Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Nearly 50 community leaders turned out Wednesday morning to learn about economic development, but they didn't have to look far.
Lincoln Schrock, director of Indiana Northeast Development, gave an upbeat 60-minute talk about industrial development, including reasons behind Whitley County's growing industrial base.
According to Schrock, 22 new industrial projects occurred in northeast Indiana in 1997. At the same time, 89 existing companies expanded. Total investment for both categories was $364 million.
"All I'm saying is opportunities abound," Schrock told officials, after laying out some of the issues confronting economic development.
Lincoln spoke to representatives of Warsaw, Kosciusko County, several area towns and business leaders on behalf of Kosciusko Development Inc., which has expressed a renewed interest in generating a more cooperative effort in retaining existing and luring new industry to the area.
"We're interested in maintaining that high quality of life," KDI board president Larry Teghtmeyer said at the opening of Tuesday's morning meeting at Ramada Inn.
Some of the concerns about near-stagnant industrial growth have come at the same time industries are choosing Whitley County for new factories.
Whitley County has seen numerous companies locate along U.S. 30 in the past three years, after the county worked to extend water lines to property along the highway. Two industrial parks are developing.
The county took action after Steel Dynamics Inc., chose the town of Butler over Columbia City to construct its new mini-mill facility.
As part of the plan, the county several years ago established a 3,300-acre tax increment finance district - the largest in the state. A one-million gallon water tower near the highway serves the industry.
Schrock calls Whitley County's efforts the single most pro-active effort in northeast Indiana in preparing for industrial growth.
While preparation takes a few years, "the dividends are almost immediate," he said.
Schrock said much of the industrial development within the nine-county district has stemmed from companies in Michigan interested in rural sections of Indiana. Interest, he said, stems from a strong work ethic, lower labor costs, lower land costs, less congestion and less crime.
He called the rural community the "last frontier in corporate America.
"They're going to seek out environments where it's easier to get things done," he said.
Part of the reason Michigan companies - many of which are automotive related - are choosing to relocate in Indiana is because of its proximity to the auto manufacturing center, he said.
Another reason that Indiana may be appealing is that rural areas often lack unionized workforces. Many of the Michigan firms moving to Indiana arrive without organized unions, Schrock said.
Schrock outlined four conditions that are needed to attract industry.
Those include industrial zoned sites with utilities available and single owners who offer a set price.
"If you're not site ready, you will not compete," he said.
Other factors are a good business climate, image and labor availability, he said.
