News in Wabash County, IN

State of Our Communities to spotlight local wins, future goals

Tuesday, January 06, 2026

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites its investors and members of the community to attend the annual State of Our Communities event scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Honeywell Center. Every year, this event allows Grow Wabash County to put the spotlight on the great work being done all over Wabash County.This celebration will feature representatives from each incorporated community in Wabash County, including the Town of LaFontaine, the Town of Lagro, the Town of North Manchester, the Town of Roann, the City of Wabash and Wabash County at-large. Each community will be given time during the...

Duke Energy awards grants to local economic development organizations to boost growth, job creation in northern Indiana

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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...

Wabash named Top 100 Micropolitan by Site Selector Magazine for second year in a row

Monday, March 03, 2025

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 named Stellar Pathways designee

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Read the official announcement from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) here.Wabash County, IN – Today, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced Wabash County as one of two communities that will be a designated Stellar Pathways community."The Stellar Pathways program is yet another way OCRA and the State of Indiana shows their dedication to rural development,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I am grateful for communities like Dearborn County and Wabash County who are committed to improving quality of life, and they are well deserving of being...

Wabash industrial land earns Shovel Ready Gold designation

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Wabash County, IN – The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) has officially awarded its “Shovel Ready Gold” designation to a 232-acre parcel of land in the Wedcor Industrial Park.The “Shovel Ready” designation through OCRA signifies that certain due diligence processes, such as geotechnical reports and environmental surveys, have been completed ahead of time. The extensive research and preparation required for this program was completed in collaboration with Banning Engineering, whose work on this project was funded in part by the Wabash Valley Power Alliance.Having these logistical pieces completed ahead of time allows for a business to purchase...

Logan Properties Breaks Ground on Wabash Spec Building

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Release courtesy of Nuway ConstructionWabash, IN – Logan Properties broke ground on a Spec Building located in the Wabash Northeast Business Complex. Martin Huttenlocker, Developer at Logan Properties, shared his excitement about the project, saying, “We are delighted to launch this promising initiative. Collaborating with the City of Wabash and Grow Wabash County enables us to create an innovative solution that streamlines the process for new businesses. Our spec building will provide customizable options tailored to address immediate needs, allowing companies to rapidly initiate production and distribution. Additionally, this location capitalizes on convenient access for product distribution via SR 13,...

Wabash County Adult Learning Center to Open in Spring 2025

Friday, October 18, 2024

Release courtesy of Learn More CenterWabash, IN — Construction of an Adult Learning Center is underway at 1100 Cass Street, Wabash, the former Miller Furniture Store. Wabash County industry, economic development, education, government, and philanthropy partners are realizing a long-time goal of establishing a Wabash County adult learning center to give adults a one-stop location for high school equivalencies, postsecondary courses, certifications, and workforce trainings that will help prepare them for high demand, higher paying jobs.The adult learning center will offer a comprehensive range of programs designed to enhance employability and personal growth. Adult students will have opportunities to pursue...

High-potential industrial sites in Fulton, Wabash counties selected for Duke Energy's 2024 Site Readiness Program

Tuesday, October 08, 2024

News release and photo courtesy of Duke EnergyPLAINFIELD, Ind. – Duke Energy has selected two properties in Fulton and Wabash counties for inclusion in its 2024 Site Readiness Program, which prepares high-potential business and industrial sites for economic development investments and markets them nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.Duke Energy has helped prepare 47 properties in its service territory that have won 29 major projects since the program started in 2013, drawing nearly 10,000 new jobs and $14.6 billion in capital investment to the state.“For more than 10 years, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program has joined...

GWC scholarships yield CDL driving success for Wabash County students

Friday, August 30, 2024

Wabash County, IN – This summer, four Wabash County residents who received funding through the Grow Wabash County scholarship program have successfully completed the training and passed driving tests to earn their Class A Commerical Driver’s Licenses (CDL).Three of the students participated in the CDL program, held in June through Heartland Career Center, was facilitated by the Center for Transportation Safety (CTS) Driving Academy. As part of the class, these drivers in training completed 170 hours of instruction both in the classroom and on the road where their instructor, Stephen Quinn, showed them the ins and outs of driving a...

Manchester receives $12.1 million through Lilly Endowment’s College and Community Collaboration initiative

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Press release courtesy of Manchester UniversityManchester University has received a grant of $12.1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, College and Community Collaboration (CCC). The grant will support efforts to develop a park along Eel River in the downtown area; construct a multi-modal path to connect the park with campus; and renovate two university facilities to support the enhancement of arts and culture programs.The funding of these projects enables the North Manchester community to increase amenities, expand housing opportunities, improve cultural facilities, and offer a safe and attractive connection between the University and downtown. The total investment that...

GWC brings Wabash County to the world at SelectUSA 2024

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Tenille Zartman, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, recently returned from attending the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbor, MD, where she was joined by Wabash Mayor Scott Long and Sarah Delgadillo, director of international affairs.During this four-day trade show, Zartman, Long, and Delgadillo met with dozens of international companies eager to relocate or expand their operations into the United States. The group also met with foreign dignitaries, consuls general, site selectors, contractors, business organizations, representatives from the state of Indiana, and many partners that play an integral part in business development relations. Members of the regional economic...

Wabash County named Stellar Pathways finalist

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Wabash County, IN – On Tuesday, June 18, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced that Wabash County was one of four finalists for the 2024 Stellar Pathways program."The Stellar Pathways program empowers communities to invest in transformative improvements, and these four regions have displayed the vision required of a Stellar project,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, said in a press release from OCRA. “All four of these teams have not only understood, but embraced the challenge of collaboration which is an important foundation for improving quality of life for Hoosiers...

LDWC 2023-2024 graduates receive certificate, IUK micro-credential

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is proud to welcome 24 new graduates to its network of Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) alumni.These emerging leaders were recognized for their completion of the LDWC program at a ceremony on Thursday, May 16th, in the Parkview Ballroom at the Eagles Theatre. Patrick Sullivan, chair of the LDWC committee, offered welcome remarks to kick off the graduation ceremony and thanked the many sponsors and employers who helped this year’s cohort succeed.Tenille Zartman, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County and LDWC program facilitator, shared an overview of some of the great opportunities...

YPWC connects local young professionals to community, peers

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Wabash County, IN – The Young Professionals of Wabash County (YPWC) is excited to be continuing its work in 2024 to connect emerging leaders and professionals to each other as well as to the Wabash County community at large.The YPWC network has existed in various forms in Wabash County for years. The current generation of YPWC was launched in 2018 by Grow Wabash County, with the goal of creating opportunities for young professionals in the community to better network not only with each other but with the organizations and companies that stand to benefit from being connected to an engaged...

Grow Wabash County offers robust slate of entrepreneurial supports

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to share its slate of resources, new and existing, to help better support local entrepreneurs and small business owners.To boost our abilities to better serve our thriving entrepreneurial community, Grow Wabash County has engaged with multiple partners to host not one, but two, entrepreneurship advisors in the GWC office: Angela Harrsion and Wes Shie.Harrison will be in the Grow Wabash County office every Wednesday to meet with local entrepreneurs in person or virtually. She has an extensive background in the world of business and entrepreneurship, especially in the areas of retail...

REAL ALLOY zero waste recycling project selected by Department of Energy

Monday, March 25, 2024

Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Energy. Release courtesy of REAL ALLOY. REAL ALLOY announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) to begin award negotiations of up to $67.3M for the construction of the first zero waste salt slag recycling facility in the U.S. The project aims to create the most energy efficient facility of its kind and will be located in Wabash, IN and connected to one of REAL ALLOY’s existing aluminum recycling facilities. The project was selected as part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP) and was...

Beacon Credit Union Announces $2.32 Million Loan Interest Rebate to Member-Owners for 2025

Friday, January 02, 2026

Press release courtesy of Beacon Credit UnionWABASH, Ind. - In recognition of the unwavering dedication of its member-owners and the organization’s strong financial performance in 2025, Beacon Credit Union is proud to announce the return of $2.32 million in loan interest rebates to eligible member-owners.The money returned to borrowers was in the form of a loan interest rebate. Those receiving the rebate were memberowners who paid interest on a loan during 2025 and whose loans fell within the rebate guidelines.“2025 was a solid financial year for Beacon Credit Union, made possible by the steadfast loyalty of our valued memberowners,” said...

Freedom Soars Eagle Watching Trolley Tour on sale now

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Press release courtesy of Visit Wabash CountyWabash, IND. - Visit Wabash County officials announce the return of a favorite adventure tour. Tickets for the Eagle Watching Trolley Tour will go on sale online (www.visitwabashcounty.com) and in person (Welcome Center, 221 S Miami St, Wabash) on December 9 at noon.Sponsored by Rea Logan & Company and Bachelor Creek Church of Christ, the Eagle Watching Trolley Tour will take place on Saturday, January 10, starting at 9 AM and is estimated to last 3 hours. The all-inclusive tour cost is $30 per person. Trolley No.85 will pick up and drop off at...

Arnold's Fine Jewelry & Gifts add sparkle to downtown Wabash

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash Inc., are thrilled to be joining together to officially welcome Arnold's Fine Jewelry & Gifts to the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, December 12.“Arnold’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts is exactly the kind of vibrant, community-minded business we love to see thrive in our downtown,” said Jana Thibos, Investor Services and Events Project Manager of Grow Wabash County. “Their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer experience will be a wonderful addition to the growing momentum in Wabash County.”Arnold’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts is a locally owned specialty shop...

Volt Family Fun to celebrate growth in new location

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the community to join the fun and games on Friday, December 12, to celebrate the grand opening of Volt Family Fun’s new location on Hale Drive in Wabash. As part of the festivities, Grow Wabash County will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.“Volt Family Fun brings an exciting new energy to our local entertainment scene,” said Jana Thibos, Investor Services and Events Project Manager for Grow Wabash County. “We love seeing businesses that are built with families and community connection in mind, and we are thrilled to celebrate...

Learn More Center Invites Community to “Christmas in the Classroom” on December 9

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Wabash, IN — The Learn More Center is excited to welcome the community to its “Christmas in the Classroom” celebration on Tuesday, December 9, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Learn More Center in Wabash. The event is free and open to the public.This family-friendly holiday event brings together students, families, local partners, and community members for an evening of festive fun inside LMC’s classrooms and training spaces. Guests will enjoy:Live holiday musicA festive hot chocolate bar sponsored by Scooter’s CoffeeA special visit from Santa ClausOpportunities to meet Learn More Center staff and explore current adult education and workforce training programsIn...

Wabash County Museum Giving Tuesday Campaign features Museum Mascots

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Press release courtesy of Wabash County MuseumThis year for Giving Tuesday, the Wabash County Museum’s campaign will be led by their team of beloved mascots. The museum is an integral part of the community that welcomes more than 20,000 guests annually to learn about our history while also connecting with the community.“Our team is proud of the work we are doing toward preservation, education, and innovation in the way we present history. Gifts to the museum during this time of year are crucial to support operations and allow us to continue to offer vital programming.” shares Teresa Galley, executive director...

DWI announces facade grant program

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Press release courtesy of Downtown Wabash. Inc.WABASH, Ind. – “Downtown Wabash, Inc. is excited to announce a new façade grant program to benefit buildings in in the downtown Historic District,” according to Executive Director Mikka Hunt.The grant may be used to cover one-half (1/2) of expenses incurred for such things as tuck-pointing, painting, signage, lighting, doors, windows, and awnings, up to $10,000.“We have had extraordinary success with façade grant programs in the past,” added board chair Amanda Lopez. “This type of program infuses significant new investment into the downtown Historic District and offers much needed help to property owners working...

Shopping local made easy with Grow Wabash County gift checks

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Wabash County, IN – As the holiday shopping season fast approaches, Grow Wabash County is encouraging the community to shop locally this holiday season with Grow Wabash County gift checks.Grow Wabash County gift checks can be used at a wide variety of local businesses and organizations throughout Wabash County, helping ensure that money spent on holiday gifts and goodies stays within and supports our local communities.According to the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a local business, at least $68 stays within the community. This means that each dollar spent at your favorite local business in Wabash...

Winter magic arrives at the Wabash County Museum

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Press release courtesy of Wabash County MuseumThe Wabash County Museum is transforming into a winter wonderland this holiday season!From November 21 through December 30, families will experience the joy of the season during Winter at the Museum, featuring Daphne’s Reindeer Barn, Elf in the Exhibit, the brand-new Festival of Trees, and a special Santa Saturday celebration.Sponsored by the Wabash Elks, Daphne’s Reindeer Barn is an interactive space where kids can meet, brush, and “feed” a friendly herd of stuffed reindeer. It’s a cozy holiday favorite perfect for imaginative play and festive photo ops.Elf in the Exhibit is back and the...

WalkerHughes strengthens employee benefits offering with strategic addition of Brady Benefits

Thursday, November 06, 2025

Press release courtesy of WalkerHughes / Brady BenefitsFORT WAYNE, IN – WalkerHughes Insurance (“WalkerHughes”), a privately held, founder-led retail insurance brokerage headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is pleased to announce the addition of Brady Benefits, a Fort Wayne-based Employee Benefits brokerage, to its growing Midwest platform.Brady Benefits, led by respected industry veteran Matt Brady, specializes in group health and ancillary benefits. The firm brings a strong reputation for service and deep relationships across the Fort Wayne community.“Employee benefits is, at its core, a relationship business built on trust, consistency, and care,” said Matt Brady, founder of Brady Benefits. “WalkerHughes stood out...

First Farmers Bank & Trust Names Alexandria Roberts as New Wabash Branch Manager

Tuesday, November 04, 2025

Press release courtesy of First Farmers Bank & TrustWABASH, Ind. — First Farmers Bank & Trust is proud to announce Alexandria “Alex” Roberts as the new Branch Manager of its Wabash branch.In her new role, Roberts will oversee daily branch operations, lead the local team, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a strong focus on customer service and community engagement.Roberts brings more than three years of banking experience and a deep passion for serving her hometown community. A lifelong Wabash resident, she is excited to continue building relationships with local customers and helping them achieve their financial goals.“I have a deep...

Jolly Trolley Tour on sale now

Tuesday, November 04, 2025

Press release courtesy of Visit Wabash CountyWabash, IN. - Visit Wabash County officials to announce the return of the annual Christmas tour for the whole family. Tickets for the Jolly Trolley Tour will go on sale online at www.visitwabashcounty.com and in person at the Welcome Center (221 S Miami Street, Wabash) on November 4 at noon.The event will take place Saturday, December 13 offering multiple tour time slots every half hour starting at 9 AM and the final time starting at 2:30 PM. This all-inclusive tour costs $7 per ticket and children under 12 months of age are free and...

Learn More Center Receives $217,282 Grant from Don Wood Foundation to Develop Career Exploration Makerspace

Tuesday, November 04, 2025

Press release courtesy of Learn More CenterWABASH, Ind. – Learn More Center (LMC) is proud to announce it has received a $217,282 grant from the Don Wood Foundation to establish a Career Exploration Makerspace in Wabash County. The new space will serve as an innovative hub for leadership development, entrepreneurship training, and advanced manufacturing career exploration for adult learners across Wabash County and surrounding areas with an ultimate goal of allowing adults to explore all 16 Career Pathways. Learn More Center provides adult education, workforce training, and vocational programs at no cost to its students. Through partnerships with local businesses, educators,...

Amber White promoted to GWC Office Manager

Friday, October 31, 2025

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...

MetalX and Commonwealth Rolled Products Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Differentiated Aluminum Solutions

Friday, October 31, 2025

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...

JJ's to break ground on new Wabash location

Thursday, October 30, 2025

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...

Mikka Hunt named DWI executive director

Thursday, October 23, 2025

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...

A New Hub for Adult Education Opens in Wabash

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

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...

2025 Annual Dinner celebrates community, business champions

Friday, October 10, 2025

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,...

Melissa Gifford joins YPWC Steering Committee

Monday, October 06, 2025

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...

Help restore the Little Red Caboose: Museum seeks community support

Thursday, October 02, 2025

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...

Red Clover Shoppe to open doors in downtown Lagro

Thursday, October 02, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be celebrating the grand opening of Red Clover in Lagro with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 17.“Grow Wabash County is proud to support the launch of Red Clover Shoppe in downtown Lagro,” Jana Thibos, project manager for events and investor services for Grow Wabash County, said. “This innovative retail collective not only breathes new life into a historic space, but also showcases the creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Wabash County such a special place to live and do business. We are excited to celebrate this milestone and...

Destination Wabash County announces Great March Cleanup

Wednesday, October 01, 2025

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...

Bridging Generational Divides Strengthens Business Growth in Wabash County

Monday, September 29, 2025

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...

Grow Wabash County welcomes Amelia Daughtry as high school intern

Sunday, September 21, 2025

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...

Nest Coffee Shop & Towne Market to celebrate grand opening September 24

Sunday, September 07, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the Wabash County community to celebrate the grand opening of both Nest Coffee and Towne Market with a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 24.“These two businesses are a fantastic addition to our community,” said Jana Thibos, Investor Services & Events Project Manager at Grow Wabash County. “Nest Coffee Shop and Towne Market not only enhance the variety of food and beverage options available locally, but they also reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps Wabash growing and thriving.”These neighboring businesses are set to provide a new source of flavor, fun and food...

Registration open for Leadership Development 2025 - 2026 cohort

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Wabash County, IN (AUG. 25, 2025) – Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 cohort of Grow Wabash County’s flagship Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program.This transformative, eight-month program serves as a launchpad for emerging leaders and professionals of all ages, equipping them with the skills, experiences, and connections they need to make a lasting impact in Wabash County. Since its inception, more than 250 leaders have graduated from the LDWC program. Alumni continue to serve on local boards, strengthen their workplaces, hold government positions, and contribute to the growth and vitality of the Wabash County community.“We are so excited...

Adult Education Center to open doors for new educational opportunities

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Learn More Center are thrilled to invite the Wabash County community to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 25 to celebrate the grand opening of Wabash’s Adult Education Center.“This center has been a long time coming, and we could not be more excited to finally see it come to life,” Tenille Zartman, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “We are incredibly grateful for the industry partners, government leaders, and dedicated individuals who helped make this vision a reality. Workforce development is critical to the long-term vitality of Wabash County,...

An Affordable Path to Housing

Monday, July 28, 2025

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

Sunday, July 27, 2025

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...

NIIC, GWC to host Customer Experience workshop

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) invite local businesses and entrepreneurs to a workshop on August 20 focused on how to emphasize and enhance the customer experience.This workshop is open to all business owners and professionals who regularly interact with customers and the general public. Attendees will receive tools and insights from the NIIC to help craft strategies that prioritize customer experience. In addition, facilitated discussions will offer participants the opportunity to work through real-life scenarios, exchange best practices, and get answers to their specific questions about delivering exceptional service.“We know that...

Norfolk Southern grants $5,000 to Wabash County Museum in support of community initiatives

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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...

Intrasect named 2025 Business of the Year

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that Intrasect has been selected as the 2025 Business of the Year and will be honored during Grow Wabash County’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Honeywell Center. “Intrasect represents the kind of innovative, community-minded business that makes Wabash County such a special place to live and work,” Tenille Zartman, president & CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “Having a technology company headquartered of this caliber here not only strengthens our local economy, it shows our youth that they can pursue high-tech careers without having to...

Indiana among top states for cover crop adoption

Friday, July 11, 2025

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.

The Arc Wabash County to celebrate opening of Kaleidoscope Studio

Sunday, July 06, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to join The Arc Wabash County to celebrate the grand opening of their Kaleidoscope Studio with a ribbon-cutting on Monday, July 14.“Grow Wabash County is proud to support the opening of Kaleidoscope Art Studio,” said Jana Thibos, project manager for investor services and events at Grow Wabash County. “This space represents so much more than just art, it’s about empowerment, inclusion, and creating opportunities for every individual to thrive. We’re excited to see the positive impact Kaleidoscope will have on our community.”The studio will allow for many of Arc’s clients to...

Choice Physical Therapy to celebrate North Manchester grand opening

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Manchester Alive are thrilled to be joining Choice Physical Therapy to celebrate the grand opening of their new location in North Manchester. To mark the occasion, there will be a joint ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, July 11 at noon.“Choice Physical Therapy is a welcome addition to the North Manchester community,” said Jana Thibos, Investor Services & Events Project Manager at Grow Wabash County. “We are always excited to see new businesses investing in the health and well-being of our residents. Their commitment to personalized care and community outreach aligns perfectly with...

Grow Wabash County hosts annual WACCY Golf Outing

Sunday, June 08, 2025

Wabash County, IN – On Wednesday, June 4, Grow Wabash County hosted its annual WACCY Golf outing at the Honeywell Public Golf Course. Despite short windows of rain scattered throughout the afternoon, the good times and good spirits of the golfers, hole sponsors and volunteers could not be dampened. On Wednesday afternoon, 24 teams consisting of 96 players teed off at 1 p.m. across the course. Most holes were managed by volunteers and hole sponsors, who were there to make the experience even more fun by providing a multitude of services including putt-putt, a golf ball cannon, and the chance...

YPWC welcomes four new committee members

Monday, June 02, 2025

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...

LDWC 2024-2025 graduates receive certificate, IUK micro-credential

Friday, May 16, 2025

Wabash County, IN (MAY 19, 2025) – Grow Wabash County is proud to welcome 24 new graduates to its network of Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) alumni.These emerging leaders were recognized for their completion of the LDWC program at a ceremony on Thursday, May 15th, in the Parkview Ballroom at the Eagles Theatre. Patrick Sullivan, chair of the LDWC committee, offered welcome remarks to kick off the graduation ceremony and thanked the many sponsors and employers who helped this year’s cohort succeed.Tenille Zartman, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County and LDWC program facilitator, shared an overview of some of...

Cold Storage: A Growing Necessity for Agricultural Success

Monday, May 05, 2025

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...

The Pool Store to make splash in Wabash business community

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be celebrating the opening of The Pool Store with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 22."Grow Wabash County is thrilled to celebrate the opening of The Pool Store’s new retail location right here in Wabash,” Jana Thibos, project manager for investor services and events, said. “Their decision to expand into our community is a strong vote of confidence in the local economy and the future of our city. We’re excited to welcome them to Wabash and look forward to the positive impact they’ll have on both residents and our...

