Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the launch of a new state initiative aimed at strengthening the workforce while previewing its own upcoming recognition program for employers. Announced today by Governor Mike Braun and supported by the state’s Office of Commerce, Power Up Indiana seeks to incentivize businesses to invest in their current employees through training, promotions, and other professional development opportunities.
Todd Hurst, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Impact at the Indiana Chamber, emphasized the importance of the initiative for both employers and the state’s broader economy. “We applaud the Governor’s focus on upskilling that leads to advancement retention and a stronger economy in Indiana,” Hurst said. “We think the Power Up initiative is aligned to support the talent needs of the state and will be beneficial to Hoosier enterprises.”
The program is designed to encourage companies to grow talent from within, rather than relying solely on external hiring. By creating incentives for employee training and development, Power Up Indiana aims to boost productivity, retention, and overall workforce quality, helping employers remain competitive in a fast-changing economic landscape.
Hurst also highlighted the Chamber’s role in supporting the initiative. “We look forward to working with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development in communicating about the program and helping employers advance their talent development strategies,” he said. “This will give employers the tools needed to upscale their teams.”
The announcement comes as the Indiana Chamber prepares to launch its new Workforce First Employer designation next month. This recognition program is designed to spotlight companies that demonstrate leadership in workforce development and actively contribute to the state’s talent ecosystem. Employers who achieve the designation will have shown a commitment to professional development both internally—through employee training and advancement opportunities – and externally, via partnerships with educational institutions and workforce organizations.
“Employers who earn the Workforce First Employer recognition will demonstrate a commitment to maintaining and developing robust workforce strategies, including talent attraction, upskilling, reskilling and retention efforts that align with regional and state economic priorities,” Hurst explained. “Their practices support long-term employee growth and directly contribute to the competitiveness and prosperity of the state’s economy.”
The Workforce First Employer designation will officially roll out during the Indiana Chamber’s annual Indiana Workforce Summit, scheduled for October 23-24. The program will be operationalized by the Chamber’s Institute for Workforce Excellence, which provides guidance and resources to help businesses implement effective workforce strategies.
By aligning the launch of Power Up Indiana with the introduction of the Workforce First Employer designation, the Chamber and state leaders hope to create a clear pathway for organizations to strengthen talent pipelines, increase employee engagement, and foster a culture of continuous learning. Employers participating in these programs are expected to gain tools, insights, and recognition that can help them attract top talent while retaining and developing their existing workforce.
For businesses in Indiana, the combination of state-backed incentives and Chamber-led recognition offers a dual approach to workforce growth. On one hand, companies have access to resources and funding through Power Up Indiana; on the other, the Workforce First Employer designation provides visibility and credibility for organizations committed to long-term employee development. Together, these initiatives represent a coordinated effort to ensure that Indiana’s workforce remains competitive and well-prepared for the evolving demands of the modern economy.
With workforce development at the forefront of economic planning, initiatives like Power Up Indiana and the Chamber’s recognition program are poised to make a tangible impact on the state’s business community. By encouraging investment in human capital, both programs seek to foster stronger companies, more skilled employees, and a healthier economy for Hoosiers across Indiana.
