Duke Energy recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Jackson County Industrial Development Corp. as part of the company’s 2022 Partnership Program.

To qualify, applicants submitted plans that would have direct impact on the community’s economic growth. The awards help local and regional economic development organizations fund marketing and strategic efforts in the communities they serve. Amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.

“Duke Energy is working hand in hand with our local and regional economic development partners to accelerate growth and job creation in the communities we serve,” said Erin Schneider, director of economic development for Duke Energy Indiana.

The program supports organizations that increase awareness of a community or region’s economic development strategies and product availability. This may include tours and special events to promote business sites and communities, marketing campaigns and promotional materials and website development and updates.

Since the program was established in 2017, Duke Energy has contributed nearly $600,000 in grant funding to organizations that are helping create vibrant economies in the state.

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 870,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, which includes Brownstown, Crothersville, Medora and Seymour in Jackson County.