Advantage

The energy and vitality of Orange County as part of the South Central Region fosters an environment that is conducive to personal and business success. The people, infrastructure, and programs available in Orange County and South Central Indiana work together in perfect harmony to nurture emerging start-ups and business expansions a like.

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The energy and vitality of Orange County as part of the South Central Region fosters an environment that is conducive to personal and business success. The people, infrastructure, and programs available in Orange County and South Central Indiana work together in perfect harmony to nurture emerging start-ups and business expansions a like.

Advantages of doing business in Orange County as part of the South Central Indiana Region:

An abundant, hard-working, and cost-effective workforce. The lowest costs in the Midwest-based on total business taxes. The lowest electric power rates in the Midwest. A business-friendly tax structure that is routinely ranked among the most pro-business in the country. Hundreds of millions of dollars of new infrastructure investment, including a new interstate highway that intersects the Region. State and regional incentives for businesses in any life stage. A score of recent business expansions. An abundance of affordable properties appropriate for industrial and commercial businesses. Access to unparalleled business development opportunities through NSWC Crane.

Our incentive programs are designed to expand both the County’s and your company’s return on investment

Orange County is committed to creating a business climate that’s attractive to new businesses, and supports the sustained growth and success of existing ones. Incentive programs play an important part in achieving this goal, and a wide variety of options at the state, local and regional levels mean that if you have a need, we probably have a program that can help you meet it. Orange County will take the time to understand your goals and deliver a customized incentive plan designed to achieve them.

 


Grants

Specialized programs for technology and industrial development investments

The State of Indiana aggressively supports advanced manufacturing and other technical expansions and relocations. The Orange County team can help you apply for this funding and make you aware of other grant options for which you may be eligible. 21st Century Research and Technology Fund

  • Created to diversify State’s economy
  • Helps develop and commercialize advanced technologies
  • Awards approved by a board made up of academic and commercial representatives

Industrial Development Grant Fund (IDGF)

  • Funds off-site infrastructure projects that help expand an existing Indiana company or support location of a new facility
  • Grant provides money to local governments who then fund projects
  • State IDGF funding must be matched by a combination of local government and company financial support

Small Business Innovation Research Initiative and Small Business Technology Transfer Program (SBIR/STTR)

  • Sister programs that encourage small businesses to explore technological potential
  • Funding available through 11 participating agencies through the U.S.

 


Loans

Innovative loan programs can help meet your unique lending needs

Reliable, affordable funding is critical to the success of your expansion or relocation-especially in today’s challenging lending environment. Our loan programs are designed to help companies that might not meet traditional lending requirements or that offer unique value to Orange County. Your Orange County project manager will help you apply for these programs and make you aware of other specialized loan programs for which your company may be eligible.

Tax-Exempt Bonds

  • Issued by state and local governmental entities
  • Created to benefit private, job-creating companies
  • Interest on bonds usually exempt from federal income taxes (for investors)
  • Interest rates to borrowers typically lower
  • Often called Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) or Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs)

Loan Guaranty Program (Guaranteed by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC))

  • Helped fund over $84 million in loans
  • Provides a loan guaranty to the lender
  • Designed to benefit companies that create/retain a significant number of Indiana jobs in a high-growth/high-skill area including:
    • Manufacturing
    • Rural development
    • Value-added agriculture

Capital Access Program (CAP)

  • Designed to aid small businesses that might not meet conventional lending requirements
  • Creates a cash reserve fund for a lender to use as additional collateral for loans enrolled in the program

USDA Rural Development Loan Programs Small Business Administration Loan Programs

 


Special Programs

Additional state and regional programs to foster investment and success

Both new and growing businesses can benefit from the breadth of special programs available Orange County.

Shovel Ready Certification

  • Certification program that qualifies sites as “ready for development”
  • Helps to speed site location and development
  • Provides competitive advantage for Indiana and drives job growth
  • To view Shovel Ready sites in the County, click on Available Properties.

