Ivy Tech Moves Workforce and Economic Development Dept. Downtown

Bloomington, IN
August 23, 2006       

Officials at Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington announced today that the college’s Workforce and Economic Development (WED) department will be moving into the Depot building located at 301 N. Morton Street after September 1, 2006.

John Whikehart, Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington Chancellor, said that the move is the result of surging enrollment at the college.  “Our increased enrollment forced us to look at creative options for additional space.  This move is the best of both worlds – it will alleviate some challenges with classroom and office space on campus, while placing our workforce and economic development infrastructure closer to our partners in downtown Bloomington.”  The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is hosted by Ivy Tech, is in Indiana University’s Research Park, and the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation and city/county government offices are within walking distance.   

In preparation for the move, Ivy Tech building and facilities staff are renovating the historic building to comfortably house the WED department.  When finished, the building will be ADA (Americans with Disability Act) compliant, have nine offices, a computer lab and a classroom.

The college’s WED department contributes to the economic development of the communities served by Ivy Tech-Bloomington.  The department’s goal is to strengthen business and industry sectors by developing a highly trained, educated workforce.