MARSHALL COUNTY · Ameriprise Financial A MESSAGE FROM JERRY: It’s safe to say, 2016 was a year of many successes throughout Marshall County. At the top of the list is Regional

Plymouth

BremenLa Paz

CulverArgos

Bourbon

2 0 1 6A N N U A L R E P O R T

MARSHALL COUNT Y

Crossroads of Indiana

BOARD MEMBERS

Marshall County City of Plymouth Town of Culver Town of LaPaz Town of Bourbon Town of Bremen Town of ArgosRoger Umbaugh Jim Condon Kevin Berger Don Balka , Ph.D. Bill Keyser Greg Miller Mark UmbaughChairman Vice Chairman Secretary- TreasurerRetired Managing PartnerUmbaugh

PrincipalPlymouth High School

OwnerEasterday Construction Co., Inc.

AuthorProfessor Emeritus Saint Mary’s College

Zoning/ Building CommissionerTown of Bourbon

OwnerMiller Insurance Group

Financial AdvisorAmeriprise Financial

A MESSAGE FROM JERRY:It’s safe to say, 2016 was a year of many successes throughout Marshall County. At the top of the list is Regional

Cities of Northern Indiana (RCNI), whose work and funding will support quality of place improvements in most of

Marshall County’s communities. In terms of building relationships and regional planning, RCNI’s discussion and

meetings have yielded much more than the original $42 million in funding, which if executed, will have a benefit

to county residents. It’s also worth mentioning the manufacturing expansions in Bourbon, Bremen, Plymouth

and Marshall County, all of which demonstrate the pro-business stance of local government and strength of the

economy. I invite you to peruse this annual report to glimpse a variety of these successes.

Let’s take a closer look at the current trends reported by Indiana Stats. Population growth in Marshall County

is decreasing. Between 2014 and 2015, Marshall County’s population has decreased by 0.22% versus a 1.58%

increase for the State and a 3.11% increase nation-wide. Per Capita Income is $35,767 in the County versus

$39,578 for the State and $46,049 nationally. Public School Enrollment in Marshall County is trending downward

from 9,021 students in 2011 to 8,747 in 2015. MCEDC recognizes the need for more aggressive economic

development strategies than what has been implemented in the past three years. Our obligation is to correct

these trends.

The facts are hard to ignore and have led MCEDC to make a concerted effort to generate new revenue that will

fund economic development and road maintenance. In 2016, a series of meetings were conducted with elected

officials, business owners, educators, service providers and many others who were concerned enough to support

a unified request for a public hearing by County Council. A total of 5 town hall meetings, 11 presentations to service

clubs, and 6 separate focus groups were held with hundreds of County residents in attendance at these meetings.

It’s safe to say that we collectively need to ramp up our efforts to grow. The path we need to travel, with increased

funding, should be directed towards new economic development initiatives, roads and workforce development.

Thank you for your continued support and enjoy.

MCEDC President/CEO

Plymouth

BremenLa Paz

CulverArgos

BourbonANNUAL REPORT 2016

22

Marshall County2017 was a year of major investments, including 7 major road improvements with a combined total

of $600,000 in capital invested. The new Veterans Parkway, which opened in 2016, is proving to

be a successful transportation improvement, used by over 5,000 cars daily. The County will also

soon be home to the largest automated dairy in the nation with Homestead Dairy’s recent expansion,

supported by tax abatement. Marshall County as a whole is planning several major business and quality

of life enhancements through the Regional Cities grant thanks to the benefits of our regional planning

partnership. The North Central Regional Development Board (RDA) has approved funding for many

Marshall County Projects. This funding, if successfully implemented, will influence projects in most

Marshall County communities.

BUSINESS ATTRACTION/EXPANSION:

» Homestead Dairy expansion $14 million capital investment and 6 jobs created - tax abatement approved

» Faulkner Fabricating expansion $1.78 million capital investment and 10 jobs created – tax abatement approved

QUALITY OF LIFE:

» Marshall County named College Success County

» Marshall County Education Summit held

» Marshall County schools selected for Promise Indiana program

» Project Lead the Way - 3 years of successful, county-wide implementation

» Regional Cities RDA funding approved for 5 Marshall County Projects

INFRASTRUCTURE:

» 644 permits issued County-wide - $26 million total valuation

» County-wide online permit system implemented

» US Hwy 30 Coalition established

» Veterans Parkway wins Excellence in Concrete Pavement Award

HOUSING:

