Dorinda Heiden-Guss, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County (photo provided)

Elkhart County – “Over $108 million in new investment from existing and prospective companies has been announced in 2014,” states Dorinda Heiden-Guss, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County.

More importantly, the new focus in raising the standard of living and overall quality of life is being addressed by the not-for-profit corporation in realigning its talent and financial resources. In 2013, the EDC secured $72 million with a weighted average salary of $15.47 an hour. However, in 2014, the EDC is announcing over $108 million with a weighted average salary of $23.70 an hour.

“This is a significant difference in how the EDC of Elkhart County is doing business,” according to Heiden-Guss. “Thanks to our board of directors and strategic direction, Elkhart County and region will benefit from this new focus.”

Continuing, she shares that the EDC is supporting existing companies with programs for expansions, connecting with resources and understanding the challenge in securing enough workers. “This is why the EDC is building a program for diversification. By broadening the types of businesses in our local market, different talents and skill bases are needed. It also may bring the needed balance to offset the ebb and flows of our marketplace.”

The EDC team is enthusiastic about the continuing successful outcomes through the end of 2014, Heiden-Guss adds. “We bring value by helping businesses be profitable when they create quality jobs in the ever-changing global market.”

Founded in 2000 as a not-for-profit corporation, the EDC of Elkhart County’s mission is to create an economically vibrant community by recruiting, retaining and strengthening our county’s economic base and by being a catalyst for diversification, innovation and economic change.