Economic development doesn’t stop at county or state lines.

Increasingly, the conversations shaping the future of communities are happening on national and international stages—where regions compete for investment, partnerships, talent, and opportunity. That’s what makes events like SelectUSA Investment Summit so important.

Recently, Forge East Central Indiana Executive Director Caitlin Hancock, pictured here with Traci Lutton and Valerie Shaffer, joined partners from across the state alongside the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Indiana Economic Development Association to represent Indiana at SelectUSA, one of the nation’s leading events focused on attracting business investment and strengthening economic partnerships.

Bringing Indiana Together

Throughout the event, Team Indiana came together to showcase what makes the state competitive, collaborative, and positioned for growth.

The Indiana booth served as more than just a meeting space—it became a place where regional partners, economic developers, and business leaders worked collectively to share Indiana’s story. Communities from across the state contributed to a unified message centered on innovation, workforce strength, quality of place, and long-term opportunity.

That collaboration matters. Economic development is most effective when regions work together to amplify shared strengths while also highlighting the unique assets individual communities bring to the table.

Why SelectUSA Matters

SelectUSA creates opportunities for states and regions to connect directly with companies, site selectors, investors, and global business leaders exploring expansion and investment opportunities within the United States.

For communities across Indiana, participation helps strengthen visibility and build relationships that can lead to future conversations, partnerships, and investment opportunities. While not every interaction results in an immediate announcement, the value of these events often lies in the long-term relationships and momentum they create.

It’s about positioning Indiana—and regions like East Central Indiana—as places ready to compete and collaborate in a rapidly evolving economy.

Representing East Central Indiana

For Forge, participation in statewide and national conversations is an important part of supporting the region’s long-term growth.

East Central Indiana offers significant strengths, including advanced manufacturing, workforce development partnerships, higher education connections, quality-of-place investments, and communities committed to innovation and collaboration.

Events like SelectUSA provide opportunities to help ensure those strengths are part of larger conversations shaping economic growth across the country and around the world.

The Power of Collaboration

One of the strongest themes coming out of SelectUSA was the importance of alignment. When organizations, regions, and state partners work together with a shared vision, it creates stronger messaging, deeper connections, and greater opportunities for impact.

That spirit of collaboration was evident throughout the week as Indiana’s economic development community came together to support one another and collectively promote the state’s strengths.

Bringing Momentum Home

At Forge East Central Indiana, regional collaboration is central to our mission.

Experiences like SelectUSA reinforce the importance of continuing to build partnerships, strengthen relationships, and position East Central Indiana within broader economic conversations happening at the state, national, and international levels.

The momentum created through events like this extends far beyond the conference itself. It returns home through new ideas, expanded networks, stronger partnerships, and continued opportunities to advocate for the communities and people that make East Central Indiana unique.

Looking Ahead

Economic development is ultimately about creating opportunity. Opportunity for businesses to grow. Opportunity for communities to thrive. And opportunity for people to build their futures close to home.

By participating in conversations happening on larger stages, Indiana and regions like East Central Indiana continue working toward that goal together. And through collaboration, leadership, and shared purpose, the future of the region continues to grow stronger.