GRANT COUNTY
Enriches Experience
From Pioneer Roots to a Connected Future: Spotlight on Jonesboro
Jonesboro, Indiana is a small city with ample community spirit, nestled along the Mississinewa River in Grant County. Home to roughly 1,500 residents, Jonesboro is one of Indiana’s smallest incorporated cities by population.
Discover Upland, Indiana: Where Innovation Meets Small-Town Warmth
Nestled in the heart of Indiana, the Town of Upland (population approximately 3,700) offers an inviting blend of small-town charm and forward-looking growth.
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.
Beyond City Hall: Why County Meetings Matter to Every Grant County Resident
Grant County Local Government: Why It Deserves Your Attention. As community members and professionals in Grant County, it’s crucial that we keep an eye on county-level decisions – they set the stage for our local business and living environment.
A Night to Remember: Forge ECI’s 20th Anniversary Gala
Last night was absolutely magical as Forge ECI — formerly the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership — unveiled its bold new brand at its 20th Anniversary Gala, held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, Indiana.
Welcome to the Team: Madison Dubovyi Joins GCEGC as Program Coordinator
We’re thrilled to welcome Madison (Madi) Dubovyi to the Grant County Economic Growth Council! Madi officially joined our team on Monday, July 7, and brings with her a wealth of experience in project management, marketing, and nonprofit service.
Grant County Communities Push Forward with Investment, Innovation, and Infrastructure
From new development to workforce investment, progress is happening across Grant County!
PRESS RELEASE - Marion’s Business Talk
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.
PRESS RELEASE – Marion’s Business Talk
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.
Small Business Development Center Office Hours: Free Expert Guidance for Your Business
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.
PRESS RELEASE – Marion’s Business Talk
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..
Grant County Economic Growth Council Awarded Duke Energy Partnership Program Grant
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 Launches “Data Drive” to Power Informed Decisions in Grant County
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).
Huhtamaki Marion Operations Earns Top Honor from Dollar General
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.
PRESS RELEASE – Marion’s Business Talk
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 CHARM Grant is Back!
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!
Grant County Manufacturers Give Back
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.
Start Your Career in Education with ESS
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.
Grant County Celebrates Community Investment and Growth at Annual Economic Impact Appreciation Awards
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 Career & College Fair Event – November 13th, 2024
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.