HEDC receives $5K grant for website update

HANCOCK COUNTY – The Hancock Economic Development Council received a $5,000 grant from Duke Energy that will go toward updating the Council’s website.

This award was among more than $125,000 in grants to 26 local and regional economic development organizations to spur new jobs and investment in Indiana communities, according to a news release from Duke Energy. The grants are through Duke Energy’s Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to grow cities and towns.

“We believe that when our communities thrive, we thrive,” said Erin Schneider, Managing Director of Midwest Economic Development for Duke Energy. “That’s why we work hand in hand with local and regional economic development organizations to bring new jobs and capital investment to the communities we serve, and our Partnership Program is one example of that.”

Grant dollars are used to support marketing campaigns and promotional materials, website development and updates, conference and tradeshow registrations and continuing education.

The Hancock Economic Development Council’s website includes information about sites, buildings, utilities and incentives, as well as data on the county’s economy and communities. It also provides information on industries, workforce and schools.

“Our website is the welcome mat of our community for site selectors and companies considering moving to Hancock County,” HEDC Communications Director Mitchell Kirk said. “We are very grateful for Duke Energy’s assistance in bolstering our online presence.”

Since the Partnership Program was established in 2017, Duke Energy has contributed more than $700,000 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.

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 890,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.