LDWC Alumni invited to May 15 Graduation Mixer

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is calling upon its network of Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) alumni to help celebrate the current graduating cohort at a graduation mixer on Thursday, May 15."The LDWC program isn’t just about leadership training-it’s about building a lifelong network of support and inspiration.,” Jana Thibos, LDWC facilitator and project manager for investor services and events at Grow Wabash County, said. “This mixer is a special opportunity for alumni to not only celebrate the newest class of graduates, but to also reconnect, share stories, and invest in the future of leadership in Wabash County."For...

WACCY Golf Outing tees off June 4

Monday, April 14, 2025

Wabash County, IN – The Wabash County business community is invited to join Grow Wabash County at the Honeywell course for a day of golf, networking and friendly competition at its annual WACCY Golf Outing. This year’s outing will take place on Wednesday, June 4 at the Honeywell Golf Course, 3360 Niccum Rd in Wabash.As is tradition, this year’s WACCY Golf Outing will be more than just a golf outing. In addition to each team vying to take the WACCY Championship Belt away from the 2024 winners: Gaunt & Son Asphalt, there will be challenges scattered across the course to...

Honor Student Luncheon connects students, community leaders

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Wabash County, IN – On Thursday, April 10, Grow Wabash County hosted its annual Honor Student Luncheon, connecting members of the community and the top academic students in Wabash County’s Class of 2025.Neil Bever, owner of Hoosier Chiropractic, was the emcee for the event. He shared a story about his grandfather, who was also born and raised in Wabash County, that reinforced to the students the incredible value and opportunity presented to them by being able to pursue an education.After lunch and conversation between students and professional mentors, representatives from the event’s Industry Sponsors, were invited onstage for a panel...

Five Main Streets, One County: How Wabash County's Main Street Organizations Are Building Stronger Communities

Friday, April 04, 2025

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...

Copper Tooth to celebrate grand opening in historic downtown Wabash building

Tuesday, April 01, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash, Inc. are thrilled to join the Copper Tooth in celebrating its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 11."We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of Copper Tooth and welcome them to the heart of downtown Wabash,” Jana Thibos, project manager for investor services and events, said. “This ribbon cutting marks not just the opening of a new business, but a vibrant addition to our community, bringing new energy and opportunities to Wabash. We look forward to seeing Copper Tooth become a cornerstone of our community.”The...

Wabash, IN: A Rising Destination for Business Growth and Quality of Life

Monday, March 24, 2025

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...

Undaunted, Mike Haarer Coaching to host leadership series with Grow Wabash County

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to provide a new opportunity for its investors and local employers to pursue leadership development training in partnership with Undaunted and Mike Haarer Coaching.This four-session program will introduce and dig deeper into topics including:April 24 - Psychological Safety in the WorkplaceMay 1 - Competence & Character in Leadership & LifeMay 8 - Boundaries in LeadershipMay 22 - Bridging Generational Gaps in Organizations“Every year when we poll our local employers, they emphasize their need for employees with leadership skills and those soft skills that are crucial in every workplace and every team,”...

GWC Investors invited to exclusive legislative updates with Yakym, Zay & Sweet

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be hosting two different legislative updates exclusively for Grow Wabash County investors.This spring, Grow Wabash County will host a legislative update with Congressman Rudy Yakym on Tuesday, April 22, followed by one on Wednesday, May 7, with state legislators Senator Andy Zay and Representative Lorissa Sweet.As the joint chamber of commerce and economic development group for Wabash County, these events strive to provide a platform for its members to use to connect with and appeal to the people who speak on their behalf in legislative matters. "These legislative update events...

2025 GWC Ag Dinner celebrates Merrick Farms, local farming community

Thursday, March 06, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County had the pleasure of celebrating the local ag community on Wednesday, March 5, during its 15th annual Salute to Ag Dinner.In addition to recognizing the Wabash County farming community as a whole, the event also honored Merrick Farms, the 2024 Farm Family of the year. After Howard Halderman’s welcome remarks and various trivia about Wabash County’s importance to the global agriculture industry, Tyler Leland from Bachelor Creek, delivered the invocation and dinner was served by Poole’s Meat Market. Desserts were provided by Bailey’s Pizza Parlor in Roann.Following dinner, Dr. Fred Whitford, Clinical Engagement...

Why Hiring Interns is One of the Smartest Investments Your Business Can Make

Wednesday, March 05, 2025

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...

Top students to be invited to GWC Honor Student Luncheon

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to once again host some of Wabash County’s top academic students in the Class of 2025 at its annual Honor Student Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, April 10.This year’s luncheon will recognize Wabash County seniors with career plans ranging from business, animal science, nursing, criminal justice, and more.Representatives from local businesses and organizations are encouraged to both sponsor and attend the luncheon as “mentors” to students considering similar career paths. These mentors will be invited to network with the students and discuss their own professional journeys and how and why they chose...

2025 State of Our Communities a triumphant Stellar-bration

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Wabash County, IN – For Grow Wabash County’s eighth annual State of Our Communities event on Thursday, Feb. 20, a jubilant Stellar-bration was held; complete with novelty noisemakers, Stellar-related puns, and a full agenda of wins and next steps outlined by the community leaders taking charge of Wabash County’s future.The community speakers featured were: Tracie Hensely from the Town of LaFontaine, Kristie Bone from the Town of Lagro, Adam Penrod from the Town of North Manchester, Bob Ferguson from the Town of Roann, Mayor Scott Long from the City of Wabash and Cheryl Ross from the Wabash County Commissioners. Tenille...

Growing Leaders in Agriculture: Heartland Career Center's Precision Agriculture Program

Thursday, February 13, 2025

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...

Grow Wabash County welcomes McKenzie Moorman as spring intern

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County would like to welcome Southwood High school student, McKenzie Moorman, as the organization’s intern for spring 2025.Moorman is a senior at Southwood, set to graduate in the spring of 2025. She is an active participant in the Southwood Band and Choir and has also been a member of Honeywell’s County Honor Band and Choir. Additionally, she completed her final season with the Southwood Cheerleading squad this previous fall. Moorman plans to pursue a four-year degree in Business Management through Purdue Fort Wayne University’s online courses and aims to secure jobs in the business...

Braspy's Trinkets to celebrate fun, family at Feb. 7 ribbon cutting

Friday, January 17, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, February 7, to celebrate the grand opening of Braspy’s Trinkets in downtown Wabash.“We’re delighted to welcome Braspy’s Trinkets to our downtown Wabash,” Jana Thibos, project manager for Investor Services & Events, said. “The ribbon cutting ceremony marks a new chapter for a business that is sure to bring joy and a sense of community to families in Wabash. Their store is designed to be a fun, family-friendly destination, offering everything from toys and games to a selection of video arcade-style games. We...

JennaRaetions to bring eclectic flair to downtown Wabash

Friday, January 17, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the Wabash County community to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, February 7, to welcome a new store, JennaRaetions, to downtown Wabash."JennaRaetions is a welcome addition to the vibrant downtown Wabash scene," said Jana Thibos, Investor Services and Event Project Manager for Grow Wabash County. "The new boutique brings a refreshing burst of creativity and quality to the area, offering something for every style and taste. We’re excited to see this business thrive in Wabash and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community."JennaRaetions is owned...

Merrick Farms to be celebrated at GWC 2025 Salute to Ag Dinner

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Salute to Ag committee are thrilled to announce the Merrick family as the 2024 Farm Family of the Year. The family will be honored at the 2025 Salute to Agriculture Dinner on Wednesday, March 5.Merrick Farms has been growing and producing in Wabash County since 1835 when Isaac Merrick first began farming on land still owned by the family today. Today, Rod and Kyle Merrick are the seventh generation of Merricks to farm on the land.“Grow Wabash County is proud to honor another outstanding producer as the 2024 Farm Family of...

Powering the Future: Strategies for Attracting and Supporting Energy-Intensive Projects

Tuesday, January 07, 2025

At the December 2024 conference, a panel of experts convened to discuss the critical factors in attracting and supporting energy-intensive industries, such as data centers and large-scale manufacturing facilities. This session explored how economic developers can position their communities as prime locations for these high-impact projects while prioritizing community interests and maximizing economic benefits. The panel included Rick Hall, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg, Devin Hillsdon-Smith, Director of Integrated Site Selection – Industrial at Cushman & Wakefield, and Jonathan Leist, Director of Community Development for the City of Fort Wayne. Moderating the discussion was Jeff Quyle, President/CEO of Radius Indiana.Read...

GWC to host “Stellar-bration” at 2025 State of Our Communities event

Sunday, January 05, 2025

Wabash County, IN – Registration is now open for Grow Wabash County’s annual State of Our Communities event scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Honeywell Center. This highly anticipated event, established in 2018, serves as a celebration of our local government partners, providing them with a platform to share their community’s successes, highlight key achievements, and offer updates on the plans that will shape the future of Wabash County.The theme of this year’s event will be “A Stellar-bration" in honor of Wabash County’s recent designation as a Stellar Pathways community by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.This...

Indiana Estate & Elder Law to celebrate opening of new Wabash office

Friday, December 20, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be joining Indiana Estate & Elder Law in celebrating the opening of their new office in downtown Wabash. "We are thrilled to have Indiana Estate & Elder Law continue their growth in Wabash County," Jana Thibos, Investor Services & Event Project Manager. "They have been a vital resource for local residents, and their new location is a testament to their commitment to the community. This new office will not only help them serve more clients but also contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Wabash." Indiana Estate & Elder Law's mission is to...

Tariff 101: The What, How, and the Potential Impact of Tariffs on Wabash County, IN

Friday, December 20, 2024

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,...

Indiana Allocates Funding to Accelerate Critical Small Business Growth, Improvement and Innovation

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

The Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC) will again help Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses connect with professional assistance through its Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP) in 2025.Applications for the initiative, which is designed to help small businesses complete growth and improvement projects, will be accepted Jan. 15 - Feb. 21, 2025, and will be open to small businesses that are clients of the Indiana SBDC. Small businesses that are not yet a client of the Indiana SBDC are encouraged to connect with their local center prior to the application window. Read the full article here.

Lt. Gov. Crouch, OCRA announce two 2024 Stellar Pathways designated communities

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

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...

GWC to host Investor Appreciation event January 24

Monday, December 16, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to connect and celebrate the organization’s 200+ investors during its Investor Appreciation event on Friday, January 24."We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our investors, who are instrumental in helping Grow Wabash County advance its mission," Jana Thibos, project manager for investor services and events, said. “Their dedication empowers us to tackle new challenges, foster economic growth, and build a thriving future for our communities. This event is our way of saying thank you to the companies and individuals who make these efforts possible.”This free event is exclusively for...

Get Paid to Live in Wabash County, IN: Discover a New Way to Work and Live

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

What if relocating to a charming, close-knit community came with more than just a change of scenery? What if it came with financial incentives, incredible quality of life benefits, and the chance to significantly lower your cost of living?That’s precisely what Wabash County, Indiana, is offering through its participation in the Make My Move initiative—a groundbreaking national program designed to connect remote workers with communities that welcome them with open arms (and enticing perks).From the Windy City to Wabash: One Family’s StoryImagine the hustle and bustle of Chicago—endless commutes, towering home prices, and the never-ending rush. One family recently decided...

Grow Wabash County receives BCA grant for business development

Wednesday, November 06, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County has received a $2,500 grant from Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana (BCA) to support ongoing efforts to attract, retain and grow businesses in Wabash County.“The Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana (BCA) in cooperation with the BCA Economic Development Committee is committed to fostering a thriving economic environment throughout Northeast Indiana,” Chris Wesner, BCA Economic Development Committee Chair, said. “We recognize the vital role Grow Wabash County and the economic development organizations play in attracting and retaining businesses. We're excited to partner in a new initiative designed to further empower your efforts...

Grow Wabash County gift checks keep shopping local

Friday, November 01, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County encourages the community to shop locally this holiday season with Grow Wabash County gift checks.Grow Wabash County gift checks can be used at over 250 local businesses and organizations in and around Wabash County, allowing your gift to create a ripple effect in the local economy. According to Indiana Owned, for every $100 spent locally, at least $68 stays within the community. This means that each dollar spent at an independent business generates three times more impact on the local economy compared to spending that same dollar at a national chain.Since Grow Wabash...

Integrity Control and Automation to celebrate new renovations

Friday, October 25, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the Wabash County community to join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 22, to celebrate the renovation revamp of Integrity Control and Automation in Somerset."We are always excited to celebrate a local company that is investing not only into themselves but into the community they work in,” Chelsea Parson, project manager for development and marketing for Grow Wabash County, said. “The products and services that Integrity Control and Automation offer to their clients are a unique testament to the talent and ingenuity that is growing and thriving in the...

Discovering Agricultural Careers through 4-H Programs in Wabash County

Thursday, October 24, 2024

When most people think of agriculture, their minds go straight to farming. But, the agriculture industry holds a world of opportunities beyond farming. Programs like 4-H Wabash County are giving kids of all ages a behind-the-scenes look at the vast and exciting possibilities the agricultural industry offers. Whether exploring new technology, engaging in hands-on STEM projects, or learning about animal science, 4-H is helping to plant the seeds for rewarding careers.4-H: More Than Just FarmingThe 4-H program in Wabash County, led by Youth Development Extension Educator Jessi Houston, is designed to open young minds to the various paths agriculture offers...

Four receive scholarships for 2024-2025 LDWC cohort

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County would like to thank the many organizations that contributed funding to provide scholarships to four emerging leaders in Wabash County to allow them to attend the 2024-2025 Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program. The recipient of the 2024 Jim Smith Scholarship is Jon Gaskill, the newly minted executive director of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library. This scholarship is sponsored by Hoosier Jiffy Print and was established to recognize the incredible work done by Smith who retired from his role as LDWC program director in 2020.In addition to the Jim Smith Scholarship, Grow Wabash...

Wabash County United Fund to celebrate six months of Imagination Library

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be helping the Wabash County United Fund celebrate the successful first six months of Wabash’s chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on Friday, November 15.To mark the occasion, Grow Wabash County will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. on November 15."It is a humbling experience to see and celebrate a local organization like the Wabash County United Fund as they bring impactful programs like the Imagination Library to the community,” Chelsea Parson, project manager for development and marketing for Grow Wabash County, said. “Opportunities like this to put...

Wabash Carnegie Public Library to celebrate newly renovated space Nov. 15

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Wabash County, IN – The Wabash County community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 15, to celebrate the completed renovations of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library (WCPL). “The renovation and expansion of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library further enhances the library’s role as an important resource and transforms it into a lively hub for collaboration, creativity, and learning,” Tenille Zartman, president & CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “By improving this key community asset, we are investing in a better quality of life for everyone in Wabash. We’re excited to see how this new space...

Logan Properties to break ground on Wabash spec building project

Monday, October 07, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the City of Wabash are pleased to be joining Logan Properties and Nuway Construction in breaking ground on a new development project in the Wabash Northeast Business Complex.On Monday, Oct. 28, there will be a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the official start of construction on the first of multiple industrial speculative buildings slated to be built in the industrial park by Logan Properties and Nuway Construction."The development team is very excited to partner with the City of Wabash and Grow Wabash County to help create new opportunities for its industrial market,” Martin...

Grow Wabash County, Northeast Indiana Works to host community hiring event

Monday, September 30, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County, in partnership with Northeast Indiana Works, will be hosting a Community Response Resource and Job Fair on Monday, Oct. 21.“Grow Wabash County is acutely aware of the challenges these recent layoffs and business closures pose for people across Wabash County. In partnership with Northeast Indiana Works, local employers, and community organizations, we are dedicated to supporting displaced workers by helping them navigate their next steps, including finding new employment opportunities close to home, and providing the necessary guidance and resources to move forward,” said Tenille Zartman, President & CEO of Grow Wabash County.The...

Simply Driven Workforce Solutions to open Wabash office

Friday, September 27, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash, Inc., invites the community to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, October 25, to celebrate the opening of Simply Driven Workforce Solutions’ new Wabash location."As our local employers seek out new and innovative ways to attract and retain quality talent, having a partner like Simply Driven Workforce Solutions in Wabash County will be a great asset,” Chelsea Parson, project manager for development and marketing, said.Simply Driven Workforce Solutions provides support and resources to companies looking to expand or upskill their workforce. The company is affiliated with Sanford Rose Associates®...

Culver's to celebrate grand re-opening

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be joining Culver’s in celebrating its grand re-opening. To officially mark the occasion, Grow Wabash County will host a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated space on October 2."Grow Wabash County is excited to announce Culver's of Wabash with their new drive-through expansion” Jana Thibos, project manager for events and investor services, said. “This local owner will serve our community more efficiently and make the customer's experience even better. Here’s to growth, convenience, and all the wonderful moments ahead.”The months-long renovation of the Culver’s restaurant on Cass Street in Wabash...

JoJo's Olfactory & Co. to celebrate unveiling of new product line

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Wabash County, IN – JoJo’s OlFactory & Co. is adding a new flair and flavor to their fragrance bar with the roll out of their new line of olive oils, balsamics and other artisan food products.To celebrate this new addition to JoJo’s lineup, Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash, Inc. will be hosting a ribbon cutting on Friday, October 4.“We are so excited of the new product line JoJo’s is bringing to realization,” Jana Thibos, project manager for investor services and events, said. “They are creating new ideas and are the true meaning of being an entrepreneur.”JoJo’s OlFactory &Co. has...

Bubbles & Boba to celebrate grand opening in downtown Wabash

Friday, September 13, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash, Inc. are excited to be welcoming Bubbles & Boba to the local business community during its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 18."Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Bubbles & Boba in downtown Wabash,” Jana Thibos, project manager for investor services and events, said. “Join us as we celebrate with a burst of bubbles and the refreshing delight of boba. This exciting new venture is set to add a touch of sweetness and a lot of energy to our vibrant community. Here’s to...

HLC Studios to celebrate grand opening with First Friday ribbon cutting

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash, Inc. will host a ribbon-cutting on Friday, October 4, to celebrate the grand opening of HLC Studios."Grow Wabash County is excited to announce another new small business in the heart of Downtown Wabash,” Jana Thibos, project manager for Events & Investor Services at Grow Wabash County, said. “When HLC Studios opens their doors, it signifies more than just a new address—it’s a commitment to the vibrant pulse of this community."HLC Studios will feature handmade products from multiple vendors including the owner, Kimberly Alexander. Alexander, who is a Wabash County transplant...

Community responses wanted for Stellar Pathways survey

Friday, September 06, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Wabash County residents are being asked to complete a short survey to share their insights and perspectives on the greatest needs and opportunities in Wabash County.This survey is part of a larger community engagement strategy related to the Stellar Pathways application being submitted by local leaders in hopes of securing up to $7 million in state and federal dollars to fund various programs focused on improving quality of life and sparking future growth. This application is spearheaded by a committee of stakeholders from all of the incorporated cities and towns in Wabash County as well as...

Registration open for Leadership Development 2024 - 2025 cohort

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Registration is open for the 2024-2025 cohort of Grow Wabash County’s flagship Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program.This eight-month program focuses on equipping and empowering local young professionals and emerging leaders to further develop their leadership skills through various assessments, lessons and projects. The ultimate goal being to provide these LDWC participants with the tools and skills they need to make an impact on the Wabash County community.“Leadership Development Wabash County is one of Grow Wabash County’s longest-running programs and it has helped provide the tools and training to hundreds of Wabash County professions to help...

Nightmare Factory to bring tricks and treats to Wabash

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is looking forward to kicking off “spooky season” with a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the Nightmare Factory."We are happy to welcome The Nightmare Factory to Wabash,” Jana Thibos, project manager for Investor Services and Events, said. “This attraction will be a unique opportunity for tricks and treats that go beyond the average Halloween festivities.”The Nightmare Factory Wabash was created out of the passion for Halloween between two husband and wife teams: Brian and Ashlee Ryman and Charlie and Brittany Daniels. Throughout the Factory’s season, Sept. 13 through Oct...

Grow Wabash County to welcome Tipsy’s Liquor to LaFontaine

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Wabash County, IN – The Wabash County community is invited to join Grow Wabash County for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 22, to celebrate the grand opening of Tipsy’s Liquor in LaFontaine."We are very excited to have a new business in LaFontaine that will offer a unique spot for the local cocktail and cigar enthusiasts,” Jana Thibos, Project Manager for Investor Services & Events, said. “We look forward to officially welcoming Tipsy’s Liquor to Wabash County."Tipsy's Liquor is a one-stop destination for a wide range of beverages and lifestyle products. It features an extensive selection of beer, wine,...

Grow Wabash County to celebrate back-to-back Lagro ribbon cuttings

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Wabash County, IN – The Wabash County community is invited to join Grow Wabash County in the town of Lagro to help celebrate the grand openings of two new businesses on Friday, August 9.The two businesses, Geronimo and River Hippie, will be welcomed into the Wabash County business community with back-to-back ribbon cutting ceremonies.“We are thrilled to welcome not one, but two amazing businesses in downtown Lagro,” Jana Thibos, project manager for events and investor services, said. “Both charming shops cater to unique individuals, showcasing exquisite pieces and one-of-a-kind items. We are excited to welcome them into the community.”Geronimo, owned...

From Line to Leader: Homegrown Employees to Guide Your Company’s Future

Friday, July 12, 2024

In an all too common theme, manufacturers nationwide struggle with external applicant searches to fill their open positions. Many invest in hiring events and recruitment strategies to fill the critical roles for their operation’s success. Yet, setting their sights inward on existing employees may hold the best promise to meet those needs. “Taking homegrown talent and turning them into leaders can be the best strategy for success,” said Jeff Frost, Senior Industry Advisor, Northeast Indiana with the Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). “It is a natural progression for the most capable person running a segment of a manufacturing line to step...

GWC, DWI to welcome Collective Creations to downtown community

Friday, July 12, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash, Inc. are thrilled to be teaming up to celebrate the opening of the Collective Creations on Friday, Aug. 2, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.“We are so excited to welcome Collective Creations to Downtown Wabash,” Jana Thibos, project manager for events and investor services. “This will quickly become a must-go place downtown for the whole family.”Collective Creations, located in the former Eclectic Shoppe building on West Canal Street in downtown Wabash, brings together Homespun Vibes, HLC Studios and Kneadful Things under one roof for a unique shopping experience. "Downtown Wabash is...