Patent Tax Exemption

  • Allows tax exemptions for certain income derived from qualified patents (utility and plant)
  • Total annual exemptions claimed may not exceed $5 million

Regulatory Ombudsman

  • Assists companies in obtaining permits/approvals for business operation
  • Serves as a liaison between companies, communities, local economic development organizations and regulatory agencies

International Trade Show Assistance (TSAP)

  • Provides financial assistance for small Indiana businesses to participate in international trade shows
  • Encourages companies to explore overseas markets
  • Helps promote Indiana exports

Server Equipment Tax Exemption

  • Supports the attraction and growth of companies with large server operations
  • Server equipment is tax-exempt

 


Tax Credits

Our tax credits are an important reason why Forbes calls Indiana the best in the Midwest for the cost of doing business.

Companies expanding or relocating to Orange County have a number of targeted tax credits available to them, designed to nurture and promote specific kinds of investment. Your Orange County project manager can help you determine those for which your company is eligible and help you apply for them.

“The community went out of their way to make this location work for us. They’ve pinpointed grants and tax abatements and held a job fair to expedite our hiring process. I’ve traveled and worked all over the country, and this area offers cooperation and support that you won’t find just anywhere.” Jim Shelby
President, Pro Fab Custom Metals

Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit

  • Refundable tax credit
  • Rewards companies for creating jobs and contributing to the growth of Indiana’s economy
  • Credits calculated as a percentage of payroll tax withholding for net new Indiana jobs
  • Awarded for up to 10 years

Headquarters Relocation Tax Credit

  • Awarded to companies that locate their principal office of principal executives to Indiana
  • Credit against state tax liability equal to half of relocation costs
  • Must have annual worldwide revenue of $100 million+ to qualify

Hoosier Business Investment Tax Credit (HBITC)

  • Encourages capital investment by providing a credit against Indiana tax liability based on investment
  • Final credit amount determined by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, based on analysis of economic benefits of proposed investment

Industrial Recovery Tax Credit

  • Facilities requiring significant rehabilitation/remodeling-and designated as an industrial recovery site-may be eligible for tax credits
  • Credit calculated as a percentage of qualified rehabilitation expense

Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit

  • Improves access to capital for fast-growing companies
  • Gives individual and corporate investors additional incentives to invest in early-stage companies
  • Provides credit against Indiana income tax liability to investors who provide qualified debt/equity capital to Indiana companies

Media Production Sales Tax Exemption (MPETC)

  • Established to grow the Indiana production industry
  • Tax credit up to 15% of amount spent in Indiana for qualified production expenditures.

 


Workforce Training

Sustaining an Indiana hallmark: workforce excellence

Today’s dynamic, international economy demands a flexible workforce that’s committed to maintaining up-to-date skills. Our training reimbursement programs are an affordable way to help ensure that your company maintains a well-rounded competitive workforce.

Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF)

  • Financial assistance to businesses committed to workforce training
  • Trainees must be Indiana residents
  • Eligible expenses reimbursed over a two-year term; companies may reapply for additional assistance
  • Training required by law not typically reimbursed

Technology Enhancement Certification for Hoosiers (TECH)

  • Reimbursement grant program
  • Designed to help Indiana increase the number of information technology (IT) workers
  • Financial assistance for companies committed to expanding their IT employee base

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA)

  • Community Development Block Grant Micro Enterprise Assistance Program: Eligible projects will be designed to assist micro-enterprise businesses owned by low- to moderate-income persons and/or microenterprise businesses that will create jobs for low- to moderate-income persons. Projects will provide training, technical assistance, and low-interest loans for eligible applicants.
  • Community Development Block Grant Community Economic Development Fund: Eligible projects will be designed to assist businesses to create new or retain existing jobs for low- to moderate-income workers. Projects can be used for land purchases, construction or renovation of a building to accommodate the business, purchase of capital equipment, and provision of job training.

