The Economic Development Perspective
Marshall County Economic
Development Corporation
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Message from Jerry
Marshall County enters the first quarter of 2017 with a positive energy, spurred by many significant developments in 2016. Last year's total capital investments for economic development projects were higher than average. The information included this newsletter edition was prepared to help the reader remember those major accomplishments by each Marshall County community.
While we have enjoyed good growth for the past 3 years, I suggest that there is much more to be accomplished. Last year, roads in the local communities and around the County received some maintenance attention but many more are in need of repair. Quality of place amenities and housing projects are also needed if we are intent on reversing the projected population decline that research is predicting. As well, some retail operations in Plymouth are closing and others in Bremen and Culver have opened.
Marshall County's unemployment, as recently reported, is about 3.3%. Which means our employers need for employees is critical. That's why MCEDC is pleased to announce the start of a comprehensive Marshall County Workforce Program that places our employers' needs at its core. We are also pleased to partner with Department of Workforce Development and the Northern Indiana Workforce Board (NIWB) to pull resources, expertise, and funding for this pilot project that may be scaled up as a model for other communities. Strategic partners have been enlisted at the local level to work on immediate needs, short term solutions, and long term strategies.
More to come on workforce development as we implement the program. Please stay tuned.
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A Year in Review
2016 was a year of tremendous growth in Marshall County. In our first newsletter of 2017, we'd like to reflect back on some of the accomplishments that our County has experienced. We are positive that this momentum will continue in the coming year thanks to the support of our community.
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Town of Argos
- Comprehensive Plan update launched in July to guide Town growth for the next 10-15 years, to be completed in April 2017
- Argos Promotional Video created to showcase the Town and attract new residents, featured on Inside INdiana Business and named highest viewed video of the year on IIB newsletter
- Walking trail extended from Argos Community Park along SR 10 to improve safety and quality of life
- Argos Industrial Park development underway with a Manufacturing Center planned with funding from Town Council and $400,000 from Regional Cities grant
- Business façade improvement project completed to enhance beauty of downtown with 14 projects and $40,000 invested
- Broadband Expansion plan began with Rochester Telephone Company provide Town with high speed internet with 2 of 3 data hubs lit, concept still in development
- 4 of 32 new units built in Colonial Court mobile home park buildout to provide additional housing options for residents
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Town of Bourbon
- Comprehensive Plan launched in December to guide Town growth for the next 10-15 years
- Indiana Composites acquired old Reynold's building (vacant for over 7 years), creating 200 jobs with a $3.79 million capital investment
- Harmony Press expanded with a $1.75 million capital investment
- Bourbon Business appreciation Luncheon held by Town to recognize local businesses
- High Speed Internet expansion planning began, town Council allocated $40,000 and local businesses raised $120,000 to support project
- Cedar Road Housing Development planned with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant, consisting of up to 140 houses and apartments to provide additional housing for residents
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Town of Bremen
- Awarded Main Street Certification to preserve and enhance the downtown area
- Two businesses expanded: NISCO with a $4.7 million capital investment, and Indiana Carton with a $6.7 million capital investment
- Bremen High School Manufacturing Day event held to generate interest in manufacturing careers with over 120 students and 5 businesses
- Began "200 Trees for 200 Years" initiative in recognition of Indiana's bicentennial and to beautify Town
- Hometown Collaboration Initiative application submitted to implement projects that support long-term needs
- $4 million Water Treatment plant became operational to improve services to local businesses
- 3 of 53 units built on Rolling Meadows Residential Development with proposed funding from Regional Cities to provide additional housing for residents
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Town of Culver
- Named Stellar Community Finalist to help implement 6 growth-oriented projects from Comprehensive Plan
- Two new businesses took over vacant buildings: Ace Hardware rebuilt where the old Dairy Queen was located, and Lucrezia acquired and refurbished the old Corndance Café building
- Entrepreneurship Center planned with $400,000 in proposed funding from Regional Cities grant
