Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County has some potential sites in mind when industrial park expansion is needed, but leaders are focused now on getting its existing land shovel ready.
EDC staff reviewed the organization’s progress regarding targeted growth goals at its board’s March 4 meeting.
President Valerie Shaffer said EDC staff are constantly evaluating project leads to match them with the best place in the county for their needs.
They also stay in touch with Realtors about available properties and constantly update a database so they’re prepared when leads come in.
Shaffer said the local EDC participated in Indiana EDC’s strategic sites review to make and rank a list of potential sites to acquire for local industrial park expansion.
However, Shaffer said her priorities are upgrading sanitary sewer capacity at Richmond’s Midwest Industrial Park Phase III, plus addressing water infrastructure needs at Cambridge City’s Gateway Industrial Park.
EDC is currently courting two new Midwest Industrial Park prospects. Project Bell could hire 200 workers through a $250 million investment for fabricated metal production. Project Green Future, which specializes in renewable energy, could invest $26 million and add 10-15 jobs. Leads came from Indiana EDC.
Shaffer met with the owner of Site Location Partnership earlier this year to discuss how to advance the EDC’s work using the company’s target industry prospect development program.
EDC staff are also meeting with local or headquarters leaders for several existing businesses with retention/expansion projects in the pipeline.
In other business
- Businesses have been asking EDC staff about transportation options for workers since Depot Taxi recently closed. Some companies had set up accounts with the taxi company.
Knowing how a lack of transportation can affect workers and employers, EDC has been trying to find a buyer for the taxi service and is helping connect one potentially interested buyer with its owner. - Shaffer is working with a developer that is working on finalizing its project scope including revitalization of numerous historic properties in downtown Richmond as part of Earlham College’s Revitalize Richmond plan. Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded Earlham $25 million to help improve the community.
- Board members approved pursuing a prorated $5,412 in repayment from Grace Sales and Engineering from a 2019 incentive agreement.
The startup company received a $41,000 EDIT grant in December 2018 and exceeded its capital expenditure requirement but only created eight of 14 planned jobs. It is still active, producing rubber items such as truck mud flaps.
EDC will seek quarterly payments to minimize impact on the company.
Board Chair Peter Zaleski said it’s rare to see companies not meet their goals but it’s important to pursue those repayments when necessary to be fiscally responsible for tax dollars. - EDC successfully completed the termination of the lease with Wolverine Worldwide after its employees transitioned to remote customer service work and executed a new lease with Vandor, both on Feb. 9.
- Shaffer and Richmond Mayor Ron Oler were interviewed virtually by Japan Times for a feature in its U.S. Midwest insert.
- The board’s next meeting is 4 p.m. April 1 at its office, 900 N. E St., Richmond.