Economists Provide 2025 Forecast at Aspire’s Economic Outlook Breakfast
Aspire Johnson County held its annual Economic Outlook Breakfast on the morning of November 7th at the Sycamore at Mallow Run in Bargersville.
Aspire’s Teacher Externship Program Provides Valuable Industry Insights for Educators
Local teachers gained real-world experience this October through Aspire Johnson County’s Teacher Externship Program, which aims to bridge education and industry by allowing educators to shadow professionals in various fields.
Johnson County, Franklin and Whiteland Collaborate on Roundabout to Boost Local Economic Growth
One of Johnson County’s latest infrastructure projects is construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Paul Hand Boulevard and Graham Road between Whiteland and Franklin.
Franklin Development Corporation's Façade Grant Program Transforms Downtown
Since its inception in 2010, the Franklin Development Corporation (FDC) has spearheaded urban revitalization efforts through its façade grant program, a matching grant initiative aimed at improving the exterior of downtown commercial and residential buildings.
Aspire Johnson County Announces Successful First Week of Teacher Externship Program
Aspire Johnson County, the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Johnson County, has announced a Teacher Externship Program in September that local teachers (7th-12th grade), school counselors, and administrators were invited to apply for to connect the workplace to the classroom, earn a stipend & professional development credit.
Site Selectors: The Experts and Consultants Helping to Build the Local Economy from Behind the Scenes
Site selectors are vital to company relocation and expansion in nearly every industry. They act as trusted consultants to help companies determine the best locations for their operations.
State Leaders, Educators and Employers Bring the Swiss Apprenticeship Style to Indiana
Indiana is collaborating with experts from Switzerland’s ETH Zurich to develop a comprehensive apprenticeship program for high school students, with the goal of expanding from 500 to 50,000 apprenticeships in the next decade.
Developers and Communities Prepare for Advanced Industries and New Jobs at Bargersville’s I-69 and SR-144 Interchange
The completion of the final section of Interstate 69 between Martinsville and Indianapolis is expected to drive significant development, particularly in Morgan and Johnson Counties according to a story in the Indianapolis Business Journal.
ICYMI: Economist Phil Powell Talks Johnson County Productivity at August Aspire EDAC Meeting
On August 21st Johnson County business and community leaders gathered at the new common area at Central Nine Career Center for an Aspire Economic Development Advisory Council meeting.
Employers: Build Your Talent Pipelines with Aspire Career Discovery Meetings
Aspire Johnson County’s work with educators and employers has been part of an ongoing effort to build talent pipelines for local businesses and stimulate the economy by ensuring that the next generation of the workforce is prepared to thrive.
Aspire Johnson County Announces Teacher Externship Program for Local Educators
Aspire Johnson County is excited to announce the launch of a Teacher Externship Program aimed at connecting local educators to bring real-world experiences back to their classrooms.
Bargersville Says Umbarger Plaza is on Schedule for Completion this Fall
Umbarger Plaza, the much-anticipated new gathering space in downtown Bargersville, is on track for its scheduled completion this fall.
Aspire Supports Reentry Efforts and Workforce Development at HIRE Career Fair
The HIRE Career Fair, held at Martin University in Indianapolis, provided a critical opportunity for individuals who have been incarcerated to connect with potential employers and access essential resources for reentering the workforce.
Employers Build the Talent Pipelines with Aspire 30-Minute Career Discovery Meetings
Aspire Johnson County’s work with educators and employers has been part of an ongoing effort to build talent pipelines for local businesses and stimulate the economy by ensuring that the next generation of the workforce is prepared to thrive.
Talent Development Takes Center Stage at IndustryWeek Operations Leadership Summit in Downtown Indy
The IndustryWeek Operations Leadership Summit, held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss key topics in continuous improvement and technology implementation.
Duke Energy and JCREMC Plan for Power Grid Resilience in Johnson County During Times of High Demand
During peak summer energy usage, Duke Energy Indiana and Johnson County REMC manage the grid to keep the lights on.
