Grant County Tallies Company Investments
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Grant County Economic Growth Council says businesses invested more than $132 million into the community last year. The total, which involves nearly 90 businesses, is a slight decrease from the previous year. March 17, 2015
News Release
MARION, Ind. (March 13, 2015) – The Grant County Economic Growth Council, in partnership with STAR Financial, hosted the 16th Annual Investor Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, March 13 to recognize 86 Grant County businesses for their investment and reinvestment in the community in the past year. This year the Appreciation Luncheon highlighted over 132 million dollars invested in 2014, bringing the total investment over the past sixteen years to well over $2,490,230,049.
Approximately 150 attendees including honorees, business leaders, and local elected officials gathered at Meshingomesia Golf & Social Club over lunch to celebrate Grant County's success. Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks, representing the fifth district, joined local elected officials, Growth Council Executive Director Tim Eckerle, and STAR representatives in congratulating honorees. Guests heard testimonials from local business owners about their recent success and the role the Grant County Economic Growth Council played in facilitating their respective investments. Unique to the 2015 Investor Appreciation Luncheon was the recognition of the 1000th investment decision made since the event's inception in 2000; Paula's 9th Street Caf? was honored with this distinct milestone.
Growth Council President, Karen Turner, expressed gratitude to the businesses in attendance and awards were given to those who invested or reinvested $25,000 or more in their business and the Grant County community in 2014. “The Grant County Economic Growth Council serves a community that continues to set the standard for investment. The community that invests together grows together,” remarked Karen Turner.
87 businesses were honored last year with investments totaling over $143 million; in 2013, 59 businesses received recognition for their combined 2012 investments of over $125 million; and 72 businesses invested a sum surpassing $335 million in Grant County in 2011. Investment or reinvestment figures can include equipment purchases; remodeling, expansion, or relocation projects; or similar endeavors that benefit their organization while investing in Grant County.
Jim Marcuccilli, President of STAR Financial Bank, spoke at the celebratory luncheon Friday. The Growth Council first hosted the first Appreciation Luncheon in 2000 per the suggestion of Jim Marcuccilli, president of STAR Financial Bank. STAR Financial has served as a sponsor alongside the Growth Council every year since; these partnering organizations consider it their privilege to host and continue the legacy of the Appreciation Luncheon in Grant County.
As a part of the Growth Council's mission to “facilitate investment and reinvestment for job creation and retention,” the Appreciation Luncheon provides the organization an avenue to appreciate the businesses that are responsible for economic growth in Grant County. The Growth Council recognizes that some businesses are overlooked each year and thus encourages all local businesses to contact the Growth Council when their investment in Grant County reaches $25,000.
Source: The Grant County Economic Growth Council