EDC Reveals Enterprise Center Drawings
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Steuben County Economic Development Corp. has unveiled preliminary designs for the proposed Northern Indiana Lakes Country Enterprise Center. The facility would be housed at a vacant industrial complex and include a business incubator, co-working and technical training space. March 2, 2015
News Release
ANGOLA, Ind. – Efforts of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation to transform a vacant industrial complex on the south side of Angola into an Enterprise Center have received promising reviews. The EDC has been considering the project for a number of months, according to Dave Koenig, Executive Director of the EDC. Design Collaborative, a Fort Wayne architectural firm has been preparing preliminary designs for the 901, 903 and 907 South Wayne Street properties.
“Everybody that has walked through the complex has shared the vision that we have for this facility – a center for Steuben County where resources can come together to support workforce development and small business development,” according to Koenig. “This is not a new concept but our plan brings together more activities than might otherwise be housed in such a facility.”
According to a brochure prepared by the EDC, the Northern Indiana Lakes Country Enterprise Center or “Enterprise Center” has a mission to serve several purposes:
Traditional business incubator, where small and emerging businesses can rent space and access local and regional resources that exist to support entrepreneurs and small business.
Co-working space where creative types can become members, show up with their laptops and find a collaborative and supportive environment.
Over 8,000 square feet of space dedicated to the technical training needs of the community, including welding, CNC machining, electrical and industrial maintenance, as well as 3,300 square feet of space that can be developed into classroom space, for a computer lab, blueprint reading, basic math – courses to assist individuals wanting to improve their skills.
Offices for the EDC and other organizations that have similar missions to support workforce development and economic development in the region and community. Some of the organizations mentioned include the Angola Area Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Bureau, Northeast Indiana Works (WorkOne), Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center, among others.
Dick Dodge, President of the EDC Board of Directors, noted, “Every conversation we have had regarding the project has been positive. Nobody has called us crazy for coming up with this idea. We take that as a good sign.” Adding, “The EDC will decide its next step in this process at the March 17th Board of Directors meeting.”
Among other options to finance the project, the Steuben County EDC, along with representatives of the City of Angola and Town of Fremont, met with Frontier Communications today to discuss the America’s Best Communities Prize Competition. The program sponsored by Frontier, Dish Network and CoBank is a competitive cash prize that could assist with acquisition, renovations and equipment costs.
Source: Steuben County Economic Development Corp