GRANT COUNTY

Moves Ideas Forward

Our Mission

to promote a vibrant, sustainable economy that attracts and empowers business growth and innovation in Grant County

Storefront of DeeDee’s Vintique in downtown Marion, Indiana, with a “Grand Opening” banner above the window and the shop’s hanging sign displayed.
Children and adults waving small flags at a community event in Grant County, Indiana.

Our Vision

to serve as champions of collaboration and opportunity, leading the charge to make Grant County one of the best places to live, learn, and work

“near $3 billion invested”

The Growth Council drives progress that supports families, strengthens businesses, and expands opportunity for all. In the past year alone, our efforts have helped attract nearly $3 billion in investment to Grant County.

Loretta Tappan, Marketing Coordinator at the Grant County Economic Growth Council, smiling in a professional outdoor portrait.
Chuck Binkerd, Executive Director of the Grant County Economic Growth Council, wearing glasses and a tan blazer in a professional headshot.
Madison Dubovyi, Program Coordinator at the Grant County Economic Growth Council, standing outside a downtown storefront in Marion, Indiana.
  • Executive Director

    With more than 40 years of experience in local government, utilities, and economic development, Chuck Binkerd brings deep expertise and strong community relationships to his role as Executive Director of the Grant County Economic Growth Council.

    Chuck previously served as Executive Director of Marion Utilities for 25 years, following leadership roles with Peru Utilities and the Grissom Redevelopment Authority. He has also served more than a decade on the Growth Council’s Board of Directors and over 20 years on the Marion Community Revitalization Enhancement District Board.

    Known for his passion for people and partnerships, Chuck sees the Growth Council as a hub for connection—supporting existing businesses, attracting new opportunities, and helping residents thrive. He is committed to ensuring the organization is well-funded, forward-thinking, and always focused on building a stronger, more vibrant Grant County.

  • Program Coordinator

    Madison (Madi) hit the ground running with the Growth Council in July 2025. With a background in project management, marketing, and nonprofit service—as well as deep hometown roots in Grant County—she’s jumped right in learning more about the organization, collaborating with community leaders, and supporting the Growth Council’s mission to strengthen and grow our region. Outside of work, Madison enjoys baking, live music, good food, coffee, and spending time with her two cats and favorite humans.

  • Marketing Coordinator

    Loretta brings creativity, strategy, and a passion for storytelling to the Growth Council team. With experience in communications, marketing, and nonprofit service, she helps craft messages that highlight Grant County’s strengths and opportunities. A strong community advocate, Loretta is dedicated to fostering collaboration, supporting local businesses, and sharing the stories that connect people to place. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, music, and quality time with her husband, pets, and close friends.

Board of Directors                     

Executive Board

Jason Miller
President
President, Randall Miller & Associates

Ashley Hurd
Vice President of Operations
Grant County Abstract

Trevor Martens
Treasurer
Vice President of Commercial/Agriculture Lending,
First Farmers Bank & Trust

Kristi Pulley
Past President
HR Manager, Huhtamaki


Adrienne Rines Hammond

Alex Huskey

Andrea Masvero

Ashley Hurd

Austin Ott

Bill Rock, Mayor of Gas City

Bobby Goins, Mayor of Jonesboro

Charles Gellar

Jason Miller

Jeffrey Rayis

Jodi Pomeroy

Joe Murphey

Jonathan Perez

Kristi Pulley

Kylie Jackson

Larry Terwillegar

Matt Voss

Nick McKinley

Phillip Bowers

Robin Shrader

Ronald Morrell, Jr., Mayor of Marion

Scott Bratcher

Shane Middlesworth

Stephanie Hilton-Siebert

Trevor Martens

GROWTH COUNCIL BOARD ORIENTATION E-BOOK

Diversity and Inclusion

Founded in 1985, the Grant County Economic Growth Council emerged from a coalition of local leaders determined to revitalize a stagnant economy. Their goal: to showcase the county’s strengths and attract new investment by promoting business growth at the local, state, and national levels.

Since then, the Growth Council has earned statewide and national recognition—named a Top Ten Local Development Group by Site Selection magazine three times, cited as Indiana’s leader in plant expansion, and featured by the National League of Cities for its business retention success.

Our mission remains the same: to promote a vibrant, sustainable economy that empowers business growth and innovation for all who call Grant County home. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—and to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.