EDC 2011 Outlook
EDC hosts outlook meeting to highlight local and regional initiatives
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (February 23, 2011) – Nearly 60 people from Whitley County and Northeast Indiana gathered for the “first-ever” Whitley County EDC Outlook meeting. The breakfast meeting was held at the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City Tuesday February 22, 2011.
“Our 2011 Outlook breakfast showcased the important work the EDC is doing to encourage business growth in Whitley County and how that work connects with regional initiatives,” said EDC president Alan Tio, “We look forward to returning again next year to update our progress attracting new businesses to Whitley County, supporting the growth of existing industries and working with entrepreneurs in our community.”
John Stafford, Director of the Community Research Institute at IPFW, was the keynote speaker for the event. In his presentation, Stafford addressed current and past economic conditions in the Whitley County and the surrounding Northeast Indiana region. The Community Research Institute at IPFW provides information and analysis on economic, demographic, public finance and socio-economic issues for public, not-for-profit and private organizations in Northeast Indiana. Stafford also teaches classes in urban policy and public finance in the Division of Public and Environmental Affairs at IPFW.
“Whitley County, from several perspectives, is well positioned for job and investment growth as we gradually recover from the recent recession”, said Stafford, “It has the geographically advantage of being along the U.S. 30 corridor – a focal point of economic activity in northern Indiana; it has a demonstrated ability over the long-term to successfully implement major economic development initiatives; the EDC has a proven track record in working with prospects, and it understands the importance of creating an entrepreneurial support system.”
Brad Bishop, Executive Director of the Warsaw-based Orthoworx initiative, provided an overview of the orthopedics industry industry, community and education initiative, and John Sampson, President & CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, provided an overview of the Vision 20/20 regional planning initiative, which brings together locally-based initiatives such as the Whitley Forward initiative sponsored by the Whitley County Community Foundation.
About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients' growth and success. Our mission is to implement a unified economic development effort and to expand employment and business opportunities for the benefit of the people of Whitley County by developing and maintaining cooperation of all individuals, groups, and organizations within the county. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit www.whitleyedc.com.
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