Download Document
Workforce
Businesses along the I-74 Corridor have no problems finding the talent they need with a workforce of more than 3 million within a 90-minute drive. And, the talent is well-prepared.
That’s because communities throughout the I-74 Corridor have been working to create a straight-line connection between their schools and the workplace since 1964 when the Southeastern Career Center (SCC) in Ripley County became Indiana’s first career and technical education center.
The SCC is still in operation today, offering programs in precision machining, welding, drafting, culinary arts, healthcare and other in-demand subjects.
Helpful Links
Blue River Career ProgramsCorridor Major Employers
Indiana Connections Career Academy
Southeastern Career Center
Whitewater Career Center
Education
Our K-12 public and private schools rank among the best in the region.
Indiana educators are focused on providing every student with a high-quality education that inspires success and prepares them for a bright future. Our school districts are known for academic achievement, innovative teaching and connection to local companies.
Other training centers and engineering academies in the region, along with Project Lead the Way, are helping to provide the skills employers need now and well into the future.
Throughout the region, local industry leaders have teamed up with our Ivy Tech campuses and high schools to provide post-secondary curriculum designed to support economic development by offering students industry experience and site-based mentorship.
Ivy Tech’s campuses in Lawrenceburg, Batesville and Shelbyville are also preparing workers with certificate and Associate degree programs in areas such as:
- Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Business Administration
- Business Operations, Applications, and Technology
- Industrial Technology
- Computer Science and Informatics
- Accounting
Quality of Life
With Indianapolis and Cincinnati nearby, our communities enjoy the best of both worlds – a warm and friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to metropolitan shopping and dining, museums, professional sports and endless entertainment options. International airports in both cities add another level of convenience that most communities cannot match.
There’s plenty to do locally, too. At Brookville Lake, residents enjoy boating, horseback riding, shooting, watersports, golf and great fishing. And, below the dam, anglers will find some of the best fly fishing in the state. Thousands of residents and visitors alike flock to the many festivals held in this area each year.
Taxes and Incentives
The secret is out about Indiana and our business-friendly environment. With one of the highest bond ratings in the nation, Indiana has our fiscal house in order. Known for its lowest workers' compensation rates and multiple top rankings for being one of the top states for businesses, Indiana makes it affordable for businesses to operate across the state.
Each year, Indiana lowers its corporate income tax rate and is one of the lowest in the nation. Indiana has no gross receipts tax or inventory tax, making it even more advantageous for businesses to locate and grow here.
The I-74 Corridor’s economic development partners have followed Indiana’s lead to make this region one of the most attractive in the state by establishing several Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts. Our TIF districts benefit businesses by capturing property taxes for reinvestment in public infrastructure to support them and the communities they call home.
Employers throughout the I-74 Corridor may qualify for tax abatements and other local programs.
The State of Indiana offers additional incentive programs to make it affordable and easy for companies to quickly get up and operating, which include payroll tax credits, training grants, and industrial development grants. Our utility providers also offer several incentives for our local businesses.
Our local governments work closely with employers to provide generous incentive programs aimed at lowering the cost of doing business. This helps new employers efficiently establish operations and existing employers expand their facilities.
Helpful Link
State IncentivesHealthcare
Residents along the I-74 corridor have access to some of the nation’s finest healthcare providers, including teaching hospitals on the leading edge of medical care in Indianapolis and Cincinnati. Locally, residents have access to a wide variety of practitioners and hospitals in Shelby, Rush, Decatur, Ripley and Dearborn counties.
