Mark Wickersham
Executive Director of Huntington County United Economic Development
As Published March 27, 2009 in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
Abbreviated Edition
Generations of Hoosiers have long appreciated Huntington County for its location, people, commerce and lifestyle. Native Americans of the Miami Tribe were the first to enjoy the County named in honor of Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This region was the key center connecting historic trade routes between the Upper Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin.
Today, Huntington County is connected to the world via the NAFTA Corridor of I-69, the U.S. Highway 24 Hoosier Heartland Industrial Corridor, and Norfolk-Southern's Class 1 line. Huntington Municipal Airport with its 5,001 foot runway, new terminal and low fuel costs welcomes pilots from throughout North America. Its economic heritage often put Huntington County on center stage as the Nation's economy grew.
Huntington's heritage of location, workforce, and value contribute to local strengths in several economic clusters including, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, distribution centers, food processing, metal and steel fabrication, mineral aggregates and petroleum refining and distribution. The County saw ten new industrial projects during 2008, earning it recognition by former Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman as one of Indiana's best performing economic development efforts among County's of its size.
The City continues to make improvements to its water supply by developing new wells, long before demand outpaces their existing capacity. Huntington is constructing new storm and sanitary sewer systems to address historic combined systems. And Huntington hopes to become a leader in the production of renewable energy by working with Nature's Fuels Company on a project to utilize municipal waste to produce fuel and electricity.
Local communities are also moving forward with several infrastructure projects. The Town of Markle is adding additional water capacity to its industrial park on I-69. The Town of Warren will complete its downtown streetscape project this year and is preparing infrastructure improvements for a project at local employer Heartland Aluminum. The Town of Roanoke continues to develop its comprehensive strategic plan, evaluating commercial and residential growth in a balancing act with transportation needs and wetlands resources and opportunities.
Huntington County has proven that our heritage of location, workforce, and value are leading the way to a bright future for Huntington County.
Follow this link to read Mark Wickersham's full article "A Heritage of Location, Workforce, Value--Poised for the 21st Century"
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Through Action, Noble County EDC Aims to Make Vision A Reality
Rick Sherck
Executive Director of the Noble County Economic Development Corp.
As Published May 22, 2009 in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
Abbreviated Edition
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is a waste of time. Vision with action can change the world.” This is a quote from Joel Barker that I heard a number of years ago. It is now written on the wall of the Noble County Economic Development Corp. boardroom. The last line of this quote exemplifies the strategic planning process of the Noble County EDC.
One of the first actions completed by the Noble County EDC in early 2006 was a strategic plan, which was reviewed and updated in 2007. The actions of the Noble County EDC the last two years have been guided by the 2007 strategic plan. We believe these initiatives have positioned us well for the future.
The strategic plan focused on three main categories: marketing, site inventory and work-force development. Each of these are important individually, but a coordinated effort developed with a equal focus on all areas will create a great deal of synergy.
We have devoted a great deal of time to strengthening our relationships with existing industries and cultivating new relationships with site selectors. These efforts have paid off, as Noble County EDC has helped secure more than $1 million in work-force training grants for existing industries and secure state incentives in excess of $3.2 million. Noble County was recognized for our accomplishments in 2008, as we were: 10th in new jobs created per capita since 2005; and third in total number of deals per capita. Noble County was recognized by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman as the No. 1 county per-capita in job creation in 2008.
There is still a great deal of uncertainty in the auto market, but we must look toward the future with a great deal of optimism. Noble County possesses an entrepreneurial spirit that can be matched by very few communities, a work force that is well-trained and devoted and skill sets that can be easily adapted to other industries such as orthopedic, wind energy, solar energy or any other manufacturing environment.
Examples of the entrepreneurial spirit of Noble County can be seen by looking at industries such as Structural Composites of Indiana, which recently began production of rail-car covers for the coal industry, or Busche’s diversification into the manufacturing of refrigeration housings that will be used for reach-in coolers and dental applications. To be successful in the future, we will need to work to diversify our employment base, as opportunities may be right around the corner..
The leadership of the Noble County EDC soon will be revisiting our strategic plan, the outcome of which will not only include a vision for the future, but action plans to make that vision a reality, because we believe “vision with action can change the world.”
Read Rick's Full Article "Through Action, EDC Aims to Make Vision A Reality" to learn more about Noble County's vision and the steps they have taken and programs they have initiated thus far.
Executive Director of the Noble County Economic Development Corp.
As Published May 22, 2009 in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
Abbreviated Edition
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is a waste of time. Vision with action can change the world.” This is a quote from Joel Barker that I heard a number of years ago. It is now written on the wall of the Noble County Economic Development Corp. boardroom. The last line of this quote exemplifies the strategic planning process of the Noble County EDC.
One of the first actions completed by the Noble County EDC in early 2006 was a strategic plan, which was reviewed and updated in 2007. The actions of the Noble County EDC the last two years have been guided by the 2007 strategic plan. We believe these initiatives have positioned us well for the future.
