Celebrating Investment in Grant County, IN
Friday, January 21, 2011
An uncommon trend that began eleven years ago in rural Grant County, Indiana has caught the interest of both local and state news. In 2000 STAR Bank, an Indiana-based community bank, and its president, Jim Marcuccilli, took notice that significant company investments within the area had been overlooked. A vast majority of local businesses were unrecognized as they continued to invest and reinvest in their companies, which allowed the creation and retention of jobs in Grant County. Per his suggestion, the Grant County Economic Growth Council, a local economic development non-profit, set out to correct this omission by starting an event that has since honored hundreds of individuals.
The STAR Bank Investor's Appreciation Luncheon, sponsored by STAR Bank, celebrated its eleventh year this January. Since 2000, it has recognized over $1,691,836,000 in local investment, by celebrating companies whom have invested a minimum of $25,000 of new capital within Grant County. This New Year's investment of over $150 million has hinted at economic growth despite the poor national forecasts, as the Growth Council handed out 65 awards to these investors, its fifth highest year since the event began. Even in 2009 when the economic crises hit hard, Grant County proved it could weather the storm by announcing over $405 million in investment, a large portion coming from a General Motors expansion.
Grant County's success has continued to come from the honored individuals who have believed in the strength that comes from working hard. With a group of strong local elected officials who have made it their mantra to collaborate with each other and a community of business leaders that make an effort to recognize those who have continued to inspire growth, it is no wonder Grant County has reason to celebrate.
Communities who are looking to foster growth and retain their companies should follow the example of this county in Indiana. A company's knowledge that those around them appreciate their labor and investment dollars can influence and strengthen relationships with their community. As John F. Kennedy once shared, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." So express your gratitude with actions for the companies that have continued to succeed and push forward, even when there seems to be but a dim light at the end of our nation's economic downturn.
© 2011 Grant County Economic Growth Council