There’s No Place Like Home- Kristen Bennett
Plenty of young adults dream of the day they can finally move away from their hometown, start their lives, and put roots into a new place to call home. Kristen Bennett was no stranger to this dream when she left home for Purdue University to study Business and Marketing. Being […]
READ MOREEncouraging words for EDC: ‘Ahead of schedule’
Three encouraging words echoed throughout the Henry County REMC Community Room recently: “Ahead of schedule.” The words, spoken multiple times by Kim Cronk, president of the Commissioners, were music to the ears of New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp. board members concerning a myriad of major projects going on throughout […]
READ MOREAirport future: Taking off in a new direction?
Is it time for the New Castle Board of Aviation Commissioners to take off in a new direction as far as its consultant is concerned? At the end of a special BoAC meeting Monday, the potential end of a long-standing relationship with Woolpert, an Indianapolis firm, was part of a […]
READ MOREEDC director salutes Stellar efforts
A “Stellar” sort of glow illuminated the September meeting for the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp. Board of directors. EDC President Corey Murphy took time before his regular report Sept. 12 to salute all of those in New Castle, Knightstown and Henry County who have been involved in the […]
READ MOREComing Home to Give Back- Mont and Cheryl’s Story
Many times, you need to step away from something to realize what you had to start. This is how Montford and Cheryl Switzer felt when they decided to come back home to Henry County. In 1972, Mont and his new bride, Cheryl, were ready to begin their lives together. Fresh […]
READ MOREUnexpected Intern- Jalen Lowder
In the realm of internships, it can often be unpredictable on whether they’re helpful for the intern and the organization who hired them. The stereotype of an intern can typically be somewhat abstract from the start, but Jalen had project-specific goals and he was a near-perfect fit for New Castle […]
READ MOREThe Tools to Bring You Home- Robby Taylor’s Story
Many children spend their adolescent years dreaming of becoming a doctor, firefighter, or famous actor. Some ponder the idea of moving hundreds of miles away and creating a new life for themselves. Robby Taylor, however, had a different life plan for himself- staying in Henry County and working alongside his […]
READ MOREA foundation to build on for years to come
With its stately Roman-esque columns, the home of Henry County Community Foundation stands tall along Ind. 3. But the real “building” is seen in multiple locations outside New Castle, touching virtually every small community in every direction. Thursday morning, the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp. board of directors heard first-hand about the […]
READ MOREEDC highlights enthusiastic endeavors
The ‘E’ in EDC clearly stood for enthusiasm Thursday morning. During the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp. Board of Directors meeting, key words like “Stellar” and “groundbreaking” along with “upscale” were used. A pool’s success – and progress made by pooling resources – were praised. Progress was reported by […]
READ MOREEDC explores new heights – in more ways than one
Interest remains high in Henry County as far as future business expansion possibilities are concerned. If only the ceilings of available buildings were higher. Members of the New Castle-Henry County Economic Board of Directors heard both good news and how future business needs are changing during their July meeting Thursday. […]
READ MORELifeLine Lands Here to Stay
What started with a grass runway decades ago is now the newest home to Indiana University Health’s LifeLine Helicopter. A project more than a year and a half in making was officially christened in ceremonies and an open house Wednesday afternoon at Marlatt Field. The New Castle-Henry County facility is […]
READ MOREMiddletown firm offers healthy way to be a ‘Holic’
Tonio Torres, CEO of Holic Foods, remembers being handed a small Styrofoam cup by an elderly woman at an Illinois restaurant with “green stuff” it. Torres shared the story recently of how the “green stuff” became Jalapenoholic, one of 19 products his company makes in Middletown. He told the story during […]
READ MOREStay True to Your Roots: Miranda Heinold Comes Home
Coming from a small community, Miranda Heinold knew leaving to attend the University of Indianapolis would make a significant impact on her life. Little did she know just how large that impact would be. Everyone around her told her how great college would be, the connections she made would develop […]
READ MOREDoes shell building have a future tenant?
