News

Wabash County, IN  – Grow Wabash County and Johnson Junction (JJ’s) Travel Plaza and Convenience Stores will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, November 10, to mark the beginning of construction on the business’ new travel plaza and convenience store in Wabash.“Investments like JJ’s Travel Plaza demonstrate the confidence local businesses have in Wabash County’s growth trajectory,” said Tenille Zartman, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County. “In today’s mobile world, a full-service truck stop like JJ’s plays a vital role in supporting commerce, connecting people and goods, and fueling the growth that keeps Wabash County moving forward.”“On behalf...

Wabash County, IN  – Grow Wabash County would like to welcome Wabash High School senior, Amelia Daughtry, as the organization’s intern for fall 2025.  Amelia brings a strong interest in government, civic engagement, and community development to the team. Having just moved here from St. Louis, Missouri, Amelia is eager to learn more about Wabash County and connect with the people and projects that power the community.  Before her transition to Wabash High School, Amelia was actively involved within her school and community in St. Louis. She participated in the school’s choir for four years, played both basketball and tennis, was a...

Release courtesy of Duke EnergyPLAINFIELD, Ind. – Duke Energy has selected five economic development organizations in northern Indiana for inclusion in its 2025 Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to attract new jobs and investment in the state.“This program gives our local economic development partners the tools they need to showcase the strengths of their communities – both at home and on the national stage,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping influence growth in the state to build competitive, thriving communities.”Partnership Program grant funds...

Release excerpts courtesy of Site Selector Magazine[Site Selector Magazine] has awarded the Governor’s Cup annually since 1988, based on new and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by the proprietary Conway Projects Database. Site Selection, published by Conway Data, is the senior publication in the corporate real estate and economic development fields. The magazine’s yearly analyses are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as “the industry scoreboard” and are closely watched by more than 41,000 qualified subscribers, most of whom are involved in corporate facility location decisions at the CEO/President/COO level. Populated all year long by the Conway Data research team led...

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to share that Amber White has been promoted within the organization to the role of Office Manager.Amber has worked for Grow Wabash County as an office administrator since 2023 and has played an integral role in helping the organization operate in more efficient and effective ways over these last two-and-a-half years. In this new role, Amber will continue this great work while also taking on additional responsibilities."I’m incredibly grateful to Grow Wabash County for this opportunity,” White said. “Over the past two and a half years, I’ve learned more than I...

Press release courtesy of Metal XFort Wayne, IN and Lewisport, KY – MetalX, an independent metals recycling business, and Commonwealth Rolled Products, a leader in aluminum rolled products serving the automotive and industrial markets, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to form a strategic partnership — marking a significant step forward in advancing integrated and sustainable aluminum solutions. As part of the agreement, MetalX, together with the Rifkin family, will make a meaningful investment in Commonwealth Rolled Products, further aligning two leaders across the aluminum value chain.Based in Lewisport, Kentucky, Commonwealth Rolled Products is a premier producer of...

News release courtesy of Downtown Wabash, Inc.Mikka Hunt has been named the new executive director of Downtown Wabash, Inc. She follows Shane Waters who resigned in early September.“We are very pleased to have Mikka assume the role as Executive Director,” said board chair Amanda Lopez. “Mikka performed exceptionally well as our Events Manager with particular emphasis on her successful management of our First Fridays and Farmers Markets, and she really stepped up to help us fill the void left by Shane’s resignation. She will be a tremendous asset, and we look forward to her leadership.”“We will miss Shane and are...

The Learn More Center has opened a new adult education facility in Wabash County, designed to meet a growing demand for workforce training, high school equivalency preparation, and career-focused skill development. Classes in the new building began on August 11, with a ribbon-cutting and community open house scheduled for September 25.This facility represents the most comprehensive adult learning site in the county to date. Open four days a week with extended evening hours, it is built to serve 200 students annually, with a goal of 50 to 55 High School Equivalency graduates. Programs include basic literacy and diploma preparation, career...

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County hosted its 2025 Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 9, to celebrate another incredible year of growth in Wabash County and to recognize some of Grow Wabash County’s greatest champions and supporters.The event was emceed by Roderick Schram, who kept the show running smoothly and recognized the many sponsors who made the night’s event possible.  Before handing out awards, Grow Wabash County Board Chair, Tod Minnich, highlighted some of the great things happening all over the Wabash County community, thanks in part to the work being done by Grow Wabash County.Following his remarks,...