Kalenborn Abresist to be recognized as 2024 Business of the Year

Tuesday, July 09, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that Kalenborn Abresist has been selected as the 2024 Business of the Year and will be honored during Grow Wabash County’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Honeywell Center. "Grow Wabash County is thrilled to present Kalenborn Abresist Corporation as the 2024 Business of the Year,” Tenille Zartman, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “Kalenborn Abresist Corporation as a company has just celebrated 100 years of excellence and has been voted Indiana's Best Place to Work in Manufacturing for two consecutive years by the Indiana...

Young Professionals Imagine a Future in Wabash County

Tuesday, July 02, 2024

For students nearing the completion of a degree program and considering professional options after college, deciding on potential job offers often involves contemplating the pros and cons of new communities. Wabash County helps simplify that decision-making process through the Wabash County Fellowship Program. The 12-week summer internship program gives rising college juniors, seniors, and graduate students a chance to sample life in Wabash County at the tail-end of their programs. Ultimately, the program aims to connect participants with professional opportunities and entice them to relocate to the community.An Immersive Summer Internship that Builds to a Career The fellowship is an initiative...

Grow Wabash County hosts annual WACCY Golf Outing

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Wabash County, IN – On Wednesday, June 5, Grow Wabash County hosted its annual WACCY Golf outing at the Honeywell Public Golf Course. The drizzle at the beginning did not stop the golfers and the weather soon cleared up and turned into the ideal day to play a round of golf. Under the clouds, 24 teams consisting of 96 players teed off at 1 p.m. across the course. Most holes were managed by volunteers and hole sponsors, who were there to make the experience even more fun by providing a multitude of services including putt-putt, a golf ball cannon, and...

Catherine Ondrla joins Grow Wabash County team as MU intern

Monday, June 03, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County would like to welcome Manchester University student, Catherine Ondrla, as the organization’s newest intern for summer 2024. Catherine is a student at Manchester University studying both Business Management and Marketing. She will be a senior this coming academic year. While her hometown is currently Warsaw, Indiana, Catherine is a proud Squire alum, having graduated from Manchester High School in 2021.In addition to her studies, Catherine is also involved in her campus community as a member of the Manchester University volleyball team and as part of the Gilbert College of Business Club’s Marketing Committee.She...

GWC, DWI team up to support entrepreneurs at Wabash Farmers Market

Friday, May 24, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to once again be sponsoring the Young Entrepreneur booth for the Wabash Farmers Market 2024 season.The Young Entrepreneur booth allows for local students and young professionals to set up at the Wabash Farmers Market for free. As one of the most popular events in the downtown Wabash area, these entrepreneurs will gain experience in promoting and selling their products and services while also getting their brand out in front of the hundreds of visitors that visit the market every Saturday between May and September."We greatly enjoy investing in the future generation...

IU Kokomo awards first microcredentials

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Release & Photo courtesy of IU KokomoKOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo awarded its first microcredentials to participants in a Wabash County leadership development program.Twenty-one people earned the microcredential – or non-credit bearing certification – in Essentials of Leadership, a class taught by IU Kokomo faculty as part of Grow Wabash County’s Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program.Leah Nellis, vice chancellor for innovation and special projects, said the campus’s AIM (Achieve. Improve. Master.) Microcredential program fills a need for short-term education to help individuals learn specific skills in the community.“Earning a microcredential demonstrates that you have learned specific competencies and...

Duke Energy supports economic development in northern Indiana with Partnership Program grants

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

News release courtesy of Duke EnergyPLAINFIELD, Ind. – Duke Energy has selected three economic development organizations in northern Indiana for inclusion in its 2024 Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to attract new jobs and investment in communities the company serves. “Economic development plays a vital role in the long-term growth and prosperity of the state,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of business development at Duke Energy. “Through these grant funds, we’re proud to support our local economic development partners as they work in new and creative ways to market their communities to site selectors and businesses across the...

Conexus Indiana names 2024 Rising 30 class

Friday, May 10, 2024

Conexus Indiana this week announced this year’s group of accomplished young professionals in the advanced manufacturing and logistics industries through its Rising 30 class.The award was launched four years ago to honor Indiana’s top talent under 30 making strides in those growing industries. Honorees include engineers, entrepreneurs and business owners, educators, CEOs and product developers from across Indiana.“The dynamic professionals named to this year’s Rising 30 cohort are defining what it means to be a young leader in Indiana’s AML sector,” Conexus CEO Fred Cartwright said in a news release. “I’m more optimistic than ever about the future of industry...

Manufacturing Innovation Training Center planned for 16 Tech

Friday, May 10, 2024

Indianapolis-based 16 Tech Community Corp. and Ivy Tech Community College are partnering to create a biopharmaceutical training center at the 16 Tech Innovation District.Supported by Eli Lilly and Co., the Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center is designed to attract and prepare diverse talent for careers in advanced manufacturing, with an emphasis on pharmaceutical manufacturing.“This is something that we started working on collaboratively with Ivy Tech in the summer of 2021, and it directly connects to a longer term vision for 16 Tech to be a place that has resources that also support on ramps to careers and pathways in...

Westminster Preschool to celebrate grand opening June 6

Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Class will soon be in session at Westminster Preschool in Wabash! Join Grow Wabash County and the Westminster team for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 6, to celebrate the grand opening of Wabash’s newest preschool.Westminster Preschools provides a Christian atmosphere that support’s children’s growth and development as lifelong learners in a safe and caring environment. They are a play-based, high-quality early childhood program that will take children starting at 6 weeks old and will even offer after school and break care for children up to 12 years old. “I am very excited to help...

Ben's Soft Pretzels to celebrate re-opening in Wabash Wal-Mart

Monday, May 06, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the community to join us in welcoming Ben’s Soft Pretzels back to Wabash with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 7.“We are thrilled to have Ben's Soft Pretzels back in Wabash,” Jana Thibos, investor services and event project manager, said. “Under new ownership and management, we are excited for the new opportunity to serve Wabash.”The pretzel shop, located in the Wabash Wal-Mart, will be re-opening under new management, and has renewed its commitment to once again bringing quality products and pretzels to Wabash residents and Wal-Mart shoppers alike.In addition to putting...

Honoring the Efforts of Economic Development Professionals in Wabash County

Friday, May 03, 2024

During the week of May 6, 2024, economic development organizations and professionals worldwide are applauded for their impactful efforts in shaping their communities. Economic Development Week (EDW) was established in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council to recognize economic development’s role in providing the crucial support businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities need to thrive.Grow Wabash County, IN, drives the region's economic progress as the joint economic development group and chamber of commerce for Wabash County. Its activities span a wide spectrum, from nurturing entrepreneurial ventures and guiding aspiring business owners to actively courting new companies to establish operations in the...

Launch Your Small Business in Wabash County with Brightpoint Development Fund

Thursday, May 02, 2024

Wabash County, IN, is the perfect place to launch your business, with many resources available to help with the process. Small business funding programs can assist new enterprises in starting and contributing to their growth.For example, Brightpoint Development Fund in Northeast Indiana provides financing for small business owners looking to grow their operations and entrepreneurs just beginning their journey. The nonprofit organization provides affordable business loans, financial education, and housing development services within the region. What is Brightpoint Development Fund?Founded in 2010, Brightpoint Development Fund is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) microlender and a U.S. Department of the Treasury Community...

State Approves $30 Million for Northeast Indiana Strategic Development

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Release courtesy of NEIFort Wayne, IN. __ The State of Indiana Budget Committee approved the $30 million grant for programs designed to grow population, wages, and credential attainment in the 11-county region of Northeast Indiana.The State Budget Committee voted Friday to approve the $30 million grant from the state of Indiana to the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission (SDC) that was appropriated by the General Assembly in 2023. With this milestone, the SDC expects to begin considering a higher volume of requests aligned with its strategic plan.“We are profoundly grateful to the State for entrusting the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development...

WACCY Golf Outing returns June 5

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Wabash County, IN – The Wabash County business community is invited to join Grow Wabash County at the Honeywell course for a day of golf, networking and friendly competition at its annual WACCY Golf Outing. This year’s outing will take place on Wednesday, June 5 at the Honeywell Golf Course, 3360 Niccum Rd in Wabash.As is tradition, this year’s WACCY Golf Outing will be more than just a golf outing. In addition to each team vying to take the WACCY Championship Belt away from the 2023 winners: Wings, Etc. , there will be challenges scattered across the course to test...

Wabash County community connects, empowers top local students

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Wabash County, IN – On Thursday, April 11, Grow Wabash County hosted its annual Honor Student Luncheon, connecting members of the community and the top academic students in Wabash County’s Class of 2024 over the topics of future plans and professional opportunities.Neil Bever, owner of Hoosier Chiropractic, was the emcee for the event, sharing his experiences as a Wabash native who chose to start his practice in the same community he grew up in.After lunch and conversation between students and professional mentors, representatives from the event’s Industry Sponsors, were invited onstage for a panel discussion and Q&A session where the...

Northeast Indiana Region Awarded $45 million in Economic Development Grants

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Release courtesy of NEIFort Wayne, IN - The Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) board of directors voted to approve an award of $45 million to the Northeast Indiana region through the IEDC’s READI 2.0 initiative.“We are deeply appreciative of the IEDC for once again trusting the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) to serve as a steward of these resources to build on the incredible momentum throughout the 11 counties and 16 cities and towns that comprise the RDA membership,” President of the RDA Board James Khan said.Since 2016, the RDA has used leveraged state investments of $92 million from...

Community Foundation of Wabash County Receives ARPA Grant to Make Childcare More Affordable

Tuesday, April 02, 2024

Release courtesy of Community Foundation of Wabash CountyWABASH COUNTY, IN - Indiana’s Family Social Services Administration awarded the Community Foundation of Wabash County a grant for $750,000 to help employers in Wabash County make childcare more affordable for their employees. Employees who work for a company that belongs to Manchester Alive or Grow Wabash County can apply for discounted rates at licensed childcare centers, registered childcare ministries, or licensed home childcare programs as long as the grant lasts.In a 2020 study conducted by Indiana University, researchers show that employees with children under five are absent from work more than 13...

Zartman recognized on 2024 "40 Under 40" List by Fort Wayne Business Weekly

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Tenille Zartman, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, was recognized as a member of the 2024 40 Under 40 List by Fort Wayne Business Weekly at the newspaper's annual awards banquet on March 28.Zartman is a Wabash County native and a graduate of Manchester High School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne, and recently completed the coursework to become a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the University of Oklahoma. She has earned professional certificates from Purdue University, Ball State University, and The Disney Institute. Zartman has...

GWC to welcome Hungry Heathen to downtown Wabash food scene

Friday, March 22, 2024

Wabash County, IN – The City of Wabash is about to have a new dining spot thanks to the arrival of the Hungry Heathen restaurant. Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash, Inc. invite the community to join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m. “Being Wabash raised the dream of being a part of downtown is real,” Travis Davidson, owner, said. “We couldn't be more excited to provide the community with a different kind of dining option! Our goal is to watch families, couples and teens make The Hungry Heathen their go-to place to...

Harrison to lead Seasonal Planning business workshop

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Angela Harrison are once again teaming up to provide local entrepreneurs and small businesses with another engaging educational event, this time focused on seasonal planning.On Wednesday, May 1, Harrison will lead the interactive Seasonal Planning Workshop to talk about how to best to prep and plan for whatever is in store for local businesses for the rest of the year and even well into the future.“Each quarter seems to fly right by, and you wish you had anticipated being better prepared for the next season, sale, or staffing needs," Harrison said. “You...

Wabash Furniture & Flooring to celebrate new location on April 19

Monday, March 18, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County will be hosting a ribbon cutting on Monday, April 19, to celebrate the grand opening of Wabash Furniture & Flooring’s new location, 1435 N Cass Street in Wabash.Wabash Furniture & Flooring is a family run business with proud ties to the Wabash County community. They operate their business with the expressed mission to invite every community member and customer into their family through a mutually rewarding experience. They are dedicated to exceeding expectations by providing value, high quality furnishings and unmatched customer service through commitment, integrity and trust.“I am glad to be a...

Agriculture Helps Wabash Grow

Thursday, March 07, 2024

Wabash County, IN, is fertile ground for agriculture and its surrounding industries. Crops and livestock produced by local farmers in the area contribute significantly to Indiana being in the top ten U.S. states regarding total agricultural production. Beyond contributing to the nation's food supply, Wabash County agriculture is a significant source of its residents' employment. Grow Wabash County celebrates National Ag Day on March 19 to recognize the vital role area agriculture businesses play in sustaining local communities and driving economic growth while setting a tone for annual support for these regional businesses and residents. Trends Reshaping Agriculture's FutureToday, agriculture in...

GWC, HR Ideas Unlimited partner for employee morale workshop

Thursday, March 07, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is looking forward to hosting Alan Siepker from HR Ideas Unlimited on Tuesday, April 16, for an educational event about “Improving Employee Morale.”The objective of this workshop is to facilitate conversations around the topics of employee morale, engagement and retention, primarily through the development of strong and trusting relationships between employee and supervisor. “In this competitive environment, companies are making the commitment and investment in conducting supervisor training in positive employee relations in support of improving their recruitment and retention goals,” Siepker said.Siepker is a full-time professional training coach and facilitator. He served...

2024 Ag Dinner welcomes Chiang, Peebles family

Monday, March 04, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County had a full house on Wednesday, February 28, for its 14th annual Salute to Ag Dinner which enjoyed the company of many honored guests including Purdue University President Mung Chiang and members of the Peebles Family.Howard Halderman, chair of Grow Wabash County’s Ag Committee, emceed the annual event, offering up bits of trivia throughout the evening about just how important Indiana is to agriculture not only locally, but on a global scale. The event also celebrated the Peebles Family, a family that has farmed in Wabash County for seven generations, as the 2023...

Manchester University Applying for Grant Through Lilly Endowment’s College & Community Collaboration Initiative

Monday, March 04, 2024

Manchester University plans to submit a proposal to receive important funding from Lilly Endowment’s College & Community Collaboration Initiative. The program is offering interested Indiana colleges and universities the chance to apply for grants to help them create and carry out collaborative projects with community stakeholders that will ultimately strengthen the quality of life in their surrounding communities.“Manchester University is thrilled for this transformational opportunity through the Lilly Endowment’s College & Community Collaboration Initiative to submit an application for projects that benefit the University and the surrounding community,” said Dr. Stacy Young, President of Manchester University.Manchester University is applying in...

Wabash named Top 100 Micropolitan by Site Selector Magazine

Friday, March 01, 2024

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 its controlled-circulation base consists of more than 41,000 subscribers, most of whom are involved in corporate facility location decisions at the CEO/President/COO level."The Governor's Cups recognize not only the winning governors, but their...

GWC to celebrate top students at Honor Student Luncheon

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Wabash County, IN (FEB. 28, 2024) – Grow Wabash County is excited to once again host some of Wabash County’s top academic students in the Class of 2024 at its annual Honor Student Luncheon on Thursday, April 11.This year’s luncheon will recognize 73 Wabash County seniors with career plans ranging from nursing and health care to education and various STEM disciplines. This year’s luncheon will invite representatives from local businesses and organizations to attend the luncheon as “mentors” to students considering similar career paths. These mentors will be encouraged to chat with students about their own professional journeys and how...

2024 State of Our Communities energizes community for year of growth, progress

Monday, February 19, 2024

Wabash County, IN (FEB. 19, 2024) – Grow Wabash County’s had a full house of almost 240 community members for its seventh annual State of Our Communities event on Thursday, Feb. 15. The crowd listened enthusiastically as local community leaders each took turns in the spotlight to talk about the great things to come for Wabash County in the year to come. The community speakers featured were: Tracie Hensley from the Town of LaFontaine, Kristie Bone from the Town of Lagro, Jim Smith from the Town of North Manchester, Bob Ferguson from the Town of Roann, Mayor Scott Long from the City...

GWC to host investor exclusive Legislative Q&A

Friday, February 16, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to once again host local legislators, Rep. Lorissa Sweet and Senator Andy Zay, for an investor exclusive event on Thursday, March 28. As the joint chamber of commerce and economic development group in Wabash County, Grow Wabash County hosts regular events featuring elected officials who speak on behalf of Wabash County and its citizens. “Grow Wabash County is committed to providing a platform for our investors to take advantage of all resources and opportunities afforded to them,” Jana Thibos, investor services and events project manager, said. “One important way that we are able...

Grow Wabash County to host ribbon cutting for Runnings store opening

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the Wabash County community to join them for their first ribbon cutting of the year on Friday, March 15, to celebrate the opening of Runnings. “Runnings is excited to be part of Wabash and bring over 75 years of retail experience to each store,” Annika Freiburger, marketing coordinator, said. “We're dedicated to offering top brands at the best prices. Customer service, product knowledge and fully stocked shelves are our top priority. Stop in during our Grand Opening and see what a Runnings store is all about. We're your new neighbor with everything...

GWC, NIIC to host Kirkman for “Buying or Selling a Business” workshop

Monday, February 12, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County, in partnership with the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC), is excited to be hosting Della Kirkman, CPA, owner of Shift-N-Gears, for an upcoming “Buying or Selling a Business” lunch and learn event.This educational event will feature Kirkman who will talk about how to strategize buying a business from the ground up, including discussions on the pros and cons for buying a business over launching a start-up and how to find the funding and necessary resources to actually buy a business. “Buying an existing business gives you instant success with built-in customers, automatic product/market fit...

Komets to host Wabash County Night March 8

Friday, February 09, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Fort Wayne Komets invite the Wabash County community to be the MVPs at the Fort Wayne Komets game on Friday, March 8 for Wabash County Night. As one of the Komets’ dedicated “community nights,” hockey fans are encouraged to show up and celebrate Wabash County while also rooting for the Komets as they take on the Wheeling Nailers. “The Komets have always had strong support from communities outside of the city of Fort Wayne,” Mitch Meinholz, director of sales and events for the Fort Wayne Komets, said. “The Wabash area is definitely one...

Purdue President Chiang to speak at Salute to Ag Dinner

Monday, February 05, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that the Ag Committee has secured Purdue University President Mung Chiang as keynote speaker for the 2024 Salute to Ag Dinner scheduled for Wednesday, February 28. President Chiang is an engineer, educator, technology entrepreneur and innovator who previously served as both Purdue’s executive vice president for strategic initiatives and the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering. He is also the winner of the National Science Foundation’s Alan T. Waterman Award in 2013, the highest honor presented to an American researcher under the age of 40, and is...

GWC, Harrison to host Marketing Basics workshop

Friday, January 19, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites its investors and local business owners to take a crash course in marketing fundamentals with Angie Harrison on Wednesday, Feb. 21. This “Marketing Basics” educational event will feature entrepreneurship coach, Angie Harrison, who will talk about how to strategize business development by utilizing the Lean Canvas approach. This workshop will be hands-on, and will challenge business owners to creatively and intentionally think through several aspects such as customer segments, determining their target marketing, the problems they are solving, how they differ from competitors, reviewing revenue streams, and considerations of branding. “Marketing is a big word...

The 2024 Regional Workforce Development Rankings

Monday, January 15, 2024

The rankings on these pages are high-level measures of states’ workforce development climates. They do not reflect which states in a region have the most effective workforce training programs or labor boards or tools for connecting job seekers with potential employment opportunities. Rather they recognize states that performed well in a set of measures that can be applied to all 50 states, measures that gauge workforce-related aspects of states’ overall employment climate.Analysis of variables on the ground, such as programs and resources for job seekers, are still the best way for companies with significant hiring plans to factor workforce development...

GWC to celebrate two farms, one family at annual Ag Dinner

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Salute to Ag committee are thrilled to be celebrating not one, but two farms, as their 2023 Farm Family of the Year. This year, the Ag Committee will recognize the Peebles family for their work and contributions to the Wabash County agriculture industry. The Peebles family currently operates two farms: Never Fail Farms and VADA Farms, both of which will be honored during the Salute to Agriculture Dinner scheduled for Wednesday, February 28. “Grow Wabash County is proud to honor the Peebles Family (VADA Farms and Roger and Suzanne Peebles - Never Fail...

Gov. Holcomb Announces $250M Lilly Endowment Grant To Accelerate Quality Of Place Across Indiana

Tuesday, January 09, 2024

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced at tonight’s State of the State address that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a $250 million grant to help bolster quality of place efforts throughout the state. The grant to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which is the single largest award given in Lilly Endowment’s 86-year history, will be administered in conjunction with the nationally recognized Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). “As a state, Indiana is investing in its neighborhoods, its people and its future like never before,” said Gov. Holcomb. “This unprecedented investment from Lilly Endowment is a testament to the incredible...

24 for '24

Monday, January 08, 2024

You’re looking to establish a new location to serve the growing global need for software development and support services, but you want to avoid the places baseball legend Yogi Berra once described as only he could: “Aw, nobody ever goes there. It’s too crowded.” Josefien Glaudemans and the team at BCI Global have scoured the planet to find 24 locations that fit the bill, followed by a Q&A with Glaudemans about what trends and places could be emerging next. -Ed.The landscape of tech and support centers is undergoing major changes driven by technology, globalization, working from home and the increasing...

State of the States 2024

Monday, January 08, 2024

Among the themes to emerge across the 50 state legislatures and governor’s offices over the past year is how to attract funding from a family of major federal programs toting hundreds of billions of dollars in funds. The various challenges and grants follow closely behind Recovery Act funds for which the states are still finding, it is presumed, the highest, best use.But there are other motifs arising across the land: Broadband expansion to reduce the digital divide is one. Prioritizing career and technical education is another. And don’t forget finding ways to prepare shovel-ready sites.Read the full article here.

USDA Reminds Producers of Upcoming Discrimination Financial Assistance Program Deadline

Monday, January 08, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds farmers, ranchers and forest landowners that January 13, 2024, is the deadline to apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). This program is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided $2.2 billion in funding.Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination by USDA in its farm loan programs prior to January 1, 2021 and/or are currently debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination that occurred prior to January 1, 2021, are eligible for this program.Read the full article here.

