grounds into jobs. In addition, the city has hosted the
Accessibility and Diversity Job Fair that has increased
the employment of people with disabilities.
Indianapolis leaders are also working collabora-
tively to build a stronger public transportation system,
thanks to the creation of the Central Indiana Regional
Transportation Authority. “By making public transporta-
tion accessible, we can increase our business growth,”
GIPC’s Overby says. “If we have a more mobile work
force, our strong business community continues its
upward spiral. By addressing these issues, we continue
to make Indianapolis a better and more livable city.”
State Capitol Building in Indianapolis Available and affordable housing is fun-
damental to Indianapolis’ growth as well.
SHUTTERSTOCK
Through the GIPC, the Great Indy Neigh-
AS INDIANAPOLIS GROWS, borhoods Initiative (GINI, a program that
promotes neighborhood-driven improvements)
SO GROWS DUKE REALTY and other public-private efforts, downtown
A thriving business community and a great talent pool keep Duke Realty grow- Indianapolis is being revitalized. Construc-
ing in its hometown of Indianapolis. Current projects include construction of the tion of more than 1,400 new houses, condos
new FBI central Indiana headquarters and AllPoints at Anson, Duke’s 1,700-acre and apartments, totaling nearly $348 million,
mixed-use commercial development. are being planned. All in all, Indianapolis has
“Our customers find what they’re looking for in In- invested more than $6 billion of public and
dianapolis, the high-quality and available work force they private funds in downtown projects, with an
want to operate their business, cultural amenities and a additional $2.9 billion of new construction and
central location that is business-friendly,” says Dennis D. renovation efforts to be completed by 2013.
Oklak, chairman and CEO of Duke Realty Corp. With “GINI is an example of getting things done
locations in 22 cities, Duke Realty is one of the largest the ‘Indianapolis Way,’ with strong community
owners and developers of commercial property in the leaders coming together with caring private-
country. In Indianapolis, Duke serves more than 855 ten- sector partners to make a difference,” explains
ants occupying an office, industrial and retail portfolio of more than 29 million the city’s former mayor, Bart Peterson.
square feet. Joe Slash, CEO of the Indianapolis Urban
As the city has become more multicultural, Duke Realty has worked to en- League, agrees: “We’ve made a great deal
sure its own work force is in step with the community. In recent years, new of progress in this city, and we have become
employees include immigrants from Russia, China and Ghana who are finding much more diverse in the process. As em-
professional careers within the company. Employees take part in a corporate di- ployers recruit or transfer employees and their
versity council that meets throughout the year and in the Diversity Roundtable families here, this city has made them feel wel-
of Central Indiana. The company’s supplier program now boasts a substantial come. It was the Indianapolis Urban League
database of minority- or women-owned enterprises. that reached out and made me feel at home
In recent years, Duke has established an internship program to reach a broad when I came here as a young Army officer.”
cross-section of the student community. As a part of the internship program, it Recognizing the importance of a wel-
also engages 10 to 15 interns through its affiliation with INROADS. “We ask coming community and economic growth,
that our associates demonstrate a commitment to creativity, drive, focus and Indianapolis’ new Mayor Ballard has pledged
integrity, and in exchange, we provide them opportunities for advancement and to continue to focus on initiatives and people
a culture of professionalism, acceptance and teamwork,” Oklak says. who will make a difference. ❚
“Indianapolis has been a great example for Midwest growth, there’s tremendous focus on improving the city, and our government leaders have done a great © 2008 DiversityInc. This advertising section was written
job of making it a great place to live,” Oklak explains. by D’Anne Hotchkiss under contract to DiversityInc.
Content is the property of DiversityInc. For information
For more information on Duke Realty, go to www.dukerealty.com or to order reprints, contact gzoppo@DiversityInc.com