Touching Base with Four Johnson County Communities on their Summer Road Projects
Greenwood, Franklin, Whiteland and Bargersville have been putting their construction crews to work with several road projects beginning and wrapping up this summer.
Whiteland Residents Help Plan Town Development at June 18th Community Workshop
Whiteland residents gathered at the Nire Event Center on Tuesday, June 18th to share their ideas as part of the comprehensive planning process.
Indiana Global Economic Summit 2024 Recap
Governor Eric Holcomb welcomed international delegations from over 30 countries and territories as he kicked off the second Indiana Global Economic Summit on May 23.
Aspire Hosts Summer Teacher Field Trips with Ivy Tech Sponsorship
Aspire Johnson County, in partnership with area schools, is hosting a series of three teacher field trips this summer.
Aspire Brings Employers and Students Together at Career Discovery Meetings
Aspire Johnson County will be hosting Career Discovery Meetings for high school juniors and seniors in Johnson County and southern Marion County during the 2024-25 school year.
Employers Can Find New Talent and Recent Grads on Handshake
Goal Five of Aspire’s Economic Development Strategic Plan is about magnifying and delivering robust education and workforce endeavors through strategies that involve partnership development with universities and colleges like Franklin College, Ivy Tech Community College and the University of Indianapolis.
Event Recap: Area Development Consultants Forum Workshop
Area Development recently hosted its 5th Annual Workshop Forum at The Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, from March 18th to 20th.
U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division Hosts Free Child Labor Webinar Series
As a law enforcement agency, the Wage and Hour Division is responsible for administering and enforcing a number of federal laws which set basic labor standards.
Experts See Challenges and Lukewarm Start to the 2024 Residential Real Estate Market
The real estate market, particularly in the multifamily residential industry, is facing challenges as 2024 unfolds.
Employers and IRS Tackle Fraudulent and Inaccurate ERTC Claims
March and April are tax season for organizations and individuals and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been on a crusade against the ongoing issue of aggressive marketing tactics and fraudulent and ineligible claims of Employee Retention Tax Credits.
Johnson County Community Foundation Announces Transfer of ERN Program to Aspire
Program to assist local businesses in Johnson County and southern Indianapolis
Update on Franklin U.S. 31 Corridor Improvement Project
The plan to work on the U.S. Highway 31 Corridor in Franklin, a $50 million improvement project spanning five miles, is encountering a setback in its timeline as difficulties in securing the required right of way for construction is causing delays.
Aspire Johnson County Receives Intermediary Capacity Grant
The Intermediary Capacity Building grant was created in 2023 by the Indiana General Assembly to implement the policy goals of the House Enrolled Act 1002.
Experts Give Insight into the 2024 Commercial and Residential Real Estate Markets
Local economies change and evolve at the pace of their real estate sectors. Industry experts have shared their perspectives on the anticipated trends and challenges for commercial and residential development in 2024.
Experts share promising data for Johnson County in 2024 at Aspire’s Economic Outlook Breakfast
In case you missed it: Aspire hosted an Economic Outlook Breakfast event at Mallow Run Winery in Bargersville on November 8th.
Indiana employers and schools are working to keep recent graduates in state
Indiana is known for its robust college and university system. However, the local workforce is at risk of losing this home-grown talent to “brain-drain”, or the movement of educated and talented workers to career opportunities outside of the state.
Whiteland’s Community Rebuilds After the March 31st Tornado
On March 31st, the Town of Whiteland was impacted by an EF-2/EF-3 tornado that damaged residential areas and the Mohr Industrial Park. Since then, the town has displayed remarkable resilience, rallying together to support their own citizens affected by the storm and expediting the recovery process.
Thinking outside the single-family box: Why diverse housing options matter for communities
Providing diverse housing options within a community is crucial for creating a vibrant and resilient environment that caters to the evolving needs of its residents. From young professionals to families and retirees, the journey through life and professional endeavors varies, demanding a spectrum of housing choices.
