57 Businesses Recognized at 2026 Economic Impact Appreciation Awards & LEO Dinner
Grant County Economic Growth Council honors record investment, job creation, and community development at annual celebration
The Grant County Economic Growth Council recognized 57 businesses and organizations at its 2026 Economic Impact Appreciation Awards and Local Elected Officials Dinner on June 18, gathering more than 120 business owners, elected officials, and community leaders at The Tomahawk in Marion to celebrate a period of significant economic activity across the county.
Presented by Marion Health, the evening honored investments made between October 2024 and December 2025, a 15-month window that saw more than $200 million invested in Grant County, 160-plus jobs created, and 60-plus new housing opportunities added. The honorees represented more than 10 industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to hospitality, retail, and the arts.
By the Numbers
The 2026 cohort of honorees reflects both the scale and the diversity of economic activity taking place across Grant County:
$200 million+ invested in business growth, facility expansion, and community development
160+ jobs created across industries
20+ community investments and redevelopment projects completed
60+ new housing opportunities being added to the market
10+ industries represented among honorees
Honorees and Their Impact
This year's award recipients span a wide range of sectors and investment levels, from large-scale healthcare infrastructure to first-generation small businesses opening their doors for the first time.
Healthcare and Workforce Development
Marion Health, the evening's presenting sponsor, collaborated with Ivy Tech Community College on a $570,000-plus nursing simulation lab designed to strengthen the county's healthcare workforce pipeline. Ivy Tech also added 30 new nursing student seats, invested more than $575,000 in advanced manufacturing and nursing technology, and earned designation as a College Purple Star Initiative campus for its services to veterans. Parkview Health invested $35 million in new healthcare facilities in Grant County, adding more than 80 jobs and expanding access to specialty and primary care services.
Leffler Academy expanded access to affordable nursing education while Mackee Counseling invested $130,000 in local operations, growing from 2.5 to more than 20 team members and expanding mental health access through school and community partnerships.
Higher Education
Indiana Wesleyan University created 22 new jobs, introduced AI certifications and graduate programs, invested $2 million in the Westminster Wildcats Early Learning Center, and broke ground on the $32 million I AM 3RD basketball arena, one of the largest capital projects in Grant County's recent history.
Manufacturing and Industry
Café Valley invested $21 million in facility expansion and production capacity, strengthening the county's food manufacturing sector. Prysmian invested $1.9 million in facility and equipment upgrades, supporting advanced manufacturing growth, while Midwest Cabinet Solutions invested $180,000 in new equipment to sustain employment for more than 35 Grant County residents. Irving Materials Inc. invested more than $2 million in equipment and operations, supplying materials for major county projects including Marion Health East, River Rock Lofts, and the IWU I AM 3RD Arena.
Community Development and Housing
The Community Foundation of Grant County distributed more than $6.5 million in grants during 2024–2025 and anchored a $7.5 million redevelopment of 100 South, transforming a historic downtown Marion building into a collaborative community hub. The Lofts at Blumenthal is completing a $2 million public-private redevelopment project, adding 17 apartments and 4,250 square feet of retail space to downtown Marion and creating 20 jobs through construction and development.
Colonial Oaks/TLC Management invested $2.6 million in facility improvements, renovating 63 assisted living and independent living apartments for Grant County seniors.
Arts, Tourism, and Hospitality
Her Cue Productions established operations at the Gas City Performing Arts Center, welcoming more than 50,000 patrons to Grant County and hosting 50-plus national and regional artists, generating increased tourism and local spending.
Mississinewa 1812, home to the largest War of 1812 reenactment in the United States, expanded through the acquisition of 230 acres, transforming a former quarry into a historical and educational destination. The organization has also invested in on-site infrastructure through bridge construction, funded in part through creative community fundraising including "Cannons and Corks," an intimate wine, beer, and charcuterie dinner event. A third bridge currently under construction was made possible through a partnership with Rustic River Outfitters, a unique dining experience venue in Mt. Etna.
Idyl Wyld Roller Rink invested $160,000 in facility renovations, creating 10 to 15 new jobs and expanding its offerings in family entertainment. Smash & Dash invested nearly $1 million in the revitalization of a long-vacant property at Marion's city entrance, creating more than 30 jobs in the hospitality industry. Main Street Grazing opened a new small business in Gas City, expanding local dining options through charcuterie and café offerings and contributing to the vitality of Main Street Gas City.
Trades and Professional Services
Neal Plumbing invested $250,000 in equipment, vehicles, and tools, creating management and apprentice positions for local residents and expanding services to include commercial plumbing and home improvement solutions, further strengthening its investment in Grant County through property acquisition and workforce development. RBL Electric expanded from two to six employees, opened a Main Street storefront in Gas City, and increased its capacity to serve local homes and businesses across the county. Vengeance Cycle was revived under new ownership in 2025, preserving a beloved local business that has served Grant County riders since 2014, with new investment in equipment and facility improvements.
