catalyzing economic growth impact report
2018 - 2020
We Catalyze Economic Growth.
Facilitating regional alignment to advance shared economic prosperity in the South Bend - Elkhart region.
impact report 2018 - 2020 The report summarizes the work of the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership over the past three years.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the President and Board Chair
5
Mission, Vision, Goal, and Values
6
Metrics Dashboard 8 Milestones and Timeline 10 Regional Economic Development Strategy Updates
11
Entrepreneurship
12
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
14
Talent Attraction and Retenton
16
Industry Growth
18
Education and Workforce
20
Marquee Projects and Major Grant Initiatives
22
Regional Cities Initiative
24
LIFT Network
26
Board, Councils, Investors, and Team
28
South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership Team
30
Click the links within the report to access additional information about the work of the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership.
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to our regional stakeholders
A letter of thanks
REGINA EMBERTON, CEcD President and CEO South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership
DR. PETE McCOWN, CHAIR President Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Over the past three years, the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership has moved full-steam ahead to execute our Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS Plan) with the ultimate goal of matching or exceeding the national per capita personal income by 2025. As we transition into the half-way point of this implementation process, we are pleased to share a unique reflection on the progress the region has made to date, while looking forward to the immense growth to come. On the heels of securing a $42 million Regional Cities Initiative grant, in 2019, our shared vision for the region catalyzed a $42 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to fund the Labs for Industry Futures and Transformation (LIFT) Network. We have made enormous strides in the LIFT Network’s development, most recently launching the South Bend – Elkhart Digital Innovation Hub. This large, collaborative effort has culminated into a one-stop regional resource for those seeking to cultivate talent, advance their career knowledge, start a business, or innovate their respective industry. As the LIFT Network continues to develop across our campuses, communities, and industry partners, the region at large will increasingly benefit from cuttingedge expertise, technologies, workforce development programs, and innovationbased facilities. The State of Indiana recognized this commitment to upskilling workers, attracting new talent, and retaining current talent by designating the South Bend – Elkhart Region as a 21st Century Talent Region in 2020. In addition to attracting new business to the region, we have continued supporting new ventures to ensure they thrive in our regional environment. The Startup South Bend – Elkhart initiative has also been fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in partnership with Elevate
Ventures. Due to the amount of deals per capita, Elevate Ventures recognized South Bend – Elkhart as their “Region of the Year” for the last two consecutive years! As the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent in 2020, the Regional Partnership stepped into the critical role of convenor and communicator, working together with stakeholders at state and local levels to connect companies with much needed resources. We also convened a task force of industry leaders and administered a survey that provided crucial private sector input to the State of Indiana as they developed the “Back on Track” plan. Companies and individuals across the region embraced the challenge of COVID-19 as an opportunity to rise above, from innovating on production lines to going virtual for celebrations. At the Regional Partnership, we increased our focus on the development of digital resources and pivoted to virtual programming to offer continuous business and talent support. These are select examples of the outstanding collaborative effort that has led to immense progress toward the goals outlined in the REDS Plan. Of course, none of this work is possible without your dedication, passion, and commitment to making the South Bend – Elkhart region a prime location to live and work. As you read this report, we invite you to take a moment to celebrate the multitude of regional wins that have occurred since the plan’s launch in 2018. Thank you for your part in making those happen, and we look forward with gratitude to the next four years of excellent work. Sincerely, Regina Emberton and Pete McCown
our Mission, Vision, goal, and values MISSION The South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership focuses on a long-term systemic approach to advance the region’s economy by aligning the efforts of various stakeholders around five key areas: Educating a worldclass WORKFORCE, recruiting and retaining great TALENT, attracting and growing new economy companies in complement to our remarkably strong manufacturing INDUSTRIES, promoting INCLUSION and sparking opportunities for minorities, and helping ENTREPRENEURS thrive. The South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership seeks to unify and collaborate so that together, the communities across the region work together to achieve what cannot be done individually.
VISION To grow the South Bend - Elkhart Region’s economy by improving wages and livability, we will move forward together as one region to attract and grow the best industries and workers. The region must unify to fight the enemy of declining wages and population stagnation. Together we will capitalize on the significant manufacturing and educational resources already available.
goal 6
increase the per capita personal income to match or exceed the national average by 2025.
VALUES
Inclusive Collaboration. Humility. Do what we say we are going to do. DIVERSITY STATEMENT Diversity of Thought Creates Inclusive, Powerful Action. We celebrate individuality to fuel collaborative regional economic growth. We work with diverse committees comprised of stakeholders from different racial and ethnic groups, gender identities, industries, cities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We believe diversity drives economic prosperity. We foster inclusivity in our own efforts as well as within the entities we do business with. We encourage both a top-down and grassroots approach. This gives us the freedom to holistically address our region’s strategies and initiatives.
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metrics dashboard Metrics have been developed to assess progress with ambitious targets set for each goal, each year. The metrics are reported on a regular basis. Each activity of every strategy is designed to help the South Bend – Elkhart region achieve the overarching goal of increasing per capita personal income to match or exceed the national average by 2025.
ANNUAL PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME IN THE SOUTH BEND - ELKHART
Percent of National Average
REGION AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE U.S. PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME 90% 85%
82.1%
82.3%
82.3%
83.4%
83.8%
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
84.7%
85.9%
86.9%
85.5%
83.9%
80% 75% 70%
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
year
SNAPSHOT: PER CAPITA PERSONAL ABOUT THE DATA While per capita personal income (PCPI) continues to grow in the South Bend - Elkhart region, the caveat is that it has slowed in recent years and trails the national growth rate. PCPI increased to $47,407 in 2019, which is 83.92% of the national average. This was a 1.5% annual growth rate for the regional PCPI, compared to the national growth of 3.5%. Our region’s PCPI must increase by 6.62% annually to meet the national average by 2025. For reference, PCPI in the region increased an average of 4.02% per year between 2011 and 2019.