And learn more about our educational partnerships at local universities and technical colleges.

Business experts agree: Indiana offers one of the country’s best tax climates

Locate in Orange County and take advantage of Indiana’s business-friendly tax structure.

  • “A” rating for tax climate (Conexus)
  • Ranked 9th in the 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index (The Tax Foundation)

These pro-business exemptions and credits can help create success for your company:

  • Tax exemption on income derived from qualified utility and plant patents
  • A new state R&D sales tax credit on research and development equipment
  • Indiana portion of a corporations’ taxable income based solely on a company’s sales in Indiana (phased in by 2011)
  • No gross receipts tax
  • No inventory tax
  • Exemption of raw materials, equipment, and utility costs from the sales and use tax

 


State Taxes

Indiana’s innovative tax structure is considered one of the most pro-business in the country

With Indiana’s wide range of business-driven tax calculations, exemptions and credits, it’s no surprise that Indiana is widely regarded as one of the most business-friendly states in the country.

Corporate Income Tax

  • Flat 8.5 percent tax rate on adjusted gross income (AGI)
  • AGI is a company’s federal adjusted income less certain adjustments
  • Simplifies corporate tax calculation (does not apply to S corporations or not-for-profit organizations)

Single-Sales Factor (statewide implementation by 2011)

  • Calculates Indiana’s portion of an interstate/international corporation’s taxable income based solely on the portion of a company’s sales in Indiana
  • Reduces the Indiana tax burden for interstate/international corporations

Sales and Use Tax

  • Rate of 7 percent
  • Manufacturing exemptions:
    • Raw materials
    • Equipment
    • Power
    • Electricity and other utilities
  • General exemptions:
    • Wholesale items
    • Items used directly in production
    • Sales made in interstate commerce
    • Research and development equipment purchases

Property Tax

  • Real and personal property tax assessed at 100 percent of market value
  • Tax rates and exemptions vary among local jurisdictions.

Research and Development Tax Credit (aka Research Expense Tax Credit)

  • Based on the increase in Indiana R&D over the prior three-year base
  • Base year expenses must be at least 50 percent of research expenses in current year
  • Up to 15 percent credit on qualified research expenses on the first $1 million of investment
  • Credit applied against income tax liability (carried forward for 15 years before 2008; 10 years beginning in 2008)
  • Operates under the Department of Revenue
  • Uses “qualified research expense” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code (includes cost of wages and supplies)

Patent Income Exemption

  • 50 percent exemption on patent income for each of the first 5 years for qualified taxpayers
  • Additional, decreasing exemption levels in years 6-10
  • Total exemptions claimed cannot exceed $5 million per year
  • Available only to companies with 500 or fewer employees

Individual Income Tax

  • 3.4 percent of federal adjusted gross income (with certain exemptions and deductions)

Unemployment Insurance

  • Employers pay into the fund based upon statutorily determined rate schedules
  • Minimum tax rate is 1.1%; average rate is 2.71%
  • New employers tax rate of 2.7%; experienced rate determined after 3 years based on losses occurred
  • Taxable wage base is $7,000
  • More information at the Indiana Unemployment Insurance Employer Handbook.

Worker’s Compensation

  • Employers must have insurance, whether through a private company or self-insurance.
  • Injury compensation awards statutorily established by the General Assembly
  • Indiana’s Worker’s Compensation Board has the authority to review all claims for worker’s compensation
  • More information at the Worker’s Compensation Board at http://www.IN.gov.

 


Property Taxes

Indiana’s aggregate property taxes are the lowest in the Midwest

Minimize the impact of property taxes when you pick a location in Orange County. Indiana has the 7th lowest aggregate property tax rate in the country, and the lowest in the Midwest. In the index developed by the Tax Foundation to compare states’ property taxes, we score a 6.27-substantially better than the U.S. average of 5.00.

