The Economic Development Perspective

Marshall County Economic
Development Corporation
Regional Cities - IEDC Update

After many months of hard work and planning, several transformative Marshall County projects have officially been awarded Regional Cities Initiative (RCI) funding by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Three Marshall County projects aimed at population growth and quality of place enhancement have been funded:
  • Wellness and Life Enrichment Center (Aquatic Center, Zone Soccer Complex, and Early Childhood Development Center) - $2 million
  • Marshall County Housing Resurgence in Bremen (construction completed), Culver, and Plymouth (both to begin soon) - $1.85 million
  • Argos Manufacturing Center (to begin construction soon) - $400,000
Regional Cities - New Projects

This month, the Regional Development Authority (RDA) announced that even more RCI funding will be coming to Marshall County. The complete list includes seven projects, two of which will directly benefit Marshall County. These projects have now moved onto the IEDC and should be given final approval soon. Congratulations to the following Marshall County projects:
  • Rees Theater Restoration - $300,000
  • Boys and Girls Club Building - $100,000
Workforce Development Initiative Reaches Milestone

Workforce Development is a vital issue affecting productivity for Marshall County's industries. In an effort to create tailored solutions to address employer needs, MCEDC implemented a Workforce Development Program earlier this year. The program consists of one-on-one interviews with local business leaders. MCEDC has now interviewed for over one quarter of local manufacturers. This information will be the basis for the Marshall County Workforce Development Program. An Executive Summary of our findings will be released in the following weeks. Please stay tuned.
MCEDC Hosts Economic Development Retreat

Building awareness is the first step in creating a network, which is why MCEDC recently organized a diverse group of over 40 Marshall County leaders to discuss workforce development. The event was held on August 17th, and focused on ways to build and retain the local workforce. Through this conversation, the group agreed upon some potential solutions to improve our workforce. Be on the lookout for a summary of these solutions, which will be released shortly. Thanks to all who participated in the discussion.
Marshall County Supports Workforce Development Plan

MCEDC has been leading the conversation on workforce development for two years. Now, the community is joining that conversation and helping us work towards solutions. The Marshall County Commissioners have agreed to allocate $75,000 out of their budget to fund MCEDC's Workforce Development Program. A preliminary discussion on this budget allocation was also held with the Marshall County Council, and the plan seems to be supported by council members. The council members will adopt their yearly budget in October and we trust workforce funding will be included.
Marshall County Provides Culver Trail Assistance

Earning Stellar Community Designation will be of great benefit to the Town of Culver, the county, and the region. The Marshall County Commissioners and Marshall County Council recognized this benefit by pledging an in-kind donation of one mile of paving towards the Lake Max Trail Project. The Marshall County Community Foundation also has committed to matching $80,000 towards the trail. The approximately $500,000 project will connect Culver Academies to the western edge of Culver Park. These contributions help Culver's Stellar application by demonstrating regional support.
Progress across Marshall County

Argos Moves Forward with Manufacturing Center
In today's market, communities without readily available buildings often get glanced over by site selectors. Manufacturing Centers, such as the one being built in Argos, are the solution. The Argos Manufacturing Center is a customizable spec building, located within the town's Shovel Ready certified park. On September 13th, construction plans went before the Argos Technical Review Committee, who did not find any issues. A groundbreaking, along with grading and foundation work will begin in October.
 
Bourbon Supports Family Dollar Expansion
Planning for future development at the U.S. 30 and S.R. 331 corridor has paid off for Bourbon. On May 9th, the Town Council approved a zoning change to allow Dollar General to expand north of town on S.R. 331. The Town is also committing approximately $80,000 on sewer extension to the property to facilitate the development. This will be a $1 million project with construction projected to begin in November.
 
Bourbon Comprehensive Plan Nears Completion
Over the past nine months, the Town of Bourbon has worked to develop their Comprehensive Plan. Now Bourbon has hit a new milestone with the conclusion of the public comment period for the plan and adoption by the Bourbon Plan Commission on September 28th. The last step in the process is the final adoption by the Bourbon Town Council on October 10th. Congratulations to the Town of Bourbon and the Steering Committee.
 
Bremen Business Expansion on the Horizon
One of Bremen's top employers, Southwire Company, has announced the purchase of additional land for an upcoming expansion. Southwire has acquired approximately 28 acres of land next to its facility located at 515 Copperfield Way. Southwire employs over 400 full time workers, and is a vital member of the Bremen business community. This expansion signals continued growth for the company and the entire community.
 
Bremen Begins Façade Improvements
Thanks to last year's recognition as a Main Street Community, Bremen has begun work on a $60,000 business façade grant project. Ten downtown businesses have applied and been approved for façade work, and several are already underway. The Ameriprise Financial building and historic Anderson & Co. building are the first to get a facelift. Bremen's façade program will meet the goals of Indiana Main Street by preserving historic character and revitalize the downtown area.
 
Second Time's a Charm for Culver Stellar Site Visit
Culver is nearing the final step in its Stellar application process, and the town has gone the extra mile to ensure its success. On October 5th, the Stellar Selection Committee will come to Culver to evaluate the town and their projects. The day will start with a presentation at the train depot, followed by a tour of the town and some of the projects included in the application. Earlier this month, the Stellar committee distributed 600 flyers detailing their efforts to ensure residents were aware of and excited about the visit and all the good work being done in this "Stellar Community."
 
"Choose Culver" Flyer Promotes Business Opportunities
Culver is also reaching outside their community by engaging in an innovative marketing strategy aimed at growth. Culver leadership recently released a promotional flyer called "Choose Culver," showcasing all the town has to offer businesses and entrepreneurs. Culver has made significant investment in infrastructure to ensure growth, and is working to achieve Stellar designation to help create workforce housing and gathering spaces that will enhance quality of life. The "Choose Culver" flyer will help let everyone know about these efforts and much more.
 
LaPaz Rezones Future Commercial Corridor
LaPaz is setting the groundwork for future commercial growth. On September 21st the Marshall County Commissioners adopted an ordinance to rezone an approximately six acre site on the north side of U.S. Hwy 6 and west of the new U.S. Hwy 31. The area has been rezoned from Agricultural to Highway Commercial District, which will take some of the risk away from future developers and allow for more commercial activity in the area. LaPaz plans to annex the property into the town and designate it as a TIF District in the near future.
 
Movement for Plymouth Manufacturers
Ups and downs are a regular occurrence in the business cycle. In the case of Plymouth, two businesses leaving provides the city with excess capacity and infrastructure that are very unique for a community of this size. All of this is also highly marketable to food producers. The city's water and wastewater capacities are high enough to serve a community over seven times the size of Plymouth. With the departure of Del Monte and Bay Valley Foods, the infrastructure that supported these operations makes Plymouth an attractive location for large food processors.
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:
  • Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc.
  • Gibson Foundation, Inc.
Returning investors include:
  • Harmony Marketing Group
  • Easterday Construction Company, Inc.
  • SRKM Architecture LLC
  • Century Link
Thank you, together we will strengthen and grow Marshall County's economy.
MCEDC | [email protected] | 574-935-8499 | www.marshallcountyedc.org
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