INCOME IN THE SOUTH BEND - ELKHART REGION YEAR
PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME (PCPI)
REGIONAL PERCENTAGE OF NATIONAL PCPI
2018
$45,063
86.85%
2019
$46,712
85.54%
2020
$47,407
83.92%
2025 GOAL
$69,665
100%
*Data reported each year is the most recent data available for that metric (not necessarily the data that reflects that year).
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
2018
2019
2020
2025 GOAL
National MSA Percentile Rank of Minority Income Disparity
15th
N/A
N/A
80th
Disparity Index for Mean Income of White and African American Populations
52-54%
54-57%
51-56%
70-74%
Disparity Index for Mean Income of White and Hispanic Populations
67-72%
44%-47%
51%-59%
80-83%
2018
2019
2020
2025 GOAL
33%
35%
34%
50%
Weighted Workforce Education Index (25+)
32%
34%
32%
35%
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
2018
2019
2020
2025 GOAL
High-Growth Startups Launched
19
20
8
25
High Growth Startups Launched (Aggregated)
28
48
56
200
Share of Employment in Firms Ages 0 to 5 Years Old
6.29%
5.50%
4.79%
7.60%
Patent Awards per $100M GDP
1.09
0.85
0.96
3.2
$213,862
$220,951
$241,046
$219,774
INDUSTRY GROWTH
2018
2019
2020
2025 GOAL
Growth of Jobs in Higher Pay Traded Industry Clusters
57,893
63,887
59,941
69,472
Average Regional Private Sector Wage
$44,175
$47,164
$47,287
$53,507
GDP Per Worker
$108,595
$108,668
$113,081
$111,561
Regional GDP Per Employee vs. National
92%
91%
98%
100%
TALENT ATTRACTION AND RETENTION
2018
2019
2020
2025 GOAL
Net Migration Per 1,000 Population
(2.13)
(0.78)
(1.75)
0
520,764
522,885
524,425
543,688
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE Postsecondary Attainment Level (25-64) *In 2020, we adjusted our methodology of tracking Age 25+ to Age 25-64.
Academic R&D Expenditures (In Thousands)
Total Population
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
milestones and timeline
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Regional Cities Initiative Through the state of Indiana, thousands of regional citizens engaged in the creation of the “Smart Connect Communities” plan. The plan anchored the Region’s $42M Regional Cities grant proposal, which was successfully secured through the established Regional Development Authority.
Regional Economic Development Strategy Through inclusive collaboration, regional stakeholders begin the production of the Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) to catalyze economic growth. Serving as the anchor to the north star of increasing per capita personal income, the REDS plan provides robust paths to achieving the regional goal.
Strategic Initiatives and Advisory Committees The REDS plan calls for the development of five advisory committees focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, entrepreneurship, education and workforce, industry growth, and talent attraction and retention. The committees are established, and priorities are identified.
South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership The REDS plan is completed, and the organization is rebranded from “Michiana” to the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership. The South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership expands its capacity through the restructuring of the board and onboarding new staff.
Talent Connections and Attraction The South Bend – Elkhart region was awarded a $42.2M grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. The Labs for Industry Futures and Transformation (LIFT) Network was established. As a part of the REDS plan, a focus on a cohesive and thoughtful regional brand was deemed a priority, leading to the Regional Branding initiative launching.
Consistency Over Time In 2020, planning and execution began to produce results, including the South Bend – Elkhart region designation as a 21st Century Talent Region by the state of Indiana, recognition by Elevate Ventures as their “Region of the Year” for the second consecutive year, and the graduation of the first two cohorts of HustleSBE.
Regional Economic Development Strategy Updates In 2016, the Regional Development Authority convened a group of local leaders to conduct a situational analysis of the South Bend - Elkhart region. They created “A Plan for Prosperity, Growth and Inclusion Version 1.0,” which identified the following strategic drivers as the underlying principles for a comprehensive regional economic strategy: - Educating a world-class WORKFORCE. - Recruiting and retaining great TALENT. - Attracting and growing new economy companies in complement to our remarkably strong manufacturing INDUSTRIES. - Promoting INCLUSION and sparking opportunities for minorities. - Helping ENTREPRENEURS thrive. The “Regional Economic Development Strategy” plan was developed from these five key areas and represents input from hundreds of leaders across the region. Together, the community effectively developed its own plan to strengthen regional resiliency and jump-start economic growth in the South Bend – Elkhart region. The section that follows is comprised of updates and highlights on the Regional Economic Development Strategy between 2018 – 2020.
Goal
entrepreneurship
Help establish 200 high-growth startups by 2025.
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: GROWTH IN ACCESSIBLE CAPITAL CONTRIBUTES TO BUILD A MORE ROBUST PIPELINE OF STARTUPS Developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem requires focus on the future, learning from the past, and building in the now. As of the end of 2020, our ecosystem saw 56 newly created technology-enabled companies reach the threshold of “successful startup” - working full-time on their business, acquiring capital, expanding their market beyond the region, and being registered as a legal entity. Entrepreneurs and business owners of every type need access to capital, and the Startup South Bend – Elkhart initiative has made this a priority over the past few years, increasing the amount of funds available not only through direct investments, but also in partnership with Elevate Ventures, the University of Notre Dame, and others.