PROPERTY TAX INDEX (2009)

State Score Rank
Indiana 5.59 10
Illinois 4.87 35
Iowa 4.38 42
Kentucky 5.10 24
Michigan 5.54 12
Minnesota 4.43 45
Mississippi 4.96 31
Ohio 4.67 38
Wisconsin 5.06 26
United States 5.00
Source: The Tax Foundation, 2020.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/24377.html  The “Score” is a measure how each state’s tax laws affect economic performance. The higher the score, the more favorable a state’s tax system is for business. All scores are for fiscal years.
Orange County also boasts low local taxes. The following table shows the local township’s rate of taxation on each $100.00 worth of real and personal property.

 

ORANGE COUNTY TAX RATES (2009)

Township Total County Rates Total Township Rates Total School Rates Total Library Rates Total Corporation Tax Total Rates
FL Twp. 0.3342 0.0148 0.9612 0.1138 1.5201
GNF Twp. 0.3342 0.0510 0.6421 1.1234
Jack Twp. 0.3342 0.0380 0.9612 0.0521 1.4616
NE Twp. 0.3342 0.0333 0.7546 1.2182
NW Twp. 0.3342 0.0708 0.9612 0.0521 1.5144
Org. Twp. 0.3342 0.0340 0.7546  — 1.2189
Orl. Twp. 0.3342 0.0043 0.7546 0.0425 1.2317
Paoli Twp. 0.3342 0.0269 0.6421 0.1442 1.2435
SE Twp. 0.3342 0.0224 0.6421 1.0948
St. Ck. Twp. 0.3342 0.0380 0.6421 1.1104
FL Town 0.3342 0.0148 0.9612 0.1138 0.5598 2.0220
Orl. Town 0.3342 0.0043 0.7546 0.0425 0.4323 1.6061
Paoli Town 0.3342 0.0269 0.6421 0.1442 0.4727 1.6583
WB Town 0.3342 0.0148 0.9612 0.1138 0.6936 2.3560
Source: Sandy Hill, Treasurer, Orange County, Indiana

Exceptional transportation options speeds supply delivery and cuts time to market

Orange County’s transportation system includes SR 37, SR 337, SR 56, SR 145, providing north, south east and west access, one federal highway and easy access (45 minute drive) to two interstate highways, I-64 & I-65. Orange County is home to several interstate/intrastate trucking firms and has 3 general aviation airports. French Lick Airport has 5,570 liner feet of paved runway and is expanding. Currently, corporate jets use the facility. Commercial air service is available in Louisville, KY – 49 miles south.

Orange County is located in South Central Indiana which offers additional transportation access

  • Interstate highways I-64 and I-65 are being joined by an expansion of I-69 to create a triangle of distribution throughout the Region
  • Three nearby international airports supplement two regional airports, and a half-dozen municipal airports to provide options for chartered and commercial air travel and freight transport
  • The Region is nestled into the Ohio River Valley, providing close proximity to three ports along the Ohio River
  • The Region is within 60 minutes of the International Carrier Hubs of United Parcel Service (UPS) and within 2 hours of FedEx

Continued investment in infrastructure
Orange County is in the midst of highway upgrades to Highways 37 and 150 with a completing link from SR 145 to I-64.

Orange County complements transportation access 
Orange County location complements access to markets and suppliers that can increase your company’s advantage.

 

Major City Mileage Approximate Travel Time
Bloomington, IN 47 1 Hour
Louisville, KY 46 1 Hour
Indianapolis, IN 100 2 Hours
Cincinnati, OH 145 2.5 Hours
Nashville, TN 219 4 Hours
St. Louis, MO 242 4 Hours
Chicago, IL 273 5 Hours

 

Regional and Major Airports

Muhammad Ali International Airport (Louisville, KY) – 54.2 Miles, 1 Hour.
Indianapolis International Airport – 90 Miles, 1 Hour 45 Mins.
French Lick Municipal Airport (No scheduled service but great for corporate or private)

County assets include access to utilities which are plentiful and cost-effective

Electricity is provided by Duke Energy, Orange County REMC/Hoosier Energy, and the Indiana Municipal Power Agency, depending on the specific location of the facility. Rates for industrial applications are lower than other states in the Midwest and significantly below the national average. Orange County is served by Indiana Natural Gas Corporation. Commercial rates have historically been lower than the national average, and this gap has widened in recent years, making the county’s rates relatively more favorable.

