Searching for ways to improve your economy? Google it.

As technologies continue to benefit life and data centers are increasingly needed to power them, HEDC leaders were grateful to learn how Google’s presence can have positive, transformative effects on communities.

The tech giant hosted an event in Indianapolis on February 25th, 2026 that drew economic developers from across the state. Economic and community stakeholders shared stories of regional economic growth resulting from partnering with Google and working with the company on developments. Panels focused on Energy and Water, Hyper Local Impact, and Indiana Success Stories. The HEDC was well represented at the event, with leaders from the organization on both sides of the stage.

Chris King, President of Shelbyville-based Runnebohm Construction Company and an HEDC Board member, joined panelists for a discussion that included the potential for data centers to create new economic ecosystems complementing existing ones.

One of Indiana’s and the nation’s most prestigious universities is already recognizing that and preparing students for it. Panelist Luna Lu, Vice President for Industry Partnerships at Purdue University, spoke about the institution’s new AI competency requirements for students, partnership with Google on AI education, and data center engineering program.

Also on that panel was Mike Dellinger, Executive Director of the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation. Google is working on a data center project in that county, but it’s hardly the first time Dellinger has worked with the company. He formerly helped lead economic development efforts in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where Google has a massive data center that he emphasized has enhanced that area’s economy.

Purdue isn’t the only post secondary education provider partnering with Google to benefit students. Molly Dodge, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Careers at Ivy Tech Community College, spoke on the Hyper Local Economic Impact panel about the Google STAR program at the college’s Fort Wayne campus. Google is developing data centers in that city, and its STAR program prepares students for careers in trades such as construction, carpentry, mechanical, electrical, and fiber-optics.

Modern data centers require substantial amounts of electricity. And while other methods are being developed to cool data center equipment, it is not uncommon for water to be used for that purpose. The HEDC appreciated the event’s panel on Energy and Water to learn more about fulfilling data centers’ needs without depleting natural resources or negatively impacting other utility customers.

Learn more about infrastructure in Hancock County

Sadzi Martha Oliva, President of Aqua Indiana and an HEDC Board member, pointed to the executive order that Indiana Gov. Mike Braun issued last year regarding the development of a statewide water inventory and management plan.

Steve Baker, President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Michigan Power, noted the utility is pursuing a rate reduction that he emphasized would not be possible without load growth from developments with heavy power needs like data centers. And as fears are expressed around the country over data centers gobbling up power while leaving little for other customers, Baker also recalled how Google volunteered to conserve its power needs on extremely cold days this winter.

Similar topics were discussed at the event in a conversation with Indiana Secretary of Energy Suzie Jaworowski. She referred to the new state law that went into effect last year requiring large-load customers like data centers to pay 80% of the cost for new, dedicated energy infrastructure upgrades and generation.

Data centers and AI are becoming a bigger part of conversations as communities plan their futures. The HEDC is proud to be a part of that conversation in Hancock County. The organization will continue learning as much as it can about these important new technologies to remain being the best resource it can be for local decision makers.

Pictured at top: Chris King, left, President of Shelbyville-based Runnebohm Construction Company and an HEDC Board member, speaks at Google's Indiana Economic Development Open House at Newfields in Indianapolis on February 25th, 2026.