(Plainfield, IN) – Duke Energy has selected seven economic development organizations in Southern Indiana for inclusion in its 2024 Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to attract new jobs and investment in communities the company serves.
Partnership Program grant funds can be used to support a wide array of marketing initiatives, including trade show attendance, website redesign, promotional materials, and presentations or tours to introduce prospective companies and site selectors to a community.
The three local organizations receiving grants are:
City of Batesville – $5,000
The City of Batesville recently approved an ordinance creating a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) within city limits. Officials say DORAs can provide an economic boost and serve as a tourism draw for communities. Grant funds will be used to support the creation of a website, signage and advertising to increase foot traffic to retail and restaurants in the vicinity of the new DORA.
I-74 Business Corridor – $5,000
Grant funds will support the presence of several I-74 Business Corridor member organizations at various trade shows and conferences throughout the year to market and promote the region and network with site consultants and business prospects.
One Dearborn – $5,000
Grant funds will support the complete redesign of One Dearborn’s website to improve user engagement, functionality and search engine optimization.
“Economic development plays a vital role in the long-term growth and prosperity of the state,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of business development at Duke Energy. “Through these grant funds, we’re proud to support our local economic development partners as they work in new and creative ways to market their communities to site selectors and businesses across the world.”
To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. Grant amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.