Between 2018 – 2020, over $1.18 million in direct investments were made, $1.11 million in Community Ideation Funds were invested from Elevate Ventures, and $307,000 was awarded through the McCloskey New Venture Competition to community-based startups. Our Startup South Bend – Elkhart initiative launched a Proof-of-Concept fund in 2019, giving dozens of startups in the pre-revenue or idea phase up to $2,000 in funds to test market assumptions or develop minimum viable products. With a collective focus on investing in startups, from small grants and competition prizes to large state and federal funding opportunities, academic research & development expenditures have increased significantly and the number of successful startups continues to grow.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
2018
Direct Investment
$975,000
$55,000
$58,000
Elevate Ventures
$152,000
$2, 150,000
$539,823
$97,000
$160,000
$50,000
$1,224,000
$2,365,000
$647,823
McCloskey New Venture Competition Community Awards Total
2019
2020
2018 was the first year for IDEA Week, held across the region from the IDEA Center at Notre Dame to the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart County. IDEA Week welcomed over 6,600 attendees in the first year and over 9,000 in the second year to participate in hands-on activities through the Maker’s Fair, entertainment experiences with the Chainsmokers, startup competitions through the McCloskey New Venture Competition, and learning opportunities through incredible keynotes and panel discussions, including headliner former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh.
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: AN INNOVATION FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN SOUTH BEND - ELKHART
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: PRE-ACCELERATOR PROGRAM ENCOURAGES ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET FOR TECH STARTUPS Beginning in July 2018, Startup South Bend - Elkhart engaged enFocus to pilot a community accelerator program. Initially designed as a community startup pipeline for the University of Notre Dame’s IDEA Center, the goal of the accelerator program was to provide startups with local mentor connections and early-stage business guidance through weekly “mentor brainstorm sessions.” After attending mentor brainstorm sessions and completing agreed upon milestones, startups would then be prepared for additional programming in the IDEA Center’s commercialization engine. After piloting the community accelerator with over 50 startups, lessons were learned about the effectiveness and in turn, the Pre-Accelerator Program was developed. The Pre-Accelerator Program filled a much-needed gap for community-based,
tech-enabled startups. As a cohort-based model, participants received training and insights from regionally based entrepreneurial support organizations, former founders, and investors, with the program culminating in pitches for Proofof-Concept Funds. A pre-accelerator program differs from an accelerator program in its focus—instead of targeting high-growth startups and accelerating them to market, a pre-accelerator program targets motivated entrepreneur and gives them the resources to develop their idea into a high-growth startup. The end goals of the pre-accelerator program are to validate/invalidate that a startup idea is feasible and marketable and prepare startups for accelerator programs or pre-seed funding.
FEATURED IMPACT: PRE-POSITIONED TO OPERATE IN PANDEMIC CONDITIONS
“ While the pandemic has taken its toll on many small businesses, forcing heavy investments in technologies and modified methods of doing business, Viewtique was solving the problem of shopping local from the convenience and safety of your home long before stay-at-home orders were put in place. Viewtique is one website to shop women’s fashion, gifts, home goods and more from small business boutiques, helping solve the problem smaller boutiques often have when it comes to developing and marketing an online presence. Viewtique’s mission is to make local boutique shopping as accessible as possible to local shoppers. The technology startup was co-founded by brothers Mike and Christopher Cali, who
later welcomed another team member, Camille Zyniewicz, a recent Notre Dame graduate after a chance meeting at a local wine bar. Founded in 2018, Viewtique has leveraged the regional ecosystem to support their venture including leveraging connections being made at various startup events and accessing capital like our Best Community Venture award they received at the 2020 McCloskey New Venture Competition, Proof of Concept funding, and Elevate Ventures’ University Fund grant. Viewtique has also partnered with local businesses like Ziker Cleaners during the pandemic to offer delivery services to customers and forwent any profits during the stay-at-home orders.
“Viewtique has been able to grow its scalable model through regional funding from Elevate Ventures, Startup South Bend – Elkhart and McCloskey New Venture Competition. Because of these organizations’ funding, we’ve been able to remain in the area, keep learning, keep growing and ultimately better serve our customers.” Camille Zyniewicz, Viewtique
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: MINORITY AND WOMEN
To be in the top 20% of metro areas for minority income equality by 2025.
BUSINESS OWNER TRAINING PROGRAM LAUNCHES Supporting economic independence through entrepreneurship is paramount to a well-developed inclusive economic development plan. Through late 2018 and into early 2019, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative explored various models for entrepreneurship training programs, gained a deeper understanding of what already existed in the South Bend Elkhart region, and developed HustleSBE, a cohort-based model for minority and women business owners. The HustleSBE program equips business owners with the network, tools, and technical assistance to take their alreadyoperating business to the next level, shoring up business operations and leveraging technology to create an operational efficient and cost-effective business model. When COVID-19 hit, HustleSBE made a rapid and effective pivot to virtual, shorter sessions, with more meeting frequency during the six-week bootcamp. Shortly after shelter-in-place orders were announced, and to support the first cohort of graduates and those enrolling into the second cohort, we quickly mobilized and approved direct funding to businesses – up to $1,500 each, to support transitioning operations online and implementing strategies developed through the program.
goal
Beyond the training sessions, participants receive access to Chamber of Commerce memberships, mentors, networking events, and one-on-one and group ongoing coaching.
