The last four years have been busy for the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). This year’s 2024 Economic Development Week, May 6-10, provides an opportunity to reflect on Henry County’s success and progress since 2020.
Economic Development Week is a global initiative, led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), to recognize and honor the work of economic developers and their contributions to communities worldwide.
“As the local and regional economies evolve, the economic development profession must remain agile and responsive to change. The expertise of dedicated economic development professionals and organizations is vital in cultivating sustainable growth and prosperity,” said IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle.
Since 2020, the New Castle Henry County EDC has played a central role in gaining and administering Environmental Protection Act (EPA) grants and COVID-19 grant funding. Additionally, the organization welcomed new employers, encouraged the expansion of existing employers, and collaborated with local schools on workforce-centered initiatives. The EDC worked with partners to land READI funds for the region: $15 million in the first round and $35 million in the second round, the largest increase from round one over any region in the state.
Henry County’s Tourism Commission contracted with the EDC to implement the county’s destination development (tourism) strategy in late 2020. Under the EDC’s leadership, Innkeeper’s Tax Revenue for Henry County has increased by 63% and total economic impact of tourism is now more than $18 million a year (2022 report data from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation).
“Economic Development Week is an opportunity to reflect on the collective work of Henry County’s private investors, elected officials, community groups, business owners, tourism partners, and dedicated workforce,” noted Corey Murphy, CEcD, EDC President. “Working together, we have benefited from an estimated $200 million invested in Henry County over the past four years.”
This year’s Economic Development Week celebrates Economic Development Heroes, spotlighting economic developers who are pioneers in their communities. The New Castle Henry County EDC is proud to celebrate Scott Hayes, who was a founding board member of the EDC and continues to serve on the board today. The EDC also honors Penny York, Project Manager with the EDC, for her tireless efforts for procuring EPA grants and her key role in the county’s tourism initiatives.
The New Castle Henry County EDC will also host its monthly meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, highlighting the latest developments in the community. These meetings are open to the public, and this month’s meeting will be at the Henry County Courthouse.
Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders are invited to become investors in the EDC, with membership levels ranging from $50 to $5,000+. Find out more by calling the EDC at (765) 521-7402 or by visiting GrowInHenry.com/investors.
Learn more about the New Castle Henry County EDC by following them on Facebook and LinkedIn, and discover more about Economic Development Week at www.iedconline.org/ EDW.
