The Economic Development Perspective
Marshall County Economic
Development Corporation
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Get to Know Marshall County Businesses - Consolidated Container Corporation
Corporate Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Date Established in Argos: 2012
Industrial Sector: Packaging
Primary Product:
Rigid Plastic Bottles
Number of Employees: 50
Located just across the street from the new Argos Manufacturing Center is one of Argos' largest manufacturers, and among the top 50 employers in Marshall County. Consolidated Container Company (CCC) is a leading developer and manufacturer of customized rigid plastic packaging solutions. CCC's diverse customer base includes the food, dairy, household and specialty chemicals, water, and beverage industries.
With continuity of supply being of upmost importance to their customers, CCC is very strategic in the areas in which they chose to operate. The Marshall County facility is well suited to meet the needs of this national organization. That is because Argos is centrally located, allowing CCC to be close to many customers and other facilities in the organization.
CCC has 57 rigid plastic packaging manufacturing facilities across the country, and the Argos plant is one of CCC's largest growing facilities. It produces over $6 million in product per year. Steve Bella, Plant Manager for CCC, states that he sees "nothing but growth for the future." The Argos facility has quadrupled its growth in the last five years and just completed its fifth new line installation. This growing business is well positioned to find continued success in Argos, upholding the company slogan, "It's always made right."
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What Makes Us "Stellar" - Marshall County Crossroads Stellar Update
Regional Stellar designation will improve quality of life and bring more people to live and work in Marshall County. Our region is making excellent progress towards earning this designation.
- After being named a finalist, the Steering Committee was formed and has now met 4 times
- From this group, 4 subcommittees were formed with the following goals:
- Communication and PR - to brand the initiative and ensure the public is aware of the application, our process, and how to get involved
- Community Engagement - to get Marshall County residents engaged in the initiative and establish a core group of support
- Project Team - to determine what projects will be included in the Regional Development Plan (RDP), create project narratives, and establish project budgets
- Special Projects - to demonstrate momentum and capacity of our region by identifying "Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper projects" to be included in the RDP
- In May, almost one hundred leaders from across the county met with Ball State University's Indiana Communities Institute to begin planning our Regional Stellar process
The RDP is due in September, and our team will travel to Indy to present this plan in November. If designated a Stellar Region, our community will be eligible to apply for millions of dollars in support for the plans we submit in our application.
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Innovative Regional Plan for Industry Growth
Our region is launching a new effort aimed at long-term economic and community prosperity. Earlier this year, the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership (SBERP) unveiled the
Regional Economic Development Strategy. Building off the momentum of this strategy, SBERP has hired TEConomy Partners to guide our region through the development of a new "Strategic Roadmap for Industry Growth." The strategy seeks to build on strengths and address barriers that will need to be overcome to enhance the region's economic position. Ultimately, the effort will inform how the region can focus its economic development efforts to ensure that its existing industry drivers can raise their level of competitiveness. The resulting long-range plan will bring the region together. It will provide a blueprint for success in how our region can collaborate to improve our economic prospects.
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State Promotes Workforce Development in Marshall County
Across Indiana there are currently around 85,000 open jobs representing gaps we must close to benefit workers and employers. In the interest of closing these gaps, Blair Milo, Secretary of Career Connections and Talent, recently met with Marshall County leaders on June 28th. The meeting provided data on Marshall County's job vacancies, future job forecasts, and labor force trends. Milo also discussed state, regional, and local assets to help our community improve career connections and close current gaps. Workforce development is one of Marshall County's key goals in our regional Stellar application. MCEDC, community leaders, businesses, and local educational partners have already been working together to attract a qualified workforce, develop worker training programs, and create talent pipelines. This meeting has helped confirm that the state is aware of our efforts and working to solve the same issues.
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Regional Cooperative Effort Takes Flight
Businesses and community leaders across Michiana are working together to improve the regional economy through Project Propel. The benefit of this initiative is that it will help attract more direct and international flights to and from South Bend International Airport. This will make it more competitive, and a better asset to the community. Project Propel will accomplish these goals by encouraging local businesses to fly through the South Bend International Airport for business travel. Businesses across the region have already participated by instituting "Fly Local First" policies, stating that employees will first explore flights through South Bend International Airport for business travel. Officials estimate that 60 percent of business flights currently go to airports in Chicago, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. This collaborative, regional effort will ensure more businesses fly locally.
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Progress Across Marshall County
Argos Manufacturing Center is Economic Development Innovation
Through MCEDC's assistance, the Town of Argos has at last reached a major milestone in their mission to attract new business to the area. The next step is making this goal a reality. On June 6th, the Town of Argos celebrated the substantial completion of the Argos Manufacturing Center with a ribbon cutting. The project is receiving $400,000 in Regional Cities funding due to its ability to improve quality of place by attracting new industry and talent to the community. The town believes that the Argos Manufacturing Center will spark the first of many developments in their industrial park, which is located just south of town. MCEDC has served as the project developer and is now actively working to market it to site selectors and businesses looking to expand. The building is well positioned to quickly attract another new business to the community due to its flexible design and location.
