IU Kokomo Welcomes ENERGY STAR-Certified Electric Vehicle Battery Plant
STAR+PLUS is a managed care program for adults age 65 and older with disabilities. STAR+PLUS provides health-care coverage, long-term services and support, and short-term care to give family caregivers a break from their work or daily tasks. The program also helps to keep adults healthy and safe.
The program has a member called a Service Coordinator who works with the member and the member’s doctor to help them get the services they need. The Service Coordinator also coordinates with other providers. This includes community agencies, other medical and long-term care providers, and other health-care services.
The ENERGY STAR certification is an internationally recognized mark of energy efficiency, helping to distinguish products that meet high standards for energy performance in the United States. The ENERGY STAR label is used by manufacturers to signify the product as meeting certain energy efficiency requirements that can be verified by an independent, third-party testing organization. The ENERGY STAR label makes it easy for consumers to identify and choose a more energy efficient appliance or device.
Kokomo is preparing to welcome its first North American electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant, expected to open in 2025. Stellantis and Samsung SDI’s joint venture, Star Plus Energy, will produce lithium-ion batteries. Project leaders estimate that about 1,400 jobs will be available initially.
IU Bloomington’s Institute for Korean Studies will work with Star Plus Energy to provide cultural resources, including teaching Korean language and culture to incoming employees. Dukes expects IU Kokomo will also offer classes in Korean culture to help future Star Plus Energy employees adjust to life in Howard County. She says Americans and Koreans are similar when it comes to business, but there are differences in everyday socialization among coworkers. For example, when Americans clock out at the end of the day, they tend to go home, while Koreans often gather with colleagues for drinks or dinner.