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GRADUATES
$21.5K AWARDED
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IN AFTERCARE
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: LAUNCHED STORYTELLING CAMPAIGN IN JANUARY 2020 Creating awareness about best practices, lessons learned, and trends related to diversity, equity and inclusion has, and will continue to be, a top priority for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. Whether it’s supporting regional employers with inclusive recruiting practices or onboarding employees of color, the articles shared through a robust storytelling campaign have been viewed over 2,500 times. Within the region we have companies at various points on the inclusive culture spectrum and by providing them well-researched and thoughtful articles, we are empowering all to move the needle for their company. The articles also feature minority and women business owners, highlighting their successes to encourage the development of robust, local and diverse supply chains. Not only is this the right thing to do, it’s the smart business move. The storytelling activities also drew the attention of the national organization, Engine, which is focused on advocating for startups at the federal level. Through a collaboration with them, the South Bend – Elkhart region was featured for its efforts in equitable entrepreneurship ecosystem development, and brought about a meeting with an Indiana Senator on National Startup Day. All articles can be found on the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership website under “News” and are tagged under “diversity and inclusion”.
FEATURED IMPACT: HUSTLESBE GRADUATE CRYSTAL LAX OF CRYSTAL CLEAR RECRUITING CEO of Crystal Clear Recruiting, Crystal Lax is tasked with solving human resources-related needs for companies; large and small. The company services include staffing services, recruiting, and leadership training. Crystal is convinced as business owners reach out for staffing services and HR consultations, it has become her duty to see how she can help grow her clients’ businesses. In 2020, Crystal was part of the HustleSBE cohort, powered by South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. The program is for Black, Indigenous, People of Color and Women business owners, who are focused on exploring new solutions for their customers, generating new ideas, and shoring up current business practices. In the past few years, the program has brought together over 25 regional business to network with local resources, companies, and clients. When asked about what impact HustleSBE had on her business, Crystal stated:
“Not only did HustleSBE force me out of my comfort zone, but it also allowed me to explore opportunities for my business which has resulted in growth from four to eight employees, consistent and almost daily networking, improving my marketing strategies, and adding services that create additional revenue… One specific thing HustleSBE taught me is, it is not only what people and other organizations can do for you, but what you can do for them”.
“At the end of the day, we are all part of one community so building strong, genuine, and authentic relationships and partnerships is key.” After graduation from HustleSBE cohort two, Crystal Clear Recruiting has seen amazing growth. She has doubled the number of employees and made lasting partnerships with new employers.
Crystal has also joined the Talent Attraction and Retention Committee with the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership. She is hoping to use her passion for people and knowledge in human resources to make a positive and impactful contribution to the community. She has already presented to the recent HustleSBE cohort regarding ethical hiring practices and staffing and recruiting best practices. Crystal is a big fan of building relationships and feels the Partnership is changing hearts and changing communities.
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO ECONOMIC PROSPERITY One of the key strategies of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is to encourage and support inclusive environments amongst regional employers. The South Bend – Elkhart region is fortunate to have many compassionate business leaders that prioritize and take action caring for the communities where their employees live. This was made evident through the numerous business and community partners that came together to host events, training sessions, and webinars including:
405 attendees
Women With: A three-part series focused on creating purpose, finding your power, and taking action. Sessions were held during Women’s History Month at Gibson, Daman Products, and the Studebaker Building, and featured three women of color as keynotes and facilitators. DEI 101: Inclusive Excellence was a four-part series of webinars done in partnership with Culver Academies, Saint Mary’s College, Write Connections, the Chambers of the South Bend Region, Elkhart County, and Goshen, and LeadershipSBM. Sessions provided information on starting a DEI program within companies to understanding unconscious bias to being an ally for marginalized communities.
Creating inclusive environments must be a priority at every level of a company, including amongst the senior leadership. The DEI committee held its first CEO Roundtable in the Fall of 2019, featuring Reginald Humphrey, Assistant Director, Global Purchasing & Manufacturing Services (GB) for General Motors. The luncheon brought together 35 regional CEOs from companies including Lippert, THOR Industries, Beacon Health Systems, and Graham Allen Partners.
Goal Transform net migration from negative 2.13 persons per 1,000 per year to positive in-migration by 2025.
1,030+ resident survey Responses
120+
talent attraction and retention STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: LAUNCHED THE WE+YOU REGIONAL BRAND INITIATIVE In 2019, the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership engaged Resonance Consultancy to develop a comprehensive place-brand identity and marketing plan for the South Bend – Elkhart region. After hosting an open house for regional stakeholders to meet the Resonance team and communicate key objectives of the branding initiative, the Regional Partnership hosted a series of focus groups and workshops, and conducted a survey about living and working in the region. The feedback we received from the community directly informed the development of a positioning strategy and regional brand.
We have a proud combination of tradition and innovation, honoring the past while expressing excitement for the promising future. Whether it is describing personal memories of family trips to the Potawatomi Zoo or expressing pride in seeing the Studebaker factory transformed into a tech hub, our community possesses the perfect blend of nostalgia and forward thinking.
Soft Launch Attendees
70+
Roundtable Participants
100+ Brand Essence Survey Responses
We then launched a second survey consisting of internal and external audiences, and thus WE+YOU was selected as the South Bend – Elkhart region’s brand. WE+YOU was officially unveiled during our bi-annual Regional Opportunities Forum in March 2020. Why a regional brand? Marketing a location has a proven track-record of positively influencing people’s willingness to visit, work, and live within that community. By creating a regional brand, we have the opportunity to showcase all the unique aspects of the South Bend – Elkhart region.
In this campaign, South Bend - Elkhart creates opportunity and you take the opportunity and turn it into personal success. Each of us has a role to play in the advancement of the other. We’re remaking a sense of place and manufacturing a new region. You’re looking for new opportunities and new places that welcome new thinking. We’re opening the door. You’re blazing the trail.