Skilled Trades and Creative Industries
Crossroads Fine Woodworking opened a new woodworking supply and makerspace business in Marion, creating local employment and expanding community access to tools, materials, workspace, and hands-on training, supporting entrepreneurship and skilled craftsmanship in Grant County. Crossroads Ink invested $45,000 in building improvements and startup equipment, added two tattoo artists, and revitalized a commercial property through extensive renovations.
Agriculture and Specialty Services
DH Farms Pet Cremation Services invested between $150,000 and $200,000 in local business development, transforming a historic agricultural property into a new community asset and establishing Grant County's first local pet aftercare resource through specialized equipment investment. The business has also strengthened the local economy through partnerships with Grant County businesses.
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Carey Services created 11 new jobs through The Kitchen CoMPany and The aMPersand, invested $2.4 million in accessible housing and community spaces, and expanded employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Excel Center created 14 new jobs, introduced a new model for adult education in Grant County, and graduated 7 students, with 27 more on track to earn their diplomas.
Abide Collective expanded with a paint-your-own pottery studio, creating three jobs and transforming its retail model into an interactive community experience. Allure Beauty Bar invested $65,000 to modernize a former tanning salon, creating opportunities for 8 to 10 independent beauty professionals. Ashley's Ice Cream expanded from a single shop into a full-service café experience while investing in downtown Marion's future. Gas City Beauty Lounge created six new jobs, invested $15,000 in business expansion, opened a second salon space, and introduced innovative wellness services including Head Spa and Salt Cave Therapy.
The Wispy Pine Boutique invested $189,000 in an 800-square-foot expansion, creating new jobs in retail and personal care and expanding capacity for boutique, salon, and nail services. Take A LookSi Beauty Supply invested more than $50,000 in renovations, inventory, and equipment, creating two part-time positions and expanding access to beauty products and custom apparel in Grant County. Marion Design Co. doubled its workforce, invested $60,000 in the Kennedy Art Center, and contributed $25,000 in charitable giving back to the community.
1846 Enterprises advanced a $100-million-plus community and economic development initiative, aided in the facilitation of $18.2 million in Main Street infrastructure improvements, and awarded more than $200,000 in beautification grants.
More Nominees Recognized
In addition to award recipients in attendance at the awards dinner, the Growth Council recognized other businesses and organizations making notable contributions to Grant County's economic fabric at the conclusion of the event:
Advanced Plumbing, Ameri Rents, Best-One Tire & Service Upland/Best-One Fleet Service Gas City Expansion, Book The Bash, Boomtown Grounds, Branson Food Mart, Coin Laundry, Gorham Rentals LLC, Industrial Maintenance Specialists, Manes Manis and More, Nani's Playroom, The Old Fitz, Ollie's, Payne’s, River Rock Lofts, Samina Recovery Center, Shell Gas Station - Gas City, Signature Dance, Six Hundred South RV Storage, Starbucks North, Swanner Electric, 512 Aesthetics & Wellness, and 7 Brew.
Sponsors
The Growth Council thanks the following sponsors for making the 2026 Economic Impact Appreciation Awards possible:
Cornerstone Sponsor: Marion Health
Catalyst Sponsors: Prysmian · First Option, Inc. · AEP/Indiana Michigan Power · Indiana Wesleyan University
Growth Sponsors: Atlas Foundry Foundation · NearSpace Launch · Advanced Plumbing
Community Supporters: STAR Financial Bank · Lone Oak Gardens · Felecia Fannin-Duke Social Media Management · Hoosier Jiffy Print
Watch the Full Presentation
The complete award recipient presentation from the evening is available on YouTube for those who were unable to attend. Each honoree's story, including specific investment figures, jobs created, and community contributions, is featured in the video.
📺 Watch the 2026 Economic Impact Awards presentation: youtu.be/nJZOyl633nI
Scroll Through the Event Photos
About the Grant County Economic Growth Council
The Grant County Economic Growth Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit economic development organization serving Grant County, Indiana. Our mission is to promote a vibrant, sustainable economy that attracts and empowers business growth and innovation in Grant County. Since 1985, we have helped facilitate over $3 billion in countywide investments.
For more information, contact:
Ted Ward, Executive Director — tward@grantcounty.com
Loretta Tappan, Marketing Coordinator — ltappan@grantcounty.com
Madison Dubovyi, Program Coordinator — mdubovyi@grantcounty.com
765-662-0650 | grantcounty.com