The investment quickly proved its value through measurable economic impact. “That first year we ended up getting a six to one return. For every $1 we spent promoting Indiana in those three markets, six new tax dollars were generated for the state of Indiana,” Bedel notes. The following year showed even stronger results. “We did the very same thing and got a ten to one return,” says Bedel. These compelling metrics helped secure substantially increased funding: “We did get a $20 million budget; up from four and a half million during the 2023 legislative session.” With expanded resources, the IDDC has been able to target additional markets. “We can see progress every year that we’re doing this, that the more you’re out there, the more you’re telling your story, the more people come, and they spend money, and it continues to go positive.” SUCCESS STORIES: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS Across Indiana, communities are leveraging publicprivate partnerships to enhance attractions and quality of life. “All over the state we’ve been having some really good projects,” Bedel says. “When you 119 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 INDIANA DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (IDDC)
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