Indy Partnership Expands to Include Columbus & Bartholomew County, Enhancing Central Indiana’s Economic Growth Potential

Bartholomew County joins Indy Partnership as the tenth county, broadening regional collaboration for economic development in Central Indiana.

Ind. (Dec. 6, 2024) — Indy Partnership, the regional economic development organization within the Indy Chamber, is pleased to announce the addition of Bartholomew County to its service area via a new engagement with the Greater Columbus (Indiana) Economic Development Corporation. Bartholomew County, home to Columbus, Taylorsville, Hope and portions of Edinburgh, Indiana, joins nine other Central Indiana counties in the Indy Partnership region. The expansion to ten counties brings enhanced collaboration opportunities for advancing Central Indiana's economic initiatives and bolsters the region’s appeal to businesses and investors.

"Expanding Indy Partnership’s footprint into Columbus and Bartholomew County allows us to further Central Indiana’s growth in key industries and make the region even more attractive to companies seeking a supportive business environment," said Marlon Webb, Senior Director of Regional Economic Development at the Indy Chamber. "We’re excited to work with Greater Columbus EDC and local community leaders to advance projects that will bring new jobs, innovation, and increased investment to the area."

Known for its strengths in manufacturing and engineering talent, Bartholomew County aligns well with Indy Partnership’s focus sectors, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, information technology, and logistics. The Columbus, Indiana, metro area boasts the nation's highest concentration of industrial engineers, mechanical engineers, industrial engineering technicians, and related occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, Bartholomew County’s 38 percent manufacturing employment places it in the top two percent of all U.S. counties. Bartholomew County’s addition will contribute to the collective regional economy, expanding opportunities to capitalize on the region's industry strengths and enhance the quality of life across Central Indiana.

“This expansion marks a significant step forward for the Indy region, bringing new assets and a stronger voice to our collective efforts in creating economic growth and vibrancy,” said Matt Mindrum, President and CEO of the Indy Chamber. “Our collaboration with Greater Columbus EDC builds on our commitment to making Central Indiana an even more competitive and prosperous destination for business and talent.”

The Indy Partnership’s strategic addition of Bartholomew County will leverage Columbus, Indiana’s highly celebrated manufacturing and engineering base—anchored by major employers like Cummins Inc., and Toyota Material Handling—to create sustainable economic opportunities. Additionally, Columbus and Bartholomew County’s close proximity to Indianapolis via I-65 strengthens Central Indiana's logistical connectivity and enhances the area’s attractiveness to sectors seeking workforce and infrastructure advantages.

“Joining the Indy Partnership will provide our organization  with new resources and connections that are critical to advancing our goals for local and regional economic growth,” said Jason Hester, CEcD, President of the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation. “We look forward to working with regional partners to build on our shared strengths and attract quality jobs and investment to benefit our residents and businesses alike.”

To learn more about the Indy Partnership and its expanded service area in Columbus and Bartholomew County, contact the team here.

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About the Indy Chamber

The Indy Chamber is honored to be named the 2021 ACCE Chamber of the Year for its hard work and dedication to the Indy Region. We serve as a voice of progress and improvement in the region, uniting business and community to maintain a strong economy and quality of life. Our advocacy efforts, networking events, economic development initiatives, and other member benefits position members, business leaders, and the community for success. Indy has what it takes to be a world-class region where innovation meets performance. The Indy Chamber is here to realize that potential to its fullest.

About Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

The Greater Columbus (Indiana) Economic Development Corporation is a member supported, non-profit economic development organization serving Columbus, Edinburgh, and all of Bartholomew County, Indiana. The organization’s goal is to grow & attract well-paying, high value-added, community-minded businesses by influencing and leveraging the area’s distinct capabilities in advanced manufacturing, STEM education resources, and its nation leading strengths in design and engineering talent. For more information, please visit www.ColumbusIN.org.

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