“They are really trying to ramp up rural economic development. It’s exciting to see the counties come together and partner like this to support local farms and agribusinesses.”
– Zyan Miller
Economic Development
Relations Specialist, WVPA
A blossoming northern Indiana economic development group received a boost in its budding partnership to grow agribusinesses in the region.
WVPA awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant to the Carroll County Economic Development Corp. to expand services by implementing the Ag Strategy developed by the Kankakee Iroquois Regional Planning Commission. The multi-county effort was developed to strengthen agricultural industries and businesses in northern Indiana.
Wabash Valley Power Alliance awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant to the Carroll County Economic Development Corp. to expand services by implementing the Ag Strategy developed by the Kankakee Iroquois Regional Planning Commission (KIRPC). The commission is a multicounty collaboration created by economic development and government officials in Benton, Carroll, Jasper, Newton, Pulaski, Starke, Warren, and White counties.
“We hope to improve agribusiness support on many levels, from workforce development, small business development, efficiencies, and logistics,” said Miriam Robeson, a member of the Carroll County Economic Development Corp. who submitted the grant. “This will really highlight agriculture for economic development efforts as we work to strengthen our communities and businesses.”
Participating counties have similar profiles featuring multiple kinds of agricultural businesses, Robeson said. Each county also can tailor planning to fit its unique needs; Carroll County is exploring the opportunity to open a commercial kitchen so local small businesses can develop new retail foods. The Carroll County EDC in collaboration with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, the Carroll County Agriculture Association, and the Carroll County Extension Office, also offers training sessions for business owners and local leaders on agricultural topics. The KIRPC offers similar training for small businesses and residents throughout northern Indiana.
“That is an incredible partnership that fills multiple business needs in communities across the region,” said Zyan Miller, economic development relations specialist at WVPA. “They are helping rural communities target agricultural needs and ultimately create new jobs.”
The commission’s Ag Strategy connects agribusinesses, including farms and food manufacturers, to forge beneficial business relationships. In some instances, the group can identify service providers in the region who can help other local businesses reduce costs.
“We wanted to see how we ensure that the products made here are reinvested back into the county, and that we are adding value to what is already made here,” said Sara DeYoung, executive director of the Jasper County Economic Development Organization and part of the commission.
The group created its Ag Strategy after economic development officials reviewed regional data and visited nearly 50 businesses to learn how they can leverage available resources. The commission also partnered with the Purdue University Center for Regional Development on regional agribusiness analysis.
“We recognized that historically, economic development and agriculture didn’t work together a lot,” said Nathan Oringer, executive director of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission who is part of the KIRPC. “Until recently there weren’t many county-level incentives like abatements to support agricultural expansions.”
The commission wants to eventually develop agriculture business parks, Miller said. That can help with restrictions that exist with developing agriculture or food processing facilities, which in many places cannot be built near other manufacturing buildings.
“They are really trying to ramp up rural economic development,” Miller said. “It’s exciting to see the counties come together and partner like this to support local farms and agribusinesses. We are very eager to see how it develops.”