Could the industrial park’s shell building have a tenant soon? Will Henry County soon have two brand new tax increment financing districts? Those questions emerged recently from redevelopment commission meetings. The potential answers are exciting, according to local officials. New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp. President Corey Murphy was not at […]
READ MOREFind Your Fit: Machine Trades Program Hosts Career Signing Day
Signing day is usually associated with an athlete signing a letter of intent to continue their athletic career at a four-year university. The Machine Trades Program at New Castle Career Center recognizes that there are other opportunities awaiting students after graduation and want to celebrate with a different kind of […]
READ MORE‘They are tied together’
It’s always good when a plan comes together. It’s even better when two local plans, created with teamwork and community input, are recognized as the best in Indiana. The Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-IN) awarded the City of New Castle and the Henry County Planning Commission with top […]
READ MOREProviding a ‘seat’ at the global table
TS Tech literally has a seat at the global automotive production table. Because of that, New Castle does too, adding to a century-old legacy in the transportation business. Thursday morning, members of the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp. heard firsthand about TS Tech’s rise, its unique stature in the Japanese-owned company […]
READ MOREEncouraging words from ‘Canada’
Henry County is on the right track for future economic development. The train may not be moving as fast as some would like, but it’s headed in the right direction. Encouraging words for the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp. came not from local officials, but a highly respected expert […]
READ MORE‘Friendly Nature’ of Henry County Leads Stacey Tolle Home
Stacey Tolle is no stranger to life in Henry County. Graduating from New Castle Chrysler High in 2004, there’s no denying she’s a small-town girl. Stacey attended Indiana University and received a degree in Mathematic Education, which she puts to good use teaching mathematics at New Castle Middle School. Stacey […]
READ MOREEDC ‘team’ accomplished much in 2018
As he looked into the audience, Corey Murphy said he saw more than just a group of people. “A group is a bunch of people in an elevator. A team is a bunch of people in an elevator but the elevator is broken. A team works together,” Murphy said. “Whatever role you […]
READ MOREThe Future is Here
The future of machine trades arrived in the Machine Trades class at the New Castle Career Center in the form of a new Haas Mini Mill. The mill uses computer numerical control (CNC) technology to create precise parts. The technology is already in use by several employers in the area. […]
READ MOREEDC Annual Meeting Features Eric Canada
The New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is hosting its annual dinner meeting on Thursday, April 11, at First Baptist Church, 709 S. Memorial Drive in New Castle. The event will begin with social time at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 6:30 p.m. […]
READ MORELeading A Growing Business: Meet Aaron Stigall
Aaron Stigall started mowing lawns in Spiceland, Indiana, when he was just 11 years old. He steadily added more lawns to his list and eventually expanded into Delaware and Madison Counties. His lawn mowing business provided income to cover his four years of education at Ball State University. In 2008, […]
READ MOREHall of Fame Gives Economy Big Bounce
A headline in the Tuesday, March 10, 1987, Courier was like a shot heard around the Hoosier basketball world. Written by then Managing Editor Bill Brooks, the headline proclaimed “Our Shot at the Hall of Fame: NOTHIN’ BUT NET!!!” […]
READ MOREEDC hopes to team with CVB
With boys sectional basketball fever in the air, it seemed only appropriate that New Castle-Henry County EDC President Corey Murphy talk about a “team” approach to spreading the word that this is a special place for not only businesses, but families as well. Murphy asked for and received permission to […]
READ MORE‘Crowning Achievements’
When people in New Zealand and Australia discuss “crowns,” they’re not always talking royal figures, luxury hotels or dental procedures. Often what they are referring to are forklifts. Forklifts made by a certain company. A company that has literally given a much-needed lift to the local economy and added a new chapter to a […]
READ MOREMurphy Wins 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development
orey Murphy, President of the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation, has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s 40 Under 40 awards, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development industry. […]
READ MOREHenry County Living Provides Work/Life Balance for Local Business Owner
Josh started feeling stretched too thin as he was balancing running a company and raising a family.
That’s when Josh and Haley decided to move back to Henry County.
