What is Project Future? - Business Development
Project Future Business Development in 2003
In partnership with the University of Notre Dame, the City of South Bend and the South Bend Medical
Education Foundation, Project Future has spent this past year examining the feasibility of establishing a technology park. A study currently underway is evaluating the region's ability to support the investment and research that a technology park would require. A business plan for the park and its key components will be completed, as well as a review of possible sites. We are optimistic that this focus on high-tech business development will merit a joint academic, government and business initiative that will lead to significant economic benefits for the South Bend - Mishawaka area in future years.
Many technology-based businesses will only consider locating or expanding in communities that offer significant and competitive telecommunication services and infrastructure. In  an effort to enhance our area's attractiveness to such firms, Project Future continues to move forward on establishing a carrier-neutral fiber optic network that would serve the digital communications needs of businesses and service providers in St. Joseph County. Because of our location along the southern edge of Lake Michigan, several national and international long-haul fiber routes pass through our community. A task force has been working to create a link between these major carriers and the local business community. Previously referred to as MetroNet, this fiber optic link will allow local companies to transmit large data files quickly and cost effectively.
 In the fall of 2003, A.J. Wright completed phase one of its $41 million distribution center. The company is currently hiring, with employment expected to reach 300 by the end of this year. A.J. Wright is a relatively new and growing discount chain that sells apparel, home furnishings, footwear and giftware. TJX, the parent company, hopes to expand this chain to 1,000 stores nationwide, with the South Bend facility serving as its midwestern distribution hub. Project Future played a key role in recruiting this company and putting together an attractive incentive package. The company expects to employ more than 800 workers by 2007, when the project is complete. A ribbon cutting for the new operation is scheduled for April 2004.
Another major distributor, Tech Data Corporation, also completed its move into a new building this past year. After leasing space at two different South Bend locations, this step solidifies the company's permanent  commitment to the area as its midwestern logistics center. Founded in 1974, Tech Data is a leading global provider of IT products, logistics management and other value-added services. The company generated sales of $15.7 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and is ranked 117th on the Fortune 500. 2004 will mark the 6th consecutive year that Tech Data was named to FORTUNE magazine's Most Admired Companies list. Locally, Tech Data employs 135 people.
Project Future also completed its new web site! Besides giving us an opportunity to visually showcase our community, this comprehensive web site is a major resource for economic and demographic information on St. Joseph County. Check us out at www.projectfuture.org.
 Another new marketing tool is the CD-ROM-based 3-D Tour of St. Joseph County, utilizing RotoPix technology. Created by two local entrepreneurs, this unique software gives a bird's eye view of a variety of locations across St. Joseph County, with an emphasis on existing and potential development areas. With just a slight move of the mouse, companies can view not only any site under consideration, but also the neighborhood in which it lies. This presentation software also integrates orthophotography and customizable text, providing the viewer with a breadth of information that can be viewed conveniently either here or in their home offices. An innovative technology, the 3-D Tour of St. Joseph County gives us a fresh, unique and innovative approach to marketing our community regionally, nationally and worldwide. The development of this tool was accomplished with the assistance of the a number of local business, governmental and institutional partners.
In the fall of 2001, a survey was conducted of 250 businesses located in the northwest (Blackthorn) development area, to identify the employer and employee issues and needs with respect to childcare. This study, initiated through a CONNECT Business of Kids Committee, coincided with a quality childcare initiative  of Step Ahead. Project Future, the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, and Container Services, Inc. provided matching funding for this endeavor. A meeting of area childcare providers was held in April of 2002, outlining the needs of the industrial parks' employers and employees, highlighting issues and opportunities. This overview precipitated a further review by several parties. We are excited to announce that a Growing Kids Learning Center is under construction in Blackthorn, near the intersection of Bendix Drive and Nimtz Parkway. The new day care center will serve the needs of the Blackthorn area (more than 5,000 employees), as well as nearby residents. This type of service infrastructure further enhances our ability to attract business and development.
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