Dubois Strong Hires New Leader

Dubois County's economic development has named Edward Cole president. Cole previously served as a regional development specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. September 22, 2014

News Release

JASPER, Ind. — Dubois Strong has named D. Edward Cole as president of the organization effective October 20th. Cole is a native of Perrysville, Indiana, currently working as a regional development specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Before moving to Oklahoma, Cole served as executive director of the Vermillion County (Indiana) Economic Development Council. In that position he facilitated the sale of a 50,000 square foot speculative building,

developed an industrial park and coordinated a bi-state partnership for a new industrial park. He successfully implemented tax increment financing to maintain industrial infrastructure.

“Ed Cole is the right person at the right time to lead Dubois Strong” said Alan Johnson, Chair of the organizations board of directors. “He will bring extensive experience and talent back to his home state.”

In Oklahoma Cole works on initiatives that fit into the Dubois Strong strategic plan, focusing on business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship assistance, workforce development and regional collaboration. His work with the I-40 West Corridor will allow him to apply expertise to the improvement of transportation infrastructure in Dubois County.

“I feel very pleased to have the opportunity to work for Dubois Strong as president.” said Cole. “I am excited to return home to Indiana and work with such a dedicated board of community leaders.”

Dubois Strong, the county’s economic development organization, is a public-private partnership devoted to fostering economic growth to drive retention and expansion of existing local business while attracting new

employers and supporting entrepreneurs, thereby strengthening the county’s competitive position and generating prosperity for all residents.

Source: Dubois Strong