With the ability to earn steady income the key to my Indiana bankruptcy clients’ ability to rebuild their financial lives as they emerge from bankruptcy, I’m always alert for both good and bad news about employment markets. With four bankruptcy law offices serving 38 different Indiana counties, I’m interested in hiring and layoffs all over the state and even in adjacent counties in neighboring states.
In Closings and Cuttings Pose Challenge For Post-Bankruptcy Rebuilding, I reported on layoffs in Indianapolis, North Manchester, and Lafayette, as well as on closings planned for 2009 in Kendalville, Howe, Ligonier, Crawfordsville, and Greenwood. Later in December, I had better news to report (see It’s Holiday Time, With Glimmers of Hope In Indiana Job Markets) about the Rockes East Express East natural gas pipeline in western Indiana, Avon’s new CSX railroad hub, and the new Really Cool Foods distribution facility in Cambridge City. I reported on Dollar General’s and Dollar Tree’s Indianapolis expansion plans, as well.
Now, just a couple of weeks into 2009, I have some more good news to relay. Indianapolis-based AIT health-testing lab company will be adding 130 new jobs over the next few years. Monarch Beverage’s continuing construction of its $45 million warehouse and distribution center in Lawrence Township will not result in new hiring, but moving 500 employees to Lawrence should attract retail and restaurant businesses to the area, which could result in new jobs.
On the negative side, the developer of a tract of land at 86th and Keystone has gone bankrupt before ground was broken, and the River Place project at 96th and Allisonville Road has been put on hold.
The Indianapolis Star reports that unpaid furloughs are on the rise. Unpaid furloughs are temporary layoffs, and Indiana has had its share of these, including Lafayette-based truck-trailer maker Wabash, which is extending its holiday shutdowns.
The availability of jobs and bankruptcy are joined at the hip, no doubt about it. Even as our economy begins its climb out of recession, many hardworking, responsible people will find themselves turning to the bankruptcy system for help in making a much-needed fresh start.