Indiana has deregulated telecommunications in order to foster competition among providers. At least four providers service Orange County, offering a broad range of fiber optic and other telecommunications services. Three main providers offer water service to multiple areas within the County: Patoka Lake Regional Water and Sewer District, Dubois Water Service, and Posey Township Water Corporation. Remaining communities are served by other water utilities or local municipal water.

 


Electric

Industrial rates are well below the national average

Electricity costs are an important consideration for all relocating and expanding companies, especially for manufacturers and others that use large amounts of energy. Indiana average electricity costs are very competitive compared to other states in the East North Central area-and also come in slightly below the national average.

Source: *Energy Information Administration December, 2013. http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epm/table5_6_a.html

Area Electrical Resources

Duke Energy http://www.locationindiana.com 
Provides electrical power generation, transmission and distribution services
Bruce Calloway, Regional Manager
bruce.calloway@duke-energy.com 
812-337-3034

Hoosier Energy
http://hoosiersites.com/ 

Provides generation and transmission services to local Rural Electric Membership Cooperatives (REMC)
Harold Gutzwiller, Manager of Economic Development and Key Accounts.
hgutzwiller@hepn.com
812-876-2021

REMC within Orange County served by Hoosier Energy is:
Orange Co. REMC,
www.orangecountyremc.org888-337-5900
Matt Deaton, CEO
danarnold@myremc.com
812-865-2229

Indiana Municipal Power Agency, http://www.impa.com
Provides wholesale power to cities and towns who own and operate the municipal electric distribution systems in their communities.
Susan Reed, Manager Economic Development
sreed@impa.com
1-317-575-3879

IMPA member communities within Orange County include:
Paoli Municipal Electric, paolitu@verizon.net,
812-723-5919 (Orange County)

 


Natural Gas

Multiple natural gas providers offer competitive service to County businesses

Orange County’s commercial natural gas prices have historically been lower than national averages and this gap has widened in recent years.

Cost of Natural Gas – Commercial
(Dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet)

Sector 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Indiana 11.14 9.18 7.55 8.04 7.68
US Average 12.23 10.06 9.47 8.91 8.1
Source: Energy Administration Information:http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/ng/ng_pri_sum_dcu_SIN_a.htm
 

 

Natural Gas Providers

View a state map of the natural gas companies that make up the Indiana Energy Association or view a regional map of natural gas providers that are part of the Indiana Natural Gas Corporation. The primary natural gas providers in Orange County include:
Indiana Natural Gas Corporation
Phil Ross
Phil_r@indiananatural.com 
812-723-2151

 


Telecommunications

Deregulation fosters competition among telecommunications providers

Indiana has deregulated telecommunications to encourage providers to compete for business. Orange County has several providers:

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVING ORANGE COUNTY

You may also conduct a search of broadband Internet providers by zip code through the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.

Provider
New Wave
bizsupport@newwavecom.comBusiness phone 866-460-9283
Orange County Fiber
https://orangecountyfiber.servicezones.net/OrangeCounty 
Smithville Digital
www.smithvilledigital.net or www.smithville.net 
866-768-3448
Frontier
www.frontier.com 
https://frontier.com/contactus/contact-us#/business
Business phone 877-462-8188

 


Water & Sewer

Orange County is home to reliable and well-maintained water and sewer providers

Two main providers meet most of the county’s water needs:

Patoka Lake Regional Water and Sewer District
Patoka Lake Regional Water and Sewer provides the majority of the water to municipalities and also provides residential water in rural areas not served by others.

