When Ichinen, a Japanese-owned manufacturer and distributor of high-quality forklift forks, connected with EmployIndy to explore opportunities for employee development, the company was introduced to Indiana’s Power Up Training Grant—an opportunity that quickly became a turning point for the close-knit organization of 11 employees and one of its promising team members.

Emily Cash, a receptionist in the accounting department, had a strong understanding of the company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system but needed additional accounting skills to advance that project and take the next step in her career. Through the Power Up Training Grant, the company invested in targeted upskilling that strengthened the employee’s knowledge and confidence.

As a result, she took on expanded responsibilities, helping streamline the ERP implementation by applying consistent accounting practices to the system’s foundation.

The investment paid off. Ichinen benefited from her professional growth, while the employee earned a well-deserved promotion accompanied by a significant wage increase—an advancement made possible through access to the state’s training funds.

“We are deeply grateful to EmployIndy for providing the funding that allowed us to further educate Emily, enabling us to retain her as a valued team member and help her grow,” said Kathi Davidson, deputy general manager of operations at Ichinen. “Thanks to this opportunity, she has strengthened her accounting skills, allowing both our organization and her career to move forward with greater confidence and capability.”

Looking ahead, Ichinen is eager to continue its partnership with EmployIndy and use labor market insights to enhance its compensation strategy. The company’s experience demonstrates how strategic workforce investments can empower employees, strengthen business operations and support long-term organizational growth.

Learn how your business can partner with EmployIndy and the Power Up Training Grant to develop your workforce by sending us a message at [email protected].