GRANT COUNTY
Enriches Experience
Workforce as Economic Development: Career Pathways, Sector Partnerships, and WIOA Basics
Walk the floor of nearly any manufacturing plant in Grant County and you will hear some version of the same conversation: the work is there, the wages are competitive, and the company would hire more people tomorrow if it could find them. That is not a recruitment problem. It is a pipeline problem, and pipeline problems are economic development.
Real Estate Development & Reuse: Turning Challenging Properties into Productive Assets
One of the costliest habits in local development is wishful thinking. A vacant building is not an opportunity simply because it is vacant. A former factory is not ready because it sits near a road. Challenging properties move when uncertainty is reduced, one piece at a time. That is the real work of redevelopment and reuse in Grant County.
Growing Grant County: Site Readiness and Infrastructure — What It Takes to Compete for Investment
Site selection is not a beauty contest. It is an elimination process. When a company evaluates locations for a new facility, sites get removed early if they cannot prove usable acreage, utility capacity, a clear permitting path, and a credible workforce pipeline.
Grant County has real strengths in this picture — interstate access, a 75% labor force participation rate, a strong education pipeline, and a growing list of employers making long-term investments here. But honest growth strategy requires naming the gaps alongside the wins. This post does both — and tells you what comes next.
One Week Left: Nominate a Business, Organization or Project for the Economic Impact Appreciation Awards
The deadline to submit nominations for GCEGC’s Economic Impact Appreciation Awards is one week away — end of day Monday, May 11. If you've been thinking about nominating someone, or putting your own organization forward, now is the time to act.
Nominations Open for 2026 Economic Impact Awards in Grant County
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Economic Impact Appreciation Awards. Help recognize the individuals, businesses, and projects driving growth in Grant County—submit a nomination or learn more today.
Tell Us What's Happening: A New Way for Grant County Businesses to Stay Connected
A new initiative is making it easier than ever for Grant County businesses and organizations to share their news, events, and updates. Learn how this tool helps strengthen connections, increase visibility, and keep the community informed and engaged.
Planting the Apple Tree: Invest in Grant County’s Future
A legacy gift to the Grant County Economic Growth Council Endowment Fund helps ensure long-term economic growth, stability, and opportunity for future generations in Grant County, Indiana.
READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Grant Opportunity Now Open for Regional Projects
A new funding opportunity through the READI 2.0 LEI Arts & Culture initiative is now open for organizations across East Central Indiana. Learn about eligibility, upcoming workshops, and how regional partners can apply for funding to support arts, culture, and creative placemaking projects.
PRESS RELEASE: Retirement of Executive Director Chuck Binkerd
After decades of service in local government, utilities leadership, and economic development, Grant County Economic Growth Council Executive Director Chuck Binkerd has announced his retirement. The Growth Council reflects on Binkerd’s contributions to regional collaboration, infrastructure development, and economic momentum in Grant County while outlining the transition process and next steps for the organization.
Exit 255 Listening Sessions: A Community Conversation About Grant County’s Future
Grant County residents are invited to learn more about the Exit 255 (I-69 / SR 26) interchange area and share feedback through a public survey and five listening sessions in March. This post summarizes what the 2025 feasibility study examined, what to expect at each session, and how to participate before any decisions are made.
Making Free Business Expertise Accessible Across Grant County
Free, confidential business consulting is available to every Grant County entrepreneur through a partnership between the Grant County Economic Growth Council and the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center—bringing expert guidance, resources, and support directly to local businesses.
The Grant Regional Career Center: A Blueprint for Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today
In Grant County, Indiana, the career & technical education model is being re-imagined. The Grant Regional Career Center is not just training high school students—it’s actively building the talent pipeline for the region’s future. With dual-credit programs, industry-grade equipment, hands-on internships and deep employer partnerships, GRCC aligns its programs with economic development strategy and positions both students and the community for growth.
Indiana Senator Andy Zay’s Candid Take on Property Tax Reform
In a frank presentation in Marion, Indiana, State Senator Andy Zay admitted he never supported the property tax reform law now facing implementation — putting local officials in the difficult position of executing a law they didn’t write.
Van Buren, Indiana: Popcorn Capital's Economic Growth and Small-Town Quality of Life
Explore how Van Buren, Indiana blends industrial success with small-town charm. Learn about major employers like Weaver Popcorn, local entrepreneurship, and community-driven quality of life that make Van Buren a rising star for business and residents.
Gas City's Growth and Appeal: A Small City with Big Potential
Gas City, Indiana is experiencing a surge of growth in housing, business, and community life. With new developments, expanding city limits, and a thriving local culture, this Grant County gem is proving that small cities can have big potential.
Sweetser, Indiana – A Vibrant Small Town in Grant County
Welcome to Sweetser! Founded in 1871, Sweetser, Indiana is a forward-thinking community that offers classic small-town living with quick and easy access to city amenities.
Spotlight on Fairmount, Indiana: A Small Town with a Big Heart
Fairmount, Indiana may be small in size—home to just under 3,000 people—but it's bursting with hometown pride and history. This close-knit community is famous for producing two American icons: actor James Dean and Garfield cartoonist Jim Davis.