Wabash County, IN – The Young Professionals of Wabash County (YPWC) is thrilled to be welcoming Melissa Gifford to the YPWC Steering Committee.“Melissa brings a unique blend of professional expertise, creativity, and deep local roots that will be a tremendous asset to our team,” Jana Thibos, chair of the YPWC steering committee said. “Her passion for empowering young professionals and giving back to the Wabash County community aligns perfectly with the mission of YPWC. We look forward to the impact she will make as we continue building a strong, connected network of emerging leaders.”Born and raised in Wabash County, Melissa...

Release courtesy of Wabash County MuseumWABASH COUNTY, IN __The Wabash County Museum proudly announces the launch of a fundraising campaign to restore the interior of its beloved New York Central Caboose, No. 19480. This 1920s-era caboose has long been a community landmark and centerpiece of the Museum’s educational programming. Now, the Museum is seeking community support to bring the interior back to life.Thanks to a generous 2023 Norfolk Southern Grant, the caboose’s exterior was fully restored. Today, the striking red caboose welcomes thousands of visitors each year and serves as a meeting point for families and friends in downtown Wabash...

Release courtesy of Destination Wabash CountyWabash County, IN – Destination Wabash County is partnering with leaders throughout Wabash County to organize a county-wide roadway and litter clean-up initiative in March 2026. This effort aims to bring together community leaders, organizations, and volunteers to make a visible impact on Wabash County’s roadways, and Republic Services has stepped up to sponsor the initiative.The project idea began after a local group of volunteers cleaned up Hill Street-extended toward Lagro, sparking a larger conversation about how this kind of work could be expanded county-wide. “March is an ideal time to take action: grasses and...

Change is one of the few things that are constant in all aspects of life. And, workplace culture is shifting as more Baby Boomers retire, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z workers replace them. These groups often approach communication, technology, and leadership differently. If businesses ignore these differences, the result can be miscommunication, reduced efficiency, and weaker retention. Multigenerational Teams Drive Business Development When Managed WellFew organizations report confidence in leading intergenerational teams. This leadership gap matters because mismanaged workplace dynamics scale beyond the office. Businesses that fail to integrate younger workers effectively face higher turnover, stalled innovation, and long-term talent...

Modular Homes Offer a Smarter, Faster, More Affordable Path to HousingModular housing is too often misunderstood. When people hear the word “modular,” many picture a mobile home or a shipping container unit. But that’s not what’s on the table. True modular homes are built to the same codes, undergo the same inspections, and are constructed on the same foundations as site-built homes. And in many cases, they’re built stronger, delivered faster, and cost far less.For communities and developers facing tight timelines, zoning constraints, and shrinking budgets, modular construction presents a strategic opportunity, not a compromise.Modular Means Permanent, Customizable Housing That...

Grow Wabash County Launches Redesigned Website to Strengthen Business and Community EngagementImproved Structure and Content Help Businesses Access What They Need FasterWABASH COUNTY, IN — Grow Wabash County has launched a redesigned website to better serve site selectors, business owners, investors, and residents. Built in partnership with Golden Shovel Agency, the new site delivers faster navigation, clearer content, and a more strategic approach to digital engagement.The redesigned website aligns with Grow Wabash County’s mission: “Together, Growing a Prosperous Wabash County.” Its upgraded tools and resources streamline how users find critical information, from workforce data and available sites to small business...

Release courtesy of Wabash County MuseumWabash, IN — The Wabash County Museum is proud to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from Norfolk Southern through its Thriving Communities Grant Program. The funding will support interior renovations to the museum’s 1920s era New York Central Caboose, with the plan to make it open to the public for the first time ever. The vision for the caboose is to make it accessible to guests of all ages and to incorporate it into field trips for children from across northern Indiana.This grant is part of Norfolk Southern’s commitment to strengthening the communities...

Hoosier farmers planted about 1.6 million acres of overwinter living covers – cover crops and small grains, like wheat – this spring, elevating the state to the top in the nation in cover crop adoption, according to a survey by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.The conservation survey, conducted between March and May, recorded 651,000 acres of corn and 916,000 acres of soybean covering the state.Posey County led the state with about 87,000 acres under cover crops, followed by Gibson County with 70,000 acres and LaPorte County with 60,000 acres. Click here to read the original article.