GWC State of Our Communities to celebrate 2023 wins, 2024 goals

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Wabash County, IN – Registration is now open for Grow Wabash County’s annual State of Our Communities event on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Honeywell Center. This year’s event, like in years past, will host representatives from each incorporated community in Wabash County including: Town of LaFontaine; Town of Lagro; Town of North Manchester; Town of Roann; City of Wabash; as well as the Wabash County Commissioners. Each representative will have the opportunity to share the accomplishments their communities celebrated in 2023 and how they will take that momentum to affect even greater change in 2024 and beyond. "Each year, this event never...

Indiana’s Economy Reaches Historic Levels as IEDC Delivers Year of Unprecedented Economic Wins for Hoosiers in 2023

Wednesday, January 03, 2024

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg today highlighted the 2023 economic successes in each focus area of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) strategic vision, concluding the seventh consecutive record-breaking year for economic development in Indiana. In 2023, 208 companies committed to locate or expand in Indiana, investing more than $28.7 billion (+29% from 2022) in their operations and creating 21,866 new jobs with an average wage of $36.07/hour – or approximately $75,025 annually (+3.9% from 2022 and +10.2% the national average wage). This marks the highest capital investment and annual record for average wages...

After the Ribbon Is Cut: Shifting the Talent Strategy to Retention & Upskilling

Monday, December 25, 2023

The site selection process often includes 18+ months of a national search with dozens of employer interviews and meetings with economic developers, workforce development groups, and higher education institutions. While sophisticated site selection consultants perform due diligence to ensure their client’s immediate workforce needs are met, the process often emphasizes attracting new talent based on existing workforce availability but can fall short of incorporating the likelihood of retaining and upskilling employees to achieve long-term talent sustainability and operational success.After a new employer in the community is fully staffed and a ribbon is cut, the employer must shift their talent strategy...

Grow Wabash County announces Tenille Zartman as new President & CEO

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

WABASH COUNTY, IN - Grow Wabash County, the county's economic development and chamber organization, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tenille Zartman to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 16, 2023. Zartman, who has most recently served as the Vice President of Grow Wabash County has worked for the organization for the past seven years, will succeed Keith Gillenwater, who is moving on after nine years of service. Zartman is a Wabash County native and a graduate of Manchester High School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana...

Insights on Staffing and the Location Decision

Monday, December 18, 2023

When selecting a new site, companies today confront an ever-changing landscape of factors to consider, from site and facility planning to workforce analytics and training. Christine Chandler, president of AdvantaStaff, and Lovora Brown, AdvantaStaff’s director of Operations, who bring a combined 50 years’ experience in the manufacturing and distribution industry, provide their perspective on workforce issues that are important to companies’ location decisions.What insights can you offer on real-time pay rates?Chandler: That is an especially important question because pay rates have increased dramatically in the past 12 months, and this is having an enormous impact on staffing. Companies are losing...

GWC announces staff changes with Thibos, Parson

Friday, December 15, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is happy to announce some exciting developments to its organizational team. Firstly, Grow Wabash County has welcomed Jana Thibos to the team as its new Project Manager for Investor Services and Events. “I am thrilled to join the Grow Wabash County team as their Investor Services and Event Project Manager,” Thibos said. “I am so thankful for everything and everyone who has prepared me for this role. Wabash County has so much to offer, and I am excited to be a part of it. There are big things to come.” Prior to joining Grow Wabash County,...

GWC to host annual Legislative Wrap-Up for investors

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Wabash County, IN (NOV. 22, 2023) – Grow Wabash County (GWC) is thrilled to invite its investors to attend an exclusive Legislative Wrap-Up on Tuesday, Dec. 19. For this year’s wrap-up, we are thrilled to be hosting Congressman Rudy Yakym III, who serves as the representative for Indiana’s 2nd District which Wabash County resides in. We will also welcome back State Representative Lorissa Sweet and State Senator Andy Zay for this annual event. “As the joint chamber of commerce and economic development group in Wabash County, one of Grow Wabash County’s commitments to its investors is to offer them a platform to...

New Online Ecosystem Launches for Northeast Indiana Entrepreneurs

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Fort Wayne, IN – Today, Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) launched the NEIN Venture Hub for communities and organizations to collaborate to help individuals who need help to start, launch, and grow their businesses. NEIN Venture Hub is a technology-enabled solution that integrates the tools, knowledge, and support entrepreneurs need. It is a platform used by the region’s service organizations to support the region’s entrepreneurs. “It is fitting to launch during Global Entrepreneurship Week, which includes 40,000 activities worldwide,” said Mike Fritsch, President and CEO Of NIIC. This year’s theme is removing barriers and welcoming all, which dovetails with NIIC’s initiative...

Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday 2023 in Wabash County: Featuring Make It Your Own Art Studio

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

The Grow Wabash County team is celebrating all of the small businesses and nonprofits in Wabash County, IN this Small Business Saturday (November 25) and Giving Tuesday (November 28). We are extremely thankful for these organizations, all of their hard work, and the sheer delight and wonder they bring to our community.Small Business SaturdaySmall Business Saturday takes place annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving when people are saying their “thank yous” and in the giving spirit. American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 to encourage consumers to shop small during the holiday season. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)...

Gillenwater to depart Grow Wabash County

Monday, November 20, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County (GWC) today announces the impending departure of its current president and CEO, Keith Gillenwater. During his nine-year tenure as president and CEO, Gillenwater played a key role in many of the large-scale initiatives and projects in Wabash County. In 2017, he led the merger of both the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Group of Wabash County which resulted in the creation of the new Grow Wabash County. "Keith has been a great asset to our organization and to the entire county. Grow Wabash County has thrived and grown under his...

Grow Wabash County welcomes Kaotic Foods, LLC to Wabash County

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 30, to celebrate the opening of Kaotic Foods, LLC in Wabash. "We are honored to have this opportunity and promise to put our heart and soul into making sure Kaotic Foods is a complete success in bringing smiles to chaotic lives,” Tina Harrison, owner, said. "It's in the baby steps, we learn to walk." Prior to purchasing their new storefront on Cass Street, Kaotic Foods served up their diverse menu at local festivals and events in and around Indiana. Now, their menu will be similar...

Shop local with Grow Wabash County Gift Checks

Friday, November 10, 2023

Wabash County, IN – As the holiday shopping season approaches, Grow Wabash County is once again encouraging the community to shop local. One fantastic way to promote shopping local this holiday season is by purchasing Grow Wabash County gift checks which can be used at almost 300 local businesses and organizations in and around Wabash County. Grow Wabash County gift checks (formerly known as Chamber Gift Checks prior to 2017) are gift certificates that can be redeemed at any business or organization that is a current Grow Wabash County investor. Since 2017, nearly $300,000 has been spent locally within Wabash County through the...

Station 1 Firehouse Café to celebrate opening in Lagro

Tuesday, November 07, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to invite the Wabash County community to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, November 18, to celebrate the opening of the Station 1 Firehouse Café in Lagro. The café is housed in the historic Old Lagro Firehouse Building and is the realization of a dream decades in the making. When John, Jodie and Morgan Potter first laid eyes on the building in the late 1990s, they knew even then that the place had potential to be a unique spot for a “coffee and tea house.” Over the next several years, with...

Friends Counseling to celebrate new expansion to Wabash location

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

Wabash County, IN – The Wabash County community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 17, to celebrate the newly expanded Friends Counseling Center in Wabash. "We are excited to see our vision, our planning, and the design take shape and become reality,” Tonya Scalf, executive director of Friends Counseling Center, said. “We anticipate the new addition to be a great benefit to our community, allowing us to provide more therapeutic services in our community and have a positive long-lasting impact on those we work with." Friends Counseling Center, Inc. is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive therapeutic care...

Eclectic Shoppe to celebrate new LaFontaine location

Friday, October 20, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the community to join us on Saturday, Nov. 4, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Eclectic Shoppe’s new location in LaFontaine. "The Town of LaFontaine is excited to welcome the Eclectic Shoppe to their new home in downtown LaFontaine,” John Krhin, LaFontaine town council member, said. “Along with the recent opening of Charlie's Donuts, our downtown is growing." Prior to its relocation to LaFontaine, the Eclectic Shoppe made its home on Canal Street in downtown Wabash. Since 2015, owner Maria Smyth and the store have played an active role in the growth...

Downard to review Imagine One 85 progress

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites its investors and community partners to join Alex Downard, director of Imagine One 85, for a year-end review of the progress made through the Imagine One 85 countywide strategic plan. During this event, Downard will share some of the exciting achievements in Wabash County in 2023 and steps taken toward the ultimate goal of growing our population. He will also highlight what long- and short-term goals he and the Imagine One 85 committee have for the years to come. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the Imagine One 85 plan be put into action...

Manufacturing Day: Top 5 Products Made in Wabash County, Indiana

Friday, October 06, 2023

Careers in the manufacturing industry are often associated with humdrum routine work in potentially hazardous environments, but today, it’s more commonly understood that manufacturing involves a lot more than that. Manufacturers use their problem-solving skills and creativity and utilize the latest ideas and technologies to invent new and improved products.Wabash County is home to manufacturing companies that use advanced technologies and raw materials to produce unique and widely used goods. Kicking off on Manufacturing Day — Friday, October 6 — and continuing throughout the month, we at Grow Wabash County celebrate these companies’ employment opportunities and innovations that grow our...

Wabash County Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month

Thursday, September 28, 2023

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year to honor the achievements, histories, cultures, and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans.The event stands out as a month-long celebration that starts mid-month as opposed to the beginning of the month. This is because September 15 marks an important event: the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Also, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th, Chile celebrates its independence on September 18th, and Dia de la Raza (Race Day) is on October 12th, all of which...

GWC, GPP to host Manufacturing Day celebration

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to partner with Global Precision Parts (GPP) to highlight the importance of our local manufacturing industry with a Manufacturing Day celebration on Friday, October 6. Manufacturing Day, also known as MFG Day, is held in the first Friday of October to recognize the role that manufacturing plays in communities all over the United States. It is a day to celebrate not only the incredible things manufactured in and around the country, but also to raise awareness for the myriad of job opportunities available within the manufacturing sector. “Manufacturing is without a doubt one...

Grow Wabash County, JASI, NEI to host 5th Annual Japan-NE Indiana Summit

Friday, September 22, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled be partnering once again with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEI) and the Japanese American Society of Indiana (JASI) to host the 5th Annual Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit. This year’s summit will be hosted at the historic Eagles Theatre in downtown Wabash on Thursday, November 9. The Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit has been an essential aspect in helping Northeast Indiana build a strong and mutually beneficial business relationship with Japan and Japanese-based companies. "The Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit is the bridge that connects innovation, opportunity, and collaboration between Japanese businesses and our vibrant community,” Stéphane Frijia,...

Logan Penrod joins Grow Wabash County team as fall intern

Friday, September 08, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to welcome Logan Penrod, as an intern for the fall semester. Logan is a senior at Manchester High School and has plans to pursue a degree in Business Management at Manchester University after graduating this coming May. Outside of his studies, Logan is a 10-year member of 4-H and is active with his church youth group at Saint Robert’s Catholic Church. One may also find Logan working part-time at The Hardware store in North Manchester, where he is honing his skills in community networking and business management. “We at Grow Wabash County always...

American Machining Company to celebrate new Urbana location

Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to welcome American Machining Company (AMC) to Wabash County’s manufacturing community. To celebrate the company’s grand opening, Grow Wabash County will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 9 a.m. for their new Urbana location at 151 N. Washington Street. “With growing up in Wabash County I am very excited to come back ‘Home’ and be able to start a manufacturing company where I grew up,” Joe Beard, general manager of AMC, said. AMC is a precision machine shop specializing in making parts for the hunting industry. Their current machining...

Wabash selected by state for regional fire training center

Friday, September 01, 2023

Wabash County, IN – The City of Wabash has been identified by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) as one of four communities that will house a regional fire training center.The decision was made as part of Governor Eric Holcomb’s “2023 Next Level Agenda” and will result in $7.7 million being invested across the state to build and launch these training sites. In addition to Wabash, sites will also be built in Corydon, Linton and Rensselaer.The Wabash Fire Department applied to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to be a location for the regional fire training center. IDHS...

Ford Meter Box’s Evan Parson on Work Success in Wabash County, Indiana

Friday, August 25, 2023

Evan Parson grew up in Wabash County, Indiana, and went on to hold various positions throughout the area. Over the years, he moved his way up working for some notable Wabash County employers. Parson’s growing career eventually led to a position at one of Wabash County’s top manufacturers, Ford Meter Box. His work achievements within the region make up one of the many success stories that exemplify the positive work environment in our county. Opportunities for Career Advancement in Wabash CountyIn high school, Parson began working at the Wabash McDonald's after its first remodel. After this introductory experience in the workforce,...

Registration open for Leadership Development 2023 - 2024 cohort

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to once again be hosting its Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program. Registration is open for the 2023-2024 program cohort.This eight-month program challenges young professionals and emerging leaders to further develop their leadership skills by equipping them with the tools and concepts to better understand themselves, harness their leadership style and best apply their strengths to make an impact in Wabash County. The LDWC program will meet every third Thursday between October 2023 and May 2024 to attend classes at various locations around the county in order to better acquaint these leaders...

Peabody Building renovation central focus of Aug. 24 open house

Friday, August 11, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Manchester Alive invite business owners and community members alike to attend an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 24, to celebrate the renovations done to the former Peabody Building in North Manchester.The building, located at 505 Strauss Provimi Road in North Manchester, has been the location for many businesses over the year including the Peabody Seating Company, Tri-Lakes Container, and Sun Metal Products. Now, it is under management by Joe Sands and Christian Tucker from S&T Investment Group. “S & T Investment Group LLC is thrilled at the opportunity to...

Manchester University to be recognized as 2023 Business of the Year

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Wabash County, IN (AUG. 10, 2023) – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that Manchester University has been selected as the 2023 Business of the Year and will be honored during Grow Wabash County’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Honeywell Center. “Wabash County is incredibly lucky to have an institution like Manchester University in the community,” Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “Manchester University has been a fantastic partner as we explore strategies to expand economic and educational opportunities in and around Wabash County. They have also proven a strong supporter of...

Access Medical aims to keep Wabash County healthy

Tuesday, August 01, 2023

Wabash County, IN (AUGUST 1, 2023) – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be celebrating the opening of Access Medical’s new clinic in Wabash with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 16. "We are so excited to be joining the incredible community of Wabash,” Breanna Spears, regional manager for Access Medical, said. “We know that the most important part of a strong community is the people. That is why we have made it our mission to do everything we can to make sure that you, and your family, are as healthy as possible. We are honored to partner with...

Ford Meter Box to construct new foundry and add manufacturing capacity

Friday, July 14, 2023

Press release courtesy of Ford Meter BoxRead press release from Indiana Economic Development Corporation here.Wabash, Indiana – The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc., a manufacturer of underground waterworks products headquartered in Wabash, Indiana, announced plans to expand and modernize its foundry operations and increase downstream production capacity.The 125-year-old firm manufactures waterworks components for private and public infrastructure markets. Its production departments encompass foundry, machining, assembly, warehousing, and supporting skilled trades operations.Ford Meter Box plans to construct a 300,000 square foot state-of-the-art nonferrous foundry on a 90- acre site in Wabash’s northeast industrial park pending local approvals. Company president Steve Ford noted...

Creating Compelling Content to Attract & Engage Investors, Businesses, and Workforce

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

As an economic developer, your primary goal is to attract businesses, investors, and workforce to your community. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by creating engaging content showcasing your community's unique value proposition. However, creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience is not always easy.Developing a Content PlanDeveloping a content plan is the first step in creating engaging content. Your content plan will be your roadmap that outlines the type of content you’ll be creating. A well-developed content plan is critical to a successful marketing strategy because it allows you to create and publish...

Diving Deeper: Developing a Keyword Strategy & Building Backlinks to Support SEO Efforts

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

With so much online competition, economic development organizations need a strong SEO presence to stand out and attract the right audience. Two critical aspects of successful SEO efforts include developing a keyword strategy and building high-quality backlinks.Developing a Keyword Strategy for SEOA keyword strategy involves identifying the specific words or phrases people use when searching for information about your community or economic development initiatives. Optimizing your website and content with these keywords can increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract more targeted traffic. Here are some specific strategies for developing a keyword strategy...

Content is king in upcoming GWC, DWI workshop

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to partner with Downtown Wabash, Inc., in wlecoming back Nathan Grossman of GHD Unlimited to host a new workshop focused on helping businesses and organizations generate new and attractive content for their various marketing channels. "Content marketing is essential for small businesses looking to drive sales and build a loyal customer base,” Grossman said. “With the right strategy, content marketing can help businesses establish their brand, engage customers, and increase visibility in the online marketplace." The workshop, “Content is King” will see Grossman sharing strategies and ideas to develop...

Jalapeno Baja adds spice to Wabash County community

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the community to join us in celebrating the opening of Jalapeno Baja with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 25. “We are excited to bring the Wabash community a new way to enjoy Mexican cuisine including our salsa bar stocked with multiple options ranging from mild to hot,” Gabriel Ugalde, owner, said. “Our menu brings fresh ingredients made daily in house. We look forward to becoming a favorite in Wabash as a quick, convenient, delicious place to enjoy a meal.” Jalapeno Baja, owned and operated by the Ugalde family, who...

Metal Source purchases Bedford Recycling Inc.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Metal Source LLC, headquartered in Wabash, Indiana, has acquired the assets of Bedford Recycling Inc., which has locations in Bedford and Mitchell, Indiana.The purchase follows Metal Source’s 2021 acquisitions of Decatur Salvage, a 12-acre metals recycling facility at 7870 US 27 in Decatur, Indiana, and Secondary Metals, which operated a 2-acre yard in Peru, Indiana. In 2022, the company purchased Huntington Aluminum in Huntington, Indiana.Click here to view the full article.

5 Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Build Credibility and Online Connections

Saturday, June 17, 2023

In the constantly buzzing world of social media and online platforms, trust and credibility are the glue that holds successful personal and professional relationships together.It's become a lot easier to build trust with an audience in today's world, but these bonds don't happen by accident. You need to be actively involved and genuinely interested in connecting with your customers.Here are five strategies that I've found helpful for building trust and credibility, and in turn, they've opened up many new business opportunities and connections.Click here to view the full article.

CFWC awards $5,000 to GWC for EMT scholarships

Friday, June 16, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County has received $5,000 in grant funding from the Community Foundation of Wabash County (CFWC) from the Gordon J. and Audrey L. Ridenour First Responders Endowment to provide scholarship funding to Wabash County residents looking to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The City of Wabash Fire Department will be facilitating the upcoming EMT training program. The course will meet every Monday and Thursday starting on Monday, July 31 through December 2023. Classes will be held both from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. as well as 6 – 10 p.m. Students will be able...

Using logistics to build inclusive, resilient communities

Friday, June 16, 2023

As we continue to navigate the challenges of global crises, it’s safe to say the logistics industry has been put to the test. Optimizing supply chains across industries has become more crucial than ever. The need for prompt delivery of supplies and the ability to switch delivery locations at a moment’s notice has been vital, particularly in recent humanitarian contexts like Turkey and Syria.At UPS, we have long recognized the vital role of supply chain resiliency and the power of smart logistics to improve health outcomes in underserved communities, including rural, racial, and ethnic minority populations. Over the years, we...

Biden-Harris Administration Partners with Agricultural Producers to Strengthen Markets and Create Jobs for Producers in 19 States

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Manchester, NH, June 15, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making investments that will create new and better markets for agricultural producers and food businesses in 19 states across rural America.“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are standing up for America’s farmers and ranchers by expanding processing capacity, creating fairer markets, more revenue streams and market opportunities which help bring down food costs for families at the grocery store,” Secretary Vilsack said. “We are partnering with entrepreneurs in rural areas to build brighter futures, connect business owners to new markets and create...

Grow Wabash County hosts annual WACCY Golf Outing

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Wabash County, IN – On Wednesday June 7, Grow Wabash County hosted its annual WACCY Golf outing at the Honeywell Public Golf Course. The light wind provided a relief from the sun beating down on the green, but golf balls were soaring. Under the sun, 23 teams consisting of 92 players teed off at 1 p.m. all across the course. Most holes were managed by volunteers, who were there to make the experience even more fun by providing a multitude of services including putt-putt, a golf ball cannon, and the chance to win $3,000 by scoring a hole-in-one...

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $700 Million to Connect People in Rural Areas to High-Speed Internet

Monday, June 12, 2023

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $714 million in grants and loans to connect thousands of rural residents, farmers and business owners in 19 states to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. Connecting all communities across the United States to high-speed internet is a central part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild our economy from the bottom up and middle out by rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, which is driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing investments and creating good-paying jobs.“High-speed internet is a key to prosperity for people who...

Frank Roth joins Grow Wabash County team as MU intern

Monday, June 12, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County would like to welcome Manchester University (MU) student, Frank Roth, as the organization’s newest intern. Frank has been proud to call North Manchester home since 2018 when he moved to the town from Huntington County. He graduated from Manchester Jr. – Sr. High School (MHS) in 2022. During his time at MHS, Frank also successfully earned an associate degree in science from Grace College. At MU, Frank is currently double majoring in Digital Media Arts and Marketing. In addition to his studies, Frank is also heavily involved with MU’s esports team...

Grow Wabash County welcomes Amber White to team

Monday, June 12, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to welcome Amber White to the organization’s team as an Office Administrator.Amber brings over 17 years of combined management experience to the Grow Wabash County team, namely as the manager at KenapocoMocha in North Manchester. Amber will put these many years of creativity and customer service experience to good use while helping Grow Wabash County serve and support our investors, partners, and community members. Amber has lived in Wabash County for the majority of her life. She is a North Miami graduate and studied business at Purdue University. She lives in northern...

Workforce + Retention

Monday, June 12, 2023

Many Hoosiers remain in the great state of Indiana as valuable members of the workforce.The IEDC is committed to growing the state’s economy, driving economic development, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in Indiana. With its many initiatives, including talent attraction and retention efforts, the IEDC continues to seek opportunities to attract new business and grow its local companies at home. The state has a firm understanding of its educational institutions, employment opportunities, economic well-being, and industry strengths. Indiana works closely with its colleges and universities to attract quality talent that will remain in the state once graduated and employed. The...