FSSA and Indiana Chamber Announce a $25 Million Fund for Employers to Address Childcare Needs
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) has unveiled the Employer-Sponsored Child Care Fund, a new initiative as part of Governor Eric Holcomb's 2023 Next Level Agenda.
Johnson County Communities Get a Makeover: Updates to Town and City Comprehensive Plans
Communities in Johnson County like Greenwood and Whiteland are opening the doors to their residents and inviting them to participate in the comprehensive planning process.
Franklin Works to Clean Up “Cable Pollution” Around Town
The City of Franklin is addressing the growing nuisance known as "cable pollution.” Cable pollution is the result of the negligence of telecommunications providers that leave cable infrastructure no longer in service decaying and unattended to.
A Conversation with Broker Michael Weishaar on the Industrial Real Estate Market in Central Indiana
Central Indiana's industrial real estate market has experienced notable shifts in 2023, marked by decreased demand and a surplus of available options.
In Case You Missed It: Creating Your Internship Experience in Six Steps
Internship programs play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow, providing students with real-world experience and businesses with fresh talent.
Workforces Cannot Be Built without Adequate Childcare
In pursuit of fostering growth and resilience within the Johnson County and Indianapolis workforces, Aspire supports local employers and their connection to essential childcare resources.
Aspire Hosts “Creating Your Internship Experience in 6 Steps” for Employers August 9
Aspire will host Creating Your Internship Experience in 6 Steps on August 9 to educate employers on how they can create internship programs that will fit their organizations, regardless of the organization’s size, and there is no cost to attend.
New Trends in Economic Development Incentives
Economic development incentives are essential for thriving commercial, industrial, and residential areas to crystallize.
How Military Installations Impact the Johnson County Economy
In gauging how healthy a local economy is like Johnson County’s, many will first look to its commercial and industrial centers to see how full the restaurants are or how busy the factories seem.
How Chambers of Commerce Helped Build the American Economy
As we celebrate the nation’s birthday and reflect on its political history and evolution, it is a great time to learn about the history and evolution of America’s chambers of commerce and how they shaped the existing economic system of today.
Aspire School-to-Work Program Receives Contribution from the TCU Foundation
Aspire is thrilled to announce a generous grant of $10,000 from the TCU Foundation.
Everything Employers Should Know About Hiring Recent Graduates
According to an article from LinkedIn Talent Solutions, 58% of entry-level jobs are filled by college graduates.
“Note to Parents”
No, this is not a disciplinary note from school. Aspire is currently collaborating with education partners to offer work-based learning and career exploration programs.
Life Sciences Marketing Campaign
Aspire is launching a marketing campaign this month to introduce Johnson County to companies across the US in the life sciences industry.
Bargersville Main Street
New restaurants have been popping up in Bargersville, contributing to the town's growth and revitalization.
Company Spotlight: ERMCO
Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance is excited to feature ERMCO for a company spotlight to highlight their contributions to the local business community.
Aspire Launches New Workforce Development Initiatives for 2023
Aspire’s School-to-Work Specialist, Jennifer Hollingshead, has been working with schools and employers across Johnson County, providing career exploration and work-based learning opportunities to local high school students at all six county schools since August of last year.
Infrastructure Improvements in Johnson County
The Indiana Department of Transportation is tasked with awarding grants to towns, cities and counties across the state to improve infrastructure such as bridges, sidewalks and roads.
Bus Driver Shortage
Although often overlooked, bus drivers are critical to the transportation system in both urban and rural areas where driving is the only way to get from point A to point B.
Industry Tours for High School Students
Aspire’s School to Work Specialist, Jennifer Hollingshead, recently coordinated tours for local high school seniors to several businesses at the cutting edge of their respective advanced industries.
