Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County said goodbye to longtime board leaders and approved a new officer slate for 2026.
During its Dec. 8 meeting, the board welcomed incoming Chair Peggy Cenova, Vice Chair Tony Foster, Secretary Mike Gaddis and Treasurer Rodger Smith.
Cenova was appointed by Wayne County Commissioners with approval of Wayne County Council.
In 2022, Cenova retired as regional director of East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, which she had joined in 2009. She helped businesses get started, grow, access capital or work through challenges.
Cenova previously managed psychiatric, legal and orthodontic practices, owned an advertising specialty business, and worked as a consultant. She also learned about local government financing as Hagerstown’s town council president for 11 years.
Terms are ending for current board Chair Jim Tanner, Treasurer Jim King and Brad Robinson.
King thanked the EDC staff, saying the organization is a great asset for Wayne County that isn’t widely understood.
“I wish the rest of the county would know the value you bring to the area we all live in,” King said.
In his final treasurer’s report, King noted that as of November, EDC was $66,392.08 under its 2025 budget of $736,058.84.
In other business
Discussion and work continues around Cambridge City’s request for matching county funding toward a new water tower at the county’s Gateway Industrial Park. EDC President Valerie Shaffer said she’s hoping an agreement can be finalized by Dec. 31. The project is still on track for completion by September 2027.
Nearly half (20 of 44) of the properties approved for Wayne County’s blight elimination program have been demolished. That’s one each from Hagerstown, Cambridge City, Economy and Williamsburg; two from Centerville; three from Dublin and 12 from Richmond. Asbestos was found in 26 of 40 properties inspected.
Wayne County, Richmond, Cambridge City and EDC are finalizing details on an interlocal agreement for the proposed Wayne County Landbank. Wayne County’s council and commissioners will then consider formally approving the funding request.
Shaffer attended the Global Nuclear Energy Summit at Purdue University to learn about the future of nuclear energy in Indiana and how state leaders believe it will help address high electricity demands by data centers and other large energy users.
A version of this article appeared in the December 17 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.