Development Center to upgrade website with $5,000 Duke grant

A Duke Energy grant will assist the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center in marketing itself and, ultimately, Greencastle and Putnam County as a place to do business.

The Development Center was announced Thursday as a recipient of a $5,000 marketing grant from Duke.

The Center will be using the grant, along with matching operating funds provided by the city and county, to upgrade its website, Director Kristin Clary said.

“The Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center is grateful for this opportunity Duke Energy has provided to help communities continue to improve their communication efforts of marketing our county to both existing companies within Putnam County and to potential new companies looking to begin operations in a new location,” Clary said. “The Development Center works closely with its utility partners on preparing existing and new sites, and we are thankful that Duke is a part of our team.”

The announcement came as part of nearly $120,000 in strategic grants that Duke awarded to 26 different economic development groups to spur new jobs and investment across the state of Indiana.

“Duke Energy is working hand in hand with our local and regional economic development partners to accelerate growth and job creation in the communities we serve,” said Erin Schneider, director of economic development for Duke Energy Indiana. “We’re proud to support these organizations, each of which plays a critical role in marketing Indiana’s communities to attract businesses and enhance the quality of life for our customers.”

The funding is through Duke Energy’s Partnership Program, which supports organizations that increase awareness of a community or region’s economic development strategies and product availability. This may include tours and special events to promote business sites and communities; marketing campaigns and promotional materials; and website development and updates.

One other grant that could be of use to local economic development efforts is $5,000 to Accelerate West Central Indiana Economic Development, which serves a six-county region including Putnam, Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties.

Since the program was established in 2017, Duke Energy has contributed nearly $600,000 in grant funding to organizations that are helping create vibrant economies in Indiana.

To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. These awards help local and regional economic development organizations fund marketing and strategic efforts in the communities they serve. Amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.

This year, grants were awarded to the following organizations: Accelerate West Central Indiana Economic Development – $5,000; Carroll County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000; Cass County Economic Development – $4,200; City of Batesville – $5,000; City of Madison Economic Development – $5,000; East Central Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000; Gibson County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000; Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance – $5,000; Greater Lafayette Economic Alliance – $5,000; Greater Lafayette Commerce – $5,000; Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center – $5,000; Grow Wabash County – $5,000; Hancock Economic Development Council – $2,500; Indy Partnership – $5,000; Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation – $5,000; Knox County Indiana Economic Development – $5,000; Lawrence County Economic Growth Council – $5,000; Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000; One Dearborn – $5,000; Owen County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation – $1,745; Pike County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000; Shelby County Development Corporation – $5,000; Southwest Indiana Development Council – $5,000; Terre Haute Regional Airport – $5,000; Vermillion County Economic Development Council – $1,200; and Vermillion Rise Mega Park – $5,000.