Business Leaders Nominated for Aspire Board Leadership
The board of directors will vote on this slate of nominees at its November meeting.
Workforce Ready Grant and Adult Education Fair on December 2
Aspire is launching an adult education fair to help strengthen our adult workforce by expanding on skills through additional education.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Helps Employers See Value of Disability Inclusion in October and Year Round
This October will mark the 77th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month or NDEAM.
New study: Tourism Contributes $341.3 Million to Johnson County Economy
A new economic impact study shows tourism contributed $341.3 million to Johnson County’s economy in 2021, up from $255.7 million in 2017.
Field Trips to Local Industries Inform Teachers about Youth Job Opportunities
Aspire has just wrapped up a successful summer of field trips to educate teachers and guidance counselors on youth job opportunities in Johnson County.
Franklin Housing Redevelopment Project Supports Economic Development
Downtown Franklin is taking on a new look as historic and/or underutilized homes are rehabilitated and turned into desirable properties.
Partnership Connects Employers to Students with Disabilities
Aspire and Earlywood Educational Services have joined forces to create a powerful partnership to build the local K-12 talent pipeline for employers.
Local Automotive Parts Manufacturers Face Supply-Chain Challenges
Aspire has conducted a mid-year check on some of these businesses and found that they continue to face supply-chain challenges, as do other companies today.
Housing Demand in Johnson County, South Indy Remains Steady
While mortgage rates creep up nationwide, local housing professionals agree demand remains steady.
Marc Adams Woodworking School Impacts Johnson County Economy
An unassuming structure located on a county road near Whiteland is actually a school that teaches woodworking and a variety of other creative skills.
Now Hiring: Community Leadership Intern
Interns will complete the internship with an understanding of the impact of municipal government, economic development, quality of life, and nonprofits have on a community.
Now Hiring: Economic Development Specialist
This is an opportunity to work directly with existing and potential new businesses to support business location, expansion, and success.
Industrial Growth Heads South to Franklin
The Franklin Tech Park was among the first industrial developments at Interstate 65 and State Road 44, where growth is starting to boom.
Aspire Announces Winners of Business Awards
Each winner and finalist embraced challenges and found new ways to achieve success.
Aspire Introduces 2022 Board Chair and Directors
Sanchez is the Vice President and General Counsel of Endress+Hauser USA where she serves as legal counselor and strategic advisor for the company’s North America region.
Aspire Launches County-wide Workforce Pipeline Initiative
The Johnson County-wide initiative is designed to identify opportunities to further develop and build a school-to-career labor pool pipeline.
Aspire Spotlights Trades Careers to Address Workforce Pipeline
Aspire’s first-ever Discover Your Career Path Forum held recently was an outright success, attracting some 30 high school students and their parents to learn about in-demand career opportunities in the skilled trades.
Sarnova Selects Greenwood for Expansion
The company provides equipment to first responders and EMS agencies across the country.
Northern Johnson County Transit Plan Offers Road Map for Improved Connectivity
This Transit Plan outlines existing transportation trends and explores potential transportation type and network goals for Northern Johnson County.
Tourism in Johnson County Made Major Strides in 2021
Johnson County's tourism agency set records for key indicators during 2021, including website traffic, social media reach, advertising campaign impressions,and generated revenue.
Major Improvements to Emerson Avenue Underway
The project includes additional lanes in each direction, sidewalks on both sides, new traffic signals and a new four-lane bridge over I-65.
Digital Talent Attraction Campaign a Big Success
The objective of the campaign was to convey the message that Johnson County is the best place to live and work.
Newkirk Square to Provide Franklin Housing and Retail Opportunities
The Bemis Group development, scheduled to be completed by late 2023, will help Franklin meet the demand for upscale housing and spur investment.
Economic Development Series: Community Development
Community development is a key piece of Johnson County’s total economic development.
New Hoosier Talent Network Links Employers with Workers Displaced by COVID
The issue with employment is not only finding talent but retaining it.
