Frequently Asked Questions

The Hancock Economic Development Council (HEDC) guides economic growth in Hancock County, Indiana. The organization works on keeping businesses, helping them grow, attracting new companies, aligning the workforce, and developing sites.

HEDC works with local governments, county leaders, utilities, schools, and private investors. Our main goals are to attract new investment, raise wages, and expand the tax base.

HEDC helps companies at every step, from choosing a location to planning an expansion. We provide data, assist with approvals, and connect businesses with local and state partners.

Core services include:

Site identification and building search
Utility coordination and infrastructure review
Labor market data and wage analysis
Guidance on local and state incentives
Introductions to the workforce and training partners
Support during permitting and construction

Each project is assigned a dedicated contact to prevent delays and miscommunication.

Most companies select Hancock County for its unrivaled strategic location. Interstate 70 runs directly through the county, providing outstanding connectivity to I-65, I-69, I-74, and I-465. The Indianapolis Regional Airport offers vital support for air cargo and business flights, further positioning Hancock County as the preferred choice for businesses seeking efficiency and growth.

Key advantages include:

• 2 million workers within a 60-minute drive
• 114 million consumers within a one-day truck drive
• Lower overall tax burden than many neighboring states
• Large-scale water and wastewater capacity
• Available industrial land along the Mt. Comfort Corridor

These strengths let companies cut shipping time, minimize labor risk, and reduce costs.

Local incentives are determined by thresholds for job creation, average wage levels, and total investment. Specific eligibility requirements and incentive values are reviewed and approved by local government leaders.

Primary local tools include:

• Real property tax abatement for new construction or rehabilitation in an Economic Revitalization Area
• Personal property tax abatement for approved equipment in manufacturing, research and development, IT, and logistics
• Tax Increment Financing through redevelopment commissions

Hancock County boasts 24 TIF districts covering 2,499 qualifying parcels, and twelve districts each feature over 1,000 development-ready parcels — providing businesses with flexible growth opportunities.

Indiana offers performance-based incentive programs that are tied to criteria such as payroll size, capital investment, and the number of jobs created. Companies interested in these incentives usually must submit an application and obtain approval from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Incentives may take the form of tax credits, grants, or other forms of support. Common programs include:

EDGE payroll tax credit
Hoosier Business Investment Tax Credit
Skills Enhancement Fund workforce training grant
Industrial Development Grant Fund
Research and Development incentives
Redevelopment Tax Credit

To qualify for these incentives, companies must meet requirements for wages, investment, and long-term impact.

Hancock County targets sectors with proven demand, deep workforce, and aligned infrastructure. These industries show repeat investment and long-term employment stability and business confidence.

Primary focus areas include:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Agri-business
• Life Sciences
• Logistics & Transportation
• Technology

Hancock County employers can access a regional workforce of over 2 million, including entry-level to degree-holding professionals.

Local schools proactively offer in-demand programs in advanced manufacturing, logistics, agri-business, life sciences, and technology. Employers have valuable access to state training programs, such as Next Level Jobs, positioning them for success.

Additionally, the Amplify Hancock Innovation Center — slated to open in summer 2026 — will offer vocational education to high school students and adult learners. HEDC plays a vital role by connecting businesses with education leaders to ensure training aligns effectively with hiring needs.

Hancock County features industrial parks, logistics hubs, office suites, and retail properties. Options span build-to-suit sites and standing buildings of various sizes.

Communities with active inventory include:

• Greenfield
• McCordsville
• New Palestine
• Fortville
• Cumberland

Discover a variety of available properties, from impressive logistics facilities over 500,000 square feet to versatile retail and office spaces around 1,000 square feet. Connect with HEDC to access current listings, zoning details, and essential utility information tailored to your needs.

Hancock County’s cost of living stands at just 92.8 percent of the national average, offering exceptional affordability. Affordable housing below the national median — recent median prices are in the low to mid $300,000s — ensures businesses attract and retain top talent.

Lower housing costs are a key factor in attracting and retaining workers, empowering them to access opportunities in the Indianapolis metro area while significantly reducing their overall household expenses.

HEDC staff answer questions directly from companies and site selectors.

Randy Sorrell, Executive Director
Phone: 317-477-7241
Email: rsorrell@hancockedc.com

Erica Adams, Community Development Manager
Phone: 317-477-7241
Email: eadams@hancockedc.com

Anna Voorhis, Operations Manager
Phone: 317-477-7241
Email: avoorhis@hancockedc.com

Mitchell Kirk, Communications Director
Phone: 317-477-7241
Email: mkirk@hancockedc.com

When you reach out to us directly, we make sure you get accurate information, quick follow-up, and strong coordination with local decision makers.