New video, talent initiatives, and market-rate housing amplify economic momentum

 

VINCENNES – Knox County Indiana Economic Development (KCIED) is rolling out an aggressive 2026 talent and business attraction strategy, leveraging a powerful combination of new digital marketing, a proven national relocation platform, and all-new housing opportunities to capitalize on regional economic momentum.

“Knox County is prepared to capitalize on our progress by elevating the county’s broad array of opportunity and capacity,” said Chris Pfaff, CEO of KCIED. “We’ve built real momentum with expansions in manufacturing, significant new housing development, and growing employer interest. Now we’re pairing that with a comprehensive talent recruitment program—and we hold high expectations.”

The full Opportunity Knox picture

Three initiatives will work in concert to drive 2026 growth:

A new four-minute video, funded in part by a Duke Energy grant, showcases Knox County’s business ecosystem, quality of life, and growth opportunities. The video amplifies KCIED’s targeted digital outreach—already generating increasing web traffic and inbound inquiries—to reach a national audience. (the video can be viewed on the Knox County Indiana Economic Development YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/eF_iluukm4Y)

The revamped “LiveHere” resource on KnoxCountyIndiana.com targets regional talent. With more than 1,500 workers commuting into Knox County daily from Illinois and surrounding counties, KCIED is directly recruiting those already choosing Knox County for employment, inviting them to make it their home.

MakeMyMove – national relocation platform comes to Knox County

Most significantly, KCIED has launched Knox County’s participation in MakeMyMove, a proven national platform that has successfully relocated professionals and remote workers to communities across the country.

The Knox County MakeMyMove program offers out-of-state remote workers and professionals an incentive package that includes $5,000 in relocation assistance, coupled with local business and community partnerships that provide:

  • Six months of free co-working at The Pantheon with high-speed internet and professional workspace
  • Family YMCA membership with waived joining fees
  • Knox County Chamber of Commerce membership
  • Vincennes University sports passes and community event access
  • Local business perks including printing services, childcare resources, and real estate support

“These incentives can make a real difference for people facing the issues that can come with an out-of-state move,” explained Mary Jo Wallin-Orlowski, Director of Business Development for KCIED. “We’ve assembled a comprehensive welcome package that addresses the real barriers to relocation—finding quality workspace, connecting to the community, accessing childcare and fitness resources. When prospective movers see what Knox County Indiana offers, the decision becomes clear.”

A unique value proposition

Knox County’s competitive advantage extends beyond incentives. From both historic perspectives with Indiana’s oldest city and 21st century opportunities in agribusiness, Industry 4.0 manufacturing all combining affordability with authentic community character, Opportunity Knox is a reality. The Pantheon coworking space offers remote workers professional infrastructure without sacrificing the community atmosphere that increasingly attracts talent seeking work-life balance.

The timing aligns with transformative housing development. Bierhaus Flats, a $35 million mixed-use apartment complex, will deliver 24 market-rate units in June with strong pre-leasing interest, followed by phased expansion of 200+ additional units through 2027.

“We’re seeing unprecedented demand,” said Phil Reinbrecht, President of Simplified Developments. “Even with construction ongoing, prospective residents are lining up for Bierhaus Flats. There’s real momentum here—people recognize Knox County is changing, and they want to be part of it.”

Strategic economics

The MakeMyMove program structure favors communities like Knox County. “More than 50% of the program cost is underwritten by the state of Indiana,” noted Pfaff. “New households bring tax revenue and spending that immediately benefits local businesses. From an economic development standpoint, this is highly efficient talent recruitment.”

The program targets 15 new out-of-state households by December 2026. Eligibility requires full-time employment with relocation capacity, $55,000+ annual income, and willingness to relocate within six months. Interested applicants can apply at MakeMyMove.com.

Building on proven strategy

“We know MakeMyMove works,” Pfaff said. “Other Indiana communities using this platform have successfully brought in talented professionals and remote workers who energize their economies. Paired with our new video, our regional talent outreach, and the housing and business growth happening right now in Knox County, we have a comprehensive strategy that addresses what talent actually needs and wants.”

Pfaff also noted how the expanded Knox County initiatives square strategically with current broader goals of Indiana First, an economic development consortium including Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike, and Spencer counties in southwest Indiana.  “In today’s economic marketplace, companies and talent alike look at regional attraction and impact, often not thinking of an individual county as a stand-alone entity,” he explained. “Both our ongoing and new outreach and development initiatives will contribute directly to the overall desired impact as reflected in the current Regional Growth Strategy – Indiana First Regional Development Plan that outlines specific objectives for heightening regional attraction efforts.”

The current Knox County initiatives align directly with formal Indiana First regional plans to improve talent attraction, housing, quality of life, and more, including child care and other critical needs. “We expect that by working together as a region, all of our local goals and objectives will likely accelerate for the benefit of all,” Pfaff concluded.

For more information on living and working in Knox County, visit KnoxCountyIndiana.com or apply for MakeMyMove at https://www.makemymove.com/moving-living/vincennes-knox-county-in

The Live Here page can be accessed at https://knoxcountyindiana.com/livehere/ 

 

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About Knox County Indiana Economic Development (KCIED)

Established in 1981, Knox County Indiana Economic Development’s leadership and vision have created an atmosphere of cooperation. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life for the citizens of Knox County by developing the overall economy of the county. KCIED has a supportive board that is actively involved in the recruitment, expansion, and retention of businesses. In addition to a strong partnership with the City of Vincennes and Knox County government, Knox County Indiana Economic Development has more than 100 private members that help fund the economic development efforts. For more information, please visit https://knoxcountyindiana.com/