The Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) strives to facilitate growth within its 61 member communities, working with local and state entities to bring about opportunities. Central to this mission is IMPA’s economic development professionals, who are committed to ensuring that IMPA members have access to strategic partnerships, reasonable incentives, and effective outreach. One recent example of these efforts was an IMPA sales trip to Greenville, South Carolina in June. Here, IMPA staff joined with representatives from local and regional economic development organizations to meet with site consultants of diverse industry expertise.
Focusing on target industries with substantial electricity needs, IMPA’s group engaged with experienced site consultants with clients in advanced manufacturing, food processing, automotive and electric vehicles, and data and information technology. Conversations emphasized the advantages of doing business in Indiana, which include local and statewide incentives, the ready availability of development sites, and the strength of IMPA and its members as power providers. By introducing Indiana’s unique value directly to site consultants and decision-makers, the sales trip attendees both broadened their network and generated new leads for member communities. These connections have the potential to pave the way for local investment and job growth.
These efforts not only draw new companies to IMPA communities, but they also foster economic vibrancy and long-term stability. This ultimately increases the Agency’s load and strengthens its fiscal health, which in turn sustains its membership.
“Through our sales trips, we’re able to discover industry trends while also communicating the advantages of investment in Indiana,” said Victoria Ross-Frost, IMPA Economic Development Manager. “We’ll hear about issues that companies are facing and what concerns they may have, and we’re able to provide information on how IMPA and Indiana can support them. It’s one piece of our overall goal to help our communities thrive.”
In addition to bi-annual sales trips, IMPA’s economic development team regularly joins with local governments, regional economic agencies, and community leaders to identify opportunities, navigate challenges, and promote member communities as ideal locations for business expansion. The team works to match company interests with appropriate properties, responds to concerns and questions regarding business retention and growth, and connects potential investors with both local and statewide resources and incentive programs. In doing so, IMPA serves as both advocate and advisor for its 61 members.
IMPA even offers its own economic incentive in its Economic Development Rider (EDR). The EDR allows qualifying new and expanding industrial and commercial customers to reduce their electricity costs for 5 years based on energy consumption and investment. This competitive pricing is a cornerstone of IMPA’s value proposition, making its member communities some of the best places to do business in the Midwest.
These incentives and networking trips have a proven track record, too. Through 2024 alone, IMPA saw $632.3 million in new investment in member communities across the state, with four existing businesses expanding in IMPA communities and new companies bringing millions of dollars in investment to members.
Complementing the economic development team is IMPA’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Over 50 solar parks have been constructed across Indiana under IMPA’s solar program, drawing interest from prospective businesses that prioritize clean energy. The Green Power Rate Program further enables customers of IMPA communities to purchase a portion of their power supply specifically from renewable energy generation. This option can be an asset by providing a valuable resource to companies with their own individual or corporate environmental goals.
IMPA’s Economic Development Team remains steadfast in its commitment to helping Hoosier communities succeed. Through education, networking, and innovation, IMPA ensures that its members are not only ready for today’s opportunities but are also positioned to thrive in the dynamic markets of tomorrow.