» County-wide housing plan established with 4 residential projects (Bourbon, Bremen, Culver and Plymouth)

» EPA Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant:

- 14 Phase I Studies completed

- 14 Phase II Studies completed

- $416,000 in grant funding allocated

Homestead Diary’s $14 MM expansion positions them to become the nation’s largest automated dairy

Faulkner Fabricating’s investment of $1.78 MM in 2016 is their second recent expansion, with the first occurring in 2015

MARSHALL COUNTYCrossroads of Indiana

33

ArgosThe Town of Argos is thinking ahead by creating long-term plans and marketing themselves for future

growth. In mid-2016 Argos began working with the Michiana Area Council of Government (MACOG)

and MCEDC to organize a steering committee and hold public meetings to seek community input on

their new Comprehensive Plan, which is expected to be completed in April 2017. The Argos Town

Council also commissioned a short video aimed at attracting new families to the community. This video

was featured on Inside Indiana Business and the segment was named the highest viewed video of

2016 on the IIB newsletter.


» Argos Industrial Park planning & development underway

» Business façade improvement project completed with 14 projects and $40,000 invested by Town

QUALITY OF LIFE:

» Comprehensive Plan update began in July and Steering Committee formed

» Argos Promotional Video unveiled and featured on Inside INdiana Business

» Sandpit volleyball under construction at Argos Community Park - $800 capital investment

» Horseshoes amenity planned for Memorial Park - $300 capital investment

» Walking path extended from Argos Community Park along SR 10 - $30,000 capital investment

INFRASTRUCTURE:

» Broadband Expansion plan developed by Rochester Telephone Company – 2 of 3 data hubs built

» Water Reservoir improvements began - $50,000 capital investment

HOUSING:

» Colonial Court mobile home park expansion began – 4 of 32 new units built

Argos Redevelopment’s façade program aims to enhance the downtown by providing $40,000 to 14 businesses

Argos Comprehensive Plan builds community support through long range planning

Plymouth

BremenLa Paz

CulverArgos


44

BourbonBourbon had a lot to celebrate in 2016 by finding a new owner for the old Reynold’s building, which

sat vacant for over 7 years. The new business, Indiana Composites, plans to invest nearly $3.8 million

to establish Bourbon as the industrial center for its business and create almost 200 new jobs. The

Town has also made significant strides in growing new commercial and residential areas in 2016 by

continuing their annual business appreciation meeting, planning a high-speed broadband expansion to

meet the needs of the local business community, and developing new housing plans for residents.


» Bourbon Business appreciation Luncheon held

» Tax Abatement Guidelines adopted by Town Council

» Harmony Press expansion $1.75 million capital investment - tax abatement approved

» Indiana Composites expansion $3.79 million capital investment and 200 jobs created - tax abatement approved

» 80 acres of mixed-use commercial and industrial development planned at intersection of US Hwy 30 and SR 331

QUALITY OF LIFE:

» Comprehensive Plan update began in December and Steering Committee formed

INFRASTRUCTURE:

» High Speed Internet expansion planning began

- Town Council allocated $40,000 and local businesses raised $120,000 to support the project

» Resurfaced roads throughout Town through Community Crossings Grant funds

HOUSING:

» Cedar Ridge housing development planned with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant – includes up to 140 houses and apartments

Started in 1941, Harmony Press continues to be a leader in print service with a $1.75 MM expansion

Mike Peters, CEO of Indiana Composites, addresses audience during announcement of $3.79 MM expansion


55

BremenBremen businesses Nishikawa Cooper (NISCO) and Indiana Carton announced expansions this year,

due in no small part to the Town’s efforts towards improving services to businesses. The Town also

brought a new water plant online, and it has the distinction of being the largest gravity-filtered plant in

the country. Bremen has partnered with a local developer to begin construction on a new residential

neighborhood which will address housing needs in the community.


