City and County leaders demonstrate support for building redevelopment
City and County leaders demonstrate support for building redevelopment
COLUMBIA CITY (March 9, 2011) – During regularly scheduled meetings this week, the Columbia City Common Council, Whitley County Commissioners, and Whitley County Council each agreed to proposals for local support of the redevelopment of the former CF Gomma USA, Inc. facility at 643 W Ellsworth Street.
“Local leaders have worked together for more than twelve months to identify how best to encourage the redevelopment of this manufacturing facility,” said Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck, “We all recognize the importance of seeing the former CF Gomma building returned to productive use.”
City and County leaders have agreed to the forgiveness of utility liens and property tax penalties, respectively, as well as approval of a CEDIT based incentive to support the retention and expansion of Markle (Indiana) based Novae Corporation at the Columbia City site. These proposals were made upon the review and recommendation of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation.
“On behalf of the Whitley County EDC, I am pleased to bring together local leaders and Novae Corporation executives to consider redevelopment of this facility,” said EDC president Alan Tio, “I understand and respect that the approvals this week are one step in the company’s evaluation of this project.”
Novae Corporation manufactures open and enclosed utility trailers, commercial lawn equipment and agricultural and industrial material handling systems. In 2008, Novae Corporation acquired Columbia City-based Cardinal Grain, which produces grain handling and bulk material moving systems.
“Our company is committed to fully evaluating the potential redevelopment of the former CF Gomma facility,” said Novae President & CBDO Michael Bermes, “We greatly appreciate the local support that we have received to date and hope to make a formal announcement about this project in the near future.”
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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Media Contacts:
Michael Bermes (Novae) 260.758.9838
Mayor Jim Fleck (Columbia City) 260.248.5111
Alan Tio (EDC) 260.244.5506