Alley Cat Outfitters to celebrate new adventure in Wabash County

Thursday, June 01, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Whether by foot, by bike or by boat, Grow Wabash County invites the community to join us in welcoming Alley Cat Outfitters to the Wabash County business community at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 20. “Alley Cat Outfitters is a place to help the continued growth of outdoor recreation in our community,” Luke Kalbfell, owner, said. “I am excited to share my passion for these activities. Whether it is riding down the Wabash River Trail or exploring around the reservoirs, we want to support your next adventure!” Located in downtown Wabash just...

Join Us at the Empower Hour Lunch & Learn Series: Session 2

Thursday, June 01, 2023

Sign up for Session 2 of the Empower Hour Lunch & Learn series taking place on July 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Session 1 sold out quickly, so be sure to register for Session 2 as soon as possible! Together, Grow Wabash County and Freedom Academy created the Empower Hour Lunch & Learn leadership workshop series. The series includes a set of programs on various professional development topics designed to help Wabash County residents who are looking to gain more leadership skills on how to be transparent, resolve conflict, and give and receive feedback in the workplace. ...

GWC to welcome In-Laws Catering & Creamery to business community

Monday, May 29, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be celebrating the grand opening of In-Laws Catering & Creamery with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 16 at their storefront at 115 S. Chippewa Street in Roann. "We are very excited to have opened up shop in Roann for a variety of reasons,” Larry McClelland, co-owner, said. “But the number one reason is the close-knit community which makes us feel at home." In-Laws Catering & Creamery, owned and operated by McClelland and June Haecker, will offer not only ice cream and sweet...

Leadership Development program graduates 25 in 2022-2023 cohort

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County would like to congratulate the 25 emerging leaders for their completion of the Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program as part of the 2022-2023 cohort.These 25 graduates were recognized at a ceremony on Thursday, May 18th, in the Parkview Ballroom at the Eagles Theatre. Tenille Zartman, vice president of Grow Wabash County and LDWC program facilitator, shared an overview of some of the great opportunities and experiences presented to this year’s cohort of graduates including various panels with community leaders, tours of some of Wabash County’s most interesting places, and instruction from an impressive...

GWC to host Downard for Imagine event

Friday, May 12, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites its investors and community partners to attend their upcoming event featuring Alex Downard, director of Imagine One 85, on Tuesday, June 27. During this event, Downard will be providing a recap of the Imagine One 85 planning process, highlight what the plan includes, provide an update on the plan's implementation progress, and have interactive discussions with attendees around some of the Imagine One 85 Team's initiatives. “The intention of the Imagine One 85 initiative has always been to grow our population while also listening to the needs and values of...

Celebrate Economic Development Week in Wabash County, Indiana!

Monday, May 08, 2023

The folks at Grow Wabash County are celebrating economic developers this week! With Spring being a period of growth and life, it is the perfect time to recognize the important work of economic developers.From May 8th through the 12th during Economic Development Week 2023, we show our appreciation for the economic development organizations that help our communities grow. Economic Development Week provides economic developers with an opportunity to display how they have contributed to their local economy and community throughout the year. Economic Development Week ExplainedThe International Economic Development Council (IEDC) launched the first Economic Development Week in 2016. The goal...

WHERE Big Science, Big Tech And Big Data Converge

Monday, May 01, 2023

Year-end 2022 figures from the National Venture Capital Association and Pitchbook tell the story best.In 2006, there were 156 venture capital deals involving healthcare services and systems, a category that includes what’s come to be known as health tech. The number of deals grew gradually in ensuing years: 384 deals in 2011, 620 in 2016. By 2019 — before the onset of the pandemic — the total had breached 1,000 to reach 1,087, and that total ballooned to 1,545 deals in 2021 — essentially 10 times the number of deals reached 15 years before.What kind of value are we talking...

Drive Now Auto Sales to celebrate Wabash location grand opening

Friday, April 28, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the community of Wabash County to welcome Wabash County’s newest business, Drive Now Auto Sales, during a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31. “I am excited to open this location in Wabash because I believe this community needs a service like we provide,” management team member, Sandy Davis, said. “I’ve lived here with my husband- who grew up her- for about 10 years now. This town is full of hard-working people that deserve to drive a dependable affordable car and we can assist in turning that...

Joint statement regarding the closure of Owens Corning Thermafiber

Friday, April 28, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County has received confirmation from Owens Corning regarding its intentions to close its Thermafiber manufacturing facility located in Wabash. “It is always a difficult day when our community loses a large employer like Owens Corning Thermafiber,” Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “We as a community have faced challenges like this before and have always responded with compassion and positive action. I firmly believe that this challenge will be met with the same level of commitment to resiliency and adaptability. Rest assured, Grow Wabash County, the City of Wabash and the...

GWC investors invited to Q&A with Sweet, Zay

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to invite its investors to an exclusive Legislative Q&A event with local legislators Lorissa Sweet and Andy Zay on Thursday, June 1, at 2 p.m. in the Grow Wabash County conference room, 214 South Wabash Street in Wabash. As the joint chamber of commerce and economic development group in Wabash County, Grow Wabash County is committed to providing our investors with a platform to connect with the lawmakers that speak for them on the local, state and national level. “Providing our GWC investors with a chance to sit down...

WACCY Golf Outing returns June 7

Friday, April 21, 2023

Wabash County, IN (APRIL 21, 2023) – The Wabash County business community is invited to join Grow Wabash County at the Honeywell course for a day of golf, networking and friendly competition at its annual WACCY Golf Outing. This year’s outing will take place on Wednesday, June 7 at the Honeywell Golf Course, 3360 Niccum Rd in Wabash. As is tradition, this year’s WACCY Golf Outing will be more than just a golf outing. In addition to each team vying to take the WACCY Championship Belt away from the 2022 winners Gaunt & Son Asphalt, there will be...

Transform to celebrate office renovations

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Transform Consulting Group invites the Wabash County community to join them for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5, to celebrate Transform’s newly renovated office at 144 S. Wabash Street in Wabash. "We are excited to be a part of the many efforts that are adding to the improvements in downtown Wabash,” Amanda Lopez, president of Transform Consulting Group, said. “We see it as an investment and are committed to supporting downtown's historical cultural district." Transform Consulting Group is a national women-owned, data-informed consultancy for nonprofits,...

How To Recession-Proof your Economic Development

Thursday, April 13, 2023

As an economic developer, you understand that economic recessions can wreak havoc on local businesses and communities. These times of economic uncertainty cause businesses to shut down, people to lose jobs, and local economies to crumble. However, with the right strategies, you can recession-proof your economic development efforts and ensure that your community remains resilient and prosperous even during tough times.Uncertainty is scary and challenging. Hearing stories of the struggles people face during difficult times darkens the soul. But economic developers are the leaders for communities, and economic development leadership strengthens communities. You have the ability to promote your community...

Introducing Alex Downard, Leader of the Imagine One 85 Initiative

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Meet Alex Downard who is leading the implementation efforts of the Imagine One 85 initiative in Wabash County, Indiana. Launched in 2020, Imagine One 85 is a plan to address and put an end to Wabash County’s population decline by following strategic initiatives involving housing, workforce development, early childhood schooling, rural broadband, and more. The end goal is continued growth and prosperity throughout the entirety of the county’s future. All governing bodies in the county adopted the Imagine One85 Countywide Comprehensive Plan in 2022. “The Imagine One 85 initiative is a symbol of our community’s dedication to a collaborative,...

GWC, Freedom Academy to host leadership workshop series

Friday, March 24, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Freedom Academy have partnered to launch the Empower Hour Lunch and Learn series featuring programming on various leadership topics. The Empower Hour series will be facilitated by E. Jake Gamble. Gamble is an executive coach, corporate trainer, leadership/performance advisor, and underdog advocate. His extensive list of customers includes universities, small businesses, and large scale corporations with annual budgets of $100 million or more. “After listening to employers’ needs for practical, real-world leadership training for both new and experienced leaders and supervisors, Jake Gamble and I developed two leadership development...

Now is not the time to cut corners on customer experience

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

When Ikea Canada introduced its new Design Studios in Ontario and Quebec, it did so with the intention of creating an entirely new shopping experience. These small concept stores located in urban centers offer personalized design services and one-to-one planning—a far cry from the traditional Ikea shopping trip that centers around navigating a giant, suburban store that feels like a viking fortress filled with homewares with names like Fördelaktig the Brute, Upplövv the Fierce, and Råskog the Bloody.That new customer experience (CX) was a raging success, according to Forrester Research, pushing sales and customer satisfaction up. In fact, it helped...

How Do I Know I'm Getting the Most Out of My Business? The Answer Is Obvious — Yet Overlooked.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Today's digital world has opened up many opportunities for small businesses to leverage data and maximize their marketing ROI. First-party data allows businesses to develop customer insights, optimize campaigns, track performance metrics and create targeted strategies. With first-party data in hand, small business owners have access to valuable consumer preferences, which they can utilize when planning engagement activities or launching new products/services. Additionally, using this form of data helps build a clear view of customers' journeys while creating personalized experiences at every touchpoint along the way — without spending huge amounts of money on expensive market research tools...

How to Manage the New Expectations of the Younger Workforce

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Every generation worries about the changing expectations of "kids these days." But the pandemic changed the labor market, and this new generation of young people entered with an advantage — more power and new demands. Now, leaders are concerned with how hard it is to get people back into the office. When employees return, they're quiet quitting or giving the bare minimum. Leaders worry that people will need retraining to regain pre-pandemic productivity. Additionally, new hires and potential new hires are exhibiting unpredictable behavior or ghosting far into the interview process. Leaders feel the only way to recruit and...

3 Ways Ambitious Entrepreneurs Are Using AI

Monday, March 20, 2023

If you’re not incorporating artificial intelligence into your work in some way, you’re behind the curve. Even the most suspicious and non-technical entrepreneurs could save time and money making use of the tools available, let alone those thinking bigger with AI and creating their own. I asked entrepreneurs across all industries about how they were using AI tools in their business and their responses fit into three categories: Read the complete article from Forbes here.

Enhance Your Community’s Quality Of Life to Attract More Workers & Support Current Residents

Monday, March 20, 2023

Economic developers focused on quality of life improvements are finding it easier to attract workers to their community. As flexible work arrangements become more common, people are searching for prioritizing communities they will enjoy living in when conducting a job search. There are grants that can help to fund these projects.In addition, regardless of a community’s size, there is always the possibility that some of its members can slip through the cracks where they are unable to receive basic assistance. Utilizing grants that focus on enhancing the quality of life for everyone ensures that no individual, young or old, gets...

Indiana Innovation, EV Industry Growth on World’s Stage at InterBattery Conference in South Korea

Monday, March 20, 2023

Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers concluded an economic development trip to Asia on Friday, wrapping up a week in Japan and the Republic of Korea focused on accelerating investment and innovation in high-growth, future-focused industries.Read the complete article from Indiana Economic Development Corp here.

From the Great Resignation to the Great Refusal—here’s what the 5 ‘Great Rs’ mean for the future of work

Thursday, March 16, 2023

As we weigh yet another strong jobs report against persistent inflation and the looming threat of a recession, we have to acknowledge that the workforce has transformed and now plays by a different set of rules and is motivated by a different set of factors. Leaders take note. The Great Reset is a convergence of trends some decades in the making that culminate in a changed relationship between individuals and organizations. Let’s break down the five “Great Rs” that collectively give us the empowered workforce. Read the complete article from Fast Company here.

Gen Z isn’t ‘quiet quitting’—they’re grappling with a lack of interpersonal connection

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

People have claimed that Gen Z workers are “quiet quitting.” That is, doing the bare minimum to maintain their position at work. This behavior isn’t explained by some stark generational divide that’s left young people devoid of ambition while their seasoned counterparts maintain a no-nonsense work ethic that’s driven them forward for years. No, a lack of work ethic isn’t to blame—but a lack of interpersonal connection and belonging in the workplace may very well be. Read the complete article from Fast Company here.

2023 Salute to Ag Dinner celebrates farm families, local ag producers

Monday, March 13, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County’s 13th annual Salute to Ag Dinner on Wednesday, March 8, celebrated the many agricultural producers and farm families that have worked, grown and produced in Wabash County for decades. Howard Halderman, chair of Grow Wabash County’s Ag Committee, emceed the annual event, offering up bits of trivia throughout the evening about just how important Indiana is to agriculture not only locally, but on a global scale. The event also celebrated the Bechtold Family, led by Bret and Michele Bechtold, as the 2022 Farm Family of the Year. “It’s a celebration...

An Opportunity For Indiana Heavy Industry and Workforce

Friday, March 10, 2023

A coalition of states including Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin are competing for substantial federal funding in order to execute clean hydrogen production and use initiatives, supporting decarbonization, manufacturing, and community economic benefits in the region.Read the complete article from Indiana Economic Development Crop here.

GWC accepting applicants for two new positions

Friday, March 10, 2023

Wabash County, IN (MARCH 10, 2023) – Grow Wabash County is accepting applications for candidates to fill two new positions on the GWC team: Investor Services & Events Project Manager and Office Administrator. Investor Services & Events Project Manager The two main roles for the Investor Service & Events Project Manager will be to serve as the liaison to Grow Wabash County investors and to oversee the various events and programs hosted by the organization. As the investor services lead this person maintains relationships with existing stakeholders while recruiting new investors to buy into the mission of the...

IEDC, ICI Partner to Retain Indiana Graduates in Critical Industry Areas

Friday, March 10, 2023

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) today announced a partnership with Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) to distribute $3 million to increase the recruitment and retention of engineering and nursing graduates across Indiana. The two organizations launched two new initiatives that will sustainably distribute the grant funding to graduates of engineering programs and nursing students at 29 public and private institutions. Read the complete article from Indiana Economic Development Corp here.

USDA Announces $29 Million to Increase American-Made Fertilizer Production

Friday, March 10, 2023

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department received $3 billion in applications from more than 350 independent businesses from 47 states and 2 territories for the first two rounds of a new grant program to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity.USDA also announced the first $29 million in grant offers under the first round that focused on projects that can come online in the near term. The grants will help independent businesses increase production of American-made fertilizer, which will spur competition, give U.S. farmers more choices and fairer prices and reduce dependence on unreliable...

Sec. Chambers to Pursue Electrification, Future-Focused Innovation, Industry Growth in Asia

Wednesday, March 08, 2023

Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers will lead an economic development trip to Japan and the Republic of Korea next week, arriving in Tokyo on March 12 and departing Seoul on March 17. In Asia, the Secretary will showcase Indiana’s battery and electric vehicle industries at the InterBattery Conference in Seoul and will target strategic growth in high-tech industries, including semiconductors and life sciences, that are vital to the economy of the future. Read the complete article from Indiana Economic Developement Corp here.

GWC to host GHD Unlimited for small business Lunch & Learn

Thursday, March 02, 2023

Wabash County, IN (March 2, 2023) – Grow Wabash County has partnered with Nathan Grossman of GHD Unlimited to host an interactive Lunch & Learn workshop on Monday, April 3, for Wabash County small businesses looking to boost their presence in the digital world. The workshop, “Your Place in Local Search,” will see Grossman sharing easy to implement strategies that will help small business owners raise brand awareness and increase their online searchability. “Now more than ever, the consumer shift to digital marketspaces is moving at a rapid pace,” Madison Waldon, project manager for operations and development at...

5 Benefits of Moving to Wabash County During the Potential Recession

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Inflation is impacting everything from gas prices to rent costs. The U.S. is currently experiencing its worst inflation period in 40 years. Consumer prices in May of last year increased by 8.6 percent from the year before, the highest annual increase since the 1980s. This combined with the Federal Reserve continuing to raise interest rates is thought to be a typical predecessor for a recession.While inflation has been on the rise, employee pay rates are barely keeping up. The decrease in real average earnings year over year is alarming. From January 2022 to January 2023, real average hourly earnings had...

Wabash County’s top graduates to attend GWC luncheon

Monday, February 27, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to once again celebrate some of Wabash County’s top academic students in the Class of 2023 at its annual Honor Student Luncheon on Thursday, April 13. This year’s luncheon will recognize 69 Wabash County seniors with career interests ranging from nursing and health care to agribusiness, engineering and education. This year’s luncheon will welcome representatives from local businesses and organizations to attend and enjoy conversations over lunch with students that have expressed interest in pursuing a career in similar fields. The luncheon will also once again host a...

2023 State of Our Communities charts course for growth, progress

Monday, February 20, 2023

Wabash County, IN (FEB. 20, 2023) – Grow Wabash County’s sixth annual State of Our Communities event on Thursday, Feb. 16, once again hosted a slate of community leaders to share their plans and optimism for the future of Wabash County. The community speakers featured were: John Krhin from the Town of LaFontaine, Kristie Bone from the Town of Lagro, Adam Penrod from the Town of North Manchester, Bob Ferguson from the Town of Roann, Mayor Scott Long from the City of Wabash and Brian Haupert from the Wabash County Commissioners. Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow...

Young Professionals network provides platform for community connection

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Wabash County, IN – The Young Professionals of Wabash County (YPWC) is excited to be continuing its work in 2023 to serve as the connector between its members and the Wabash County community. The YPWC network has existed in various forms in Wabash County. The current generation of YPWC was launched in 2018 by Grow Wabash County, and has since provided opportunities for local young professionals and emerging leaders in and around Wabash County to connect not only with each other, but with the Wabash County community. These opportunities often take shape as events that fall into at least...

Juliano, Stettner to present motivational seminar for business community

Monday, February 13, 2023

Wabash County, IN (FEB. 13, 2023) – Grow Wabash County, in partnership with Downtown Wabash, Inc. and Manchester Alive, are excited to host Anthony Juliano and Graig Stettner, CFA, CMT, on Monday, March 20, for "From Boom to Gloom?: Finding the Balance Between Optimism and Realism in an Uncertain Economy." The intention of this event will be to empower and motivate our local business community while also giving them information that they can use to prepare themselves and their business for the future. “Each organization, Grow Wabash County, Downtown Wabash, and Manchester Alive, has heard and felt the...

Komets to host Wabash County Night March 24

Monday, February 06, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Fort Wayne Komets invite the Wabash County community to be the MVPs at the Fort Wayne Komets game on Friday, March 24 for Wabash County Night. As one of the Komets’ dedicated “community nights,” hockey fans are encouraged to show up and celebrate not only the Komets as they take on the Rapid City Rush, but Wabash County and all of the great things happening in the community. “The Komets Organization always look forward to our Wabash Night every season,” Mitch Meinholz, director of sales and events for the...

January is National Financial Wellness Month!

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

It’s time to prepare your business finances for the year during Financial Wellness Month. Financial Wellness Month takes place in January each year, right after December spending for the holidays is through. It is the perfect time to take stock of both your financial wellness as an individual and the financial situation of your business. The folks at Grow Wabash County can direct Wabash County residents to the experts and programs that will help them manage their business finances. New entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike can benefit from meeting with financial professionals who can offer advice on budget,...

Our House Real Estate celebrates new home in downtown Wabash

Friday, January 27, 2023

Wabash County, IN (JAN. 27, 2023) – Grow Wabash County invites the Wabash County community to join them in offering a warm welcome to Our House Real Estate at their newest location in downtown Wabash. Our House Real Estate was opened by Teresa Bakehorn, a North Manchester/Wabash County native. Bakehorn has been involved in real estate for over 30 years and has expanded her company and team to specialize in a variety of real estate transactions including residential, commercial and leasing. “Our House decided to open an office in Wabash downtown for many reasons but the most...

Bechtold family named 2022 Farm Family of the Year

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Salute to Ag committee are thrilled to announce that the Bechtold family will hold the title of the 2022 Farm Family of the Year. The Bechtold family will be recognized for their incredible impact on the Wabash County agriculture industry during Grow Wabash County’s annual Salute to Ag Dinner on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. “Grow Wabash County is proud to honor and recognize Bechtold Farms and the Bechtold family as our 2022 Farm Family of the Year,” Howard Halderman, Ag Committee chair, said. “Our goal is to recognize one...

Grow Wabash County accepting proposals for E. Market Street housing project

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is now accepting proposals for the development and construction of residential homes along East Market Street in Wabash. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is the exciting next step in a years-long endeavor to expand housing options in Wabash County and create high end downtown living opportunities which will continue to spur economic growth in Wabash County. “This project was borne from a shared vision between City of Wabash’s Mayor Scott Long and us here at Grow Wabash County,” Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “We knew there...

2023 State of Our Communities to kick-off exciting new year

Wednesday, January 04, 2023

Wabash County, IN – Registration is now open for the sixth annual State of Our Communities event to be hosted by Grow Wabash County on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Honeywell Center. This year’s event, like in years past, will feature representatives from each incorporated community in Wabash County including: Town of LaFontaine; Town of Lagro; Town of North Manchester; Town of Roann; City of Wabash; as well as the Wabash County Commissioners. Each representative will have the opportunity to share the accomplishments their communities celebrated in 2022 and how they will take that momentum to affect even...

Write a 2023 Business Plan for your Wabash County Business

Tuesday, January 03, 2023

National Write a Business Plan Month takes place in December! Business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to develop plans during this time in order to ensure a successful future for their businesses. Research by Harvard Business Review showed that it is 16 percent more likely for entrepreneurs who write out business plans to achieve viability than those who do not write out a plan. Staying Organized with a Business Plan A business plan is equivalent to a résumé of a company. The plan not only explains what your business does, but it also states the business objectives. Making...

New training, certification opportunities open for Wabash County residents

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to announce certification classes are starting strong in 2023 thanks to continued partnership with Freedom Academy, Ivy Tech Community College, and Besiege, LLC. Certification training programs currently open for registration and that are slated to start in January 2023 details are below: Welding Certification training Students can now register with Ivy Tech Community College for its upcoming Welding Certification program. This course will begin on January 23, 2023 and will meet from 4-8 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday through March 9 at Heartland Career Center located at 79 S 200...

CITY OF WABASH, INDIANA REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION INVITATION FOR BIDS (PUBLIC OFFERING FOR SALE OF REAL ESTATE 55 WEST WATER STREET, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE ABE SPOSEEP & SONS, INC. OFFICE BUILDING)

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

NOTICE is hereby given that the Redevelopment Commission for the City of Wabash, Indiana (“Commission”) is offering for public sale real estate located at 55 West Water Street, Wabash, IN 46992 located in Wabash County, Indiana and which is more specifically described as follows: In Lots Numbered Twenty-one (21), Twenty-two (22) and Twenty-three (23) in Hugh Hanna’s Southern Addition to the Town (now City) of Wabash, Also 10 feet of equal width off of the South side of Water Street situated North of and adjoining Lots numbered 21, 22, and 23 in Hugh Hanna’s Southern Addition to...

