The City of Marion is excited to welcome Megan Gilmore, a coaching and well-being educator and international speaker on cascading cultures of well-being and care, as the guest speaker for the Business Talk Small Business Series on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Marion City Hall, 301 S. Branson St., Marion, IN.

The City of Marion is excited to welcome Keenan Davis, a seasoned business professional and State Farm agency owner, as the guest speaker for the Business Talk Small Business Series on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Marion City Hall, 301 S. Branson St., Marion, IN.

Got business-related questions? The Grant County Economic Growth Council is excited to host weekly office hours with Zina Bartle, the Ecosystem Navigator with the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Zina brings extensive business experience to the table and is passionate about helping local entrepreneurs succeed.

The City of Marion is proud to feature Trent Dailey, owner and CEO of both GCA Title and Insurance Management Group (IMG), as the guest speaker for its Business Talk Small Business Series on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at Insurance Management Group, 959 East 4th Street, Marion, IN..

The Grant County Economic Growth Council (GCEGC) is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $5,000 grant through Duke Energy’s Partnership Program! This grant will help support our strategic marketing initiatives, designed to showcase the incredible assets of Grant County and foster continued economic growth and prosperity in our community.

Collabora has officially launched Data Drive, a new community indicators dashboard designed to serve as a one-stop, 24/7 digital resource for local data. Accessible at CollaboraGC.com/Data-Drive, the dashboard complements other Collabora initiatives, including the Grant County Strategic Vision, and Collabora Leadership Intensive: Mobilizing the Bold (The CLIMB).

The Grant County Economic Growth Council is proud to celebrate Huhtamaki’s Marion Operations team, which has been honored as Dollar General’s Private Label Vendor of the Year! This prestigious award was presented at Dollar General’s annual General Merchandising and Supply Chain Summit.

The City of Marion is thrilled to announce Kyren Monteiro as the first guest speaker for its Business Talk Small Business Series on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Marion City Hall, 301 S. Branson St., Marion, IN.

The Grant County Economic Growth Council is excited to announce the return of the CHARM Grant, a revitalization initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal of local businesses! This $1,000 matching grant supports impactful beautification projects such as signage, murals, landscaping, façade improvements, and more—helping businesses attract customers and contribute to a more vibrant community.

With only five grants available, businesses in downtown areas and high-visibility locations will receive priority. Applications are now open and will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds run out!

The Grant County Economic Growth Council recently had the privilege of presenting a check for $20,500 to St. Martin Community Center on behalf of Grant County manufacturers. This generous contribution reflects the ongoing commitment of the local manufacturing community to supporting vital services that uplift residents in need.

ESS, the nation’s largest education personnel management company, is hiring substitute teachers and educational assistants for Marion Community Schools! Whether you’re looking for a flexible schedule or consistent classroom opportunities, ESS offers support, training, and perks to help you thrive.

The Grant County Economic Growth Council’s (GCEGC) annual Economic Impact Appreciation Awards celebrated significant local investments and partnerships that have advance economic development across the county.

GCEGC Director Chuck Binkerd, in his first year as director and over 26 years in the community, praised the nearly one billion dollars in investment—from small businesses to major corporations—flowing into Grant County over the last two years.

Ivy Tech Community College is hosting its highly anticipated Career and College Fair on November 13th, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Ivy Tech Marion Conference Center. This event offers a prime opportunity for job seekers, students, and the broader Grant County community to connect with leading local businesses and educational institutions, showcasing the region’s commitment to workforce development and economic growth.

The Grant County Economic Growth Council is proud to announce the 2024 Economic Impact Appreciation Awards and Local Elected Officials Dinner, celebrating the impactful businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have made a positive difference in the local economy.

The Gas City Performing Arts Center is set to launch its inaugural season in October, following a $20 million construction project partially funded by the READI grant. This 1,830-seat venue will serve as a hub for arts and entertainment in East Central Indiana, featuring concerts, comedy, theater, and school programs. The grand opening includes performances by The Classic Rock Experience and the Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night. Join us in supporting the arts—visit gascitypac.com for tickets and volunteer opportunities.

The Grant County Economic Growth Council, in collaboration with Gas City, Grant County, City of Marion, and Town of Upland, recently commissioned a comprehensive housing study aimed at providing valuable insights into the local housing market. Recognizing the critical role of adequate housing in economic development, this study aims to provide crucial information to housing developers seeking to invest in the region.

The Grant County Economic Growth Council and sponsor, STAR Financial Bank, hosted the annual Investor Appreciation Ceremony at the Firewater Mill. Each year the event honors the for-profit businesses committed to growing their businesses in Grant County – in turn, investing in the local economy.

Economic development is fundamental in making transformational impact. It’s a multifaceted process that involves creating an environment that fosters sustainable economic growth, increases employment opportunities, and improves the standard of living for residents.

Grant County is a hidden gem in the heart of the Midwest that offers a great quality of life for its residents and excellent educational opportunities for students. With its affordable cost of living, friendly community, and diverse range of higher education options, your plan for higher education should include Grant County.

In November 2022, the Grant County Economic Growth Council worked with students at Taylor University to create a job search series. What started solely as a student resource, turned into a workforce development tool valuable for all ages entering or transitioning into the workforce.