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Wells County Economic Development Director Tim Ehlerding will be leaving that post at the end of the month.

His resignation was announced Monday afternoon jointly by the Wells County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council boards.

He has accepted the position of corporate accounts manager for the northeast United States for Varco Pruden Buildings, a steel building systems supplier with home offices in Memphis, Tenn. He will begin those duties, based in Decatur where Ehlerding resides, Nov. 2.

“This was a tough decision,” Ehlerding told The News-Banner Monday. “I’ve truly enjoyed every minute. It was a great fit, but this was an opportunity for my family that I just could not turn down.”

Ehlerding began his duties here in August 2012, initiating specific efforts in w o r k f o r c e development and economic development project financing. He also revived efforts to establish a food innovation center.

“There is little doubt the people and leadership of Wells County are some of the best in the state,” Ehlerding said, “and being part of this team is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

Ehlerding is particularly proud of the number and scope of expansions and new businesses the past two years. In 2014, more than $370 million in expansions and new industrial developments were announced, including the county’s first direct foreign investment in more than 10 years — the Haldrup USA building in Ossian.

He also cited the completion of the 200,000 square foot spec/shell building on Bluffton’s west edge. “Partnerships between leaders in the public and private sectors take place daily in Wells County,” he said, crediting that cooperation for “this community’s long list of successes.”

“Tim has been a great asset to our community,” said Sid Schwartz, Wells County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development president. “He’s played a vital role in orchestrating a number of projects that’s brought more jobs and more prospects for the people of Wells County.”

Schwartz is also appreciative of Ehlerding’s efforts in collaborating with neighboring counties and his work in the Northeast Indiana Partnership. “He represented Wells County very well,” he said.

“We really hate to see him go but we understand he needs to do what’s best for his family. We wish him the best,” Schwartz concluded.

The chamber and EDC’s board has initiated a search to fill the position. Interested parties should contact Schwartz at 260-758-3111 or via e-mail at wellscounty search@gmail.com.

Article by Mark Miller, Courtesy of the News-Banner