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: 21ST CENTURY TALENT REGION DESIGNATION In January 2020, Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo joined state and local officials to announce the South Bend – Elkhart region as a 21st Century Talent Region. The designation is a statewide recognition awarded to Indiana communities focused on working collaboratively to attract, develop, and connect talent. To be considered, regions must: 1) commit to working across geographic and organizational lines to build regional talent 2) organize themselves with a designated leader and display regional participation 3) connect with the Office of Career Connections and Talent to link talent with appropriate resources 4) build a plan to grow the population, increase educational attainment, and raise household income, and 5) demonstrate an ability to implement the developed plan. As Secretary Milo recognized the South Bend – Elkhart region for its Talent Attraction and Retention efforts, she said,
“The South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership has been instrumental in driving innovation across northern Indiana, partnering with local, regional, and state leaders through various talent, education, and workforce development opportunities such as the Regional Cities Initiative.”
“As a 21st Century Talent Region, the South Bend - Elkhart region continues to build upon these partnerships to further connect the cities and towns within Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties, working to create a more talent-driven region,” said Secretary Milo. The 21st Century Talent Region designation was not only a wonderful recognition of the work we have done to date, but an external commitment of our ongoing dedication to continue cultivating and recruiting talent in the South Bend – Elkhart region.
FEATURED IMPACT: WE+YOU SOUTH BEND – ELKHART REGIONAL IMPACT SERIES As much as we would have loved to host an in-person Regional Opportunities Forum and a large unveiling event for the WE+YOU brand, the pandemic had other plans. In the spirit of flexibility, we ran with the unexpected opportunity to launch a WE+YOU Regional Impact Series featuring video installments highlighting the Regional Partnership’s five initiatives that serve as a core component of the Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS Plan). This was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on all of the progress we have made to date while leveraging WE+YOU branding to craft a message accessible to the general public. Through a fun collaboration between our staff and stakeholders, we were able to develop a virtual celebration that updated the region on our collective progress. We were also able to highlight direct community impact through a series of personal stories shared by our committee chairs, board members, and regional leaders. Although these videos are a snapshot of this specific moment in time, they will serve as a living tribute to the South Bend – Elkhart region and the work we engage in every single day. The WE+YOU Regional Impact Series presented a new pathway to reach the community in a new and unique way.
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industry growth STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: SECURING OVER $100,000 IN MAJOR
18
This grant helped leverage over $200,000 of marketing funds to maximize increased exposure of the South Bend - Elkhart region, consequently increasing awareness of investment opportunities throughout the area. Additionally, the South Bend – Elkhart region received $11,000 in economic impact grants from Indiana Michigan Power for strategic, catalytic, and tangible projects demonstrating value to economic development efforts. Projects include a series of industrial development marketing videos and marketing collateral with an emphasis on attracting and growing new economy companies in complement to our strong specialized and emerging manufacturing industries.
OUTBOUND
30+ sales trips
INBOUND
hosted 125+
AWARDED
In 2019, the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership was awarded a Regional Sales and Marketing Grant in the amount of $100,000 from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Lead economic developers from across the region collectively formed a Regional Sales and Marketing Attraction Plan offering a long-term systematic approach to advance the South Bend - Elkhart region’s economy by aligning the efforts of various stakeholders. The IEDC grant, a new program launched by the state, assisted the region with business development outreach efforts as economic development partners from Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties connected with thousands of site consultants and targeted companies across the country.
CONNECTED
goal
Grow Jobs in Higher Pay Traded Industries by 20% by 2025.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC IMPACT GRANTS
To 23 cities in 16 states across the United States.
Site Selectors and SIOR Professionals during US Senior Open and Real Estate Conference.
received $11,000 Between 2019 - 2020 In Economic Impact Grants on behalf of the South Bend - Elkhart region.
over 1,000 Connections made across the country with brokers, realtors, site selectors, and more.
FEATURED IMPACT: KEM KREST EMERGING INDUSTRY GROWTH AMID COVID-19 Elkhart-based Kem Krest, a legacy Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)certified company serving the automotive, power sports, and defense industries, demonstrates how innovation, creativity, passion, and a concern for others can impact not only a local community, but communities across the world.
In the spring of 2020, this South Bend - Elkhart region-based company specializing in chemical packaging, adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and shifted its focus to create a new subsidiary, turning new problems into business solutions. It didn’t take long for Kem Krest to enhance their production lines. When many companies were shutting down, Kem Krest found a way to keep manufacturing going and started producing some of the most essential products in the highest of demand. As a result, Kem-Shield was started, a new business unit created to manufacture
and distribute hand sanitizer and a plant-based disinfectant. By July of 2020, Kem Krest’s core business was back at 100%. Looking at ways their new product lines could be used and sold, Kem-Shield quickly launched an e-commerce site and before long, products and dispensers could be found throughout school classrooms, at universities, in NFL locker rooms and at the US Air Force Academy.
As the pandemic raged on, Kem Krest leaned into their core values. When a longtime customer, General Motors, called seeking assistance in sourcing ventilator parts, Kem Krest pivoted once again to a new market segment impacting the lives of the most vulnerable. During the recent Covid crisis in India, Kem-Shield coordinated logistics and donated much needed oxygen canisters to India. Leadership at Kem Krest explains it as “Ingenuity of the American Spirit at its Best,” while others might argue it is a result of the
foundational structure of this family business - one that is based on integrity, impact, transparency, passion, and dedication. The South Bend – Elkhart region is extremely fortunate to have Kem Krest and its CEO, Amish Shah, doing everything they can to better support our local economy and the health and prosperity of those in it. Kem Krest was among the first to lead the industry taskforce, convened through the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership in early April 2020; providing over 250 regional businesses responsible return to work plans to Governor Holcomb.
