Company Profile
FDC Graphics

FDC Graphics is a leading supplier of vinyl film and digital media to the sign and graphics industry. The company, located in South Bend, has been in operation for more than 20 years.

FDC Graphics started in the north suburbs of Chicago, later moving their corporate headquarters to South Bend in 1995. South Bend's location was favorable to the company, allowing them to better distribute their products not only to the Midwest but also throughout the United States and Canada. The ease of one-day shipping from their South Bend facility allows the company to keep a lean inventory, enhancing their overall business model.
 
FDC Graphics has emerged from the recession in a strong market position, attracting customers with new product lines and shipping capabilities. Volume has increased dramatically in the last two years, allowing the company to expand both its facility and workforce. A 60,000 square-foot expansion was just completed, tripling the size of its facility on William Richardson Drive. The company is also adding new positions to its existing workforce of 70. Company officials credit FDC's success to the dedication and skill of their employees. 

FDC Graphics has been recognized by Indiana Economic Development Corporation as a 2012 company to watch. IEDC's list celebrates high-performing, second-stage companies in the state. Judy Eck, president of FDC Graphics, serves as a member of The Chamber's Board of Directors. 

IEDC's 2012 Companies to Watch

Each year, Indiana Economic Development Corporation recognizes 25 high-performing, second-stage companies in the state. Known for their performance in the marketplace, innovative products, unique processes or philanthropic actions, these companies represent a wide range of industries from all over the state. Six companies from the Michiana region were featured on this year's list:
  

• Agdia, Inc., Elkhart
• Anthony Travel, Notre Dame
• Brimar Wood Innovations, Inc., Goshen
• FDC Graphic Films, Inc., South Bend 
• PullRite, Mishawaka
• Treadstone, LLC, South Bend 

The companies recognized by IEDC make an astounding impact on both the state and local economies by providing job opportunities and contributing millions of dollars of revenue.

Welcome Greg Lorch

to the Team

Greg Lorch is The Chamber's new director of business growth and joined their economic development team Monday. In his role, Lorch focuses primarily on the organization's efforts to grow existing businesses in St. Joseph County.

Lorch has a background in business and product development, strategic planning and project management. His extensive work experience includes more than 30 years with Bayer Healthcare, LLC, in Elkhart, and four years with Zimmer, LLC in Warsaw. Most recently, Lorch has served as a consultant, thought leader and coach. Last year, he was a coach for the Pre-Seed Workshop program, a two-in-a-half-day intensive commercialization training session offered by the North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
 

North Central Indiana SBDC to Host 3rd
Pre-Seed Workshop

The North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center is gearing up for the third offering of the Pre-Seed Workshop. This workshop guides researchers, technologists and inventors through the process of determining the commercial feasibility of their idea and deciding what role they should play in their business
moving forward.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, September 27 from 5-8 p.m. and all day on Friday, September 28 and Friday, October 5. During the first phase, business, education, and community leaders will provide interactive coaching to the entrepreneurs. During the second phase, the entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel.

Outside of the state of New York, the North Central Indiana SBDC was the first to offer a program of this kind. Interested researchers, technologists, or inventors may apply. Please contact Jan Fye, regional director at 574.282.4350 ext. 1 or email her for more information.

Regional Economic Development CRM Tool

Resource

St. Joseph County Economic Profile

Keep In Touch:
ED Updates

Keep updated on economic development news by reading Chamber President and CEO Jeff Rea's column appearing on Tuesdays in the South Bend Tribune.