Southern Indiana Business Report
LINTON — A unique economic development asset in Linton was celebrated June 28. The 60.97-acre shovel-ready site received certification from the state of Indiana through the Verisite certification process, becoming the first in Indiana to be both Verisite and state certified.
Leaders from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Radius Indiana, Verisite, the City of Linton, Greene County Economic Development Corporation and the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce partnered to mark the certification of the site.
“By being designated as site certified, Linton has illustrated their commitment to economic growth,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “This shows that the Dunkerly site is ready for investment and has the resources needed to be successful. This is an exciting achievement for the community, and I congratulate all community members and partners involved in making this designation happen.”
The event featured comments from Spinner, Jeff Quyle from Radius Indiana, Courtney Zaugg from Plaka and Associates/Verisite, and Linton Mayor John Wilkes.
The site completed the Verisite certification process and received a Silver Site certification in August 2020. The Silver Certification gives companies and site selectors the assurance the site is ready for expedited development and that all needed documentation and data has been compiled and verified, which results in cost savings and speed to market for a new business. Indiana Municipal Power Agency provided financial support and engagement in the certification process.
“When we say ‘You’ll like Linton,’ it’s not just a slogan. We mean that sincerely, and we apply it equally to new residents and new businesses. Our community is prepared to treat newcomers with hospitality and warmth,” said Mayor Wilkes.
Site certification creates opportunities for cities and counties to become preferred locations for industrial growth and innovation. OCRA and Verisite each offer their own certification programs for sites that are ready for economic development.
In addition to documentation with all test results, other criteria for certification include distance from a major highway, proper zoning, utility capacity and distance, and the number of continuous acres.
“Our Radius team appreciates all the cooperation that we experienced while working with everyone from OCRA staff to Verisite professionals to Linton city leaders,” said Quyle. “Their team-oriented attitude is exactly what a company wants to experience when they begin a business expansion effort in a community like Linton.”