Turning a vision into a reality takes resources, inspiration and support from a motivated team. We take pride in working with local, regional and state organizations at all levels to promote growth in the community. To help grow this landscape around us, consistent internal collaboration and strong external relationships are vital to progressing forward.
Our Economic and Business Development team understands the evolving needs of businesses. From large corporations to grass root shops, this team helps to locate and develop new business sites that can contribute to potential localized economic gains. With much of the progress for these projects completed behind the scenes, the exposure of new job opportunities and unique business offerings are creating brighter futures for our communities.
For example, it was announced in June 2023 that the largest electric vehicle (EV) investment in Indiana would locate in St. Joseph County. The $3.5 billion EV battery cell plant, a joint venture between General Motors and Samsung SDI, would create around 1,600 new manufacturing positions in the immediate area.
An investment of this size requires strict criteria, such as proximity to high voltage power, access to basic utilities, appropriate zoning and more. The internal collaboration among many team members led by our Economic and Business Development team would play a significant role in the ultimate direction of project. Over the next several months, various departments collaborated to determine how best to meet the project’s needs within the company’s timelines. This included everyone from customer service, distribution, transmission, legal, regulatory and beyond.
Following the creation of the project’s foundation, General Motors provided Indiana Governor, Eric Holcomb with authorization to announce the project and its New Carlisle location. A feat made possible by consistent internal collaboration and adaptability for the specialized needs of the organizations and communities around us.
For more information on AEP’s economic development structure or available programs within the I&M area, visit our website or contact members of the Economic and Business Development team Ashley Savieo at 260-438-5426 (ansavieo@aep.com), Shelley Klug at 269-235-2006 (slklug@aep.com) or Nathan Powelson (nwpowelson@aep.com).