» NISCO expansion $4.7 million capital investment - tax abatement approved

» Indiana Carton expansion $6.7 million capital investment and 35 jobs created - tax abatement approved

» Bremen High School Manufacturing Day event held with 120 students and 5 businesses

QUALITY OF LIFE:

» Awarded Main Street Certification by Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA)

» Received $10,000 façade grant from OCRA

» Hometown Collaboration Initiative application submitted

» Planted 200 trees in downtown, parks, and residential areas

INFRASTRUCTURE:

» Extended Phase I of public infrastructure to support new housing development - $272,000 capital investment

» Water Treatment plant became operational - $4 million capital investment

» Construction on new ambulance facility underway - $235,000 capital investment

HOUSING:

» Rolling Meadows residential development began with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant – 53 lots planned

Rolling Meadows housing development is a public/private partnership that addresses Bremen housing needs

Tomorrow’s workforce participates in Manufacturing Day tour at Southwire

Plymouth

BremenLa Paz

CulverArgos


66

CulverBeyond the Town’s impressive infrastructure developments, Culver’s most significant accomplishment

was being named a Stellar Communities finalist this year. This distinction was thanks to hard work,

community support, and an application consisting of 6 growth-oriented projects taken from their

Comprehensive Plan. As a result of the application process, Culver has come together and organized

an effort to promote population growth, enhance quality of life, and encourage new residential and

commercial development. Culver also continued to invest in itself through the implementation of its 5

year capital investment plan.


» Ace Hardware rebuilt at the old Dairy Queen location and opened in December - Town extended water and sewer in support of the project

» New restaurant, Lucrezia, acquired and refurbished the old Corndance Café building and opened in November

» Entrepreneurship Center planned with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant

QUALITY OF LIFE:

» Stellar Communities Finalist

» Promotional video developed for Stellar presentation

» Informational Centers and Wayfinding Signs installed in park and downtown

» Main Street certification application submitted and Board of Directors formed

» Lake Maxinkuckee bike and pedestrian trail planned with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant

INFRASTRUCTURE:

» Sandhill Farm housing development approved for $200,000 water and sewer extension by Redevelopment Commission

» Water System expansion completed with new water tower and plant update - $2.6 million capital investment

» Storm water improvements completed - $2.15 million capital investment

» Downtown façade program continued with $30,000 committed and 3 businesses awarded funding

» INDOT Safe Routes to School project completed - $250,000 capital investment

HOUSING:

» Annexed 13.6 acres of land for Sandhill Farm housing development with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant

Ace Hardware, a new addition in Culver, benefited from Culver’s infrastructure extension and pro-business stance

Town raises awareness and support for being named a Stellar finalist through a community event at Culver Park


77

LaPazIn August, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) completed its renovation of the Michigan

Road Bridge at old US Hwy 31. Construction on the Michigan Road Bridge has been a significant

transportation improvement in the area, restoring a vital access point to LaPaz for the rest of the

County. LaPaz has also continued its planning efforts to annex and grow the community along US Hwy

6 and US Hwy 31. The next steps in the annexation process will involve creating a TIF district and a

commercial retail corridor.


» Property owners discussed voluntary annexation to create a commercial corridor and annex 45 acres of property at the intersection of US Hwy 6 and US Hwy 31

INFRASTRUCTURE:

» Developed $1.5 million streetscape and road improvement plan with assistance from the Michiana Area Council of Government (MACOG) to revitalize downtown area

» Streamlined process to begin construction Spring 2017, one year ahead of schedule

» Plan includes: center turn lane, 1 way each direction, bike lanes, rehab existing sidewalks on US 31 and extend sidewalk on east side

QUALITY OF LIFE:

» Discussed creation of new bike trail to connect with Lakeville and Potato Creek State Park

Area in red represents over 45 acres which creates a new commercial corridor through a proposed annexation

Plymouth

BremenLa Paz

CulverArgos


88

PlymouthAn economic development strategy originally developed in 2012 recently paid off when the Commerce

Shell Building was sold to Pretzels Inc., becoming the first new business to locate to Plymouth in nine

years. This is just one of many developments in the growing US Hwy 30 corridor just west of Plymouth;

other investments include the new Love’s Travel Stop and INDOT maintenance facility. Additionally,

three existing businesses announced expansion plans this year, cementing the City’s reputation as

a business-friendly location. The City also completed the first step in creating a new Tax Increment

Financing (TIF) district which will include River Park Square and the new River Gate South apartment

complex in the downtown area.