GWC Office will be closed December 23 - January 2

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Grow Wabash County website selected for Mid-America EDC award

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Wabash County, IN (DEC. 19, 2022) – Grow Wabash County’s website was selected as the recipient of the 2022 Marketing Program Small Division award by the Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC). MAEDC convenes economic development professionals from 13 states in the Midwest to share resources and best practices to spark further growth and business development in the region. Their annual awards aim to recognize communities and economic development organizations in the Midwest that are going above and beyond in their work. Grow Wabash County received this award for its submission of the organization’s new website, www.growwabashcounty.com, which was developed...

Front Line: Taking an Expanded View of Climate Change

Monday, November 28, 2022

Summer 2022 — a season marked by historic heat waves, widespread drought, and torrential rains — ranks among the hottest on record, according to data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During a triple-digit wave in California, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency, ordering some manufacturers to cease operations, encouraging electric vehicle drivers to charge at night, and allowing ships in harbor to keep their engines on instead of using shore power from the grid. Read full article.

Join Grow Wabash County in Supporting Local Charities on Giving Tuesday

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Celebrate Giving Tuesday with us this month, a day where people throughout Wabash County and communities throughout the world give back and donate to the causes that matter to them most. This annual global celebration encourages people everywhere to give, whether it be a monetary donation big or small, time spent volunteering, or some other way to help someone in need. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on November 29th. Giving Tuesday inspires togetherness in Wabash County and all communities. It is an important reminder to take some time out of our busy lives to help those who really need...

ESG: The New Metrics in Construction and Real Estate

Sunday, November 20, 2022

With engineering and construction making up more than 11 percent of global domestic product, there is a growing focus on how the building industry conducts business. What started as a movement among institutional investors and their financial partners has expanded across almost all sectors, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations now impact many real estate decisions and capital project planning. Consumer behavior is partly responsible for the change. So is the fact that investors and lenders increasingly view a company’s ESG policies as indicative of how that company is positioning itself for success in the marketplace. Read full...

Sweet, Zay to speak at GWC’s legislative preview

Friday, November 18, 2022

Wabash County, IN (Nov. 18, 2022) – Grow Wabash County (GWC) looks forward to hosting Indiana State Representative Elect Lorissa Sweet and State Senator Andy Zay in the GWC office on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. for an exclusive Legislative Preview for GWC Investors. “As the joint chamber of commerce and economic development group in Wabash County, Grow Wabash County is committed to providing a platform for our investors to take advantage of all resources and opportunities afforded to them,” Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County said. “One important way that we are able to...

GWC gift checks the gift that keeps on giving

Wednesday, November 09, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is eager to ensure everyone has a happy holiday season this year! One fantastic way to promote shopping local this holiday season is by purchasing Grow Wabash County gift checks which can be used at almost 300 local businesses and organizations in and around Wabash County. Grow Wabash County gift checks (formerly known as Chamber Gift Checks prior to 2017) are gift certificates that can be redeemed at any business or organization that is a current Grow Wabash County investor. Since 2017, nearly $242,000 was spent locally within Wabash County through...

Unlocking Labor Analytics

Tuesday, November 08, 2022

There are few subjects about which more ink has been spilled in the last three years than the state of the U.S. workforce. From the impact of business shutdowns and enhanced unemployment benefits on labor participation, to pent-up challenges bringing critical supply chain workers to the verge of major strikes, and the more recent “quiet quitting” trend impacting even the most progressive office environments — HR and executive teams tasked with selecting new company locations are faced with more complexity than ever before. Even in the face of such fast-changing dynamics, growing companies must still plan for a stable workforce,...

Emerging leaders receive scholarships to attend 2022-2023 LDWC program

Thursday, November 03, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County would like to thank the many organizations that contributed funding to provide scholarships for some of our emerging leaders in Wabash County to allow them to attend the 2022-2023 Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program. The recipient of the 2022 Jim Smith Scholarship is Becky Arnett, executive director of Wabash County Habitat for Humanity. This scholarship is sponsored by Hoosier Jiffy Print and was established to recognize the incredible work done by Smith who retired from his role as LDWC program director in 2020. Downtown Wabash, Inc. also contributed partial...

Indiana Destination Development Corporation And Visit Indiana Launches Tourism Marketing Campaign

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

IN Indiana Campaign Provides Partners With Free Tools And Customizable Collateral To Help Tell The Hoosier State’s Story INDIANAPOLIS – Visit Indiana and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) today launched the ‘IN Indiana’ marketing campaign, a unique effort to tell the Hoosier State’s authentic story. Visit Indiana has developed an extensive customizable toolkit of resources available free of charge to every business, small town, big city, and destination in the state. The IN Indiana marketing campaign will build on what Indiana is known for, including the world's largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indy 500...

Will the EV Transition Pull Mexico’s Automotive Industry Out of Industrial ‘Long COVID’?

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

Mexico has been a growing leader in the automotive manufacturing industry for decades with companies from Japan, the U.S. and Germany frequently seeking out the low-cost yet highly capable workforce. In 2012 the country ranked as the 10th largest automotive producer in the world and in 2021 pushed out South Korea and claimed sixth place. But the Mexican National Institute of Statistics and Geography reported that in 2021 automotive production dropped by 20.25% across the country, and auto exports fell by 16.46%. The institute further reported that GM and Nissan were hit hard, with GM Mexico’s production falling by 43.7%...

Major Projects Embrace Wide Open Rural Spaces

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Visitors to Montana know the state’s nickname of “Big Sky Country” is well deserved. The state’s rural setting and wide open spaces, aside from being scenic, factored into the recent decision-making process of an international industrial company. The result was an economic development plum for the state. Hyundai chose Bozeman as the location for its New Horizons Studio, a research, development, and lab center focused on the evolution of ultimate mobility vehicles (UMV), which can travel over terrains challenging for conventional ground vehicles. The facility is being developed at Montana State University’s Innovation Campus. Read full article.

Remote Work Doesn't Stifle Innovation — Overlooking These Best Practices Will.

Friday, October 28, 2022

Apple, Google, and other companies mandating that employees work in the office for most or all of their time claim that any time spent working remotely stifles innovation. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, "Innovation isn't always a planned activity. It's bumping into each other over the course of the day and advancing an idea that you just had. And you really need to be together to do that." Yet is this true? On the one hand, research at MIT found that remote work weakens the cross-functional, inter-team "weak ties" that form the basis for the exchange of new...

Waypoint to be welcomed with ribbon cutting ceremony

Friday, October 28, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to bring a warm welcome to Waypoint with a ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing of the house on Monday, Nov. 14 The purpose of Waypoint Wabash is “to provide a safe, structured and stable environment for people recovering from substance use disorder,” by offering women a safe, healthy place to continue their recovery journey and become better connected in the community. Waypoint is the result of the hard work led by the Wabash County Drug Steering Committee which first began meeting in 2016 to address the growing need for...

GCA Title to celebrate arrival in Wabash County

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the community to join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Nov. 7 at noon to welcome GCA Title to the Wabash County business community. “The decision to join the Wabash community came after months of research into local cities in central Indiana,” Kyle Knight, director of sales and operations for GCA Title, said. “We were looking to identify locations that aligned with our company values, have an appreciation for the service of others, encourage a growth-oriented mindset, and place relationships at the forefront.” Since 1946, GCA Title has...

Grow Wabash County Goes Global

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

This year Grow Wabash County (GWC) has been determined to grow relationships with international communities, companies, and programs. In an effort to revitalize these relationships and cement new ones, GWC has been participating in various trade shows that center on trending topics across the globe. GWC Hosts Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit The most recent trade show GWC participated in this year was the 2022 Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit at the Eagles Theatre in downtown Wabash. GWC hosted the event along with Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEIRP) in July. GWC hosts it every year...

New! Trade and technical schools added to ZoomProspector talent report

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Trade schools and technical colleges offer essential education and training for a wide variety of skilled jobs. Providing pathways for job opportunities not served by traditional four-year colleges - at significantly lower cost and in a shorter time frame - these schools are a critical part of developing a diverse workforce across pretty much every industry. GIS Planning is thrilled to now offer trade and technical school data in the talent report in US ZoomProspector applications. Click here to view it live for Metro Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta on the Georgia Department of Economic Development website. Read full article.

2022 GWC Annual Dinner celebrates champions of community growth

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Wabash County, IN (Oct. 18, 2022) – Grow Wabash County (GWC) had the pleasure of hosting its many investors, partners and community supporters during the 2022 Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 13. The emcee for this year’s event was Bill Barrows from the Wabash County YMCA, who kicked off the night’s proceedings. Before handing out awards, GWC Board Chair, Marilyn Custer-Mitchell, briefly reflected on the exciting leaps made by GWC in 2022 to spark growth and new development in Wabash County. Following her remarks, Custer-Mitchell then called upon the Grow Wabash County board members in attendance...

Here's Why So Many Companies Are Losing Employees Shortly After Onboarding

Monday, October 24, 2022

Has America lost the will to work, or have organizations lost the will to connect with talent? Today's business leaders are faced with new labor market challenges requiring better efficiencies in onboarding techniques to quickly establish competencies and retention techniques that can keep skilled labor engaged and committed. The data suggest that in today's business environment, no industry is safe from the extraordinarily expensive problems of talent turnover. Voluntary turnover rates (employees leaving without being fired or laid off) are predicted to jump nearly 20% in 2022. At a macro level, it might be easy to attribute these numbers...

Downard to lead Imagine One85 initiative

Monday, October 03, 2022

Wabash County, IN – On behalf of the Imagine One85 Steering Committee, Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that they have contracted with Alex Downard of Downard Development Strategies (DDS) to organize and execute various community initiatives that align with the Imagine One85 countywide comprehensive strategic plan. Imagine One85 is the comprehensive planning initiative undertaken by community leaders in Wabash County that has been spearheaded by Grow Wabash County, the Community Foundation of Wabash County, and local government leaders from across the community. Thanks in part to grant funding from the Lilly Endowment Gift VII initiative and leaders, stakeholders and...

37th Annual Corporate Survey: Economic Pressures Exerting Greatest Effect on Decision-Makers

Saturday, October 01, 2022

As the nation began to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, companies were still faced with a multitude of challenges. Supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages persisted. And as the Federal Reserve attempted to rein in rising prices — with inflation peaking at 9.1 percent in June 2022 — the economy slowed down and worries surfaced about an impending recession.Read the complete article from Area Development here.

The Form and Substance of Business Incentives

Saturday, October 01, 2022

An incentive award of up to $9 billion in federal, state, and local benefits for Micron’s $100 billion chip fab plant near Syracuse, New York, if employment and investment projections are achieved, has set the high bar for a U.S. project incentives award. More than $1.3 billion in incentives has been approved to attract Panasonic’s EV battery facility which is projected to create 4,000 jobs in De Soto, Kansas. Read the complete article from Area Development here.

Gov. Holcomb Heads to Europe to Enhance Life Sciences, Innovation-Focused Industry Growth

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Governor Eric J. Holcomb will lead an economic development trip to Germany and Switzerland next week joined by Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers and other officials from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. They will be departing Indiana on Sunday, Oct. 2. This trip will further business development discussions in future-focused industries in Indiana, advance the state’s medical device ecosystem, and engage key actors within the global energy transition. There are now 535 European-owned businesses in Indiana that support 117,600 Hoosier jobs, and in 2021 Indiana exported $10.3 billion to Europe, just over 25% of the state’s total exports. Indiana...

Solomon France joins GWC team as Fall Intern

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is pleased to welcome Solomon France to the team as its high school intern for the fall semester. Solomon is a contemporary senior at Wabash High School. He is interested in business, specifically entrepreneurship, and plans on pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship from Northern Michigan University with a minor in music. Solomon will have the opportunity to have hands-on experiences related to the field of business through Grow Wabash County by assisting the team with a variety of projects and events related to providing support and services to businesses in Wabash...

Indiana's Traction is Helping Farmers Find Modern Solutions to Age-old Problems

Monday, September 26, 2022

For millennia, farmers have looked to the clouds to predict their crops’ success. Now, through Auburn-based Traction’s all-in-one farm management software, more answers than ever are in the cloud. Agriculture’s one of the most challenging businesses to manage and operate, according to Ian Harley, company co-founder and CEO, and not just because it’s a delicate dance with Mother Nature. “I was out on a farm visit last week, visiting one of our grower-investors,” Harley recalls. “This person is handling multiple entities in different states; he’s dealing with crop insurance; he’s dealing with landlord-tenant arrangements. And he’s obviously dealing with...

Indiana Secures Funding to Help Entrepreneurs, Small Businesses Sell Products Globally

Friday, September 23, 2022

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will receive $300,000 in competitive grant funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support export opportunities through the Indiana State Trade and Export Promotion (IN-STEP) program, which helps Indiana small businesses identify, market and sell Hoosier-made goods in international markets. IN-STEP, which supports company growth and job creation by expanding and diversifying small businesses’ customer bases, offers eligible companies reimbursements of costs associated with export-related activities, such as participating in international trade missions, trade shows, export educational programs, and export services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The program first launched...

The State of Site Selection 2022

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

With a scarcity of key resources and faster timelines considered the new normal in corporate location decisions, the Site Selectors Guild partnered with Development Counsellors International (DCI) for a deep dive into the trends impacting the site selection process in the United States and globally. The State of Site Selection is 64-page primary research study on the issues that are preoccupying corporate decision makers and their advisors – including workforce; risk mitigation; real estate, sites and buildings; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Read full article.

Bill Barrows to emcee Grow Wabash County Annual Dinner

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that Bill Barrows, Director of Sports and Recreation at the Wabash County YMCA, will be the master of ceremonies for Grow Wabash County’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Honeywell Center. Bill has played a key role in the success of the various youth and intermural sports programs organized through the YMCA and has held a seat on the City of Wabash Plan Commission since YEAR. Bill also received the Distinguished Citizen Award during the 2019 Annual Dinner Celebration. This year’s Annual Dinner will take...

E-Commerce coaching available to Wabash County businesses

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites for-profit small businesses in Wabash County to apply for its new E-Commerce coaching program presented in partnership with Cyclone Social. This E-Commerce program will allow for 10 to 12 small businesses in Wabash County to receive high quality instruction and support to help them develop an e-commerce platform to sell their goods and/or services online. These coaching sessions will take place one-on-one between business owners and members of the Cyclone Social team and together they will take a holistic approach to creating and maintaining a successful e-commerce website. Cyclone...

Applications open for LDWC Jim Smith Scholarship

Thursday, September 08, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) committee are now accepting applications for this year’s Jim Smith Scholarship. The Jim Smith Scholarship, named for Jim Smith, retired facilitator and longtime champion of the LDWC program, will be awarded to one applicant attending the 2022-2023 LDWC cohort to pay for their full program tuition. This scholarship was once again sponsored by Hoosier Jiffy Print. The Jim Smith Scholarship application can be completed online at www.growwabashcounty.com/jimsmithscholarship. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Sept. 20. After the deadline, the LDWC committee will review...

How Ford Meter Box Found Success in Wabash County

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Wabash, Indiana is home to essential and well-known companies including The Ford Meter Box Company. There are several reasons to start a company in Wabash, from its central location near Fort Wayne and Indianapolis to its access to assistance provided by Grow Wabash County. If you ever wonder why and how a company chose to settle in a specific area, just look at the benefits that particular county offers. Company president, Steve Ford, notes that communities often benefit from locally headquartered corporations—both in terms of stability and the talent that can be shared with nonprofit and civic causes. ...

Registration open for Leadership Development 2022-2023 cohort

Monday, August 22, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2022-2023 cohort of the Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program. This eight-month program will invite young professionals and emerging leaders to attend monthly classes that will equip them with the tools and skills to better understand themselves, harness their leadership style and best apply their strengths to make an impact in Wabash County. Every month between October and May on the third Thursday, participants will attend class at various locations around the county to better acquaint these leaders with the...

Grow Wabash County receives $50,000 grant for e-commerce program

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County has secured a $50,000 grant from Region 3A utilizing EDA CARES Act funding to be able to identify and teach small, for-profit Wabash County businesses ways to improve their electronic commerce (e-commerce) presence. As a result of this grant award, Grow Wabash County is currently accepting Statements of Qualification (SOQ) from consulting firms that demonstrate knowledge and a clear aptitude for developing effective e-commerce strategies. Consulting firms interested in submitting for this project should mail, or deliver, their sealed bid to the Grow Wabash County office at 214 South Wabash Street...

Demand for Industrial Land Surges

Monday, August 15, 2022

As a zoning and land use attorney over the last 15 years, I have witnessed a lot of change. That change has been brought about by a host of factors including traditional — but increasingly less predictable — business economic cycles, the Great Recession, the affordable housing crisis, and the evolution of transportation technology and commuting options. However, in the last few years, some of the biggest land use changes in many parts of the country have been ushered in as a result of the seemingly insatiable need for warehouse facilities near large population centers. Read full article.

Here’s Who Decides What Quality of Life Means

Monday, August 15, 2022

Quoting Site Selection colleagues isn’t a reportorial practice we typically employ. But in this instance, a thought-provoking presentation by Editor-in-Chief Mark Arend served as the prompt for an inquiry into attracting top talent through “quality of life” enhancements. QOL has rocketed up the priority list of economic developers. “In many cases today,” Mark observed in mid-May at the City Nation Place conference hosted out of Pittsburgh, “quality of life rivals traditional location priorities. QOL attributes are increasingly important to talent, and finding the right talent is more important to companies today than ever before.” Read full article.

Believing Who You Are

Friday, August 12, 2022

It takes but a cursory glance at our list of top-performing non-metros, and a one-word theme emerges: Georgia. Based on numerical tallies of projects that qualify for inclusion in Site Selection’s Conway Projects Database, Georgia placed two non-metro communities among the nation’s top five and seven among the top 50 during the 12-month period ending April 30. They range from the South Georgia town of Alma — which accumulated five qualifying investments totaling nearly $30 million of capital expenditure — to Blairsville (population: 725) in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Blairsville’s two qualifying projects include the $1.6 million Grandaddy Mimm’s...

Crossroads Bank to be recognized as 2022 Business of the Year

Friday, August 12, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that Crossroads Bank has been selected as the 2022 Business of the Year and will be honored during Grow Wabash County’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Honeywell Center. “It is always an honor to take time every year to celebrate the businesses that have been champions, not only of Grow Wabash County, but of Wabash County at large,” Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “Crossroads Bank is the very definition of community champion. They are a pillar in the Wabash...

5 Tips to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Monday, August 08, 2022

A polished elevator pitch is essential in our fast-paced world. Not only will it allow you to quickly and effectively communicate your value proposition, but it can also help you win more business. In the luxury real estate industry, it is essential to demonstrate the ability to communicate who you are and what sets you apart quickly and effectively. This ensures that the important differentiators and value-driven items are conveyed clearly. I learned early on how important an elevator pitch was to my business. By mastering this brief and powerful statement, I’ve been able to grow my business, my network...

A joint statement on the passing of Congresswoman Jackie Walorksi

Wednesday, August 03, 2022

JOINT PRESS RELEASE It is with the greatest sadness that we learned of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski’s death today in a traffic accident in Elkhart County. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jackie’s husband Dean Swihart and her other family and friends. We were scheduled to visit with Congresswoman Walorski in Wabash on August 23rd and were looking forward to her visit in Wabash. “Jackie has been a friend since I took office in 2016 and was one of the first people to visit me shortly after I took office. She and Dean visited with my wife Jackie and...

INVets, Veryable offers solutions to manufacturing labor shortage

Wednesday, August 03, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is calling on major employers, especially those in the manufacturing and logistics industries, to rethink their traditional ways of attracting and retaining talent and consider a new approach to employee recruitment. In light of growing concerns and feedback surrounding the observed “labor shortage” especially in skilled trades, Grow Wabash County has worked closely with both INVets and Veryable to come up with strategies to help further develop Wabash County’s pool of skilled workers. “We are hearing very similar concerns from all of our major employers in Wabash County,” Keith Gillenwater, president and...

Housing Shortage Update - Summer 2022

Tuesday, August 02, 2022

After two grueling pandemic years, a weary world rang in a tumultuous 2022. With rapid inflation, stock market volatility, and the global ripples caused by an excruciating war in Europe, the only certainty seems to be uncertainty. The current housing market is compounding those challenges in the United States. Thanks to pandemic shutdowns, labor shortages, and supply chain issues, housing inventory at the end of 2021 was already low. With a shortage of approximately 1.5 million homes, there is less inventory to rent or buy than there has been at any time in the past 30 years. Read full...

Grow Wabash County promotes business community on the global stage

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Wabash County was in the global spotlight this summer when members of the Grow Wabash County team, attended the Hannover Messe trade show in Hanover, Germany as well as the Select USA trade show in Washington, DC. During their first trip, which took them to Germany and Italy, Wabash Mayor Scott Long, Keith Gillenwater and Tenille Zartman, held meetings with various European companies looking to expand and/or relocate their operations to the United States. “As Mayor, I cannot sit back and wait for a company to ‘knock’ on Wabash’s door to locate here,” Wabash...

Japan NE-Indiana Summit explores future of Indiana automotive industry

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Wabash County, IN (July 25, 2022) – Grow Wabash County was honored to host the 2022 Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit on Tuesday, July 19, at the Eagles Theatre in downtown Wabash. This year’s summit was organized collaboratively with the Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEIRP) to bring together local leadership, economic development professionals and Japanese-owned businesses operating in northeast Indiana. The theme of this year’s summit focused on automotive electrification and the exciting opportunities, as well as some of the challenges, that this growing trend may offer to the region. The day...

If You Want Your Pitches to Improve, Use These 3 Simple Tips

Saturday, June 25, 2022

When starting or running a business, most people will tell you that a high-quality pitch to investors or potential partners will sell your venture itself. The investors, partners and potential clients will line up if you're skilled with language and can tell a unique, captivating story and explain financial returns. So, the story goes… That thinking is misguided. Read full article.

