I would like to take the opportunity to use this first column as a reintroduction in my new role as leader of the Economic Development Group of Fayette County.
Some of you may know me as Director of Utilities and Streets for the City of Connersville. I retired last July.
Some of you may know me as a local downtown business owner.
I may also be known by some as a local history buff, having written a column for the Connersville News-Examiner called Looking Back for a decade or so.
I hope to use skills learned from all these endeavors to move forward local efforts in the area of economic development
Connersville Economic Development Group was officially formed as Fayette County Industrial Development Corporation. It was incorporated by the Indiana Secretary of State on June 3, 1986. During the ensuing years there have been 11 local economic development directors. I am officially number 12 with the title CEO/ President. EDG is governed by a Board of Directors made up of local community leaders, representatives of local government, schools and industry.
It is my intention to be as transparent as possible with our efforts. I will be stepping up our public presence and social media status. I will give regular monthly updates in this forum and discuss the issues of the day in the area of economic development.
We are found at 721 W. 21st S. in the local office building where Ivy Tech Community College is located. This property is owned and managed by the Economic Development Group.
As I have embarked on this new position (now in my second month) I have been learning a lot, and I still have a much to learn. I have developed one concept that I will be using to organize our efforts: Building Blocks. I will be talking a lot about building blocks going forward.
The field of economic development is very complex. The basic tenet is to try and obtain new employment and help support and retain present employment in the community. There are, though, many things that must be present to support that basic tenet: Workforce development, early childhood learning and daycare, local revitalization efforts and placemaking, and housing are some of these. These are the building blocks that I will be working on and talking about. These blocks build the foundation that brings jobs.
I will also spend time supporting the local Chamber, Discover Connersville downtown and other efforts that make Connersville a better place to live. I will be working together with local officials, city and county to realize our goals.
I look forward to bringing a greater visibility to EDG and will be available to discuss issues, chase leads or answer questions. I can be reached at bcolter@edgconnersville.com and our office phone number is 765-827-1366.