Jason Hester Email & Phone Number

Columbus, In, Us

Columbus, In, Us

Columbus, Indiana, is renowned for its engineering talent (#1 concentration in US for industrial & mechanical engineers), advanced manufacturing (Top 2% of U.S.), STEM-education offerings, and modern architecture (#6 in U.S.). The community is home to the global headquarters of Cummins Inc. (Fortune 200), plus North American HQ, R&D and/or production facilities of leading international firms such as Toyota Material Handling, Faurecia, NTN Driveshaft, and many more. Homegrown success stories include Elwood Staffing (Top 10 private US staffing HQ), LHP Engineering Services, and scores of innovative manufacturers. Over four decades, the community has also built a global reputation for Foreign Direct Investment, with local FOE’s today employing 9,000 persons locally. As president of Greater Columbus EDC, key results include:* Directed business expansion and domestic & FDI attraction efforts supporting more than 120 successful projects calling for $1.06 Billion in new capital investment and 3,436 new direct jobs (as of 2021).* Led implementation of targeted industry attraction efforts, fostering relationships with national level site selectors and business prospects. Target industries included Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Defense & Aerospace Manufacturing, Engineering Services, and next gen Mobility/Automotive opportunities. * Advised local government on incentive best practices, successfully guided creation of the county’s first non-municipal Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Area, and connected qualifying businesses with incentives.* Developed key corporate & government relationships in Japan, China, India, and Europe, leading to increased FDI & enhanced international relations.* Fostered regional marketing & development efforts as a key member of South Central Indiana E.D. Region & other initiatives.* In all things, sought collaboration, consensus, and advancement of shared mutual goals for the betterment of our region, our businesses, and local residents.

Indianapolis, In, Us

Directed the project management and winning of 204 competitive statewide business attraction and central Indiana expansion projects calling for $4.5 billion in new investment, 34,000 new job commitments and the retention of 28,000 direct jobs. In service to 39 counties of Central Indiana, managed a terrific team of professional project managers and administrative support staff.

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Led community and business development efforts including the oversight of $1 million annual Federal CDBG activities, a $1.2 million Revolving Loan Fund, Urban Enterprise Zone programs, and local BRE & attraction programs.

Originated efforts leading to local job retention, downtown development, new housing and other community-based projects, totaling over $73 million in new development and earning the City the 2003 “Community Achievement Award”, presented by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.

Delivered member services and promoted the development of the business climate in the small Midwestern town. Created new communication tools and member benefit programs, growing membership by 89%.

Mba, Business Administration

Graduate, Economic Development Institute

Bachelors, International Community Development