In recent months, Northeast Indiana has continued to demonstrate what sets our region apart.
Advancing Indiana’s Global Reach
This September, I had the privilege of joining the 55th Annual Joint Meeting of the Japan-Midwest U.S. and Midwest U.S.-Japan Associations in Tokyo. This gathering of business, government, and academic leaders reaffirmed the strength of the ties that bind our regions together.
In partnership with the State of Indiana, we co-hosted two Friends of Indiana receptions in Tokyo and Nagoya. These events were more than ceremonial—they showcased Indiana’s strengths, created new pathways for collaboration, and positioned Northeast Indiana as a premier destination for Japanese investment.
The remainder of the trip was devoted to advancing strategic connections. Meetings with the Kansai Bio-Industry Development Organization, the Life Science Industry Division of the Osaka Prefectural Government, Osaka Bio-Medical College, and Osaka University laid additional groundwork for our MedTech Global Gateway initiative. Additionally, it supported the Indiana University-led consortium, now named one of 15 finalists in the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines competition, positioning Indiana as a global hub for musculoskeletal health technologies that advance treatment for conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic back pain. These partnerships affirm that our region’s medical technology cluster is gaining visibility on the world stage and stands ready to welcome international growth.
Earlier this summer, we also piloted our first NEI FDI Envoy mission to Italy, forging new bridges with business and research institutions in Rome and Milan. That effort underscored the importance of building lasting transatlantic partnerships in MedTech, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
Celebrating Regional Strength
Back home, we marked an important milestone in August as NEI was formally accredited as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council. We are the first regional EDO in Indiana and one of only 88 in the nation to receive this distinction. We celebrated this achievement at the August meeting of the Regional Opportunities Council, where U.S. Senator Jim Banks joined as the keynote speaker.
Senator Banks challenged us to think boldly about our future, highlighting MedTech, SpaceTech, and defense – with marquee projects like the “Golden Dome” as critical areas where Northeast Indiana has a competitive edge and national relevance. His message reinforced the work already underway through our Community Impact Partnership Program, which is conducting county-level SWOT analyses across all 11 counties. These insights will roll into a unified regional SWOT and Strategic Development Commission plan, giving us the data and consensus to call out, with confidence, our most strategic industries and opportunities.
Driving Business Development Forward
Our business development pipeline is stronger than ever. Year-to-date, we have sourced 60 new projects, representing companies across advanced manufacturing, medical technology, aerospace, and defense. Several announcements are pending, with more details to be shared soon.
These results are not accidental. They are the product of stronger international outreach, targeted marketing, and deeper collaboration with our local economic development partners, higher education institutions, and utility providers.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the close of 2025, one thing is clear: Northeast Indiana is not standing still. We are aligning local and regional priorities, doubling down on our strengths, and leveraging new global connections to expand opportunity. Economic development is a team sport, and the scoreboard—jobs, wages, investment, and talent retention—is visible to all. By working together, we are not just keeping pace with change; we are setting the pace.
Let’s keep pushing forward.
Want to be the first to know about what is going on at NEI and our region? Sign up for the NEI Newsletter and Blog below.