Bruce Heeke
2647 N. State Road 545
Dubois, IN 47527
812-678-5781 ext. 307
bruce@plrws.net

City of Mitchell – Water & Sewer Department
Fred Cassidy
407 S. 6th Street
Mitchell, IN  47446
812-849-4168

Posey Township Water Corp.
136 East US 150
Hardinsburg, IN 47125 812-472-3432

Remaining communities are served by other water utilities. Sewage is served by local municipal sewer. To see a detailed map of sewer districts, see the Indiana Regional Sewage District Association map.

HARD-WORKING, PRODUCTIVE AND COMMITTED WORKFORCE

Workforce excellence is one of the most commonly cited reasons for companies to locate or expand their business in Indiana. Across industries and job titles, Indiana has a well-earned reputation for providing some of the country’s most diligent and hard-working employees. According to data reported by IEDC, Indiana is #1 in manufacturing productivity among major industrial states. In addition, according to a survey of Indiana employers:

  • 95% rated their workers as Good or Excellent in productivity
  • 74% rated their workers as Good or Excellent in reading and writing competency
  • Absenteeism was rated Low; Turnover was rated Very Low.

And local employers within Orange County offer firsthand support for the high level of worker productivity suggested by this data:

 


Labor Force & Unemployment

Plentiful supply of labor within Region coupled with moderate unemployment rate.

The Eight-County South Central Indiana Region which includes Crawford, Daviss, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, Washington have a labor force of 105,000, as shown in the table below. When combined with the labor shed from outside the Region but within a 30-minute commute, the labor shed grows by nearly half a million more.

South Central Region 8 Workforce Data Demographic

Region Indiana U.S.
328,239,5
Population – 2019 324,866 6,732,219 3
Population Change 2010 – 2019 2.80% 3.80% 6.80%
Working Age Population Share – 2050 44.80% 46.90% 49.10%
Single Parents w/Kids 3,928 97,014 4,184,03
Veterans – 2018 19,293 390,220 18,611,43

 

Education

Region Indiana U.S.
Adults with Associate Degrees – 2018 8.70 8.70% 8.40%
Adults with Bachelor Degrees – 2018 15.30* 16.50% 19.40%
Adults with High School Only – 2018 67,736 1,475,931 59,265,30
Adults with Associate\’s Degrees Only – 2018 17,934 382,510 18,338,323
Adults with Bachelor\’s Degrees Only – 2018 3,928 97,014 4,184,03
Veterans – 2018 31,351 727,108 42,470,927
Adults with Master or Professional Degrees – 2018 21,104 367,379 23,348,913
Adults with Doctorate Degrees – 2018 4,264 45,421 3,047,211

 

Economic

Region Indiana U.S.
Per Capita Income – 2018 $41,496 $47,149 $54,446
Unemployment Rate – May 2020 9.1 11.9 1.3
Jobs 2 Year Change – 2019 Q4 3.50% 1.50% 2.80%
Goods-producing Jobs % of Total – 2019 Q4 27.90% 23.80% 15.80%
Services-providing Jobs % of Total – 2019 Q4 72.10% 76.20% 84.20%

Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development

 


Wages by Occupation

Get the most for your wage dollar with our below-average labor costs

Labor costs are usually one of the top considerations of relocating and expanding companies. Orange County delivers not only lower-than-average labor costs across occupations and skill levels, but also highly productive, committed employees who can help grow your business.

