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Jim Staton has been involved with Indiana’s business community for over 25 years. He is responsible for promoting the State of Indiana and its economic development incentive programs to companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the state.

Jim currently serves as Director of the Central Region for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which focuses on thirty-three counties in central Indiana. In addition to developing and maintaining partnerships with businesses and community organizations, Staton collaborates with local economic development officials, consultants and utilities on economic development projects. He facilitates the delivery of IEDC services and programs, including business development and small business programs. Prior to leading the Central Region, Jim served as Director of IEDC’s Northwest Office and as Business Recruitment Director, North America. During his tenure with IEDC Staton has logged over 250 accepted deals that resulted in several thousand job commitments and well over $7 billion in capital investment.

Prior to his arrival at IEDC, Staton was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Jasper County Industrial Foundation in Rensselaer, Ind. During his time there, the organization developed five industrial parks, attracted 11 major employers and processed 20 expansion projects which resulted in over $300 million in new private investment and the creation of over 1,700 jobs. He served his then home town of DeMotte, Ind., where he held positions of Town Councilman, Street Commissioner, Police Commissioner and Plan Commission and BZA Member. Staton began his formal economic development career with the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission as an Economic Development Planner/Grants Specialist.

In addition to his responsibilities at IEDC, Staton has been active in a variety of community activities including sitting on the boards of several economic development organizations, including the Northwest Indiana Forum and the Regional Development Company. Additionally, Staton has served in a variety of community activities including; Junior Achievement, Rotary, local Chambers of Commerce, Jasper County Library Board, and several local sports leagues.

Staton, a native of Hartford City, Ind., earned dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Environmental Design and Urban Planning from Ball State University.