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Economic Development director points to projects and groups that have an impact

Quality of life issues are a key component as Wells County attempts to retain talent and increase its population, says Chad Kline, the county’s economic development director.

Kline points to the construction of trails and improvement of parks throughout the county, particularly in Bluffton and Ossian. The Interurban Trail now under construction and improvements are upcoming soon in Roush Park in Bluffton, and a dog park has been created in Ossian along with further development for the town’s Archbold-Wilson Park. “The strong involvement of both Bluffton NOW! and Ossian Rolls are having a significant impact on the quality of life in those communities as well,” he said.

Markle is also doing great things to continue to market its community as a great place to live, work, and play, Kline said, and Vera Cruz, Uniondale, and Poneto are also hosting festivals and providing great housing opportunities to those who look for small-town living.

Kline made the comments after reviewing a report in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly that told of economic development efforts in various northeast Indiana counties.

“As far as economic development opportunities that are available in Wells County, Wells County and Adams County manufacturers and education have closely teamed up within the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance to identify training needs and opportunities,” Kline said. “They are also developing a direct connection with education to assist our future workforce with the understanding of what Adams and Wells counties have available in career opportunities after they have completed their education.” In addition, he said, Wells County Revitalization also offers small businesses an opportunity to seek financial assistance through a Revolving Loan Fund that was established with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The funding is intended to promote economic growth and job creation by assisting small businesses.

Wells County Economic Development is also working closely with industry to identify and create training opportunities for their workforce to gain advanced skills that result in future opportunities within the organizations, Kline said.

“Economic Development also works closely with the manufacturing and healthcare industries to identify opportunities to host career camps that will educate youth on the career opportunities that are available in Wells County,” he said.

Kline said other efforts will be announced in the future. “We are excited about the opportunities that Wells County has for workforce development, asset promotion, and providing a great community for people to live and work,” he said.
 

Article by Dave Schultz, Courtesy of the News-Banner