When our community has been asked to consider major projects like the AWS, Microsoft, or Synergy Cells projects, people have asked many tough questions. They should. At the same time, we need to view the full picture, not just the rumors or the loudest objections. Data centers are one of those issues where the conversation has been dominated by
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a complicated topic to understand. Generally, there is not a great understanding of this economic development tool and how and why communities use it. I’m devoting my column this month to trying to help readers gain a better understanding. I hope this helps. TIF began in California in the 1950s. Indiana Implemented
Visit South Bend Mishawaka (VSBM) has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a record-breaking year for tourism, visitation, and destination investment across St. Joseph County. Hotel performance reached new highs in 2025, with six individual months posting record occupancy, contributing to a 14% year-over-year increase in hotel demand. Short-term
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is awarding $15 million to 21 organizations across the state to increase access to comprehensive resources that help students make more informed decisions about their options after graduation. "Indiana’s Career Coaching Grant reflects our commitment to helping students explore future career options and
I had a chance recently to join and address about 150 college students from St. Joseph County who had gathered for the Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County's annual luncheon. What an impressive collection of students who once called St. Joseph County home and who are now scattered across the country pursuing their educational interests. Hats off to
D.A. Dodd is marking 30 years in business as a union mechanical contractor, celebrating three decades of growth, major capital investments and a continued commitment to the communities it serves across Indiana, Michigan and Illinois. Founded Aug. 8, 1995, in Rolling Prairie with about a dozen employees, the company has expanded into a regional provider
A tax abatement is a temporary reduction or phase-in of property taxes on new investment. Communities across the country use the tool on economic development projects to attract new jobs and capital investment to a community. Abatements typically focus on manufacturing companies because of the large investments they make in real property and equipment. New
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the South Bend Regional Chamber the prestigious Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and significant positive impact on the community. The South Bend Regional Chamber received 5-Star designation, the highest possible achievement for a local chamber to