“Kem Krest is consistently focused on putting people first, not only our team members, but also our regional community members and those across the globe most significantly impacted by COVID-19,” says Shah. To learn more about Kem-Shield and additional products being developed to further support efforts to keep people safe and bring communities back together throughout this pandemic, visit www.kem-shield.com.
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: DEVELOPMENT OF THE TECONOMY “TIDES OF CHANGE” REPORT In 2018, South Bend – Elkhart region engaged TEConomy Partners to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the region’s economic development strategy and further develop the region’s specialized and emerging industry sectors as a framework for informing investment strategies. The report provides an analysis of the region’s innovation ecosystem and recommendations requiring innovation-led economic development as means to stimulate long-term economic prosperity in the South Bend – Elkhart region. Over 60 representatives from across the region engaged in the process that included focus groups, interviews, and round table discussions. The report was instrumental in the region identifying critical investments needed to stimulate economic development and securing a $42M Lilly Endowment grant to launch the LIFT Network.
Goal Increase postsecondary attainment from 35% to 50% by 2025.
education and workforce STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: DEVELOPMENT OF SYSTEMATIC ADVANCED INDUSTRY APPRENTICESHIP MODEL
$1.1M fund established For Advanced Industry Apprenticeships
134 Company Goal Set
400
Apprentice Goal By 2026 Set
The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership began developing a systematic approach to deploying advanced industry apprenticeships upon the announcement of the $42 million LIFT Network Grant to the University of Notre Dame in April 2019. Serving as the overall program lead, the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership has successfully established partnerships with the Northern Indiana Workforce Board, which serves as the intermediary sponsor to the U.S. Department of Labor for all LIFT Network Apprenticeships. In addition to partnerships with the Workforce Board, the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership also established a partnership with the state-wide Indiana Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships to ensure overall programmatic alignment with resources and direction of the state.
Current pilot apprenticeship programs, which will launch during Summer 2021, include the following occupations: Robotics Technicians, Industrial Maintenance Technicians, Quality Technicians and Computer Numerically Controlled Machinists. Higher education partners such as Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Polytechnic, and others will provide training resulting in postsecondary credentials within for program completers.
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: LIFT NETWORK DIGITAL SKILLS ACCELERATOR FUND LAUNCH In 2020, the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership and iNDustry Labs at Notre Dame launched the $3.4 million LIFT Network Digital Skills Accelerator Fund to engage eight regional colleges and universities to help advance the region’s current and future highly skilled workforce.. Structured in two phases, the first phase consisted of $50,000 awarded to each participating institution to support their planning processes before submitting a finalized proposal for a second phase of funding in December 2020. The Digital Skills Accelerator Fund is a unique opportunity for higher education institutions to advance their respective goals and initiatives, while strengthening coordination among the partners. By providing direct funding and encouraging open communication, regional higher education institutions can dynamically support learning and programs designed to equip the region’s workforce to thrive in the digital age of industry.
STRATEGY HIGHLIGHT: 2020 VIRTUAL MANUFACTURING DAY With the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, all previously planned in-person career exploration activities were paused by regional partners. In response to the need from K-12 districts to advance career exploration activities during Fall 2020, the Regional Partnership facilitated a partnership between the Horizon Education Alliance, South Bend Regional Chamber, and Marshall County Economic Development Corporation. The collaboration resulted in robust collaboration across regional schools and career exploration enrichment activities. Career exploration at the K-12 level engages students in researching and investigating modern career opportunities to aid them in identifying their own pathway. What originated as a placeholder for an in-person event evolved into an ongoing accessible resource for educators, advisors, and career coaches working in K-12 environments. Each video highlight provides a brief introduction to a regional company, their work, and the various roles involved in different levels of the organization. It gives students a high-level view of what postgraduation life could look like and includes a few retrospective thoughts from those currently employed at a featured company.
4,000+ Regional K-12 Students Engaged
Through these videos, a student can virtually explore career opportunities to gauge their interest in pursuing a specific field prior to graduating. With the overwhelming amount of career options for students to choose from, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming. Virtual Manufacturing Day introduced a no-cost, low-risk resource to aid K-12 staff in building an exploratory environment to better equip students with an understanding of the career options available to them in the region.
FEATURED IMPACT: RAPID RECOVERY FOR A BETTER FUTURE
$4.28M Invested
1,500 people
242 individuals
Via the Next Level Jobs Employer Training Grant
Upskilled and received wage increase via Next Level Jobs Employer Training Grant
Enrolled in Workforce Ready Grant funded training
COVID-19 posed an unprecedented threat to the regional labor market as unemployment claims rose precipitously from 1,889 as of March 14, 2020 to 35,804 by May 2, 2020. In response to the devasted economic conditions within the United States, the federal government launched the CARES Act, which infused millions of dollars within state governments to address economic challenges. In turn, the State of Indiana launched the “Rapid Recovery for a Better Future” initiative and awarded $3.15 million to the Northern Indiana Workforce Board to distribute across the South Bend – Elkhart region. While $3.15 million was initially awarded, the resulting allocation
of funds was ultimately over $4 million given the success of the regional collaboration. The Workforce Board reached out to partner with the Regional Partnership, and the two organizations then convened economic development, workforce, and education leaders between August – December 2020 in order to disseminate information and promote regional coordination of training activities. The goal of the Rapid Recovery Campaign was to disperse funds to support both employees and employers in retraining efforts to increase the region’s economic resilience and recovery. Through a concentrated effort
by the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership and local economic development corporations, they were able to map and connect employers to high-quality training programs that match current talent development needs of employers. This campaign stretched across the five-county region of Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph County. Despite the initial economic jolt caused by mass unemployment and production shutdowns, the South Bend – Elkhart region experienced a boom in industry sectors such as RV and boat production, downstream chemical products, food production, and metal processing and products. 21
marquee programs and major grant initiatives
Regional Cities Initiative SMART. CONNECTED. COMMUNITIES. Recognizing that population stagnation was one of the region’s biggest threats to advancing our economy, in 2015 the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership brought together thousands of stakeholders to develop a strategic plan focused on talent attraction and retention. In pursuit of a financial partnership with the state of Indiana, we experienced unprecedented collaboration between business, academic, public, and private leaders, resulting in the formation of a Regional Development Authority and development of the Innovate Indiana plan.
