Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
SALEM – As the new executive director of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership, Angie Buchanan brings a background in marketing/public relations as well as experience in community engagement. A Washington County native, Buchanan joined the local economic development organization in the fall of 2023.Â
LEDOs work with city and county governments on strategies to develop their local economies. They market commercial properties and offer resources to support business growth.
Buchanan shared with Southern Indiana Business Report her role as Washington County’s LEDO and how the organization works to grow the local economy.
Q&A with Angie Buchanan
Describe your role as the Washington County LEDO and what you did prior to becoming executive director of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership?
As the Washington County LEDO, I work alongside city and county government officials with a focus on developing and strengthening the local economy through job creation and retention to help retain and attract new residents. I work with the local community leaders to maintain a list of available properties that businesses may use such as existing buildings and vacant land.
Additionally, I work with local government on funding sources for infrastructure needs to support business growth, as well as other programs such as tax abatements, small business loans and Grants.
 Specifically, with business attraction we are focused on the J.F. Helsel Commerce Park in Salem, which is a shovel-ready site zoned I-1. I am also focused on quality of place initiatives such as efforts related to the Monon South Trail, working with housing developers and other efforts that foster a vibrant Washington County.
Prior to becoming the WCEGP executive director, I spent nearly 25 years in marketing and public relations for a variety of businesses with a focus on market share growth, customer attraction and community relations. My experience also includes organizational change management and communication. I also have three years of real estate sales experience.
From an economic development standpoint, what are your county’s strengths?
Washington County is comprised of residents and business leaders who take pride in making Salem and Washington County great places to live and work. We offer quick access by three state highways, we are 18 minutes from I-65, 45 minutes from Louisville, KY, 90 minutes from Indianapolis, IN, 45 minutes from Louisville International Airport and 90 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport.
We have three county school corporations and are within driving distance to a number of higher-education locations – including four-year degrees and trade certifications. Washington County’s average population age is 41.8. Our unemployment rate is below the state ranking.
In what areas could your county improve (or what are some areas you are working on)?
Housing is in huge demand in Washington County with a void of nearly 100 homes per year over the next 10 years. By focusing on resident development, it will support population growth in addition to workforce growth for the community. Washington County is also in need of an expandable shell building for potential business development. More than 70% of site searches coming in through the IEDC require a shell building and there is a void of such a facility in the region, as well as other rural portions of southern Indiana.
What kind of assistance or resources does your LEDO provide to either attract new or grow existing businesses?
WCEGP is here to support local businesses through tax abatement assistance, project assistance, the Small Business Development Loan program, and acting as a conduit to local, regional, federal, and state agencies.
What are some recent developments in your county?
WCEGP is preparing to close on their second property inside the J.F. Helsel Commerce Park. This is anticipated for late April or early May.
What is something about your county that most people aren’t aware of or is overlooked?
The county has a tremendous amount of historical charm and beauty, especially within the City of Salem. We have three parks within Salem and additional parks located in Pekin and Campbellsburg. We offer two recreational lakes, hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking, agritourism and historic destinations. Additionally, Salem has several exhibits and museums including the birthplace of John Milton Hay, the Stevens Memorial Museum, a pioneer village, and the Depot Railroad Museum.
Looking to the future, what do you see on the horizon that could influence the direction of your local economy?
The development of a shell building could have a significant impact on economic growth. This would enable Washington County to submit far more proposals to site selectors, creating a greater potential for business expansion in Washington County and therefore, population growth. Additionally, the development of more residential housing will have significant impact on population and workforce growth.