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MC group hopes name change brings clarity

A Northwest Indiana economic development group has changed its name as part of a rebranding effort. The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana says its former name led to some confusion about where the LaPorte County community is located. Executive Director Kevin Kieft says many companies and site selectors assumed the organization was based in the state of Michigan. He says the rebranding will remove hurdles for the organization.

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http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=57208

News Release

Michigan City, Ind. – The former Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) recently changed its name to Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana to more accurately describe the corporation’s mission while also better explaining the region’s geographical assets.

“We didn’t want to change our focus from economic development, but instead we wanted to refresh our image while educating the public about our corporation and what we do for the business community,” Executive Director Kevin Kieft said. “It’s not just a name; it’s the thinking behind the name.”

Kieft further explained the new Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC) is still dedicated to the economic growth of the community, but simply now with a new name to better define Michigan City’s great location to attract new business.

“When we discussed our unique city to prospective business, we found they were confused by our location. Most companies considering re-locating or opening up their business in our community sometimes didn't realize we were actually located in Indiana, often mistaking us for a town in the state of Michigan," Kieft said. "Our new and improved name is just one step in redefining how we market our area."

EDCMC will focus on selling Michigan City’s greatest and most understated assets, according to Kieft, Lake Michigan as well as the proximity to Chicago. Quality of living, along with lower costs of living and tax benefits also add to potential employers considering the area.

In addition, EDCMC launched a more user-friendly and updated website to reflect the corporation’s rebranding. To view the new website, visit www.edcmc.com.

EDCMC works as an advocate for the area’s manufacturing- and industrial-based businesses to help them grow locally through exclusive incentives like land development. The corporation is a one-stop-shop to bring city and government partners and resources together to aid businesses.

Before the EDCMC, Kieft previously worked for the City of Michigan City in several capacities, starting as the Neighborhood Planner in 2001. Then, he became the Community Development Director in 2004, where he was responsible for the administration of the federal community development block grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Kieft transitioned to the formerly named Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (now EDCMC) in 2006 as the Business Development Manager before being named to his current role earlier this year.

Kieft received his Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs Management from Indiana University. He completed the majority of his Master in Business Administration from Purdue University North Central (PNC), and received his degree from Columbia Southern University. In addition, Kieft has completed several continuing education courses, including: certificate in leadership and management, organizational management and economic development from PNC; Disney Institute courses; as well as economic development credit analysis and business retention and expansion through the International Economic Development Council and the week-long economic development overview course of Ball State University.

A lifelong Northern Indiana resident, Kieft was born in Mishawaka and raised in the Michigan City area. He currently lives in the city with his wife, Gillian, who owns Platinum Gymnastics, and two young children, Isabelle and Kensleigh.

For more information, call (219) 873-1211 or visit www.edcmc.com.

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MICHIGAN CITY | The former Michigan City Economic Development Corp. recently changed its name to Economic Development Corp. Michigan City, Ind.

The new name more accurately describes the corporation’s mission while also better explaining the region’s geographical assets, according to the group.

“We didn’t want to change our focus from economic development, but instead we wanted to refresh our image while educating the public about our corporation and what we do for the business community,” said Executive Director Kevin Kieft in a statement. “It’s not just a name; it’s the thinking behind the name.”

Kieft said EDCMC is still dedicated to the community's economic growth but hopes the new name better defines Michigan City’s great location to attract new business. EDCMC works as an advocate for the area’s manufacturing and industrial-based businesses to help them grow locally through exclusive incentives such as land development.

“When we discussed our unique city to prospective businesses, we found they were confused by our location. Most companies considering relocating or opening up their business in our community sometimes didn’t realize we were actually located in Indiana, often mistaking us for a town in the state of Michigan,” Kieft said. “Our new and improved name is just one step in redefining how we market our area.”

EDCMC will focus on selling Michigan City’s assets, according to Kieft, including Lake Michigan and the city's proximity to Chicago. Quality of living, along with lower costs of living and tax benefits are additional benefits the EDCMC will focus on. Its updated website is www.edcmc.com.