What is Project Future? - Business Development
Project Future Business Development
A review of 2005 must begin with two very important developments for the future of St. Joseph County, IN.
The first is the planned Research/ Technology Park , which is being christened Innovation Park at Notre Dame (IP@ND) . Project Future's role has been that of an orchestra leader - bringing together and facilitating discussion among interested parties from the public, private and educational sectors. This discussion has moved the community from the conceptual dream of a 21 st century research/ technology park to an imminent reality. The ultimate benefits of this facility are significant - not the least of which would be the positive "brain rain" of well-paid technology talent to our community.
The other exciting development has been the progression of the Metronet . In a community already blessed with exceptional transportation, utilities and traditional infrastructure, the Metronet represents an important supplemental pillar for business development. This major communication network has potential impact comparable to the construction of the Indiana Toll Road in the 1950s. Working closely with the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, plus officials from the County and the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka, Project Future assembled the development plan that has brought the Metronet on line for the benefit of a wide variety of new and current area businesses.
Project Future was founded on a model of building growth through cooperation and consensus, but it has never avoided controversy when economic impact was in question. In 2005, an amendment to the Construction Wage Ordinance led to a strained relationship between the differing interests of some of Project Future's traditional economic development partners. Project Future led the discussion in favor of the amendment to change construction-related wage criteria found in this ordinance. This decision was based on the belief that this revised legislation will lead to more opportunities for economic development and, in the long run, more growth and more jobs for St. Joseph County.
As has been the case in nearly every year of its existence, Project Future's initiatives typically lead to successful groundbreakings. In 2005, one did not. The proposed billion-dollar Tondu project provided a valuable learning experience on how to more effectively interface with our elected officials when assessing the risk/benefits of potential initiatives in the future. It is critical that we reevaluate our relationship and interactions with our partners in government so the community does not lose out on valuable jobs and development opportunities.
There are few overnight successes in economic development. In the past year, Project Future again planted many seeds to grow business in St. Joseph County - particularly among Fortune 100 companies . It is expected that with continued cultivation, these seeds will germinate and will blossom in the years ahead.
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