- Water System expansion for new water tower and plant update to improve services to residents and businesses with a $2.6 million capital investment
- Storm water improvements completed to improve drainage throughout Town with a $2.15 million capital investment
- Business façade program continued to enhance beauty of downtown with $30,000 committed and 3 businesses awarded funding
- INDOT Safe Routes to School project completed to improve safety and quality of life with a $250,000 capital investment
- Lake Maxinkuckee bike and pedestrian trail planned with $200,000 in proposed funding from Regional Cities grant
- 13.6 acres of land annexed for Sandhill Farm housing development with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant to provide additional housing for residents
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Town of LaPaz
- Key owners discussed voluntary annexation in order to create a commercial corridor and annex 100 acres of property at the intersection of US Hwy 6 and 31
- Developed $1.5 million streetscape and road improvement plan with assistance from the Michiana Area Council of Government (MACOG) to revitalize downtown area
- Discussed creation of new bike trail to connect with Lakeville and Potato Creek State Park and enhance quality of life
- INDOT reopened Michigan Road in LaPaz, completing a significant transportation improvement in the area
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City of Plymouth
- Pretzels Inc. acquired Commerce Shell Building, creating 65 new jobs with a $18 million capital investment; first company to locate to Plymouth in 9 years
- Two additional businesses expanded: DAC Enterprise with a $83,500 capital investment, and Viking Paper with a $3.57 million capital investment
- Plymouth High School Manufacturing Day event held to generate interest in manufacturing careers with over 150 students and 5 businesses
- New Manufacturing Center planned with $400,000 in proposed funding from Regional Cities grant
- Entrepreneurship Center planned with $400,000 in proposed funding from Regional Cities grant
- 3 additional gateway signs added to improve and beautify entryways
- City awarded Lake & River Enhancement grant for design of kayak launch
- Wellness & Life Enrichment Center awarded $2 million in Regional Cities funding; includes an aquatics center and indoor soccer complex to improve quality of life
- INDOT Groundbreaking held on new Sub District highway maintenance facility to ensure well-maintained transportation routes throughout northern Indiana
- River Gate South apartment complex planned with $1.5 million from City Council and additional proposed funding from Regional Cities grant, consisting 39 apartments and potentially condos
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Marshall County
- $4.6 million in Regional Cities RDA funding approved for 5 Marshall County Projects to improve quality of place
- Two businesses expanded: Homestead Dairy with a $14 million capital investment, and Faulkner Fabricating with a $1.78 million capital investment
- County-wide online permit system implemented to improve efficiency of permit processing
- $416,000 EPA Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant used on 14 Phase I and II Studies
- Ancilla College opened new residence hall to attract more students
- Marshall County Career Success Coalition named College Success County in recognition of efforts
- 7 major road improvements with a $600,000 capital investment to improve transportation
- Veterans Parkway won Excellence in Concrete Pavement Award with over 5,000 cars daily
- County-wide housing plan established with 4 residential projects (Bourbon, Bremen, Culver and Plymouth) to provide additional housing for residents
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On the horizon
- Made in Marshall County event to be held to allow businesses to connect with the youth by showcasing products that are made locally
- Workforce Development Pilot Project to launch with partnership from Northern Indiana Workforce Board; Ancilla College to develop employee training courses to improve workforce
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Invest in Marshall County
The Marshall County EDC would like to say "thank you" for your commitment in supporting the "Invest in Marshall County" campaign. The private/public partnership was launched in 2015 to increase private sector support for economic development.
New investors pledging funds to the campaign, or partnering with the MCEDC, include:
- Faulkner Fabricating, Inc.
- Pretzels, Inc.
- Elkay Wood Products Company
- Viking Paper Corporation
- Artizan Flooring
- DAC Enterprise, Inc.
Renewing investors include:
- 1st Source Bank
- First National Bank of Monterey
- Indiana Michigan Power
- Easterday Houin, LLP
- Hoosier Racing Tire
- Plymouth Foundry
- Zentis Food Solutions North America
- Marshall County
- Plymouth Chamber of Commerce
- City of Plymouth
- Town of Argos
- Town of Bourbon
- Town of Bremen
- Town of Culver
- Town of LaPaz
Thank you, together we will strengthen and grow Marshall County's economy.
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