Two new Industries have started construction in Montgomery County this year. The ethanol plant in Linden is a 100 million dollar project providing high tech jobs while creating improved
markets for our grain farming businesses.

Dubose Manufacturing will be locating along the Nucor Road Industrial Corridor and we are glad to have them as part of the steel development cluster.

Many of our existing employers are expanding or becoming
more efficient through investment in technology. The County
is developing a long term plan to provide infrastructure support
for business growth and MCED continues to enhance our workforce
development initiatives such as SkillsNet, School to Career
and project Bright Future.

Our industries have trained together and benefited from over
$200,000 in grants through the SkillsNet training consortium
and MCED is seeking grants to do more. Our School to Career
Committee has launched a one of a kind Careers in Manufacturing
curriculum at Crawfordsville High School next year. This curriculum
was developed by Crawfordsville High School in concert with
local industries, Ivy Tech and MCED. The classes include a
work ethics segment and industry internships, all of which
are crucial to community workforce development.

The community accepted the funding challenge and is moving
the Ivy Tech Instructional Center site into a newly remodeled
building at the intersection of I-74 and US 231. This facility
will be equipped with the latest technology. We have been
recognized for this Partnership and Phil Boots will accept
a prestigious Award for Excellence from the State of Indiana
on behalf of MCED.

These kinds of success stories do not happen without people
working together and refusing to turn away when volunteers
are needed. Montgomery County Economic Development has more
than 30 of these community minded people on different boards
and committees, donating time, money and resources to help
make our community a better place. Business leaders, elected
officials, educators, and service organizations are all represented
in our group of community stakeholders.

The one thing you do notice about them, especially the ones
who have been around awhile and always seem to be there when
you need them, is their unbiased attitude when it comes to
decision making. You will find that the real statesmen and
women will put the concerns of the community above their own
personal agendas.

Montgomery County Economic Development is fortunate to have
many of these volunteers and there are many others out there
in various organizations all over. We thank you for your service,
you do make the difference.

Bill Henderson