Bill Davis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), announces the launch of “Invest in Marshall County,” a four year campaign with the goal of increasing private sector participation to further grow and strengthen the county economy.

“Local governments across Marshall County have been very supportive of MCEDC’s economic development program over the past seven years,” stated Davis. “In anticipating the need for private sector participation, the board adopted a long range strategic plan that will guide economic development activities and growth for the next five to ten years.”

Economic development is extremely competitive. The most successful programs are based on a number of key elements coming together, and funding from both the public and private sectors is a must.

The strategic plan, as adopted, highlights four specific programs:

1. Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) – Through the use of interviews with business leaders, the BEAR program aims to learn about the issues companies face so MCEDC can develop solutions. In particular, the BEAR program will uncover expansion opportunities, and assist in these expansions.
2. Business Attraction – MCEDC will identify and develop our county’s business assets, and market them to targeted businesses in order to attract new industries to the area.
3. Entrepreneurial Hub – MCEDC, with area partners, will develop an entrepreneurial center, incorporating elements for success and allowing innovative business ideas to prosper.
4. Workforce Development Program – MCEDC, with area partners, will develop an immediate plan to address the availability of workers and ensure that our future workforce has the skills that our employers require.

“The timing of the campaign is critical as the national spotlight is on Indiana due to exceptional job growth and new businesses setting up operations across the state,” stated Kevin Overmyer, President of the Marshall County Board of Commissioners. “Now is the time to stop the economic development train in Marshall County with the implementation of strategies to expand existing businesses and bring new businesses to the area.”

The initial response to the campaign and support for implementing the new economic development direction is favorable. The following is a list of businesses that are committing to support the “Invest in Marshall County” campaign:

• Teachers Credit Union (TCU)
• Centier Bank
• Lake City Bank
• First Federal Bank
• First National Bank of Monterey
• First Farmers Bank & Trust
• St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
• Community Hospital of Bremen
• Hoosier Racing Tire
• Plymouth Foundry
• Country Auto
• Northern Indiana Public Service Company
• Marshall County REMC
• South Bend International Airport
• Garmong Construction
• Swan Lake Resort
• Graphix Unlimited
• Marshall County Community Foundation / United Way
• Bremen Chamber of Commerce

According to recent statistics, Indiana led the nation in manufacturing employment growth in 2014. This growth can be seen throughout our region and within Marshall County as MCEDC has assisted in seven expansion projects in 2014 from existing businesses. These projects are expected to create $50.5 million in capital investment and bring an estimated 585 new jobs to the county. As learned through discussions with numerous local businesses, additional capital investment and employment growth is expected to continue throughout 2015.

Since MCEDC’s establishment in 2007, the non-profit organization has assisted in business expansion and attraction projects resulting in an estimated 1,500 jobs and more than $144 million in new investment across Marshall County.

For more information on the capital campaign, please contact Jerry Chavez, Executive Director, at (574) 935-8499.

Source: The Marshall County Economic Development Corp.; Inside INdiana Business