New Castle Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President Corey Murphy recently updated the County Council on the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration Development Initiative (READI).
Murphy announced the next steps ahead for the possible $50 million the East Central Indiana Region could receive for Henry County and the other partner counties.
“All of the regions are invited to make a presentation to Indiana EDC. They’re like the jury when it comes to this,” Murphy said. “The presentation is in two weeks. Our region’s presentation is on the morning of Friday, Dec. 3. It will be somewhere in Indianapolis. We will get about 30 minutes to present and 20 minute Q & A (question and answer) from the judges.
Murphy said the goal is to leave the state committee with the distinct impression that our region is worth their investment.
“I got chosen to present, not by choice, but I will do it. We’re excited about it,” Murphy said. “It will be interesting to see what they share about the program.”
Murphy also showed the council the article about the EDC in the New Castle Chamber Magazine. He joked that it would help the council members fall asleep.
Councilman Clay Morgan said, “The EDC has done a great job over these years. Seeing some of the successes and strategies and seeing these things become a reality. I thought it was an excellent article in the magazine. I didn’t fall asleep reading it, however.”
Murphy said he appreciated the support from the council.
Other business
Councilman Kenon Gray also announced Wednesday that Henry County is in need of a plotter machine.
The machine is used by the county Geographic Information System (GIS) map data in the Surveyor’s office. It also helps the 911 office and Voter Registration departments.
Gray said the new machine would cost about $8,000 with initial supplies like ink. The current plotter they are using cost $20,000 when it was new 20 years ago. It can no longer be repaired.
“It’s obsolete. The county would benefit greatly if we got a new one. I would highly recommend that we go ahead and fund this, I’m totally behind this,” Gray said.
Gray made the motion, and Betsy Mills seconded. The motion was passed 6-0. Councilman Chad Malicoat was not at the meeting.
The Henry County Council meets again Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. The date change is due to Christmas falling during their regular meeting week.
– Story by Dakota Locker (DLocker@TheCourierTimes.com) of The Courier-Times. Read more local stories at TheCourierTimes.com.