The mission of Madison County Economic Development (MCED) is to grow and strengthen Madison County, Indiana through a diversity of employers and job opportunities.
Our success of over 9,500 new jobs and $3.5 Billion new investments in the last 15 years is poised to continue as our team of economic development professionals with strong multinational experience promotes our business friendly community.
Madison County Economic Development was formed in late 1979 through the merger of two non-profit corporations: the Anderson Business Development Corporation and the Anderson Downtown Development Corporation. This merger was in response to the devastating recession which had gripped Anderson in the first years of the 80’s decade.
MCED struggled to find a success formula in its first two years. In 1986, MCED leadership began an internal reorganization. A blue ribbon board of directors was recruited, new funds were raised, and a different staff was hired. MCED reinvented itself as a completely private sector community marketing organization, which it remains today. Local financial supporters have remained steadfast for more than a decade.
In 1987, MCED began planning an industrial park which later became known as The Flagship Industrial Park. This effort was undertaken in response to a lack of available industrial property in the area. In 1988, a partnership was formed on a handshake between MCED, Anderson’s new mayor Mark Lawler, and the Madison County Commissioners. This strong relationship laid the foundation for MCED’s (and Anderson’s) success.
From that integral point in time, MCED has assisted communities all over Madison County in attracting, retaining, and expanding more than 9,500 jobs and more than $3.5 Billion in investments as they continue to develop new business parks and training opportunities for our local community.