[…]
Infrastructure is key to growth
One of the main arteries of Henry County could bring new life to the area. Interstate 70 does more than just give locals a quick way to a Colts game. It gets products to market and employees to work. The connection of Ind. 3 to I-70 is seen by local leaders as […]
READ MOREPartnership between RDC and Career Center Designed to Strengthen Workforce
Henry County’s Redevelopment Commission (RDC) recently made an important investment in economic development. The investment wasn’t in land or infrastructure. Rather, the investment was in the future workforce for the area. The Commission approved an annual contribution of $30,000 to the New Castle Career Center. This three-year agreement will help […]
READ MOREBuilding Rock-Solid Relationships in Japan
Banjaku. That’s the word heard in a meeting between Japan and Indiana representatives, describing the relationship between Japan and the United States, specifically Indiana. Translated it means “solid as a rock,” and nurturing this solid relationship led EDC Director Corey Murphy to visit Japan along with several other leaders from […]
READ MORELocation, location, location quotient
There are new manufacturing jobs coming to East Central Indiana and they are literally putting food on the table. New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President and CEO Corey Murphy said Henry County and the surrounding areas are becoming a hot bed of agricultural business, or agribusiness. Agribusiness isn’t limited […]
READ MORELocal trails, parks bring $1.5 million to region
Henry County is one of six counties working to make the overall region grow. The partnership is already paying off and could pave the way for more project funding. Henry County is part of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, along with Blackford, Delaware, Jay, Madison and Randolph counties. New Castle-Henry […]
READ MORECaring for Creatures Great and Small: Meet the Weimers
DJ Weimer developed a love for the agricultural community as a child, growing up on a family farm in the Knightstown area. Meanwhile, Sarah Weimer was living in Long Island, New York, helping her equine veterinarian father at thoroughbred racetracks. The two met in veterinary school at Purdue. While DJ’s […]
READ MOREHome Court Advantage: Former Basketball Player Finds A Bright Future in Henry County
As a high school basketball player, Cory Bennett understood the power of the home court advantage. At the college level, Cory used his full-ride athletic scholarship at the University of Indianapolis to earn a degree in business administration. After graduation, he was ready to head back to his “home court” […]
READ MOREThe Sky is the Limit
Sixty-six years ago, in 1952, Clifford “Bill” Marlatt built an airport with a 2,350 foot grass runway. Bill, now 91 years old, was on hand Saturday as a new 4,200 foot runway on County Road 400 South in New Castle was dedicated despite rainy weather and overcast skies. A plaque […]
READ MORETwo Henry County Communities Receive Grant Funding
Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch recently announced more than $10 million in federal grant funding awarded to 19 communities through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). Knightstown and New Castle are among the recipients of these Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). “We are excited to support Hoosier communities […]
READ MORENew Castle Roots Lead To Business Ownership
Jennifer Barnett’s family history is rooted deeply in New Castle. She and her husband Kevin both graduated from New Castle High School, just like her parents and grandparents. While attending Purdue University, Jennifer had the opportunity to study fashion in New York City during her junior year. Living in a […]
READ MORELocal factory planning to expand, increase workforce
The Henry County Council may have broken the record for its shortest meeting Wednesday afternoon, adjourning just under the half-hour mark. The council is preparing for the 2019 budget year and didn’t have too many accounting issues to handle this week. The biggest project on their agenda was a request […]
READ MOREArea Realtor Trades Suburban Life for Henry County Living
Living in the suburb of McCordsville seemed like a great idea to Cara Taylor after graduating from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in Residential Property Management. She enjoyed the amenities of being close to Indianapolis. After a few years, however, she discovered that instead of visiting the city, […]
READ MORE‘It’s all about readiness’
Duke Energy has selected a 143-acre site in Henry County as one of six around in the state in the company’s 2018 Site Readiness Program. The property, at the corner of County Road 300 S and Ind. 103, is owned by local company Hissaydar Investments LLC, New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President […]
READ MOREA Workforce Way Forward
Right before their eyes were keys to future economic development. For members of the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Board Wednesday morning, those keys were not available land drawings or tax abatement incentive documents. They were young people displaying true talent. Shenandoah FFA students served as guest speakers for […]
READ MOREWind Energy’s Story: From the Perspective of the New Castle-Henry County EDC
Wind energy. Bring the topic up at any local eatery and you’ll find strong opinions on both sides of the issue. While the subject is divisive, there isn’t much happening in terms of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS), otherwise known as wind farms, currently. There are no commission-approved use permits […]