WAGES FOR SELECTED OCCUPATIONS
FOR ORANGE COUNTY
(2012)

Occupational Title Mean Level Hourly Wage
Orange County
Mean Level Hourly Wage
U.S.
All (average of all) $20.94  $24.52
Construction and Extraction $20.06  $21.61
Installation, Maintenance and Repair $25.70  $23.81
Production $14.77  $17.74
Transportation and Material Moving $11.02  $14.84
Farming, Fishing and Forestry $10.22  $10.61
Computer and Mathematical $36.39  $39.01
Architecture and Engineering $21.06  $23.01
Life, Physical and Social Science $28.36  $30.56
Management $40.88  $45.88
Business and Financial Operations $23.06  $30.05
Legal Occupations $34.72  $54.58
Sales and Related $17.90  $24.45
Office and Administrative Support $13.42  $15.58
Healthcare and Technical $39.58  $43.25
Healthcare Support $13.17  $14.12
Protective Service $19.19  $26.57
Food Prep and Serving-Related $8.60  $8.78
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance $10.91  $10.37
Personal Care and Service $8.78  $10.91

Source:www.acinet.org

 


Average Weekly Wages

Competitive labor costs relative to rest of Indiana and other Midwestern States

Orange County is part of the South Central Indiana Region. As a group, employees in the South Central Indiana Region averaged $694.00/week, which are the lowest in the Midwest, more than 15% lower than those in the State of Indiana, and more than 28% lower than the US average.

Average Weekly Wage (2021)

Average Weekly Wages
Average of Orange and Contiguous Counties $694.00
Indiana $1,032
Illinois $1,274.00
Iowa $1,015.00
Kentucky $989.00
Michigan $1,154
Minnesota $1,249
Ohio $1,098
Wisconsin $1,049
U.S. Average $1,289

Source: Indiana Workforce Development, Research & Analysis, Percent change in average weekly wages by state, total covered, September 2020 to September 2021 

 


Labor Availability

Cut business launch time and drive ongoing success with our ready supply of experienced labor

Your business can be up and running quickly-and efficiently-courtesy of our well-stocked labor pool. Orange County and the South Central Indiana Region offers thousands of employees, trained across a broad spectrum of manufacturing and related positions; the data below is a representative sample.

NUMBER OF APPLICANTS IN THIS POSITION IN THE SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA REGION

Assemblers (non-construction) 2761
Electrical and Electronic equipment assemblers 294
First-line supervisors or production and operation workers 364
Industrial truck and tractor operators 519
Machine operators (misc.) 937
Machine setters (misc.) 389
Production inspectors 164
Shipping and receiving clerks 159

Source: Indiana Workforce Development, Indiana Career Connect, March 30, 2009. The search criteria used in this report included all applicants registered in the eight-county South Central Indiana Region for all occupations. Individual applicants are counted in their first occupation choice. Further evidence of Orange County and South Central Indiana Region’s willingness to work is this: The Region’s workforce commutes on average 25.1 minutes to get to their jobs each day. Numbers commuting into Orange County from surrounding counties.

 


Labor Conditions

ONE OF THE LOWEST LEVELS OF UNIONIZATION IN THE MIDWEST

Indiana’s workforce is hardworking and stable. Formerly one of the most highly unionized states in the country, Indiana now has:

  • A long-term trend toward decreased union membership
  • Union membership levels consistent with the U.S. average
  • Lower union membership as a percentage of the workforce than five Midwestern states

Other indicators of workforce stability:

  • Indiana is a Right-to-Work state.
  • Orange County employers, employees and bargaining units work in unison to ensure a quality free work environment.

PERCENT OF WORKERS COVERED BY UNION (2021)

Indiana 10.2%
Illinois 15.2%
Michigan 15.3%
Minnesota 17.1%
Ohio 13.0%
Wisconsin 9.3%
US Average 11.6%

Source: http://www.unionstats.com

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Businesses grow better in a positive business climate

Businesses that choose to locate or expand in Orange County can expect to find progressive economic development policies that promote investment and encourage financial success. The positive business climate is complemented by the knowledge and wide scope of established relationships that Orange County connects you with – ranging from regional businesses and governmental entities to academic institutions and other resource providers. Learn more about the companies who have chosen to invest here and how our business climate can help your business:

  • A culture that fosters innovation and growth, as demonstrated by the success of local start-ups and expanding companies who have chosen to invest here in recent years
  • A very competitive cost of doing business
  • The most pro-business climate in the Midwest

Business Expansions

Continual business investment and reinvestment in the Region

Here are just a few of the companies that have expanded or relocated to Orange County in recent years.