Community Development Teams Recap Progress, Move Forward to 2022
“Our volunteer teams are an extension of Aspire and are integral to achieving our strategic plan goals.”
Bargersville Downtown Renovation Spurs Investment, Quality of Life
Bargersville is taking aggressive steps to improve its downtown, reaping a variety of benefits for residents and investors alike.
Economic Development Series: Business Attraction Incentives
Aspire supports communities in negotiating and analyzing the benefit of providing incentives versus the cost, and it also shepherds projects through the public approval process.
Maurer Joins Aspire as Investor Development Executive
Maurer’s role will be integral to Aspire’s growth and retention strategies.
Economic Development: Business Retention and Expansion
Approximately 80 percent of new jobs and investments come from companies already operating here. These efforts complement aggressive efforts to attract new businesses to the community.
Johnson County Housing Demand Outpaces Inventory
Aspire collaborates with housing stakeholders including developers, real estate agents, planners, consultants, and community leaders to understand issues and develop solutions affecting affordability, quality, regulatory issues, and infrastructure needs.
Employer Resource Network Charts Successes, Provides Career Development
ERN has proven to be a powerful ally to help local businesses with employee retention.
Economic Development Series: Site Selection
Aspire maintains a database of sites and buildings that makes it easier to submit potential locations to the site selector.
New Region Puts Quality Downtowns, Outdoor Amenities in the Spotlight
The 180 Alliance Region is the newly formed formal partnership of Boone, Hendricks, Johnson, Montgomery, Morgan, and Putnam counties.
October Spotlights Staffing Solution for Labor Crunch
The purpose of NDEAM is to celebrate the many great contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.”
Johnson County Wage and Benefit Survey Completed
Study reveals several barriers to hiring and contributors to turnover.
Hoosiers Encouraged to Test Internet Speed
This tool gathers data in all areas of Indiana and encourages data-driven broadband investment decisions.
Business Recovery Series: Non-Profits Endure through Support and Technology
This story illustrates two important messages about the community. We are caring, and our non-profits are well-run.
Long-Time Business G+H Orthodontics Expands in Franklin, Grows Workforce
G&H Orthodontics is relocating to the shell building to accommodate its growing business and expanding workforce.
Business Recovery Series: Home Services Quickly Close Then Recover
Owners of these businesses found creative ways to navigate the new landscape.
Next Level Jobs Grants Now Available, Employers Encouraged to Move Fast
The Next Level Jobs program reimburses employers who train, hire, and retain new or existing workers to fill in-demand positions in a half dozen priority sectors.
Skillful Talent Four-part Series Workshops Soon Available
The new Skillful Talent Series is a four-part workshop that walks employers through attraction of the right talent, candidate evaluation, selection and onboarding, and employee retention.
Johnson County’s Milwaukee Tool Project Contributes to Indiana’s Gold Shovel Award
Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance assisted with 2020 development
Aspire Releases Greenwood Daytime Population Study Results
Half of survey respondents currently work from home and 85% of those workers believe they will continue to do so in the future.
Business Recovery Series: Financial and Legal Industries Embraced Change to Take Care of Businesses
While last summer was the most difficult period, he said, clients began returning later in the year when the economic climate began to settle down and the business situation stabilized.
Bargersville and Greenwood Increase Available Liquor Permits through Riverfront Districts
The “riverfront” can be property located within 1,500 feet of virtually any body of running water — a creek or brook will meet the criteria.
South Korean Automotive Supplier Expands to Franklin
The company manufactures seat frames for Kia, Hyundai and Subaru car makers.
Business Recovery Series: How Local Food and Beverage Makers Survived
"For everyone, food and beverage businesses are places of celebration, connection, relaxation and discovery. Their survival and comeback are not just the story of this one industry, but about all of us."
