Henry County’s MakeMyMove program is well underway. Since the launch of the program in August of 2022, Henry County has welcomed three “movers.”
The MakeMyMove initiative is a partnership between the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC), the Henry County government, the City of New Castle and the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
The program was created as an incentive to get remote workers from other states to move to Henry County and become active members of the community.
MakeMyMove offers $5,000 cash for relocation, complementary membership to the Arts Association of Henry County, free internet use, a free gym membership, and a Henry County Welcome Basket.
Movers can also choose three of the following amenities: State and local park pass; golf course membership; $200 local wine & dine package, free youth sports registration; all access high school sports pass up to $300; or $200 worth of ice cream and treats.
Meet the Movers
Matthew Nelson found out about the program while searching online for supplemental income sources. Nelson is a Software Administrator for a mortgage lending company based out of Nashville, Tennessee.
“I went fully remote when COVID-19 hit and haven’t really looked back since,” Nelson said. “The past few years, I’ve let soccer coaching drag me to different states, so it wasn’t too hard to pull the trigger on moving to a new location.”
His passion for coaching soccer continued when he moved. Nelson is now an assistant coach at Anderson University for the men’s soccer team.
When asked about his favorite parts of Henry County, Nelson said he enjoys weekly trips to The Press Coffee Co. and occasional brews at Blue River Tap House. He has made it a point to explore different restaurants and bars.
“I really appreciate Kelli (Wasson) and Penny (York) over at the Economic Development office. They have been an excellent welcoming committee,” Nelson said.
Sam and Melody Petty learned about the MakeMyMove program through a coworker. Choosing to participate offered the Pettys a variety of benefits, they said.
Sam is the Chief Operations Officer for New Lisbon Telephone Company located in New Lisbon. Melody serves on the board of directors for a nonprofit as the Communications Secretary.
“We enjoy the numerous dining options, festivals, sports, shopping, and bowling,” Melody said.
The Pettys favorite part of Henry County is their new hometown, New Castle.
They did not make the move from Texas by themselves. They were joined by their three German Shepards: Baja, Bubba, and Bandit, who are enjoying the weather.
“We consider ourselves blessed to have been accepted for the MakeMyMove program and look forward to contributing to our community. We encourage others to consider relocating to beautiful Henry County, and to also consider the MakeMyMove program,” the Pettys said.
Learn more about the Henry County MakeMyMove incentives at https://www.makemymove.com/moving-living/henry-county-in.
– Story by Marley Bell (MBell@TheCourierTimes.com) of The Courier-Times. Read more local stories at TheCourierTimes.com.