Business

Indiana’s unemployment declined 0.2% in April. The Department of Workforce Development reports that was the largest one month decline in more than a year and happened even though there were fewer manufacturing and construction jobs available. Indiana’s unemployment is 8.5%, which is close to what it was in April, 2012.

The unemployment rate in Tippecanoe and surrounding counties fell in April – in most cases, more than a full point.

A five-year, nearly $2-million property tax abatement for a company that creates and applies custom wraps for tractor trailers has received initial approval from Tippecanoe County officials.

TKO Graphix plans to construct a roughly 13,000 square foot commercial building on a 30 acre lot at the intersection of County Road 450 South and Concord Road.

The company refurbishes used tractor-trailers and adds vinyl lettering and large-format graphics for a variety of commercial clients.

TKO estimates bringing ten new jobs to Tippecanoe County with the new facility.

Subaru of Indiana Automotive plans to expand its Lafayette plant again. The company announced Wednesday morning it will add production of the Subaru Impreza in 2016.

The expansion means an investment of more than $400 million and the creation of up to 900 new jobs.

SIA executive vice president Tom Easterday says this is an economic boon for the entire community.

A multi-million dollar development is in the works for the former Home Hospital site. An assisted living facility will be built on the site, costing roughly $14 million.

Officials with developer Mainstreet Property Group say the project could be completed as soon as next summer.

Director of development Doug Pedersen says amenities at the building will make it more like a hotel and less like a hospital.

An associate dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine is joining the Riggs Community Health Center.

Dr. Peter Nalin will serve as vice president of medical affairs and be responsible for recruiting physicians and nurse practitioners.