Lily Jones, The Herald Bulletin
January 4, 2025
Collaborative programs between Madison County communities and prospective employers will be key to attracting and retaining companies in the new year, according to local economic development officials.
“Overall, I am pretty optimistic for 2025,” said Rob Sparks, executive director of the Corporation for Economic Development in Madison County.
“Having a trained workforce is going to continue to be a challenge across the United States. But here, as we work with our educational partners, that is going to continue to be a focal area.”
Sparks also expressed optimism about continued efforts to attract manufacturing jobs to the area.
“A lot of our production of goods in America has gone overseas,” he said. “So what we have is people who are producing things that are being bought in America, and a lot of those companies are wanting to move their production lines over here. They want to bring their operations here and manufacture it as well.”
Here is a look at some local projects expected to progress in 2025:
ALEXANDRIA
The city is focused on “making strides to enhance its business environment, attract new industries and beautify its downtown area,” Alexandria Economic Development Director Alan Moore said.
Alexandria officials have been working on the Facade Improvement Program, which provides matching grants to local businesses to restore and improve exteriors of their buildings.
The city is looking to improve Washington Street with the Washington Street Road Reconstruction Project, making the area more appealing for current businesses and new investors.
Alexandria has partnered with Taft Law and the Madison County Economic Development Corporation to work on business park zoning at the Alexandria Business Park.
“Our focus is on creating a balanced approach to growth — one that preserves Alexandria’s charm while expanding opportunities for our residents,” Mayor Todd Naselroad said. “The Facade Improvement Program and the business park development are two key pieces of the puzzle that will help us achieve that vision.”
ANDERSON
The new FITT USA headquarters is expected to be finished in 2025, with a ribbon cutting planned for early spring.
The new ACE Hardware store and Needler’s Grocery Store on Nichol Aveue are also planning to open their doors in the new year. ACE is expected to open about July 1, and Needler’s grocery is projected to open in early October.
Ground for the new SAICA manufacturing plant, at the south end of Park Road, is expected to be broken in late April. The process of widening Park Road will also begin.
Construction will begin on a new Old Dominion shipping facility on West 67th St., just east of Layton Road.
“All of these newcomers will add just under $200 million in new development and some 300 new jobs,” said Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department. “There are additional projects that we will hope to announce in the first quarter.”
CHESTERFIELD
Sidewalk replacements in Chesterfield are slated to continue in the new year.
Walnut Street will be repaved, and Dilts Boulevard will be reworked in 2025. Both of these projects received state grant money.
The deconstruction of the bridge over Mill Creek, as well as the construction of the new bridge, will begin in 2025.
The town park will have additional playground equipment installed.
Many water line replacements for homes, at no cost to residents, will begin in 2025. Construction will be started on new water wells and a pump house.
“Quality of life can take many forms,” said Ed Leonard, president of Chesterfield Town Council.
“Having recreation areas for families, a safe community, safe and future water supply for community growth, and quality infrastructure, including sidewalks and paved streets, enhances our community as a great place to live and raise families.”
ELWOOD
The final stages of improvements at the Mary Beth Dunnichay Aquatic Center are underway, and the pool is scheduled to reopen for the summer of 2025.
Planning for The Elwood Sports Complex is ongoing as the new year starts. The 50,000-square-foot fieldhouse will feature basketball and volleyball courts, along with four outdoor dual-purpose softball and baseball diamonds. The complex will be a catalyst for the development of the Indiana 28-Indiana 37 corridor, including a hotel, according to Elwood officials.
“We also continue to see the success of the reopening of Elwood Golf Links as more rounds are played each season,” Mayor Todd Jones said. “The even more significant success is the single-family houses being built nested inside the golf course.
PENDLETON
The town is planning to update its comprehensive plan, “focusing on sustainable growth, infrastructure improvements and preserving Pendleton’s charm,” according to Pendleton’s comprehensive planning document.
The Downtown Revitalization Plan will also receive an update, focusing on façade improvements, streetscaping enhancements and strategies to bring in businesses and events.
“The Town of Pendleton’s approach to economic development begins with quality of life and place for our residents and visitors,” said Marissa Skaggs, president of the Pendleton Town Council. “To support that goal, the town is embarking on updates to our comprehensive plan and downtown revitalization plans in 2025.
“These plans will incorporate residents’ ideas, challenges and goals, and, once completed, will empower our plan commission and board of zoning appeals to carry out the vision set forth.”
Pendleton officials are also working on the town’s first master arts plan to celebrate and promote the arts across the community.
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