A vision emerged to build on the region as a knowledgedriven, highly connected group of communities that serves and provides access to a global innovation economy and become recognized for our world-class higher education and community
partnerships, superior access and connectivity, and high performing communities. With a focus on density, connectivity and amenities, the $42 million Regional Cities grant has been invested as seed funding into a set of 28 projects that are enhancing arts and culture, trails and parks, mixed use housing, and more.
At the end of 2020, twenty-one of the projects have been completed, six are under construction and one is in the planning phase. Marquee projects include construction of the Potawatomi Zoo entrance, aquatics centers in Elkhart and Plymouth, manufacturing centers in Plymouth and Argos; and mixed-use housing projects in urban centers across Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties. The grant also supported improvements to Howard Park and Ironworks Plaza; renovation of the Studebaker building façade, Hotel Elkhart, Goshen Theater, and REES Theater. The direct investment,
including state grant funds, private investment, and local public sector matching funds, is over $350 million. The indirect return on investment is beyond calculation. The projects have provided innovative options for current and future residents to live, learn, work, and play. They have increased community pride, eliminated blight, connected our communities, and drawn national attention to the region. Beyond the brick-and-mortar projects that will transform our communities for decades, the grant served as a catalyst by making us think more broadly by encouraging our community leaders to come together in an unprecedented way and making us think about sustaining our initiatives that will allow us to both attract and retain the brightest from our schools, our state, and our nation.
“ FEATURED PROJECT: ELKHART AQUATICS CENTER Kristin Pruitt, the Regional Development Authority’s Secretary-Treasurer and Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel for Lake City Bank, has acknowledged the immense value these quality-of-life projects add to the region through a personal lens. Her children have grown up to swim competitively in meets around the region, including at the Elkhart Health and Aquatics Center in downtown Elkhart. As COVID-19 shut down fitness centers across the nation, the Elkhart Aquatics Center became a central hub for major swim competitions that could not be hosted elsewhere. Ms. Pruitt commented on the foot traffic downtown Elkhart has received as a result of the added attention, even with the pandemic, and the ripple effect it has had on the community. With the number of spectators drawn to downtown Elkhart for prestigious swimming events, there has consequently been higher demand for easily accessible food options and land development. A private developer is now constructing a mixed-use development on an adjacent parcel that will offer condominiums, offices, and retail space, further adding to the density of amenities in the downtown area. An investment in one quality-of-life project is a long-term investment in the entire community.
“I have a strong bias that our arts/culture/trails and our athletics/wellness projects have been the most impactful in our community. Those are the projects that would have experienced more difficulty in securing other economic development funding. As I reflect on the original purpose behind Regional Cities, I believe these projects are the sweet spot. Kristin Pruitt Lake City Bank
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lift network LABS FOR INDUSTRY FUTURES AND TRANSFORMATION The South Bend - Elkhart region has a strong advanced manufacturing sector on which to build, but the region’s firms are under tremendous competitive pressures. In 2018, the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership engaged TEConomy Partners to analyze existing and emerging economic drivers and identify a set of critical investments needed to stimulate long-term economic prosperity in the region. It became clear that the region needed a focused effort to coordinate education, workforce training and research initiatives in support of the region’s advanced manufacturing, IT and data analytics clusters. The Labs for Industry Futures and Transformation (LIFT) Network was launched in 2019 as a regional consortium of colleges and non-profits, led by the University of Notre Dame and the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, to ignite collaborations between the region’s key economic drivers - its manufacturing base and its innovation assets - through a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge expertise and facilities, applied learning, and training programs. Funding to catalyze the network was made possible by a $42.4 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant awarded to the University of Notre Dame. The overarching goals of the LIFT Network are to enhance the productivity, resiliency, and skills of regional firms and the workforce, in support of catalyzing longlasting shared prosperity within the ever-growing digital economy.
LIFT NETWORK 2020 HIGHLIGHTS As the regional economic development hub, the Regional Partnership has leveraged our collaborative framework to engage stakeholders in the LIFT Network and to identify industry and workforce demands that inform funding allocations to partners and programs dedicated to advancing experiential learning and digital workforce training resources. Focused on building a strong and sustainable foundation for the Network, the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership has focused on the following activities through 2020: • Launched the South Bend - Elkhart Digital Innovation
Hub, a dynamic tool that inventories and organizes our region’s extensive array of programs, resources, and facilities available to support companies in the region with their aims for growth, productivity and resiliency. The Digital Innovation Hub showcases over 250 assets across 100+ business innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development related organizations.
• Established the Digital Skills Accelerator Fund to
invest $2.465 million to eight regional colleges and universities for new programs designed to equip the region’s workforce to thrive in the digital age of industry.
• Led development of the LIFT Network Advanced
Industry Registered Apprenticeship program, in partnership with the Northern Indiana Workforce Board and local economic development organizations. The LIFT Network Apprenticeship program will support the development of registered apprenticeships for technology, manufacturing, business, data science and analytics, supply chain
and logistics roles that provide growth opportunities for incumbent workers. • Developed the LIFT Network Internship program
connecting students from regional colleges and universities to internships at local companies focused on advanced industries such as technology, manufacturing, data science and analytics, supply chain or logistics management, and research and development.
