Southern Indiana Business Report
CRAWFORD COUNTY – A gathering of more than 60 people attended the Crawford County Economic Development annual meeting at Patoka Lake Winery April 20 to discuss economic development, business expansions and new marketing strategies for the county.
“We were pleased to hear from many of our local business leaders on their successes from the past year and their plans for the year ahead,” said Jesse Belcher, executive director of Crawford Co. Economic Development. “We’ve long considered Crawford County to be a community of ‘what’s next’ and we believe the next phase of our evolution will be growing and attracting tourism.”
Speakers included Sherri Nail of Cave Country Canoes, Heather Setser of Patoka Lake Winery and Craig Menke of Menke Trucking. They gave updates on their current operations and expansion plans.
“Crawford County has much to offer its residents and out of town visitors,” said Belcher. “It is our goal to make that known near and far.”
The keynote speaker of the night was Neil Elkins, Community Affairs Director of the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs. He discussed the importance of making Crawford County a place where people want to reside. Elkins also touched on the recent broadband expansion and what a necessity that is for rural residents.
Belcher and Marketing Coordinator Teri Hosier announced the new logo and slogan for the economic development office: Crawford County, More Than Beautiful.
“This new marketing strategy will focus on not only Crawford County’s natural beauty, but the wealth of other reasons for people to live, work, and visit Crawford County,” said Belcher.
Belcher thanked the Patoka Lake Winery for hosting the meeting, Benny’s for the wonderful catering service and Cave Country Canoes for donating the door prizes.