Putnam County Touts 2011 Success

February 17, 2012

News Release

At the annual meeting of the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center projects for the past year were reviewed for community leaders. Announced investments totaled over $61 million. Commitments for job creation from 2012 to 2015 total 488. During 2011, projects were announced in the communities of Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Greencastle and Fillmore.

Highlights of the report included the sale of a vacant industrial facility to Phoenix Closures of Naperville, Illinois. The company is currently renovating and expanding the facility to produce closures for the food, beverage, and consumer products markets. The work will be completed in mid-2012. The company expects to employ 90 people at full production levels.

“Our Greencastle community is pleased to welcome Phoenix Closures and the investment and job creation commitments by all of our local industries,” stated Mayor Sue Murray.

In Bainbridge, Co-Alliance has constructed a liquid nitrogen terminal to serve area farmers. CSX Transportation is providing rail service to the site. In Cloverdale, the former Crossroads Arena has reopened as the C Bar C Expo Center. Once again, the facility is providing a boost to local tourism traffic.

In Greencastle, Crown Equipment has nearly doubled the size of their manufacturing facility. International Automotive Components (IAC) and Chiyoda USA have made both investments in new equipment. Magic Circle Corporation has leased the Greencastle Shell Building to support their local manufacturing operations. Liberty Industries in Fillmore has also expanded their facility and added new manufacturing equipment.

The Development Center also noted the April start-up of POET Biorefining in Cloverdale. During 2010, POET made a significant investment in a closed ethanol plant to bring the facility up to their operating standards. POET has been purchasing corn in west central Indiana as an input for the production of ethanol which has benefited the local agricultural community.

“These projects would not be possible without the teamwork of many members of the community, local units of government, our utility partners, Work One Western Indiana, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation,” noted June Pickens, President of the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center Board of Directors.

Public and private investment also occurred at the Putnam County Airport. The facility now features a new 6,400 square foot corporate hangar. With the support of the FAA, INDOT, and the Putnam County Commissioners, the aircraft apron was also significantly enlarged.

During the past year marketing efforts included trips to Chicago, China, and Japan. The Development Center also joined forces with Accelerate West Central Indiana on several regional marketing efforts.

In addition to the ongoing economic development work, the Development Center also supported the work of the Cloverdale and Greencastle Redevelopment Commissions, the Stellar Communities Project, and other similar projects.

At the annual breakfast, several community leaders were elected and re-elected to the board of directors. Appointed board members include:

Greencastle City Council - Jinsie Bingham

Putnam County Council - Keith Berry

Putnam County Commissioners - Nancy Fogle

Putnam County Community Foundation - Todd Lewis

Mayor of Greencastle - Sue Murray

Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce - Beau Battin

Re-elected board members include:

Sue Bowser - First Financial Bank

Matt Howrey - North Salem State Bank

Brad Kelsheimer - DePauw University

Todd Lewis - First National Bank

June Pickens - Crown Equipment Corporation

Carol Steele - DePauw University

Don Walton - Walton Stove Sales

Newly elected as a board member:

Dan Gmelich - Old National Bank

The following leaders continue their service on the board:

Steve Bahr - Duke Energy

Roger Bailey - USDA (Retired)

Dave Bohmer - DePauw University

Sharon Bone - Ivy Tech Community College

Ralph Cunha - Endeavor Communications

Jason Hartman - Town of Bainbridge

Matt Headley - Putnam County Judge

Bob Jedele - McDonalds

John Kass - Buzzi Unicem

Carrie Milner - Cloverdale Community Schools

Dr. Lori Richmond - Greencastle Community Schools

Beth Tharp - Legan Livestock and Grain

Retiring board members include:

Tim Gierke - HOP Communications

Amber Bowers - Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce

“With the support of the board and the community, we have a great deal of cooperation within Putnam County and within our region of the state. As the economy continues to improve, our area is prepared to take advantage of new opportunities,” stated Bill Dory, Executive Director of the Development Center

About the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center:

The Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center is a full service, county-wide economic development organization. It is organized as a not-for-profit corporation and is governed by a board of directors of community leaders from across Putnam County. The Development Center receives financial support from local units of government and the private sector.

Source: Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center