"Middle of Everywhere" Video Promotes Bourbon Opportunities
Few people know about the small town of Bourbon, Indiana, and its many unique opportunities. In an effort to change that, the town released a promotional video that will be used to attract potential residents and businesses. Bourbon, which is located near major markets such as Indianapolis, South Bend, and Chicago, is in the "middle of everywhere." This is just one of many ways Bourbon is working to grow their community. Last year, the town approved their new Comprehensive Plan. Bourbon is now working to implement it. One of the Plan's goals is expanding housing opportunities with a new residential development. Bourbon is also working to improve quality of place by planning events that attract visitors to the community and bring residents together. The promotional video highlights these activities and shows what words alone cannot-that Bourbon is a great place to live.
Innovative Manufacturer Joins Bremen Business Community
With a high concentration of RV manufacturers, the northern Indiana region is often called the RV capital of the world. Now, Bremen is proud to welcome a new, pioneering RV business to the Town. Innovator RV, LLC uses the latest technology to manufacture light weight travel trailers. The Elkhart-based startup has just begun operations at 402 Industrial Drive in Bremen. Innovator RV uses cutting edge technologies to produce trailers that use no wood, metal, or aluminum. This makes for a trailer that is about 1,000 pounds lighter than traditional vehicles of similar size. This advanced design makes the company a unique and valuable business asset to the community. Congratulations to Innovative RV and the Town of Bremen on this expansion.
Community Engagement Provides Vision for Damore Amphitheater
In 2015, a community survey was conducted which found that Culver residents want more outdoor activities and programming provided locally. On July 12th, the town celebrated the grand opening of the Damore Amphitheater in Culver Park which will meet these requests. This project was funded through a combination of grants and community donations. Last year, the Culver community came together and raised $45,885 for the amphitheater, surpassing the original goal of $30,000. This effort allowed the IHCDA to match $30,000 for the project through a CreatINg Place grant. The Marshall County Community Foundation also supported the project with a $25,000 grant. The success of this project helped Culver secure Stellar designation, which is now resulting in even more community development. Congratulations to the Town of Culver for making this quality of life enhancing project a reality.
Long Awaited Groundbreaking for Plymouth Projects
With the construction contracts signed, ground has at last been broken on two of Plymouth's most highly anticipated projects. The Aquatic Center and Early Childhood Learning Center located just off US Hwy 30 near Lifeplex, officially broke ground on July 18th. These projects have been long awaited by the community, especially the pool which is over seven years in the making. The Early Childhood Learning Center will be a workforce development solution by providing affordable, high quality pre-K education and childcare to encourage more parents to enter the job market.
These will be the first projects in Marshall County to be funded by New Market Tax Credits. The unique financing structure for these projects also includes Regional Cities funding (Aquatic Center), TIF funds, and private loans.
New Business Brightens Plymouth's Pilgrim Place Shopping Center
Summer, and the ensuing hot weather, is officially upon us. With it comes a new business just off US 30 in Plymouth, Sallie's by the Shore. You may have noticed a distinctive yellow vintage camper just west of the former Kmart building. This is the latest location for the growing ice cream shop, which was originally founded in Rochester, and expanded to Culver last summer. Sallie's temporary shop in Plymouth is open Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. The business has several ice cream flavors and toppings available, as well as outdoor seating. Thanks to the City of Plymouth, Sean Surrisi, Keith Hammonds, Donnie Davidson, and Rick Gaul for helping this small business prosper in Plymouth. Good luck to Sallie's at their newest location; we hope the business will continue to find growth and success in Marshall County.
Hard Hats Needed for Sneak Peek Tours
The Plymouth business community has asked for unique housing opportunities to attract young professionals to the area. River Gate South is the first new apartment complex to be built in many years to address these needs. While the apartments are on track to be completed later this year, several "Hard Hat" tours are being offered to potential residents this summer. River Gate South will offer a unique living environment unlike anything else in the area. The apartments are designed for professionals of all ages looking for a modern living space, while still being able to live close to work and Plymouth's numerous downtown amenities. Residents will also enjoy beautiful views of River Park Square and the Yellow River. This modern development is considered the foundation of Plymouth's downtown revitalization efforts. With additional projects, such as the REES Theatre restoration, Plymouth is poised for a true downtown renaissance.
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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.
Returning investors include:
- McKesson Title Corporation
- Business Development Corporation
- Harmony Marketing Group
- Miller Insurance Group
- 1st Source Bank
- South Bend International Airport
- Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
Thank you, together we will strengthen and grow Marshall County's economy.
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