Station to Station

Monday, June 20, 2022

Remember as a child trying to learn the difference between “electric” and “electronic,” two words separated only by that “ON” switch in the middle? Today — with a surge in EV demand and a shortage of semiconductors — they are the two most operative words in the automotive industry. How they twist together to alter the DNA of mobility is a story best told by an array of projects now flipping the “ON” switch. The billions of dollars in investment are coming in big chunks: Rivian’s $5 billion in Georgia; Mercedes’ 6 million sq. ft. in Alabama, Ford’s planned...

Grow Wabash County, JASI, NEIRP to host 4th Annual Japan-NE Indiana Summit on Tuesday, July 19

Friday, June 17, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled be partnering once again with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and the Japanese American Society of Indiana (JASI) to host the 4th Annual Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit. This year’s summit will be hosted at the historic Eagles Theatre in downtown Wabash on Tuesday, July 19, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit has been an essential aspect in helping Northeast Indiana build a strong and mutually beneficial business relationship with Japan and Japanese-based companies. “Strong international bonds with companies and communities are a vital...

Grow Wabash County Hosts Annual WACCY Golf Outing

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Wabash County, IN (June 15 2022) – On Wednesday June 8, Grow Wabash County hosted its annual WACCY Golf outing at the Honeywell Public Golf Course. The weather proved itself to be a challenge but nonetheless, these golfers kept swinging until the very end making the best out of the circumstances. On this rainy day, 24 teams (96 players) teed off at 1 p.m. all across the course. At most holes there were volunteers to make the experience even more fun by providing different services like popcorn, a golf ball cannon, even a marshmallow game, and chances to...

The Evolution of the Megasite

Monday, June 06, 2022

Competing on a national and global scale for large economic development projects — and winning — is a sure sign of a community’s vitality. A community’s ability to position large-scale, shovel-ready land tracts for investment consideration exponentially increases its ability to secure desired jobs and capital investment at the local level. For years, there has been a traditional understanding of megasite requirements. Originally created to meet the demands of the automotive OEM and allied industries, these sites were assumed to have consistent demands. Important factors have included fully contiguous land space; multimodal transportation, including access to rail; large-scale and...

Grow Wabash County welcomes Manchester University intern, Angel Wehrly

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County would like to welcome Manchester University student, Angel Wehrly, as the organization’s newest intern. Angel is currently a junior at Manchester University and is double majoring in marketing and sales. She likes to collaborate with others and enjoys being able to use her creative abilities when working on projects. As a Wabash County citizen, she is excited to gain some experience in her hometown. At Manchester University, Angel is on the marketing committee for the College of Business Club where she regularly creates advertisements for events to promote club...

New Indiana Task Force to Face Global Microchip Shortage

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana wants to take a lead role in the semiconductor industry and help alleviate lingering effects of the global microchip shortage. As part of the effort, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. has formed the Accelerating Microelectronics Production & Development Task Force. The IEDC says the AMPD will lead the state’s efforts to become the leading state in the semiconductor industry. Read full article.

I Started a Business, Now What? 4 Tips to Maintain Success.

Saturday, May 28, 2022

There is a great feeling of achievement in creating your own business. You can successfully work for yourself and have flexibility in your daily schedule. The potential for growth, expansion and money is unlimited as long as you are able to maintain your company's progress and profits for the long haul. In fact, starting a business is just the first step to a new career path or venture. Once that initial excitement fades, it becomes clear that starting a business is the easy part and keeping it alive is much harder. Read full article.

UK Signs First State-Level Agreement of Its Kind with Indiana

Friday, May 27, 2022

INDIANAPOLIS - The United Kingdom this morning signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state of Indiana, its first-ever state level agreement, during the inaugural Global Economic Summit in Indianapolis. The MOU creates a framework to remove barriers to trade and investment, paving the way for UK and Indiana businesses to invest, export, expand and create jobs in a variety of areas such as aerospace, life sciences, and automotive. The MOU was signed by Governor Eric Holcomb and UK Minister for International Trade Ranil Jayawardena, who attended the summit at the Indiana Convention Center. Read full article.

Summit Pain Management ready to serve Wabash County community

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, June 20, to officially welcome Dr. Jared Coffman and the Summit Pain Management team to the Wabash County business community. Over the past decade, Summit Pain Management has committed itself to tailoring their care to ensure every patient gets the relief and treatment they need to lead a pain-free life. Their treatment plans incorporate details from the patient, various doctors and mental health professionals to create a care plan that best fits the needs of each patient. “We...

Growth in Indiana’s Tech Workforce

Thursday, May 19, 2022

INDIANAPOLIS - The Technology Councils of North America has released the results of a study that examines the migration of technology workers in the post-pandemic world, and Indiana is near the top of the growth list. The report shows while traditional tech hubs continue to drive jobs, hundreds of thousands of tech roles are being created in what TECNA calls “surprising places.” The study is broken down into several categories. In terms of the highest tech worker percent growth by state, Indiana comes in at the second spot with 8.4% growth. The Hoosier State was slightly edged out by...

Shoe Sensation celebrates perfect fit in Wabash

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the community to join us in celebrating the grand opening, of Shoe Sensation, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 24, at their storefront at 1443 North Cass Street #1400, in Wabash. “Shoe Sensation is most excited about having the opportunity to help Wabash County grow, by keeping business local as well as providing name brand and quality shoes close to home,” Kim Larimore, market sales director for Shoe Sensation, said. “We look forward to serving everyone very soon.” Shoe Sensation, which is currently headquartered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, has...

Dairy Sector Helps Drive Indiana Economy

Monday, May 16, 2022

GOSHEN, Ind. - Steve Obert is a fifth generation farmer in Gibson County where the family operates Obert Legacy Dairy. When he’s not tending to the 1,200-cow herd, the veteran dairy operator is leading efforts to promote and support Indiana’s 750 dairy farms. In May 2021, Obert took over as executive director of Indiana Dairy Producers, an advocacy group representing Hoosier dairy farmers. In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Obert said Indiana residents who are not connected to agriculture may not understand its value as an economic engine. Read full article.

Indiana Motorsports Industry, Economic Contributions and Future Directions

Monday, May 16, 2022

As the home of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, motorsports have long been one of the most recognizable symbols of the Hoosier state. There is more to Indiana motorsports than a handful of marquee events and iconic venues, however. The state’s motorsports industry is made up of hundreds of employers spread across a diverse array of industries that as a group serve as an important economic driver. And while Indiana motorsports has a rich and storied history, it is also an industry that regularly renews itself through innovation and the adoption of new technologies. Read full article.

Downtown Wabash to celebrate Cultural District designation

Friday, May 13, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash, Inc. are excited to join the Wabash Cultural District Committee in celebrating its newly established Cultural District with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 3. Celebrate the newest state-wide designation from Indiana Arts Commission–only 12 in Indiana. The Wabash Cultural District spans the Wabash River to Hill Street and Honeywell Center to Paradise Spring. The District will be headed up by Downtown Wabash, Inc. with a committee of representatives from City of Wabash, Wabash County Museum, Honeywell Arts, artist panel, Visit Wabash County, Grow Wabash County, area schools...

Friendship Hill to Celebrate 1,000 Days of Play

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Friendship Hill Inclusive Playground will be celebrating its 1,000th Day of Inclusive Play on Saturday, May 21, 2022! The event is free and open to the public and will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the playground located at 410 S. Carroll Street in Wabash. Nick's Dog Cart will be onsite providing free hotdogs to the community while supplies last thanks to a generous donation from Wabash Elks Lodge #471. Friendship Hill, one of the largest inclusive playgrounds in the Midwest, began with the vision of Wabash County resident, Shelly Myers, who had the dream of...

INnovate Wabash County celebrates student entrepreneurship

Monday, May 09, 2022

Wabash County, IN – The Eagles Theatre was a hotbed of innovation and collaboration on Wednesday, May 4, as student entrepreneurs from all over Wabash County took the stage to pitch their business ideas for the 2022 INnovate Wabash County student pitch competition, sponsored by Grow Wabash County as part of the Wabash County High School Entrepreneurship Collaborative. Over the course of the day, an esteemed panel of business professionals, entrepreneurs and mentors heard a complete slate of business pitches ranging from products to improve day to day life to socially minded programs that supported underprivileged populations...

GWC WACCY Golf Outing tees off June 8

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to announce that registration is now open for Grow Wabash County’s annual WACCY Golf Outing scheduled for Wednesday, June 8 at the Honeywell Golf Course, 3360 Niccum Rd in Wabash. The Wabash County business community is invited to join us at the Honeywell course for a day of golf, networking and friendly competition. As is tradition, this year’s WACCY Golf Outing will be more than just a golf outing. In addition to each team vying to take the WACCY Championship Belt away from the 2021 winners Wings, Etc., there will...

Local students to pitch big ideas at INnovate Wabash County

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to, once again, host an impressive group of student entrepreneurs from each Wabash County high school for the 2022 INnovate Wabash County student pitch competition on Wednesday, May 4, at the Eagles Theatre. This year’s “Shark Tank” style pitch competition will feature 16 student teams presenting their innovative ideas for businesses and products to a panel of local business experts and mentors that will provide feedback about their pitch presentations and ask questions about the future and profitability of their proposed business ideas. The top four winners...

Grow Wabash County donates 500 books to local high schools

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County recently paid a visit to every Wabash County high school to present each of them with a complete library of books from the Dave Ramsay “EntreLeadership” series. The library of books features titles from entrepreneurs, business professionals and public figures about all aspects important to being an effective business person and leader. The purchase and donation of these books were made possible by a grant awarded to Grow Wabash County from the Don Wood Foundation (formerly the 80/20 Foundation Trust) to promote and support student entrepreneurship in Wabash County...

Wabash County students dominate regional INnovate WithIN pitch competition

Wednesday, April 06, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit are thriving in our Wabash County classrooms! The STARTedUP Foundation recently announced that all 10 spots in the regional round of the Innovate WithIN statewide business pitch competition were clinched by Wabash County student teams. The following student businesses will represent Wabash County at the regional competition on Friday, April 22, at Purdue Fort Wayne: Curia - Maddison Hunter; Southwood Jr.-Sr. High School Lockett – Joseph Bland, Grant Holloway; Jacob Marlow; Brayden Smith; Southwood Jr.-Sr. High School Promise – Ashley Lyons; Northfield Jr.-Sr. High School Just Breathe...

Grow Wabash County adds Madison Waldon to the team

Tuesday, April 05, 2022

Grow Wabash County is thrilled to welcome Madison Waldon to the organization’s team as the Operations and Development Project Manager. Madison is a Wabash native and graduated from Wabash High School in 2013. She studied Human Development at Indiana University, while also performing with the university’s Singing Hoosiers group. Here in Wabash County, Madison continues to be heavily involved with the arts, taking the stage many times as part of the Wabash Area Community Theater. She also stays involved with Wabash Friends Church. Prior to joining the Grow Wabash County team, Madison worked for the...

GWC, Manchester University to host author, speaker Mary Miller

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

WABASH COUNTY IN -- Grow Wabash County and Manchester University’s Arthur L. Gilbert School of Business are thrilled to be partnering to bring author, business owner and motivational speaker, Mary Miller to Wabash County. On Monday, April 25, starting at 1 p.m. in the Grow Wabash County conference room, Miller will facilitate an afternoon workshop entitled “Course Corrections: Crucial Choices that Determine Direction and Destiny.” Miller is the CEO and owner of JANCOA and has become a successful author, speaker and coach, focusing primarily on the topics of building sustainable systems for inspiring individuals to overcome...

Grow Wabash County to celebrate Wabash County’s top graduates

Monday, March 21, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to recognize some of Wabash County’s top academic students at the 2022 Honor Student Luncheon on Thursday, April 14. This year’s luncheon will recognize 68 Wabash County seniors with career interests ranging from nursing and health care to agribusiness, engineering and the arts. The luncheon will once again host a panel of industry professionals that will provide insight and advice to the students about starting their careers and why they should consider Wabash County when it comes time to choose where they want to lay down roots and begin...

GWC investors invited to exclusive event with local legislators

Monday, March 21, 2022

Grow Wabash County would like to extend an invitation to all of its current investors to attend an exclusive Legislative Wrap-Up event with local legislators and the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana on Wednesday, April 13, at 2 p.m. in the Grow Wabash County conference room, 214 South Wabash Street in Wabash. As the joint chamber of commerce and economic development group in Wabash County, Grow Wabash County is committed to not only providing investors with services to help them grow and thrive, but also offering them the opportunities to have an audience with the legislators that speak...

Komets game to celebrate Wabash County April 8

Monday, March 21, 2022

Wabash County, IN – Wabash County will be the MVP at the Fort Wayne Komets game on Friday, April 8 during Wabash County Night. As one of the Komets’ dedicated “community nights,” hockey fans are encouraged to show up and celebrate not only the Komets as they take on the Toledo Walleye, but Wabash County and all of the great things happening in the community. “Komets Night is always a great time for Wabash County to come out and enjoy some hockey while also supporting their community,” Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County,...

Imagine One 85 Draft Plan Released

Friday, March 04, 2022

The Community Foundation of Wabash County and Grow Wabash County have released a draft of the Imagine One 85 comprehensive plan. The 100-page, seven-chapter plan includes 85 action items aimed at growing Wabash County’s population and is available for all to read at cfwabash.org, growwabashcounty.com, and imagineone85.org. “On behalf of the IO85 Steering Committee members, we express appreciation for hundreds of citizens representing all communities in Wabash County who engaged in Focus on the Future meetings, surveys, and the Mighty Wabash County Summit last July,” said Patty Grant, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “Despite the limitation of the pandemic,...

Dale/Haupert family to be honored as 2021 Farm Family

Monday, February 28, 2022

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Salute to Ag committee would like to congratulate the Dale/Haupert family for being selected as the 2021 Farm Family of the Year. The Dale and Haupert families will be celebrated for their contributions to the Wabash County agriculture industry during Grow Wabash County’s annual Salute to Ag Dinner on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. “Agriculture is a leading industry in Wabash County, creating hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions in revenue every year,” Howard Halderman, chair of the Salute to Agriculture committee, said. “In addition, farmers are excellent stewards...

Freedom Academy announces 2022 slate of certification programs

Monday, February 28, 2022

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be continuing its partnership with Freedom Academy to connect Wabash County residents with certification and training programs in high-demand skills areas. The schedule of upcoming training programs from Freedom Academy in 2022 include: Welding Jan. 10, 2022 – Feb. 24, 2022 4-8 p.m. Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Feb. 22, 2022 – May 18, 2022 4-8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Sept. 20, 2022 – Dec. 13, 2022 4-8 p.m. on Tuesdays,...

Grow Wabash County recognized by Mid-America EDC for student entrepreneurship

Monday, February 28, 2022

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Entrepreneurial Award by the Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) which represents 13 states in and around the Midwest. The Entrepreneurial Award was presented to Grow Wabash County in recognition of the Wabash County High School Entrepreneurship Collaborative, which Grow Wabash County has spearheaded to expand entrepreneurship opportunities in Wabash County classrooms. “The comprehensive approach to building a local entrepreneurship ecosystem was especially impressive to our panel of judges,” Brandon Marshall, MAEDC’s Award’s Committee Chairman, said. “One of the overarching goals of the...

Grow Wabash County welcomes Joey Bland as spring intern

Monday, February 28, 2022

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County is pleased to welcome Joey Bland to the team as our spring high school intern. Joey is currently a senior at Southwood High School. He was connected with Grow Wabash County through MSD Wabash County’s Professional Career Internship program which aims to provide opportunities for high school seniors gather meaningful experiences in the workplace. Joey plans to attend Indiana University in Bloomington to major in Statistics or Business Analytics and will be helping Grow Wabash County with various projects that will allow him to show off his math and critical thinking...

GWC accepting applicants for Operations and Development Project Manager position

Monday, February 28, 2022

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be expanding its team to include a full-time Operations and Development Project Manager to help carry out the organization’s mission to grow a prosperous Wabash County. The Operations and Development Project Manager will run point on supporting and maintaining current investors while also recruiting new businesses and organizations to invest in the ongoing projects, programs and plans that Grow Wabash County is involved with. This may include the tracking and logging of member engagement and retention efforts to ensure our investors are receiving the connections and support they need...

Hello Nature and MPS Egg Farms Announce Selection of Wabash, Indiana as Site for $50 million Specialty Fertilizer Manufacturing Facility

Monday, February 28, 2022

Hello Nature, a global leader in organic fertilizers, biostimulants and microbials, has partnered with sixth-generation Indiana business MPS Egg Farms to form a joint venture that will make a nearly $50 million investment in Wabash, Indiana to construct and operate a specialty fertilizer manufacturing facility. The joint venture, Bionutrients, will combine high-quality raw materials and cutting-edge technologies. Bionutrients will employ 46 people and construct two facilities totaling nearly 300,000 square feet to be built at 1555 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, IN 46992. The partners will break ground this spring, with the facility fully operationally in the summer of 2023. This...

Nature’s Remedy to celebrate new Downtown North Manchester location

Monday, February 28, 2022

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County is excited to announce that Nature’s Remedy will be hosting a grand re-opening at their new location, 121 East Main Street in North Manchester. The community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting at the new location on Friday, March 4 at noon, to celebrate the occasion. “We here at Nature’s Remedy cannot thank the community enough for the overwhelming support and the opportunity to let us serve [them] over the initial year opening our doors,” Krystal Presl, owner of Nature’s Remedy, said. “It is because of [them] and [their] continued...

Plus5 Global announces plans for Wabash County processing plant

Monday, February 28, 2022

Plus5 Global, Inc. has announced its intentions to open its first operational processing plant in Wabash County. This eco-tech, upcycling company will bring what CEO Paul Andrade calls a “disruptive yet leading-edge business” to Wabash County with the objective of minimizing its carbon emission footprint, and those of other companies, by creating high value substitutes for traditional carbon and petroleum material that remain cost-effective. “We are excited about our new facility location in such a pro-growth atmosphere of the City of Wabash,” Andrade said. “The Wabash site brings with it our benchmark process and product applications that will...

Registration open for 2022 State of Our Communities

Monday, February 28, 2022

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County invites the Wabash County community to join local leaders to take stock of the successes Wabash County had in 2021 and to get energized about the exciting possibilities in store for 2022, at the fifth annual State of Our Communities event on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Honeywell Center. This year’s event will begin with breakfast in Legacy Hall starting at 7:30 a.m. followed by presentations starting shortly after 8 a.m. This year’s slate of speakers will include representatives from each incorporated community in Wabash County including: Town of LaFontaine; Town...

CFWC Awards $5,000 Grant to Young Professionals Group

Thursday, November 11, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Young Professionals of Wabash County (YPWC) steering committee are thrilled to be partnering with Community Foundation of Wabash County (CFWC) to launch an exciting slate of events throughout 2022.YPWC is a member-driven group that provides a platform for young professionals and emerging leaders to connect in meaningful ways with both each other and the Wabash County community. The group is free to join and the intent is to help young professionals that live or work around Wabash County find meaningful connections while giving back to the community. The ultimate goal is...

Groups Recover Together invites Wabash County Community to Open House

Thursday, November 04, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to be giving one of its newest investors, Groups Recover Together, a warm welcome to the community with a ribbon cutting and open house on Friday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Groups Recover Together seeks to provide outpatient treatment for people recovering from opioid addiction in a way that is “respectful, accessible, and affordable.” The company provides recovery support through weekly support group meetings as well as through the administration of medication to curb pain and sickness from withdrawal symptoms. “Drugs can steal the things we...

Grow Wabash County Gift Checks Spark Shopping Local

Thursday, November 04, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County is encouraging everyone to shop local this holiday season by purchasing Grow Wabash County gift checks which can be used at almost 300 local businesses and organizations in and around Wabash County. Grow Wabash County gift checks (formerly known as Chamber Gift Checks prior to 2017) are gift certificates that can be redeemed at any business or organization that is a current Grow Wabash County investor. In 2020, nearly $60,000 was spent locally within Wabash County with this shop local gift check program. “The holiday shopping season is an incredibly...

Imagine One 85 Comprehensive Planning Process Nears Completion

Monday, October 25, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Today, the Leadership Committee of Imagine One 85—a countywide process to develop a comprehensive plan—announced encouraging news about the plan’s progress. “We’ve moved from the development phase to the review phase,” said Keith Gillenwater, President & CEO at Grow Wabash County. “From here, we look forward to the broad adoption of the plan, and then to realizing the bold vision for the future of our county, its communities, and our residents. More than 1,000 residents have provided input—and it has been so crucial to the success of this work.” Authentic Insight While the...

2021 GWC Annual Dinner Recognizes Wabash County’s Best

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County was honored to join so many people from the community during its Annual Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 14, to celebrate a whole slate of incredible people and businesses that have helped Wabash County thrive in 2021. Following social hour in the Honeywell Center lobby and dinner in Legacy Hall, Jim Smith kicked things off as the master of ceremonies and talked about the pride he has long held when telling people he meets that he is from North Manchester, and in turn, Wabash County. Grow Wabash County Board Chair, Marilyn Custer-Mitchell,...

Adam Bartrom to Provide Insight for a Strong 2022 at GWC Event

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to host Adam Bartrom of Barnes & Thornburg out of Fort Wayne for a lunch and learn event on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from noon – 1 p.m. Bartrom’s presentation entitled “How is it Almost 2022?! Lessons Learned For Employers and What to Look Out For in the Coming Year,” will cover some of the biggest lessons learned in business and employment over the past two years and how companies can put their best foot forward in 2022. This interactive discussion will highlight what the pandemic has taught the business world...

Grow Wabash County Partners With CFWC, Questa To Highlight Education Funding Options

Tuesday, October 05, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County will be hosting an informational Lunch and Learn event for local employers and education partners on Friday, Oct. 29, to share information about opportunities for Wabash County students, of all ages and backgrounds, to receive financial support for post-secondary education. Grow Wabash County will be joined by Questa Education Foundation and Community Foundation of Wabash County for this informational session to discuss the various programs they have organized to connect students with the necessary funding to pay for schooling. “One of the greatest barriers to further education are the financial resources...

Jim Smith to Emcee Grow Wabash County Annual Dinner

Friday, September 10, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that Jim Smith will be the master of ceremonies for Grow Wabash County’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Honeywell Center. Smith is an incredible partner to Grow Wabash County, having retired in 2020 as the head facilitator of the Leadership Development Wabash County program and remained involved with many of Grow Wabash County’s projects and initiatives. He currently serves as a town councilman for the Town of North Manchester. Smith was also named the Volunteer of the Year during Grow Wabash County’s 2020 Annual...