The strategic plan focused on three main categories: marketing, site inventory and work-force development. Each of these are important individually, but a coordinated effort developed with a equal focus on all areas will create a great deal of synergy.
We have devoted a great deal of time to strengthening our relationships with existing industries and cultivating new relationships with site selectors. These efforts have paid off, as Noble County EDC has helped secure more than $1 million in work-force training grants for existing industries and secure state incentives in excess of $3.2 million. Noble County was recognized for our accomplishments in 2008, as we were: 10th in new jobs created per capita since 2005; and third in total number of deals per capita. Noble County was recognized by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman as the No. 1 county per-capita in job creation in 2008.
There is still a great deal of uncertainty in the auto market, but we must look toward the future with a great deal of optimism. Noble County possesses an entrepreneurial spirit that can be matched by very few communities, a work force that is well-trained and devoted and skill sets that can be easily adapted to other industries such as orthopedic, wind energy, solar energy or any other manufacturing environment.
Examples of the entrepreneurial spirit of Noble County can be seen by looking at industries such as Structural Composites of Indiana, which recently began production of rail-car covers for the coal industry, or Busche’s diversification into the manufacturing of refrigeration housings that will be used for reach-in coolers and dental applications. To be successful in the future, we will need to work to diversify our employment base, as opportunities may be right around the corner..
The leadership of the Noble County EDC soon will be revisiting our strategic plan, the outcome of which will not only include a vision for the future, but action plans to make that vision a reality, because we believe “vision with action can change the world.”
Read Rick's Full Article "Through Action, EDC Aims to Make Vision A Reality" to learn more about Noble County's vision and the steps they have taken and programs they have initiated thus far.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day 2009: Honoring Those Who Protect Our Freedoms
The American spirit wears no political label. In service to others and yes,
in sacrifice for our country, there are no Republicans; the are no Democrats; there are only Americans. ~ Sen. John Kerry
Photo Courtesy of BL1961
Photo Courtesy of BL1961Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Two More U.S. Military Contracts for Northeast Indiana
Northeast Indiana's defense industry brings in millions of dollars every year and is an industry that is holding its own amidst economic changes. Northeast Indiana's skilled resource pool of talented engineers couples with innovative companies that are committed to providing high-quality products and parts to America's Defense and Homeland Security needs. In fact 10 of northeast Indiana's 11 counties contribute to Department of Defense contracts.
Adding to the region's collection of defense industry contracts and continuing northeast Indiana's tradition of defense/aerospace excellence, the U.S. Department of Defense recently announced that two new U.S. Military contracts have been awarded to Fort Wayne and Columbia City firms, respectively. Fort Wayne-based ITT has been awarded a contract totaling $22,928,426 to provide single channel ground and airborne radio system waveform software support for the Program Executive Office's Joint Tactical Radio System. Columbia-City manufacturer ERAPSCO was awarded a $31,316,120 contract for to provide 7,320 AN/SSQ-101A sonobuoys and 20 test, analyze and fix units for the Naval Antisubmarine Forces.
Adding to the region's collection of defense industry contracts and continuing northeast Indiana's tradition of defense/aerospace excellence, the U.S. Department of Defense recently announced that two new U.S. Military contracts have been awarded to Fort Wayne and Columbia City firms, respectively. Fort Wayne-based ITT has been awarded a contract totaling $22,928,426 to provide single channel ground and airborne radio system waveform software support for the Program Executive Office's Joint Tactical Radio System. Columbia-City manufacturer ERAPSCO was awarded a $31,316,120 contract for to provide 7,320 AN/SSQ-101A sonobuoys and 20 test, analyze and fix units for the Naval Antisubmarine Forces.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Northeast Indiana's Success Stories: UT Electronic Controls
Pride. Quality. Teamwork. Huntington-based manufacturer UT Electronic Controls provides an example for these three qualities. Utilizing teamwork to produce high-quality microprocessor-based controls has initiated a strong sense of pride throughout the facility in all of the employees. Further supporting the effectiveness of UTEC's perspective on doing business, IndustryWeek has recognized the manufacturer as one of North America's Top 10 Best Plants in 2008.
Top 10 Best Plants must show a dedication to and competence in increasing competitiveness, enhancing customer satisfaction and creating stimulating and rewarding work environments. UTEC accomplishes all three tasks and has produced what Esther Johnson-vice president and general manager of UTEC's parent company, Carrier Electronics-describes as a "huge locomotive."
A locomotive appears to be a sufficient analogy, as UTEC has showcased the ingenuity, efficiency and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement that has earned the northeast Indiana manufacture its well-deserved national recognition.
Northeast Indiana is where success has found a home. Ingenious and high-quality businesses find everything they need to achieve their goals: quality of place, nurturing business environment and a workforce skilled at achieving results.
