The Grant County Economic Growth Council’s (GCEGC) annual Economic Impact Appreciation Awards celebrated significant local investments and partnerships that have advance economic development across the county.

GCEGC Director Chuck Binkerd, in his first year as director and over 26 years in the community, praised the nearly one billion dollars in investment—from small businesses to major corporations—flowing into Grant County over the last two years.

Ivy Tech Community College is hosting its highly anticipated Career and College Fair on November 13th, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Ivy Tech Marion Conference Center. This event offers a prime opportunity for job seekers, students, and the broader Grant County community to connect with leading local businesses and educational institutions, showcasing the region’s commitment to workforce development and economic growth.

The Gas City Performing Arts Center is set to launch its inaugural season in October, following a $20 million construction project partially funded by the READI grant. This 1,830-seat venue will serve as a hub for arts and entertainment in East Central Indiana, featuring concerts, comedy, theater, and school programs. The grand opening includes performances by The Classic Rock Experience and the Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night. Join us in supporting the arts—visit gascitypac.com for tickets and volunteer opportunities.

The Grant County Economic Growth Council, in collaboration with Gas City, Grant County, City of Marion, and Town of Upland, recently commissioned a comprehensive housing study aimed at providing valuable insights into the local housing market. Recognizing the critical role of adequate housing in economic development, this study aims to provide crucial information to housing developers seeking to invest in the region.

The Grant County Economic Growth Council and sponsor, STAR Financial Bank, hosted the annual Investor Appreciation Ceremony at the Firewater Mill. Each year the event honors the for-profit businesses committed to growing their businesses in Grant County – in turn, investing in the local economy.

Economic development is fundamental in making transformational impact. It’s a multifaceted process that involves creating an environment that fosters sustainable economic growth, increases employment opportunities, and improves the standard of living for residents.

Grant County is a hidden gem in the heart of the Midwest that offers a great quality of life for its residents and excellent educational opportunities for students. With its affordable cost of living, friendly community, and diverse range of higher education options, your plan for higher education should include Grant County.

In November 2022, the Grant County Economic Growth Council worked with students at Taylor University to create a job search series. What started solely as a student resource, turned into a workforce development tool valuable for all ages entering or transitioning into the workforce.

In recent years, the significance of mental health awareness in communities has grown. However, individuals facing mental health conditions continue to experience stigma despite these advancements. Mental health awareness has become a global matter with a universal disparity between those who need care and those with access to it.

The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership has added a new feature to the Forge Your Path website, a lifestyle marketing brand that aims to establish ECI as a destination where people want to live, work, and play. 

The GCEGC attends the Indiana Youth Institute conference and brainstorms ideas for collaboration in education and child environment with other Grant County leaders.

Juneteenth is an important day of remembrance for the freedom that African Americans received in 1865 after generations of sanctioned enslavement.  We, at the Grant County Economic Growth Council, recognize the significance of this day and choose to honor it by praising the progress that has been made in our local community, economy, and society at large. As we celebrate the opportunity for all individuals to be a part of our business community, we remain committed to actions, not words. 

Growth Council partner, Wiley Metals, is celebrating 40 years of service to the community.