Spring and summer 2019 are a busy time for the Indiana Chamber Foundation. A few of the highlights:

  • The Indiana Vision 2025 Report Card will be released in early June. This biannual evaluation measures Indiana’s progress compared to the 49 other states on 65 metrics related to the 37 goals of the long-range economic development plan.

The latest evaluation, including regional metrics, will be presented in a series of forums throughout the state. Business and community leaders will have the opportunity to react to the results and also engage in conversations on regional challenges and opportunities.

Indiana Vision 2025 has been a critical guide for the Chamber’s policy and programmatic efforts,” says Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “But we realize the state can only achieve its highest levels when local communities and regions are performing well. We always look forward to listening to these leaders and identifying next steps to help achieve our common priorities.”

  • Indiana Vision 2025 is made possible through the generous support of statewide investors. See the full list, with special acknowledgment to Champion level investors Duke Energy and NIPSCO; Gold level: Vectren and Indiana Michigan Power; and Silver level: Indiana American Water, Indiana Energy Association, OneAmerica and Toyota.

“I look forward to continued discussions with organizations and their leaders on how their investments can best support the Chamber Foundation and its important work,” shares Brock Hesler, vice president of membership and foundation relations. “You too can play an integral role in helping ensure our state’s future.”

  • Research studies that lead to public policy actions and new programs are another Foundation focus. A series of brief impact reports of past studies was launched in May with Indiana Venture Capital Study: Then and Now.

The update provides an overview of the state’s lagging status in 1999 and the resulting enactment of the venture capital investment tax credit in 2002. It documents Indiana’s improved ranking in the late 2000s and the subsequent dip as competitor states enacted increased and more flexible credits.

A major 2019 policy accomplishment was adding transferability to the VCI. The impact report also cites what the Chamber believes is the next needed move for the state – raising the amount of the VCI credit and the total dollars available to be awarded.