READ MOREThe ABCs of Good EDC Efforts
In a place well-known for its successful teams, Wednesday’s New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation annual meeting and dinner focused on the victories being won by an often unheralded unit – those behind-the-scenes players who market this community, assist existing businesses and bring new employers to town. Guest speaker for […]
READ MORESite Selection Expert Featured Guest at Upcoming EDC Dinner Meeting
The New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is hosting its annual dinner meeting on Tuesday, April 17, at First Baptist Church, 709 S. Memorial Drive in New Castle. The event will begin with social time at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 6:30 p.m. […]
READ MORELove of Quilting Leads to Business Ownership
When Sandi Abrams made her first quilt for her nephew’s daughter, she didn’t realize she was being infected with the “quilting bug.” Her hobby became a part-time job she did in her spare time while working her full-time job in the pharmacy industry. Last year, Sandi left her a 30-year […]
READ MOREIndiana’s INTERNnet Program is a Catalyst for Experiential Learning
Indiana’s INTERNnet program is a key strategy for retaining Indiana’s talented students. The power of an internship is mighty, especially since jobs are the primary reason that people stay or leave the Henry County community. What qualifies as an internship? An internship is a form of structured and supervised experiential […]
READ MOREIncrease Employee Retention with this Valuable Tool
Low unemployment in the area is great news… unless you’re an employer struggling with continual employee turnover. At the New Castle-Henry County EDC, we have a tool to help you with your retention strategy: Job Profiling through ACT WorkKeys. This nationally proven job profile program provides employers with countless benefits […]
READ MORECareer Center Receives Two Awards for Excellence
The Indiana Department of Education is honoring the entire Education Professions program and individual student Madison Eastridge today for the work each has done at the New Castle Career Center. The Education Professions program, led by Leesa Myers, won the 2018 Award for Excellence in the Secondary Program category. Eastridge has been […]
READ MORELasting Strategies to support a thriving Henry County
A quality workforce and talent strategy remains critical for both communities and businesses. The state and local unemployment rate is below 5% and by 2025 (less than 10 years) there will be 1 million job openings statewide. What can we do as a community to support a thriving Henry County? […]
READ MOREHenry County earns work ready certification
Henry County is a Certified Work Ready Community (WRC) through ACT. According to ACT, “participants leverage the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) to measure and close the skills gap – and build common frameworks that link, align and match their workforce development efforts.” Henry County joins five other counties […]
READ MOREThanksgiving Greetings
The Henry County community is a gem – full of opportunity. The purpose of this blog is to shine a light on the positives in our community. It is not advocating rose colored glasses but to encourage continued investment in our community’s assets and strengths. Our county is unique and […]
READ MOREDraper: Celebrating 115 Years
“Welcome to Spiceland” greets all entering the main entrance at Draper, Inc. The blue sign is a replica of one that hung at the Train Depot on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad in the late 1800s. Beyond the history of the sign, which is neat, this prominent display, says […]
READ MORECrown Equipment: Happy 6th Anniversary in New Castle
This morning I visited Crown Equipment in New Castle on “I” Avenue. By good fortune, it is also the 6th Anniversary of Crown Equipment’s announcement to grow in Henry County. The New Castle facility employs about 250 people (100 more than the 2011 press release!) and are very active with […]
READ MOREREMC Community Day & Comp Plan
Please plan to attend the REMC Community Day on Friday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The REMC is located at 3400 S. State Road 3 New Castle. Free food, entertainment and also learn about the County’s comprehensive plan. Participants of the public reveal celebration will be able […]
READ MOREPart of the Plan: Henry County Comprehensive Plan Updated
How will Henry County grow and develop in the future? The county’s updated comprehensive plan will serve as a road map to answer this question, and more. The New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is working alongside the county’s plan commission and other community partners to create and implement this […]
READ MOREHoosier History: Henry County is for Basketball Lovers
Basketball lovers know Indiana as a mecca for the sport, but in the heart of Indiana is a county where basketball is a way of life. Henry County is home to three remarkable basketball attractions, all within easy driving distance of one another. The Historic Hoosier Gym in Knightstown welcomes […]
READ MOREMicronutrients to bring 50 jobs to county
A new plant to be located in the industrial park south of New Castle will bring several new jobs to Henry County. Micronutrients, an agribusiness that produces animal feed additives, has announced plans to build a new facility on County Road 400 South in Henry County. The move is expected to create up […]
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