The organization formerly known as the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has officially rebranded as the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC). The change aims to more precisely reflect the institution’s mission and clarify the geographic identity of the region it serves.
Kevin Kieft, Executive Director, explained that the shift is not a redirection of purpose but rather a strategic update to enhance public understanding and strengthen outreach to the business sector. “It’s not just a new name,” Kieft emphasized, “it represents a renewed approach to how we present our community to potential investors.”
One key motivation behind the rebranding was confusion among prospective businesses about the city’s location. Many companies considering relocation mistakenly believed Michigan City was in the state of Michigan, not Indiana. The updated name eliminates this ambiguity and reinforces the city’s position within the Hoosier State.
Going forward, EDCMC will highlight Michigan City’s strategic advantages, including access to Lake Michigan and proximity to Chicago. Additional selling points include a high quality of life, lower living expenses, and favorable tax policies—factors that appeal to employers evaluating new locations.
As part of the transformation, the corporation launched a redesigned, more intuitive website at www.edcmc.com to align with its refreshed identity and improve accessibility for stakeholders.
EDCMC functions as a central hub for industrial and manufacturing enterprises, offering tailored support such as land development incentives and coordination between municipal agencies and private ventures. It streamlines access to government resources, serving as a single point of contact for business expansion and retention.
Kieft has deep roots in the region, having begun his public service career in Michigan City in 2001 as a Neighborhood Planner. He advanced to Community Development Director in 2004, overseeing federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He joined the economic development team in 2006 and assumed leadership earlier this year.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs Management from Indiana University and completed most of his MBA coursework at Purdue University North Central, later earning the degree through Columbia Southern University. His professional development includes certifications in leadership, organizational management, and economic development from various institutions, as well as specialized training from the Disney Institute and the International Economic Development Council.
A lifelong resident of Northern Indiana, Kieft was born in Mishawaka and raised in the Michigan City area. He resides in the city with his wife, Gillian, owner of Platinum Gymnastics, and their two children, Isabelle and Kensleigh.
For further details, visit www.edcmc.com or call (219) 873-1211.
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The former Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) recently changed its name to Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana to more accurately describe the corporation’s mission while also better explaining the region’s geographical assets. n n“We didn’t want to change our focus from economic development, but instead we wanted to refresh our image while educating the public about our corporation and what we do for the business community,” Executive Director Kevin Kieft said. “It’s not just a name; it’s the thinking behind the name.” n nKieft further explained the new Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC) is still dedicated to the economic growth of the community, but simply now with a new name to better define Michigan City’s great location to attract new business. n n“When we discussed our unique city to prospective business, we found they were confused by our location. Most companies considering re-locating or opening up their business in our community sometimes didn’t realize we were actually located in Indiana, often mistaking us for a town in the state of Michigan,” Kieft said. “Our new and improved name is just one step in redefining how we market our area.” n nEDCMC will focus on selling Michigan City’s greatest and most understated assets, according to Kieft, Lake Michigan as well as the proximately to Chicago. Quality of living, along with lower costs of living and tax benefits also add to potential employers considering the area. n nIn addition, EDCMC launched a more user-friendly and updated website to reflect the corporation’s rebranding. To view the new website, visit www.edcmc.com. n nEDCMC works as an advocate for the area’s manufacturing- and industrial-based businesses to help them grow locally through exclusive incentives like land development. The corporation is a one-stop-shop to bring city and government partners and resources together to aid businesses. n nBefore the EDCMC, Kieft previously worked for the City of Michigan City in several capacities, starting as the Neighborhood Planner in 2001. Then, he became the Community Development Director in 2004, where he was responsible for the administration of the federal community development block grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Kieft transitioned to the formerly named Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (now EDCMC) in 2006 as the Business Development Manager before being named to his current role earlier this year. n nKieft received his Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs Management from Indiana University. He completed the majority of his Master in Business Administration from Purdue University North Central (PNC), and received his degree from Columbia Southern University. In addition, Kieft has completed several continuing education courses, including: certificate in leadership and management, organizational management and economic development from PNC; Disney Institute courses; as well as economic development credit analysis and business retention and expansion through the International Economic Development Council and the week-long economic development overview course of Ball State University. n nA lifelong Northern Indiana resident, Kieft was born in Mishawaka and raised in the Michigan City area. He currently lives in the city with his wife, Gillian, who owns Platinum Gymnastics, and two young children, Isabelle and Kensleigh. n nFor more information, call (219) 873-1211 or visit www.edcmc.com.