippecanoeprospector.com, tax abatement assistance, administering job training grants and other local incentives.

"Capital investment, along with new and retained jobs, are a large part of what we are all about. By working to foster an environment where capital investment is attractive, even in difficult economic times, is a success story," Hamilton said.

Of the $160 million in investments at mid-year 2009, $23.5 million came from the medical sector, including the Heritage Woods of Lafayette project.

"The medical sector is booming in Greater Lafayette. With the aging baby boomer population and the designation as the "Brainiest Place to Retire" by U.S. News and World Report, Greater Lafayette is well-positioned to retain this population," added Hamilton.

More details on 2009 economic activity are available in the just-released publication, Greater Lafayette Commerce Economic Trends, 2009 Mid-Year. It is available at www.greaterlafayettecommerce.com or by calling 765/742-4044.

Greater Lafayette Commerce's mission is to advance economic and community prosperity for a superior quality of life. It is headquartered at 337 Columbia St. in Lafayette.