Southern Indiana Business Report
The eight counties that are part of Radius Indiana each have a have a LEDO (Local Economic Development Organization) engaged in efforts to stimulate growth, improve infrastructure and manage local resources.
The Southern Indiana Business Report asked the region’s LEDOs what’s happening in their counties, what motivates them to enhance their communities and efforts underway to stimulate future growth.
Today’s Q&A is with Jessica Potts, director of the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth.
Describe your role with your local economic development organization (LEDO)?
“My role at Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth is to facilitate and support economic activity, stimulate economic growth and well-being of the community by enhancing workforce development, expanding housing options, engaging with local businesses, and positively affecting tax revenues. I work to implement improvements in all aspects of business, quality of life, and community engagement to stimulate economic growth overall in Martin County.”
From an economic development standpoint, what are your county’s strengths?
“We have two wonderful school systems that focus on STEM-based learning. Loogootee was the first public school in the state to be STEM Certified in May of 2019. Shoals Robotics Class is breaking school history and going to Nationals in New Jersey this May. We have a low cost of living, plenty of outdoor recreation and beautiful natural resources. Martin County is also close to NSWC Crane and I-69.”
In what areas could your county improve (or what are some areas you are working on)?
“Like every other community in our region, we need housing. The Alliance staff and board of directors are constantly brainstorming ways and places to diversify our housing in the County. We need to do better at marketing and telling our story. Martin County really does have a lot to offer. Especially to those people who love the outdoors. We can be an outdoor recreation with having a river that runs through our County, and all the rich history. We just need to get better at marketing and telling our story.”
What kind of assistance or resources does your LEDO provide to either attract new or grow existing businesses?
“Being newer in my role, I’m working to bring resources closer to home. The Alliance is hosting our first training, a QuickBooks Training March 2. We have an instructor coming to the Martin County Community Learning Center to teach the course. The Alliance has partnered with a consultant and is currently participating in a Business, Retention, and Expansion Program to help gather information on our local businesses to help with their business needs. Martin County is also participating in the Choose Southern Indiana program, which is a workforce attraction incentive that pays out of state talent to move to Martin County. This will hopefully help with our local business’s workforce needs. Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) visits Martin County quarterly to help businesses and entrepreneurs gather information they need to help with business endeavors. The Alliance is currently working with both school corporations in the County and will be hosting our first ever “Martin County Made Day” in March. The Alliance has partnered with school administration, and we will be taking the 122 eighth-graders in the County to businesses in Martin County who manufacture products. This will be an opportunity to educate our workforce on the career opportunities available in our County, along with hopefully instilling the entrepreneurial spirit in the county.”
What are some recent developments in your county?
“The City of Loogootee has received $225,000 in READI funding for a Downtown Park Pavilion. The park will include a pavilion, a stage and green space and could be used for numerous community events, such as a farmer’s market. The Town of Shoals has a Tiny Home Development currently being built by a local developer. Four homes are built, with plans of building seven more, plus a community garden, and an activity center. The development is targeting those 55 years and older. Both Loogootee and Shoals have received Community Foundation grants and are working on upgrades to their community parks. A new housing development is coming soon. A 30-acre, 40-lot development will be making its way to the north side of the City of Loogootee.”
Looking to the future, what do you see on the horizon that could influence the direction of your local economy?
“The growth happening at WestGate Tech Park, and our close proximity to it, could have a positive impact on our local economy. Martin County property is located at the Tech Park as well, so we could see more businesses locating here, which brings more jobs, and could lead to more homes being built.
I also look for Martin County to get better at telling our story in the future and making people aware of the beauty we have here. Martin County is full of beauty with Hindostan Falls, Martin State Forest, and the trail at Nubbin Ridge, to name a few. We could easily be an outdoor park and recreation destination in the future.”
What is something about your county that most people aren’t aware of that is overlooked?
“The beautiful natural resources and the rich history! Martin County has so much to offer in the outdoor park and recreation world. We have beautiful Martin State Forest that has made recent updates to their shelter houses and offers trails for people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
We have Nubbin Ridge that’s also a trail that can be walked that runs close to the White River. I can’t forget the rich history of Mustering Elm Park. Hindostan Days is an event that this fall will make year three of the event. Hindostan Days has seen a huge growth in attendance from year one to year two.”