Grow Wabash County, Ivy Tech Announce Excel Workshop Series

Thursday, September 09, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Grow Wabash County and Ivy Tech Community College have partnered to present a series of Microsoft Excel training workshops. This workshop will have three sessions: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Participants are encouraged to attend all three to ensure that they are prepared for the higher-level skills used in the Advanced session. The development of this Excel training series is the direct result of feedback from Grow Wabash County investors that expressed a need for themselves or their employees to acquire or refresh certain skills related to Microsoft Excel. “Grow Wabash County is focused...

Wabash County Manufacturing Job Fair Set for Sept. 28

Thursday, September 09, 2021

WABASH COUNTY, IN – Several employers and more than 150 job openings will be featured at a Wabash County Manufacturing Job Fair from noon to 4 p.m. September 28 at Heartland REMC, 350 Wedcor Ave. in Wabash. The job fair is a joint project of Grow Wabash County, Northeast Indiana Works and WorkOne Northeast. “Manufacturing is critical to Wabash County and it is important that, as we find our way through challenging times, employers can maintain or expand their workforces,” said Edmond O’Neal, president and CEO of Northeast Indiana Works, the region’s nonprofit workforce development organization. “The companies...

Grow Wabash County Announces New Slate of Workforce Trainings

Monday, August 30, 2021

WABASH, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce the upcoming slate of certification and training classes for the Fall of 2021. These classes are the result of Grow Wabash County’s continued partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College, Freedom Academy, CTS Driving Academy and Heartland Career Center. “Grow Wabash County is committed to helping our local workforce grow not only in number but in skill,” Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “We are especially thankful for the many community and educational partners that have joined us in expanding access to training and certification programs...

Grow Wabash County Receives $21,000 Don Wood Grant

Monday, August 23, 2021

WABASH, IN – The Don Wood Foundation (formerly the 80/20 Foundation Trust) has awarded $21,000 in grant funding to Grow Wabash County to expand upon its efforts with the Wabash County High School Entrepreneurship Collaborative. The majority of the funding received from the Don Wood Foundation will be used to cover the costs of the 2022 INnovate Wabash County student pitch competition, slated for April 2022, including cash awards for the top student teams to further their education and/or their business ventures. Additional funds from the Foundation will also be used to equip every Wabash County high school...

Applications Open for Jim Smith Scholarship

Thursday, August 19, 2021

WABASH, IN – Grow Wabash County and the Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) committee are accepting applications for the Jim Smith Scholarship.The Jim Smith Scholarship, named for the recently retired facilitator of the LDWC program, Jim Smith, will be awarded to one applicant attending the 2021-2022 LDWC cohort to pay for their full program tuition.“Jim Smith has been an incredible champion for Grow Wabash County, and especially the Leadership Development program,” Keith Gillenwater, President and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “So, when Jim retired from his post as the head facilitator of Leadership Development, we wanted to find a...

Wabash Experiences Growth in Japanese Program Involvement

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

WABASH, IN – Wabash County continues to develop a strong relationship with the Japanese community by offering language and culture educational experiences in Wabash classrooms. In 2018 and 2019, Wabash sent delegations to Japan to create and foster relationships with the Japanese communities. Since those visits, Wabash City Schools have hosted a group of exchange students from Japan as well as incorporate their language and culture into course offerings. The delegation hopes to return in 2022 to continue to build relationships and networks in Japan. In the spring of 2020, Wabash County continued to foster a relationship with...

Grow Wabash County, Content Creative to Host Marketing Workshop Series

Thursday, August 05, 2021

WABASH, IN – Grow Wabash County is teaming up with Melissa Meredith, owner of Content Creative marketing firm, to present “Thinking Big in Your Smaller Business,” a series of workshops to help Wabash County businesses of all size and industry boost their message through effective marketing. This workshop will have four sessions between September 2021 and January 2022. The first three will be hosted virtually over Zoom to break down some of the key concepts of marketing: branding, digital marketing and content creation. The fourth session will be an in-person workshop with Meredith to actually create a marketing...

Registration Open for Leadership Development 2021-2022

Thursday, August 05, 2021

WABASH, IN – Grow Wabash County is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2021-2022 cohort of the Leadership Development Wabash County (LDWC) program. This eight-month program will invite young professionals and emerging leaders to attend monthly classes that will encourage them to better understand themselves, their leadership style and how they can use their strengths to make an impact in Wabash County. Each day-long class will take place at a different location around the county to better acquaint these leaders with the many assets and resources Wabash County has to offer. Throughout the program,...

Mps Egg Farms Selected as 2021 Business of the Year

Monday, August 02, 2021

WABASH, IN – Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce that MPS Egg Farms has been selected as the 2021 Business of the Year and will be honored during Grow Wabash County’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 14 at the Honeywell Center. “We are honored to be recognizing the impact that MPS Egg Farms has made on the Wabash County community,” Keith Gillenwater, President and CEO of Grow Wabash County, said. “MPS Egg Farms and the Krouse and Grant families have been incredible champions of Wabash County. In addition to having great success as one of the top...

Northeast Indiana Accepting Project, Program Proposals for READI Program Application

Monday, June 28, 2021

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Local economic development officials in Northeast Indiana’s 11 counties are accepting project and program proposals for the region’s application for Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) Program funding until July 16. Project and program organizers are asked to submit their project for consideration through an online form and share details about the project or program including the vision, regional impact and funding breakdown. Additionally, the proposal form requests information on how the project or program submission aligns with pre-identified categories of economic impact for the region’s application. These categories include: Grow the...

Anthony Juliano to Lead GWC Investor Educational Event

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Wabash County, IN __On Thursday, July 15, Anthony Juliano, vice president and general manager of Asher Agency and founder of Point Six Four Consulting and Training, will host a lunch and learn event in partnership with Grow Wabash County to help Grow Wabash County investors and business owners make their meetings more effective and efficient. Grow Wabash County invites the Wabash County business community to attend “We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This,” a lunch and learn investor event where Juliano will help leaders and business owners navigate the do’s and don’ts of the meetings that fill our calendars day...

Wabash Castings, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Celebrate New Partnership

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County had the honor of joining Wabash Castings LLC and Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 16 to celebrate the successful acquisition of Wabash Castings by WAF. Wabash Castings was acquired by WAF on April 1, 2021 in the interest of expanding the foundry’s production growth, primarily in the markets of electric vehicle and consumer goods. “We are thrilled to bring Wabash Castings into the WAF family,” Sachin Shivaram, CEO of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, said. “The depth of talent and know-how at Wabash is impressive. Their facility forms...

Grow Wabash County Hosts Annual WACCY Golf Outing

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County hosted its annual WACC-Y Golf outing at the Honeywell Public Golf Course on Wednesday, June 9. After the cancellation of the 2020 outing, the green was filled with golfers, sponsors and investors ready for a good time! On Wednesday afternoon, 21 teams teed off across the course at 1 p.m. With close to a dozen volunteers and hole sponsors, almost every hole had something fun to offer. The ever-popular Golf Ball Cannon made its heroic return at the 18th hole, elevating game-play even more. Lunch was provided to all participants, volunteers and...

Grow Wabash County Welcomes MU Intern, Bridget Nash

Tuesday, June 08, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County would like to welcome Manchester University student, Bridget Nash, as the organization’s newest summer marketing intern. Bridget is a senior at MU and is double majoring in Digital Media and Marketing. Her strengths include social media and videography. At MU, Bridget is a member of the women’s soccer and basketball teams. She is also involved with the MU Dance Marathon, a yearly fundraiser for Riley Hospital for Children, and serves as a photographer and videographer for MU’s Marketing and Sports Information Departments. This is Bridget’s second summer in Wabash. Last summer,...

Spark a New Career Path With Upcoming Welding Certification Program

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County announces registration closings at the end of May for a welding certificate course offered through Ivy Tech Community College that starts Tuesday, June 8. This course will be held in the welding lab at Heartland Career Center located at 79 S 200 W, in Wabash. Classes will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. through August 11. Participants will learn practical welding techniques and procedures as they pertain to various metal types and thicknesses, welding in various positions, kinds of joints and weld characteristics, as well as AWS...

WACCY Golf Outing Hits the Greens June 9

Thursday, May 06, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County invites the Wabash County business community to join them for a day of golf, fun and networking. Registration is now open for Grow Wabash County’s annual WACCY Golf Outing on June 9 at the Honeywell Golf Course, 3360 Niccum Rd in Wabash . The WACCY Golf Outing will, of course, feature some of the Caddyshack-level antics that have become synonymous with the annual fundraising event. This year will feature the Putting Green Contest as well as the ever-popular game boosters such as Mulligans, Pick-A-Putts and Bad Player Insurance. Registration is $360 per...

Zartman Graduates From OU EDI Certificate Program

Thursday, May 06, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is proud to announce Tenille Zartman graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) on April 29, 2021 at the OU EDI Spring session. OU EDI is an intensive 117-hour certificate program which provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional. “OU EDI is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals,” Mark James, Zartman’s mentor and current Dean of OU EDI, said. “These graduates represent some of the finest economic development practitioners in the U.S. working to support their local communities.” OU...

Student Entrepreneurs Win Big at INnovate Wabash County Competition

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Ideas and innovation were the stars of the show on Wednesday, April 28, as student entrepreneurs from every Wabash County high school took the stage at the Eagles Theatre to compete in the 2021 INnovate Wabash County pitch competition hosted by Grow Wabash County. Over the course of the day, student entrepreneurs presented their ideas to the panel of judges that included: John Hoffman, Experienced Small Business Owner and Business Advisor Professor Joe Messer, experienced entrepreneur, executive, and Professor of Entrepreneurship at Manchester University Lisa Gilman, Local Entrepreneur and owner of Redemption Development and...

CNC Certification Program to Begin May 17

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County and its many partners including Ivy Tech Community College and Heartland Career Center encourage Wabash County residents to register for the upcoming CNC Class Mille & Lathe certification set to begin on Monday, May 17 at the Heartland Career Center, 79 S 200 W, Wabash. This class will run through September 22, meeting 4-8 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday. Students that successfully complete this course will receive hands-on training in the essential skills of the trade including the programming of industrial metalworking machines, instruction on the terminology and mathematics of programming and how...

Duke Energy Awards $90,000 in Marketing Partnership Program Grants to 18 Indiana Economic Development Groups

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Duke Energy has awarded $90,000 to 18 Indiana economic development groups for the 2021 Marketing Partnership Program. Each group was awarded $5,000. “Duke Energy is committed to strengthening collaborative efforts with our local and regional economic development partners,” said Erin Schneider, Indiana director of economic development for Duke Energy. “These grants provide those partners with resources to fund marketing and strategic efforts that result in new jobs and investments in the communities we serve.” To qualify for program consideration, each applicant must submit a plan that has a direct impact on the community’s economic growth...

Wabash Crossfit Set for Downtown Opening on April 2

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Wabash CrossFit is ready to raise the heart rate of downtown Wabash during its grand opening on Friday, April 2, with a ribbon cutting hosted by Grow Wabash County followed by a whole list of fun activities for the family. The new downtown location at 120 W. Canal Street will provide CrossFit Wabash with more space to accommodate its growing membership as well as expand its class offerings for kids and teenagers that can run at the same time as adult classes. Wabash CrossFit also aims to offer more classes in its Longevity In Functional Efficiency...

Grow Wabash County to Honor Top Students in Class of 2021

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is calling upon the Wabash County business community to rally around some of the community’s best and brightest students by supporting the 2021 Honor Student Luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, April 15 at Noon at Legacy Hall in the Honeywell Center. This year’s luncheon will be modified, per the school corporations’ requests, to seat students by school and utilize alternative methods to connect students with professionals in their majors and career fields of interest. In order to foster bonds between students and local companies in their fields of interest, each student will receive...

Registration Open for Industrial Maintenance Certification Program

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Registration is now open for the upcoming MSSC-CPT Industrial Maintenance offered by Ivy Tech Community College. This course will begin March 30 and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Heartland Career Center, 79 S 200 W, Wabash. This course is the result of Grow Wabash County’s partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and Heartland Career Center to provide new certification opportunities to upskill our local workforce. Students that successfully complete this program will receive Manufacturing Skills Standards Council Certified Production Technician designation once they have completed the...

Scholarships Now Available for Certification Trainings for Wabash County Residents

Thursday, March 04, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is now accepting applications for scholarships for Wabash County residents looking to complete an upcoming certification program. Grow Wabash County will award scholarships of up to $2,500 each to help Wabash County residents pay for tuition and fees for skills training programs that will help them earn a new certification. These scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of Wabash County to boost workforce development efforts in Wabash County. In the coming months, several certification programs through Ivy Tech Community College will be held in Wabash County including:...

New Skills Training Programs Open to Wabash County Workforce

Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is thrilled to announce the launch of a series of advanced skilled training programs for Wabash County workers looking to upgrade their current skillsets to become more competitive in the local workforce. The current slate of upcoming training programs include: Industrial Maintenance MSSC-CPT Training starting March 30 Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Training starting April 5 CNC Machining Fundamentals starting May 17 Process Communication Model Workshop starting May 3 Gas Metal Arc Welding Training starting June 2021 (Dates TBD) The successful development and launch of these new skill trainings are...

Charley Creek Inn to Mark Grand Re-opening of Wine, Candy Shoppes

Monday, February 22, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County invites the community to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Wine & Cheese and Ice Cream & Candy Shoppes in Charley Creek Inn with a ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 5. In January 2021, Charley Creek Inn announced that it would be rearranging its shops’ locations. The Wine & Cheese Shoppe would move into the former Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe location and vice versa. “With the success of the Wine & Cheese Shoppe in The Courtyard last summer and having to turn away guests due to the extremely limited...

Registration Open for Annual State of Our Communities Event

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County encourages the community to join local leaders and changemakers for a morning of energizing conversations and goal-setting for the future of Wabash County at the annual State of Our Communities event on Thursday, April 1, at the Eagles Theatre. This year’s event will begin with a light breakfast and coffee hour starting at 7:30 a.m. followed by presentations in the main theater starting shortly after 8 a.m. This year’s slate of speakers will include: Bob Ferguson from the Town of Roann; Mayor Scott Long from the City of Wabash; Diana Heath from...

Grow Wabash County Hosting Process Communication Model Workshop

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Registration is now open for Grow Wabash County’s Process Communication Model (PCM) workshop scheduled for Monday May 3 through Wednesday, May 5, at the Grow Wabash County office. The Process Communication Model (PCM) is an in-depth professional development program that uses human behavior to predict, observe and analyze how a person communicates and responds to conflict. Through a preliminary evaluation prior to the course, each participant will learn their strengths and weakness in communication and find ways to effectively leverage those strengths and mitigate those weaknesses in the real world. This workshop will be led...

Clover Blossom Honey, Shenefield Family Selected as 2020 Farm Family

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County and the Salute to Ag committee would like to congratulate Clover Blossom Honey, owned and operated by David Shenefield and his family, for being selected as the 2020 Farm Family of the Year. The Shenefield family will be celebrated for their contributions to the Wabash County agriculture industry during Grow Wabash County’s annual Salute to Ag Dinner on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. “Grow Wabash County each year at this event highlights one of Wabash County’s own agricultural producers to demonstrate the best of our industry and how our producers work to protect...

Grow Wabash County Receives 80/20 Foundation Grant for Student Entrepreneurship

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is starting strong in 2021 by receiving $15,750 in grant funding from the 80/20 Foundation Trust to launch the Wabash County High School Entrepreneurship Collaborative for local students. This new collaborative will expand upon the groundwork laid out by Grow Wabash County, in partnership with Heartland Career Center, Manchester Community Schools, MSD of Wabash County and Wabash City Schools, to provide a dynamic, more streamlined entrepreneurship curriculum for students looking to get a head start in the competitive business world. “Entrepreneurship, for all ages, has long been a pillar of focus for...

Grow Wabash County to Postpone State of Our Communities Event

Monday, January 11, 2021

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County will postpone the State of Our Communities event formerly slated for Thursday, Feb. 11 at the Eagles Theatre. The new date for State of Our Communities will be Thursday, April 1 from 7:30 – 10 a.m. at the Eagles Theatre. The decision to postpone came after discussions with the Honeywell Foundation, the Grow Wabash County board of directors and community leaders planning to present. Due to capacity restrictions related to Wabash County’s COVID-19 metrics, as outlined by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Grow Wabash County feel it is prudent to...

Japan, NE Indiana Celebrate Decades Long Relationship at Annual Summit

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and the Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) had the honor of hosting a series of distinguished guests during the virtual Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Northeast Indiana has long enjoyed a close relationship with Japan, collaborating often on plans for business expansions, workforce development and cultural exchanges. This year’s annual summit focused on the challenges and opportunities faced by Japan and Northeast Indiana throughout 2020 and the goals both sides have in mind for 2021. Sarah Delgadillo, director of global citizenship for Wabash, served as...

Northeast Indiana to Host Annual Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit Dec. 8

Monday, November 30, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is partnering with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and the Japanese American Society of Indiana (JASI) to host the 2020 Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 8.This summit has become an annual event through the Partnership to lay the foundation and begin to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between Japan and Northeast Indiana.“Each year, this event includes updates between Indiana and Japanese relations while spotlighting the efforts of Japanese partnerships in Northeast Indiana,” Sarah Delgadillo, Director of Global Citizenship for Grow Wabash County, said. “This year’s speakers bring a fresh perspective of...

Wabash County Leads NE Indiana Region With 3.2% PCPI Increase

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows Wabash County led the northeast region of Indiana with a 3.2% increase in per capita personal income (PCPI) between 2018 and 2019. PCPI is calculated by the BEA by dividing the total personal income of the residents of a geographic area by the total number of residents. Per the BEA’s statistics, the average PCPI for Wabash County in 2018 was $42,536 and rose to $43,955 in 2019. The growth in Wabash County comes close to the 3.3% national average growth from 2018-19, but exceeded the state’s...

42 Wabash County Businesses to Receive COVID-19 Grants

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Almost $200,000 in grants have been awarded to 42 Wabash County small businesses thanks to funding provided by both the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Wabash County Commissioners. The funds were granted to local small businesses that had been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions and would use the fund to retain low- to middle-income (LMI) wage workers. OCRA agreed to award $160,000 to Wabash County for this purpose and an additional $40,000 was pledged by Wabash County Commissioners. “Our Wabash County small businesses have had a...

UPDATE: Changes Made to Imagine One 85 Workshops

Wednesday, November 04, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Leaders of the Imagine One 85 Comprehensive Plan process will host meetings across Wabash County to collect ideas about the future of the county and its communities. This first community involvement opportunity – Focus on the Future Community Workshops – will take place November 13th and 16th with two virtual meetings. These events are open to everyone and will help shape the county’s comprehensive plan. Participants will be asked to register for these events and will receive a special meeting invitation from the event organizers. Participants can register at www.imagineone85.org . In light of a...

Communities of Wabash County Launch Imagine One 85

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Wabash County, IN __A team of elected and appointed officials, civic leaders, and organizations is launching an innovative, comprehensive planning process for the five incorporated communities of Wabash County. The plan, called ?Imagine One 85,? is prompted by Wabash County’s steady and alarming decline in population that threatens school funding, industry and job growth, economic development and competitive wages, the availability of retail and professional services, and home values. Together, leaders and citizens from all sectors of the county will develop a bold, comprehensive plan for the growth and prosperity of the entire county and the incorporated communities of...

Annual Celebration Dinner Recognizes Wabash County’s Best

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Wabash County came together at the Honeywell Center on Thursday, Oct. 8, for Grow Wabash County’s Annual Celebration Dinner. After a lively social hour and a socially-distanced dinner hour, the guests were ushered into the Ford Theater for the evenings awards. Parker Beauchamp, CEO of INGUARD, served as the master of ceremonies and reflected upon the changes that this year had brought and how special it was for the community to be able to spend some time together and honor some of Wabash County’s greatest champions. Board Chair Patty Grant reflected on the year and...

Hampton Inn Celebrates Grand Opening in Wabash

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County was thrilled to welcome Hampton Inn Wabash during its grand opening celebration on Friday, Oct. 9. Owners Raj Chandat and Suresh Patel were joined by the Wabash County community as well as family, friends and managers of their other area properties for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the opening celebration. Chandat paid tribute to the support he and his team had received from the City of Wabash, Grow Wabash County and Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management to make their plans a reality. The ribbon-cutting was followed by a reception and tours of...

Lighthouse Mission Breaking Ground on Future Downtown Location

Monday, September 28, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County and Wabash Marketplace, Inc., are proud to welcome the Lighthouse Mission of Wabash as it takes the first steps toward establishing its new downtown Wabash location within the former Plain Dealer building at 123 W. Canal Street. A ground-breaking ceremony will be hosted on Friday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. at this downtown location, and the community is invited to join the Mission in the celebration of this exciting milestone. The West Canal Street building was previously home to the Wabash Plain Dealer. When the newspaper relocated to 99 West Canal Street,...

CO.STARTERS to Host Rebuild Program Series Through End of 2020

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is excited to continue its partnership with CO.STARTERS, an organization devoted to providing resources and training workshops for start-ups and existing businesses. CO.STARTERS will be offering additional sessions of its Rebuild program every month until the end of 2020. The Rebuild program is geared toward existing business owners to help them navigate this post-pandemic business world. The 10-week program meets virtually once per week. Days may vary for each cohort, with alternating meeting times between afternoons and evenings to cater to the schedules of business owners. The various sessions invite experts and encourage...

Morrell’s Scooters to Host First Friday Demo

Thursday, September 03, 2020

Wabash County, IN __Grow Wabash County is excited to welcome a new business venture to Wabash. Morrell’s Scooters will be offering free test runs of its motorized scooters in the Wabash City Hall parking lot during First Friday on Friday, Sept. 4. The demos will be held ahead of the company’s Wabash two-month trial run set to begin on Monday, Sept. 7. Morrell’s Scooters was launched by owner Ronald Morrell, Jr., in October 2019 in the interest of bringing ride sharing programs, often popular in larger cities, to small towns. “I love to visit big cities and...

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