Top 10 Best Plants must show a dedication to and competence in increasing competitiveness, enhancing customer satisfaction and creating stimulating and rewarding work environments. UTEC accomplishes all three tasks and has produced what Esther Johnson-vice president and general manager of UTEC's parent company, Carrier Electronics-describes as a "huge locomotive."
A locomotive appears to be a sufficient analogy, as UTEC has showcased the ingenuity, efficiency and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement that has earned the northeast Indiana manufacture its well-deserved national recognition.
Northeast Indiana is where success has found a home. Ingenious and high-quality businesses find everything they need to achieve their goals: quality of place, nurturing business environment and a workforce skilled at achieving results.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
New Program in Northeast Indiana Supports Entrepreneurs
With national accolades touting Indiana's renowned business climate and tax incentives, Indiana's arms are wide open and welcoming to new and expanding businesses. It should come to no surprise then that this same quality of flexibility and reliability is found within the individual communities of Indiana and throughout northeast Indiana.
Furthering current incentives and available resources, the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation has launched Acceleration Innovation,a program which offers more services to attract and retain entrepreneurs. Accelerating Innovation will work to support and enhance the development of emerging industries throughout Whitley County. Reinforcing the collaborative environment of northeast Indiana, Whitley County EDC is partnering with the Columbia City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Small Business Development Center to develop this program. Additionally, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), the Northeast Indiana Foundation and the Whitley County Community Foundation have pledged funds in support of this program.
Furthering current incentives and available resources, the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation has launched Acceleration Innovation,a program which offers more services to attract and retain entrepreneurs. Accelerating Innovation will work to support and enhance the development of emerging industries throughout Whitley County. Reinforcing the collaborative environment of northeast Indiana, Whitley County EDC is partnering with the Columbia City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Small Business Development Center to develop this program. Additionally, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), the Northeast Indiana Foundation and the Whitley County Community Foundation have pledged funds in support of this program.
Friday, May 8, 2009
New Tech in Northeast Indiana
With the dissemination of the newly recieved TOpS 2015 funds underway, foundations across the country are joining with the Lilly Endowment to facilitate the creation of New Tech High Schools, an effort which a portion of the TOpS 2015 grant will support. KnowledgeWorks Foundation recently announced a national $10 million grant to support the expansion of New Tech high schools, which includes Indiana schools.
6 Hoosier schools are currently operating under the Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) system and more than 20 schools are working toward implementation, with openings beginning in 2009. Up to 5 of these future New Tech schools will reside in northeast Indiana. Through ardent support from Governor Mitch Daniels and dedication from community leaders, Indiana has become the national leader in statewide New Tech development. In fact, Chad Wick, CEO of KnowledgeWorks explained that they "looked at approaches across the country, and found that Indiana is leading the way, with business and economic leaders, communities and school districts working together."
The achievement and collaboration the TOpS 2015 program represents highlights the understanding northeast Indiana communities have about what it takes to be successful and adapt to what youth and communities need. The interdependence amongst high school education, a community's quality of life and economic development is unquestionable and it is a bond that is growing stronger in northeast Indiana.
6 Hoosier schools are currently operating under the Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) system and more than 20 schools are working toward implementation, with openings beginning in 2009. Up to 5 of these future New Tech schools will reside in northeast Indiana. Through ardent support from Governor Mitch Daniels and dedication from community leaders, Indiana has become the national leader in statewide New Tech development. In fact, Chad Wick, CEO of KnowledgeWorks explained that they "looked at approaches across the country, and found that Indiana is leading the way, with business and economic leaders, communities and school districts working together."
The achievement and collaboration the TOpS 2015 program represents highlights the understanding northeast Indiana communities have about what it takes to be successful and adapt to what youth and communities need. The interdependence amongst high school education, a community's quality of life and economic development is unquestionable and it is a bond that is growing stronger in northeast Indiana.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Northeast Indiana's Success Stories: Medical Informatics Engineering
With healthcare reform under the spotlight, everyone wants to know what their options are and what direction the solutions will take America. We may not have the definitive answers yet, but we do know that some of the viable options for reform reside here in northeast Indiana.
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Medical Informatics Engineering (MIE) is playing an influential role on the national stage for healthcare reform. MIE claims the contract for Google's national initiative for electronic medical record (EMR) innovation and provides services that enable consumers and physicians to share information electronically. MIE products are completely web-based, giving physicians secure, anytime/anywhere access to patient records.
MIE's high-tech software development capabilities offers the region, state and nation affordable avenues to streamline healthcare, allowing healthcare providers to better serve our needs.
See more Northeast Indiana Success Stories
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Medical Informatics Engineering (MIE) is playing an influential role on the national stage for healthcare reform. MIE claims the contract for Google's national initiative for electronic medical record (EMR) innovation and provides services that enable consumers and physicians to share information electronically. MIE products are completely web-based, giving physicians secure, anytime/anywhere access to patient records.
MIE's high-tech software development capabilities offers the region, state and nation affordable avenues to streamline healthcare, allowing healthcare providers to better serve our needs.
See more Northeast Indiana Success Stories
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