(Updated 9:08am 4.26.16)
Ever since Launch Fishers began the process of moving out of its long-time home in the Fishers library basement to the new location, the city has been aggressively seeking state designation as a Certified Tech Park. That’s important because the state will provide a funding mechanism, allowing the city to recover costs incurred in acquiring and renovating the new Launch location.
The State Budget Committee approved the the Fishers Nickel Plate District and the adjacent North East Commerce Park together as a Certified Technology Park (CTP) on April 25th. State Senator Luke Kenley called the action “a huge step forward for the City of Fishers.”
“CTPs allow communities to harness the innovation, drive and entrepreneurship of their citizens and invest in economic growth” Kenley said in a news release. “The funds coming from the CTP program will help Fishers continue to develop the Nickel Plate District as a high-technology, entrepreneurial epicenter and expand the space, providing more opportunity for growth.”
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness praised the action and Kenley’s “leadership and support” in getting this done. The mayor also praised Governor Mike Pence and Budget Chairman Tim Brown for their support.
“A certified tech park designation will provide essential resources for our city to continue to develop not only integral local infrastructure, but also further the development of state wide initiatives” the mayor said in his own news release. “Fishers continues to build momentum in organic job creation through the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
The designation allows state and local tax revenue generated within the designated area to be recaptured and invested in the same area. Fishers invested $3.1 million of city money into the new Launch Fishers location on Visionary Way, in the Northeast Commerce Park, east of Lantern Road and behind the Target shopping complex. The city also committed to spending about $400,000 in renovating the structure, once the home of debt collection agency DECA.
The founder of Launch Fishers, John Wechsler, called the state’s action “a huge win for our entrepreneurial movement.” Wecshler is now working on a state-wide program called Launch Indiana.
“We are continuing the important work of spurring innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the state and we are grateful for the support that was demonstrated (April 25th),” Weshsler said in a news release.