ADVANCING DEFENSE READINESS IN
WEST CENTRAL INDIANA
ADVANCING DEFENSE READINESS IN WEST CENTRAL INDIANA
A Region Built to Support Defense and Opportunity
Located in the heart of the nation, along one of the most traveled interstate highways, West Central Indiana is a defense dynamo—home to several key assets, including the Indiana Air National Guard’s 181st Intelligence Wing and the Terre Haute Regional Airport. The West Central Indiana Defense Network consistently drives new talent attraction and economic development, and the region is already home to exceptional national and regional universities, superior ground and air networks, a tech-ready workforce, and outstanding quality-of-place resources.
The West Central Indiana Defense Network is a collaborative regional effort comprised of Vermillion, Parke, Vigo, Clay, and Sullivan counties—working together to strengthen defense initiatives, support innovation, and drive coordinated growth across the region.
A Region Built to Support Defense
and Opportunity
Located in the heart of the nation, along one of the most traveled interstate highways, West Central Indiana is a defense dynamo—home to several key assets, including the Indiana Air National Guard’s 181st Intelligence Wing and the Terre Haute Regional Airport. The West Central Indiana Defense Network consistently drives new talent attraction and economic development, and the region is already home to exceptional national and regional universities, superior ground and air networks, a tech-ready workforce and outstanding quality-of-place resources.
The West Central Indiana Defense Network is a collaborative regional effort comprised of Vermillion, Parke, Vigo, Clay, and Sullivan counties—working together to strengthen defense initiatives, support innovation, and drive coordinated growth across the region.
Regional Economic Impact
The 181st Intelligence Wing, located at Terre Haute's Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, is not only a key part of the national defense strategy, but a driver of local economic development. The 181st supports more than 1,000 jobs annually throughout the state of Indiana, with a total statewide impact of over $125M. At the local level, the total economic impact is $49M with almost 266 jobs supported in Vigo County annually.
Regional Economic Impact
The 181st Intelligence Wing, located at Terre Haute's Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, is not only a key part of the national defense strategy, but a driver of local economic development. The 181st supports more than 1,000 jobs annually throughout the state of Indiana, with a total statewide impact of over $125M. At the local level, the total economic impact is $49M with almost 266 jobs supported in Vigo County annually.
By the Numbers
Jobs Supported Statewide
1,000+
Statewide Economic Impact
$125M+
Jobs Supported in Vigo County
250+
Local Economic Impact
$49M
By the Numbers
Jobs Supported Statewide
1,000+
Statewide Economic Impact
$125M+
Jobs Supported in Vigo County
250+
Local Economic Impact
$49M
A Thriving Community
Thanks to our competitive environment, low operating costs, easily accessible transportation and strong utility infrastructure, West Central Indiana has attracted a diverse array of successful businesses, including a number of Fortune Global 500 companies. It is this diversity that promotes continued economic growth for the area. We want our community to prosper. We have the low cost-of-living, location, incentives, infrastructure, quality of life offerings, workforce and support required for long-term sustainable development. We are committed to supporting a vibrant, balanced and diversified economy that benefits workers, employers and visitors alike.
Home to Six Military Assets
West Central Indiana is proud to serve as home base for six military assets:
2
Maple Avenue
Armory
Marine
Reserves
Field Maintenance
Shop #8
159th Military
Police Battalion
81st
Troop Command
181st
Intelligence Wing
Home to Six Military Assets
West Central Indiana is proud to serve as home base for six military assets:
2
Maple Avenue Armory
Field Maintenance
Shop #8
159th Military
Police Battalion
Marine
Reserves
81st Troop Command
181st Intelligence Wing
Collaborative Opportunities
We are developing a comprehensive plan to attract talent needed to grow our region. This talent will nourish the associated businesses, help protect and grow current military assets during times of question and opportunity and advance new economic development opportunities that are a good match with the community's assets.
Assets
Explore West Central Indiana’s community assets, including workforce, education, healthcare and quality of place.
Community Assets
Businesses in West Central Indiana enjoy a superior ground and air transportation network, access to a plentiful and skilled workforce, comprehensive education resources, established industrial and business parks and ample greenfield for development. Not to mention everything the area has to offer in quality of life - outdoor attractions, dining, entertainment and recreation.
Education
With four institutions of higher education and a strong, supportive
K–12 system, West Central Indiana offers a steady pipeline of skilled, educated talent to met workforce demands.
Healthcare
Leading providers like Union Health, long with several critical access hospitals and a robust physician network, ensure access to high-quality care across the region.
Quality of Place
A tourist destination, West Central Indiana offers opportunities for entertainment, shopping, dining and outdoor recreation across Terre Haute and surrounding rural communities.
Industry
West Central Indiana serves as a hub for the advanced manufacturing industry and is home to several established industrial parks with thousands of acres available for immediate use.
Workforce
West Central Indiana offers skilled and reliable workforce, supported by a strong regional labor base and a steady pipeline of individuals seeking new opportuinities.
Business
West Central Indiana serves as home to many services necessary for business support and development, including a strong chamber and economic development corporation.
Infrastructure
Located within close proximity to the asset, Duke Energy, Vectren and Indiana American Water all serve as top-rated utility partners in the community.
West Central Indiana is home to the Terre Haute Regional Airport (HUF). This is a vital hub for regional air services and is the home base for the 181st Intelligence Wing.
With four institutions of higher education and a strong, supportive K–12 system, West Central Indiana offers a steady pipeline of skilled, educated talent to met workforce demands.
Leading providers like Union Health, long with several critical access hospitals and a robust physician network, ensure access to high-quality care across the region.
Community Assets
Businesses in West Central Indiana enjoy a superior ground and air transportation network, access to a plentiful and skilled workforce, comprehensive education resources, established industrial and business parks and ample greenfield for development. Not to mention everything the area has to offer in quality of life - outdoor attractions, dining, entertainment and recreation.
West Central Indiana serves as a hub for the advanced manufacturing industry and is home to several established industrial parks with thousands of acres available for immediate use.
West Central Indiana offers skilled and reliable workforce, supported by a strong regional labor base and a steady pipeline of individuals seeking new opportuinities.
West Central Indiana serves as home to many services necessary for business support and development, including a strong chamber and economic development corporation.
Located within close proximity to the asset, Duke Energy, Vectren and Indiana American Water all serve as top-rated utility partners in the community.
A tourist destination, West Central Indiana offers opportunities for entertainment, shopping, dining and outdoor recreation across Terre Haute and surrounding rural communities.
Everyone benefits from a strong economy. In Terre Haute, Vigo County and West Central Indiana, there is a spirit of cooperation. We work hard to take our community to the next level.