• Invested nearly $4 million of LIFT grant funds to support
provided companies with actionable insight, relationships and resources required to leverage federal R&D and contracting awards to drive innovation, diversification, and economic growth. • Successfully developed and launched a regional virtual
career exploration platform, in collaboration with local intermediaries, to showcase virtual companies and to learn about in-demand careers within manufacturing and advanced industries
the development of over $50 million in regional Innovation Facilities, including: Ivy Tech iFlex Lab, Elkhart Area Career Center’s Engineering, Technology, and Innovation Building, St. Joseph County Public Library’s Community Learning Center, Renaissance District Tech Training & Demo Center, including the LIFT Applied Learning Classroom, and the City of South Bend’s Technology Resource Center
• Sponsored entrepreneurial and innovation programs and
resources, including two cohorts of the Startup South Bend - Elkhart Accelerator program and two cohorts of the SBIR | STTR Accelerator program, where Third Coast Federal
INDUSTRY LABS AT NOTRE DAME
iNDustry Labs at Notre Dame was launched as an anchor of the LIFT Network to help unite the region’s chief economic drivers — its powerful manufacturing base and a global tier one research university, to unlock the region’s potential for a more productive, resilient and skilled future. iNDustry Labs is the University’s dedicated platform for collaboration with local industry partners, providing
strategic insight, expertise and technical resources to regional businesses seeking to thrive in the digital age of manufacturing. enFocus is another key member of the LIFT Network, and has created a dedicated industry innovation team to support iNDustry Labs at Notre Dame as they help businesses develop and implement plans for product and process innovation to diversify and
grow business operations. Collectively, these efforts will support the South Bend - Elkhart region through the transformation to an increasingly digital and automated future, enhancing the current manufacturing base with new business models, technologies and tailored workforce training programs while accelerating new high-tech sector growth in the region.
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2020 officers and board members SOUTH BEND - ELKHART
INDUSTRY GROWTH
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Shelley Klug Indiana Michigan Power
Michael Daigle South Bend International Airport
SOUTH BEND - ELKHART REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
KEY STAKEHOLDER MEMBERS
Pete McCown, Chair Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Larry Garatoni Garatoni Family Office
Dave Behr Indiana Economic Development Corporation
Jim Keenan Judd Leighton Foundation
Jeff Rea, Chair South Bend Regional Chamber
Jeff Rea, Vice Chair South Bend Regional Chamber
Levon Johnson Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce
Pete McCown Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Pete McCown, Chair-Elect Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Jerry Chavez, Secretary Marshall County Economic Development Corporation
Diana Lawson Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Rose Meissner Community Foundation of St. Joseph County
Tim Sexton, Vice Chair Finance University of Notre Dame
Michael Daigle, Treasurer South Bend International Airport
James Turnwald Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG)
Gary Neidig ITAMCO
Michael Daigle South Bend International Airport
Suzanne Weirick, Public Representative Elkhart County Commissioner
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS PUBLIC OFFICIALS (LEDOS)
John Affleck-Graves, Member University of Notre Dame
Jerry Chavez Marshall County Economic Development Corporation
Andy Kostielney St. Joseph County Commissioner
Jeff Rea South Bend Regional Chamber
Kevin Overmyer Marshall County Commissioner
Chris Stager Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County
Suzanne Weirick Elkhart County Commissioner
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Amish Shah Kem Krest
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE Rebecca Stoltzfus Goshen College
ENTREPRENEURSHIP John Miller SIMBA Chain
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Jim Seitz 1st Source Bank
PRIVATE SECTOR
TALENT ATTRACTION AND RETENTION
John Affleck-Graves University of Notre Dame
Chuck Lehman Lehman & Lehman, Inc
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (RDA) Kristin Pruitt, Chair Lake City Bank John DeSalle, Vice Chair Hoosier Racing Tire Dallas Bergl, Treasurer INOVA Federal Credit Union Pete McCown, Member Community Foundation of Elkhart County John Affleck-Graves, Member University of Notre Dame
thank you to our investors HIGHER EDUCATION Holy Cross College
Purdue Polytechnic
Indiana University South Bend
Saint Mary’s College
Ivy Tech Community College
University of Notre Dame
Community Foundation of St. Joseph County
Marshall County Community Foundation
Business Development Corporation
Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce
South Bend Regional Chamber
Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County
Marshall County Economic Development Corporation
Ancilla College of Marian University Bethel University Goshen College
COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS Community Foundation of Elkhart County
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT City of Elkhart
City of Nappanee
Elkhart County
City of Goshen
City of Plymouth
Marshall County
City of Mishawaka
City of South Bend
St. Joseph County
1st Source Foundation
Hoosier Racing Tire
Lake City Bank
Beacon Health System
InterCambio Express
Ron Fenech
PRIVATE SECTOR
Garatoni-Smith Family Foundation Judd Leighton Foundation Graham Allen Partners
Specialized Staffing
Kem Krest
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2020 South Bend - Elkhart REgional Partnership Team
REGINA EMBERTON
BETHANY HARTLEY
LEIGHTON JOHNSON
President and CEO Email Regina
Chief Strategy Officer Email Bethany
Director of Education and Workforce Email Leighton
SARAH KOVICH
SARAH NIESPODZIANY
JILL SCICCHITANO
Executive Assistant and Office Manager Email Sarah
Vice President of Marketing and Communications Email Sarah
Director of Industry Growth Email Jill
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