From Farm to Table: Indiana's Economic Success
Historically, Indiana has long been a leader in agriculture, but we didn’t always capitalize on converting or adding value to the raw goods or resources within the Hoosier State. Today, that has all changed!
Indiana has effectively combined the strength of our agricultural resources with ingenuity and thoughtful strategy to develop an economic juggernaut that is expanding our agricultural outputs into consumer goods utilized across the globe. You don’t want to miss this informative meeting where you will:
- Learn how the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) have collaborated to develop a successful strategy to attract companies in the Food and Beverage market sector; and
- Hear about recent projects that have benefited from the state and local incentives; and
- See how you and your firm might apply your expertise to future Indiana projects contributing to this $ 1 trillion nationwide industry.
At the ICR State of Construction educational event presented on February 21st, we learned that the Food and Beverage is one of the fastest growing markets and is forecasted to continue this growth for the next few years. Join ICR for it’s April Education Event to see how you and your team can engage in this strong market sector.
Date: April 11, 2024
Location: Indiana Landmarks
1201 Central Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Schedule of Event:
7:30AM – Registration Opens
7:30-8:00AM – Networking + Breakfast
8:00-9:30AM – Program
9:30-10:00AM – Networking
Don’t miss this informative session. Register Today!
Panelists Include
Victoria Herring – IEDC
Victoria Herring serves as the Senior Project Manager for Attractions in the Northern Region of Indiana for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. In this role, she is responsible for managing attractions projects across the region by working with companies, site selectors, and local economic development professionals.
Herring brings a diverse background in economic development, with several roles throughout the state of Indiana. Formerly, she served as the Business Development Director with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. In that role Victoria worked with Indiana Agribusinesses and communities to develop business goals to power Indiana into a national leader in agriculture. Prior to her time at ISDA, Victoria worked for the Grant County Economic Growth Council, concentrating on business retention & expansion and workforce development.
She is a lifelong Hoosier who holds a Business degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and is a graduate of the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute, where she received the Ruffin Scholarship. Victoria is also a proud graduate of the Indiana Leadership Forum and the Agribusiness Council of Indiana Emerging Leaders Program. Victoria has lived in Grant County for over 10 years with her husband and 2 sons. If she isn’t at one of her sons’ many sporting events, she enjoys running on one of the local trails.
David Coates – ISDA
David Coates is the Economic Development Director for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. He is a graduate of Wheeling University, Wheeling, West Virginia with a degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. He has an extensive background in healthcare, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. His primary focus is to engage agribusinesses throughout the state and to serve as a facilitator of resources and support. He works closely with agricultural trade organizations, educational partners, local economic development organizations, state, and federal agencies to better serve agriculture related businesses and their families.
David grew up with many fond memories from his grandparent’s small farm in West Virginia. He has a passion for agriculture and has raised cattle, horses, swine, hay, and cover crops. During his free time, you can find him working with his wife Lisa on their small farm in Scott County Indiana. Together, they own and operate Knobstone Flower Farm which is a seasonal u-pick cut flower, sunflower, and wildflower experience. They enjoy sharing their love of growing flowers while educating the public on regenerative agriculture, seed saving and agritourism. David and Lisa also have six children, two small brown dogs and a free roaming miniature donkey.
John McCane – Rush Co. Economic Development
John McCane is the Executive Director of the Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation. John is an accomplished leader with a distinguished career dedicated to fostering economic growth and community development in Rush County, Indiana. As the Executive Director of the Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation, he oversees strategic initiatives and partnerships aimed at driving sustainable economic prosperity and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Prior to his current role, John served as the Business Manager at Pavey Grocery, Inc., where he contributed significantly to the company’s growth and success. He also served as the Deputy Auditor of State at the Indiana Auditor of State’s Office. Before his tenure in state government, John served as the Mayor/CEO of the City of Rushville from January 1992 to December 1995.
Recent projects John has been involved with are Diamond Pet Foods and the Rushville REC Center. John played a key role in attracting a $300 million investment from Diamond Pet Foods, resulting in the creation of 300 full-time jobs, thereby bolstering the local economy and providing meaningful employment opportunities for residents. The Rushville REC Center was a $20 million investment that transformed the community landscape by providing fully integrated social services and recreational amenities, fostering community wellness and cohesion.
David Trout- Corteva Agriscience