Employer Resource Network Hires Its First Success Coach
spire is part of the Community Core Team tasked with launching and leading the ERN program along with the Johnson County Community Foundation, United Way of Johnson County, Ivy Tech Community College and Express Employment Professionals.
Aspire Spotlights Hiring Employees Out of Judicial System
With the employment rate as low as it is, programs like these provide our employers with additional options when it comes to hiring.
Johnson County: Planning Helped Tourism Fare Better than Other Counties
Tourism is big business in Johnson County, creating $255 million in spending, generating $60.2 million in tax revenues, resulting in $183.2 million in tourist spending, and creating nearly 2,921 jobs and $50.2 million in wages.
Headquarters for ERMCO Relocate to Johnson County
Major contractor in electrical, systems, and automation to build new 205,000 square-foot facility.
Aspire Announces Finalists for Business Resilience Award
Award recognizes employers’ ability to adapt to the COVID pandemic
Indy South Greenwood Airport Growing Business Traffic, Adding New Education Center
A new Aeronautical Center of Technology is set to open this autumn at the airport.
Aspire Conducting Study of Remote Workers in Greenwood
Survey to determine workers’ impact on community
Aspire Discusses Use of Economic Development Incentives
The program will provide information on economic development in our area, discuss how new company leads are sent through the lead funnel, and review how our municipalities make the determination of what project they will pursue.
Aspire Releases 5-Year Strategy for Diverse, Sustainable Johnson County Economy
Plan centers on collaboration among public, private, not-for-profit, education sectors.
Aspire Conducts Economic Development Workshop for Local Officials
The workshop provided elected and appointed community leaders the opportunity to understand how incentive tools work in Indiana
Major New Industrial Activity Announced at I-65 Exit 90 in Franklin
Sunbeam is constructing a 519,000-square-foot building to suit a prospective tenant’s specifications and will be available in the first quarter 2021.
Milwaukee Tool Chooses Johnson County for New Service Hub, 450+ New Jobs
This new centralized repair facility will complement the company’s other service hub in Greenwood, Mississippi; both will act as the main axis points for the company’s service operations for users around the nation.
Workforce Training Grant Funding Available to Employers
The Next Level Jobs training program allows employers to skill-up current employees and recruit candidates with little to no experience.
Aspire COVID Impact Survey Shows Area Businesses Struggle Yet Endure
The survey, conducted April 18-24, involved 100 businesses representing 6,200 full-time and 3,500 part-time jobs.
Aspire Announces New Vice President of Economic Development
Amanda Rubadue to manage business attraction, expansion efforts in growing Johnson County.
Indiana Climbs Among Growth States
The Hoosier state appears to be bucking the trend of people fleeing the Midwest, according to the do-it-yourself mover U-Haul.
Energizer Plans Hundreds of Jobs for Franklin
The company plans to invest more than $62 million to equip the shell building at Franklin Tech Park and create 440 jobs.
Whiteland Breaks Ground on Industrial Project
The development will include modern industrial buildings designed for logistics, advanced manufacturing and related uses.
Cummins Plans $35 Million Investment in Greenwood
Plans include constructing a 100,000-square-foot office building at Interstate 65 and County Line Road in Greenwood.
Poynter Sheet Metal to Expand in Greenwood
The $4.2 million project includes a 54,000-square-foot addition to the existing facility, new equipment and 40 new employees within the next two years.
Fruit Company Selects Greenwood for New Plant
California Custom Fruits and Flavors provides custom fruit and flavor ingredients to the dairy, bakery, beverage and food service industries.
Amazon Selects Greenwood for New Center
The new $80 million packaging and distribution facility that is expected to create 1,250 full-time jobs.
Biotech Company Plans Long-Term Growth, R&D
The company, which develops pharmaceutical and diagnostic biological reagents, is investing $1.5 million to expand and renovate its nearly 3,000-square foot facility in Franklin.
Racing Component, Engine Company Moving to Franklin
Rapid Prototype primarily produces racing components for their largest customer - Indy Car Penske.