By Robert Annis
Hamilton County Alliance Executive Director Jeff Burt warns few major projects will get off the ground until the sluggish economy improves.
“There’s always a lot of nibbles and people doing legwork,” Burt said. “Businesses know what they want to do and where they want to do it, but they’re afraid to make that final decision because of concerns with the economy.”
Companies the county seeks to attract – small-to-mid-sized companies with a capacity to grow quickly – are particularly vulnerable to market conditions, Burt said.
Carmel
Data Networking company Belden is expanding its Carmel operations, with plans to move into a larger space in the community. The company’s Carmel workforce is expected to more than double to 79 employees by 2014. The company’s $3.1 million expansion is made possible in part by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s $750,000 in performance-based tax credits.
Retailer Tuesday Morningis moving to a new, smaller space in the Merchants Square shopping plaza. The store will fill the former Finish Line space, but it’s not known at this time if another retailer was hooked to take Tuesday Morning’s spot in the former Old Navy space.
Two disparate Carmel eateries closed their doors recently. Both the Glass Chimney and WG Grinders were shuttered; Grinders, in fact, lasted just a short time in its new location near U.S. 31.
Noblesville
Orthopedic implant manufacturer Rochester Medical Implants (RMI) inked a deal to move its headquarters from Fulton County to Noblesville’s Corporate Campus by October. The company didn’t receive any tax breaks from the city, county or state to move; they told city officials they wanted to tap into the community’s well-educated work force. It’s not believed RMI’s move will necessitate a name change.
Exit 10, off I-69 is continuing to do well on the retail side. McDonald’s and Firestone Auto Care locations recently opened. A gas station may be in the works as well.
Retailer Garden Ridge is open in the former Sears space on Ind. 37.
Westfield
Body One Physical Therapy has relocated to Cherry Street Plaza on E. Main Street, just down the street from the newly opened Good Life Coffee House and the relocated MaxIT.
Elsewhere downtown, V. Van Tiem Gallery Portraits, specializing in digitally painted portraits, opened a new studio on N. Union Street.
Fishers
Harmony Wines and sign maker T3 designs will have their grand openings Sept. 15 at 7350 Village Square Lane.
St. Vincent Health has begun the expansion of its Medical Center Northeast to a 40-bed inpatient hospital. When completed, the updated facility, located in the 13000 block of Southeastern Parkway, will include 30 surgical beds, 10 observation beds and 10 delivery rooms. The 110,000-square foot expansion will likely create more than 200 new jobs.
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