Wabash County, IN – The Young Professionals of Wabash County (YPWC) are excited to share that the YPWC Steering Committee is growing! The group recently added four new young professionals that will bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to the committee.“We’re thrilled to welcome these talented young professionals to the YPWC Board,” said Jana Thibos, YPWC Chair. “Each of them brings unique experiences and perspectives that will help us grow as a group and better serve our community. Their energy and ideas are exactly what we need as we continue building a vibrant network of emerging leaders in Wabash County.” The...

As the agriculture industry continues to evolve to meet the demands of a growing global population, one factor has become increasingly vital to its success: cold storage.While preserving perishable goods at low temperatures has existed for centuries, the scale and sophistication of cold storage solutions have surged dramatically over the past 100 years. This growth calls attention to the indispensable role of temperature-controlled environments in ensuring agricultural products' quality, safety, and longevity.The integration of automation and advanced technologies is revolutionizing the cold storage industry. Innovations such as robotics, cloud-based systems, and energy management solutions are enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring...

In a county of just over 30,000 people, having five active and engaged Main Street organizations is nothing short of remarkable. Wabash County, Indiana, stands out among rural communities for its commitment to making its downtown districts a top destination by prioritizing their revitalization and preservation.Through the dedication of the Main Street organizations of Manchester Alive, Downtown Wabash Inc., Roann Main Street, Lagro Main Street, and LaFontaine Main Street, the county has placed itself as a leader in community-driven economic development. These organizations are much more than just advocates for small community downtown aesthetics. They are engines for growth that...

Wabash, Indiana, is making waves in the economic development landscape, earning a well-deserved spot on Site Selection Magazine's 2024 Top Micropolitan List. Ranked tied for 39th, it is an impressive jump from its previous tied ranking for 84th. Wabash, IN, continues to prove itself as a booming hub for business expansion and economic opportunity. With three major projects currently in development, this recognition highlights Wabash's growing appeal to businesses looking to invest in a community ready for success.What This Ranking Means for Wabash and BusinessesRecognition on Site Selection Magazine's list emphasizes Wabash's economic vitality and potential for future growth compared...

Hiring interns delivers measurable returns on investment (ROI) for businesses across all industries. They contribute to productivity while gaining hands-on experience and often introduce fresh ideas that drive innovation. Interns bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, making them valuable team members. Plus, hiring interns can reduce long-term hiring and turnover costs by building a pipeline of future employees.Bringing in high school and college interns allows your company to develop talent, delegate meaningful projects, and cultivate future leaders. If you haven’t considered an internship program, now is the time to start.The ROI of Hiring InternsInterns don't have to be temporary...

Heartland Career Center's Precision Agriculture Program students are learning in-demand skills, ready to start their agriculture career. From learning to pilot a drone of acres of farmland, collect data to optimize crop yields and install GPS technology on farming equipment to boost efficiency, students leave the program with the ability to start working immediately after graduation. This innovative, two-year program is shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders and meeting critical industry needs in Wabash County, IN. "The Precision Ag Program is proud to partner with local businesses, growers, and educators to shape the future of agriculture," said Lori DuBois, Precision...

Tariffs are often discussed in the context of global trade wars and national economies, but their widespread use has the potential to impact local communities. Understanding tariffs, how they work, and their local effects is vital for business owners, consumers, and community leaders to help provide for the potential repercussions if implemented by the incoming administration.What Are Tariffs and Who Pays for Them?At their core, tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, paid by the importing businesses to their home government, like the United States. While tariffs can serve as a tool to protect domestic industries or counter unfair trade practices,...

Press release courtesy of Indiana Office of Community and Rural AffairsINDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 17, 2024) – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs today announced Dearborn County and Wabash County as the 2024 Stellar Pathways designated communities.The Stellar Pathways program is a multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative led by OCRA. The program works with communities in a self-determined region on a shared vision for community and economic development. Stellar Pathways aims to promote local and regional partnerships and assists in implementing sustainable solutions to challenges Indiana’s rural communities face."The Stellar Pathways program is yet another way OCRA...