Boone County Economic Development Corporation

05/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined Boone EDC for a behind-the-scenes visit at Watch Us Farm! 🌱

Corporate and community partners had the opportunity to tour the farm, explore its hydroponic growing systems, and learn more about the organization’s mission.

It was an inspiring firsthand look at how inclusive workforce development is creating opportunity, building confidence, and making a lasting impact in Boone County and beyond. We’re grateful to Watch Us Farm for sharing their incredible work with us!

05/15/2026

We’re hiring! Do you care deeply about strengthening communities, supporting families, and creating opportunities for long-term impact?

Boone EDC is hiring a Program Manager to help lead initiatives that connect early learning, childcare, workforce development, and community growth across Boone County.

This role is all about collaboration, strategy, and building strong partnerships that support both families and the future workforce in one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties.

📍 Lebanon, Indiana
View the job posting here: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4415062167/

05/14/2026

We’re excited to be partnering with Ball State University’s Historic Preservation Studio within the College of Architecture and Planning to help develop a downtown plan for Thorntown.

The project gives students hands-on experience and helps Thorntown strengthen its historic character and plan for future growth and investment.

The students recently visited Thorntown to survey existing conditions and get familiar with the community firsthand. Special thanks to Braden Nicholson from 500 Sycamore and Jeff Wolfe for taking the time to meet with the students and share their insights.

05/13/2026

Last week, our Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships, Denise Niblick, attended the Indiana Economic Development Course hosted by the Ball State University Indiana Communities Institute.

She spent the week with economic and community development professionals from across the state to learn about workforce development, business retention, strategic planning, economic development finance, and community growth.

Thank you to Ball State University and the Indiana Communities Institute for hosting such a valuable program.

05/13/2026

We were proud to attend the signing of HEA 1177 and help support the passage of this important legislation for Indiana employers and working families.

This new law strengthens Indiana’s Employer Child Care Expenditure Tax Credit, making it easier and more flexible for businesses to invest in child care solutions for their employees.

HEA 1177:
✔️ Expands eligibility to employers with up to 500 employees
✔️ Allows operating expenses to qualify for the credit
✔️ Supports partnerships with third-party child care providers
✔️ Updates local TIF rules to give communities more flexibility to invest in child care and economic development
✔️ Creates more opportunities for employers to support working parents

Affordable, reliable child care remains one of the biggest barriers facing working parents and employers alike. This legislation helps businesses attract and retain talent while supporting families and strengthening communities across Indiana.

A strong workforce starts with strong support systems. This is a meaningful step forward for Hoosier families, employers, and communities alike.

05/11/2026

Big news for Boone County and beyond: Eli Lilly is expanding its investment in the LEAP District with an additional $4.5 billion commitment, bringing more innovation, opportunity, and momentum to Indiana’s growing life sciences sector.

LEBANON, Ind. — Officials with Eli Lilly and Company announced an additional $4.5 billion investment in two of its three sites in Lebanon on Wednesday, May 6th.

04/13/2026

Thank you to our investors and community partners for joining us last week for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Ern K. Hudson Justice Center.

We were thrilled to share this unique experience with our community, including an inside look at the facility led by Boone County Sheriff Tony Harris. We also appreciate the team at Hagerman for being present to connect, answer questions, and provide valuable insight throughout the tour.

We’re grateful for our community's continued support and partnership!

03/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a behind-the-scenes tour of Thorntown Flats in downtown Thorntown! It was great to see the progress made on the beautifully renovated historic Odd Fellows Building.

A special thank you to owner Braden Nicholson of 500 Sycamore for guiding us through the space and sharing his vision for continued investment and growth in downtown Thorntown.

We also appreciate Robin'z Nest, the new coffee shop, for welcoming us. Robin'z Nest will opening in Thorntown on March 20th (the first day of spring!). Exciting things are happening in Thorntown!

03/06/2026

Our 2025 Annual Report is here! Take a look at the projects, partnerships, and progress shaping Boone County’s economic future. 📈

03/02/2026

The Boone County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Denise Niblick as our Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships.

Denise brings extensive experience in education and nonprofit leadership, including teaching Engineering Technology and serving as Program Manager at Mothers Against Drunk Driving Indiana, where she led statewide prevention programs and built strategic partnerships. In her new role, she will advance Boone County’s business retention, expansion, and community engagement initiatives.

We are so excited to add Denise to our dynamic team!