Hudelson Machine Shop Metal Fabrication
C&M Conveyer Manufacturing
Jasper Group Furniture/Furnishings
Liner Products, a division Layne, Inc. Manufacturing
Electricom Inc Utility Infrastructure
ProFab Custom Metalworks Metal Fabrication
Boston International Warehouse Distributing
IU Health Paoli Health
Orange County Fiber Utility Infrastructure

Indiana is the Midwest’s most affordable business location

Locate or expand your business in Indiana and take advantage of the lowest business costs in the Midwest.

COST OF DOING BUSINESS COMPARISON

Business Costs Total State Business Taxes / Sum of Corporate State Income Tax, Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance Business Income Tax Due Per Net Taxable Income of $1,000,000 Average Workers’ Compensation Annual Premium Base on 100 Employees Average Workers’ Compensation Rate Average Unemployment Insurance Based on 100 Employees
Indiana $179,199 $85,000 $75,299 $2.06 $18,900
Illinois $314,531 $73,000 $205,881 $4.51 $35,650
Iowa $324,050 $80,000 $116,345 $3.39 $22,000
Kentucky $236,836 $70,000 $155,236 $4.41 $21,600
Minnesota $329,591 $98,000 $175,911 $4.17 $55,680
Missouri $266,401 $62,500 $174,201 $4.69 $29,700
Ohio N/A* $85,000 N/A* N/A* $24,300
Wisconsin $235,739 $79,000 $122,614 $3.33 $34,125

Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation, 2007 *N/A: Not applicable.

Business Climate Rankings

Indiana is recognized as one of the best in Midwest when it comes to business climate

We’ve methodically created a business environment where conditions are set for success. Whether it’s minimizing operating expenses or delivering the workforce training and infrastructure you need to grow, Indiana is one of the most business-friendly states in America.  

BEST BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

  • Indiana ranks 1st in the Midwest and 5th in the nation in Chief Executive magazine’s annual “Best & Worst States” survey (May 2013).
  • Indiana ranks 1st in the Midwest and 2nd in the nation in Site Selection magazine’s annual Top 10 Competitive States of 2012 ranking (May 2013).

TOP TAX CLIMATE

  • Indiana ranks 1st in the Midwest and 10th nationally in the Tax Foundation’s 2014 Business Tax Climate Index (Oct. 2013).

CORPORATE INCOME TAX REDUCTION

  • Indiana’s corporate income tax rate is steadily decreasing from the current 7.5% to 6.5%. The tax rate will continue to drop by 0.5% per year as the decrease is phased-in.

RANKED TOP 3 FOR 2010 GDP GROWTH

  • Indiana’s Gross Domestic Product grew 3.3% in 2012, compared to the national rate of 2.5%. That’s the 8th highest growth rate in the country (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis).

A RIGHT-TO-WORK STATE

  • On February 1, 2012, Indiana became the 23rd state in the nation and the first state in the industrial Midwest to pass right-to-work legislation. This new status creates an even more attractive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs alike to move their operations to the Hoosier State. There is strong evidence that the economy is indeed growing, with companies small and large expanding operations and hiring new workers.  With the support of the legislative and executive branches of government, businesses can be encouraged by Indiana’s move to join other right-to-work states to better compete for and win America’s business.

AAA CREDIT RATING

  • Indiana is one of only 11 states to earn the top bond rating from all three major credit rating agencies (S&P, Fitch, Moody’s) when it comes to favorable business climate.

Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation

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