» DAC Enterprise expansion $83,500 capital investment and 1 job created - tax abatement approved

» Viking Paper expansion $3.57 million capital investment - tax abatement approved

» Pretzels Inc. expansion $18.0 million capital investment and 65 jobs created - tax abatement approved

» Entrepreneurship Center planned with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant

» Plymouth High School Manufacturing Day event held with 150 students and 5 businesses

QUALITY OF LIFE:

» 3 more gateway signs under construction and lighting added to improve visibility - $100,000 capital investment

» Construction began on Centennial Park tennis courts

» Awarded $50,000 Lake & River Enhancement grant for design of new kayak launch

» Wellness & Life Enrichment Center planned with proposed funding from Regional Cities grant including aquatics center and indoor soccer complex - $13 million capital investment

INFRASTRUCTURE:

» INDOT Groundbreaking held on new Sub District highway maintenance facility - $7.2 million capital investment

» Columbus to Chicago High Speed Rail network project received funding to begin ESA Phase I

» Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade began - $10 million capital investment

HOUSING:

» River Gate South apartment complex planned with $1.3 million from City Council and additional proposed funding from Regional Cities grant - $10 million capital investment expected

Wellness & Life Enrichment Center to improve quality of place with the help of private, Regional Cities, and City funds

New River Gate South housing complex is an initiative to help area employers address housing issues


99

Capital Investment

MIL

LIO

NS

2013 2014 2015 2016

$100

$80

$60

$40

$20

$0

Note: some companies did not publicly announce their expansion or job creation

BUSINESS EXPANSION AND RETENTION (BEAR) REPORT2016 marks the third year of the MCEDC’s Business

Expansion and Retention (BEAR) program. This series

of formal, one-on-one interviews with business

leaders in our community is aimed at providing

growth assistance to existing businesses. One of

the most important findings from these interviews is

that workforce development is vital to the continued

growth of our local economy. As the data below show,

Marshall County has experienced a steady increase

in business expansions and subsequent job growth.

At the same time, the County’s unemployment rate

has continued to decrease. In order to encourage

continued business growth and retention, Marshall

County must ensure that employers have access to

a skilled workforce now, as well as in the short and

long term.

LEGEND:Lead – Existing business not operating in Marshall County looking to open a new facility

Site Tour – Businesses investigating properties or communities to establish new operations

IEDC – Indiana Economic Development Corporation

IMPA – Indiana Municipal Power Agency

d Wabash Power Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

d IMPA . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

d Michiana Partners . . . . . . . . .3

d IEDC . . . . . . . . . . . . 12d MCEDC . . . . . . . . . .5

MCEDC Lead Responses

12

5

d R & D . . . . . . . . . . . . 1d Metal . . . . . . . . . . . .4d Food . . . . . . . . . . . . .7d Manufacturing . . .8

d Plastics . . . . . . . . . .2d Agriculture . . . . . . . 1d Other . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

d R & D 1d Metal 4d Food 7d Manufacturing 8d Plastics 2d Agriculture 1d Other 1

Total Leads by Type of Industry

41

8

2

Total 24 Total 24

7

TOTAL NUMBER OF SITE TOURS:

15SITE SELECTORS

CONTACTED:

461

BUSINESS ATTRACTIONIn 2016, the number of business attraction leads, as

well as sites and buildings considered by businesses

for expansion, was robust. The number of lead

responses in 2016 grew by almost 20%, and the

number of site tours conducted tripled from 2015’s

numbers. The following is a list of marketing activities

highlighting the source of the various leads and types

of industries MCEDC targeted in 2016:

Unemployment Rate

2013 2014 2015 2016

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

New Jobs Created

JO

BS

2013 2014 2015 2016

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

NEW BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

2

3

3

1 1 1

Plymouth

BremenLa Paz

CulverArgos


1010

JANUARY » Bourbon Tax Abatement

Guidelines approved

» MCEDC’s Vision Argos Town Hall meeting

» MCEDC’s Vision Culver Town Hall meeting

» MCEDC Hosts SCORE Entrepreneurship Workshop

» Lead Responses Submitted: 2

FEBRUARY » MCEDC’s Vision Plymouth

Town Hall meeting

» MCEDC’s Vision Citizen Group meeting

» Harmony Press Tax Abatement approved – Bourbon $1.75 million capital investment

» MCEDC Newsletter issued

» County Development for the Future (CDFF) quarterly meeting


» Site Tours: 2

MARCH » Culver Stellar Application

submitted

» MCEDC’s Vision Bremen Town Hall meeting

» Veterans Parkway wins Excellence in Concrete Pavement Award

» Regional Cities Bill signed into law


» BEAR Expansion Meetings: 2


» Site Tours: 2

APRIL » US Hwy 30 Coalition

established as nonprofit

» Metronet expansion meeting for Bourbon, Bremen, & Culver

» Culver named Stellar Community Finalist

» Indiana Composites expansion announced – Bourbon $3.79 million capital investment


» Site Tours: 1

MAY » USDA Workforce Development

(WFD) grant application submitted

» Indiana Composites Tax Abatement approved - Bourbon

» Department of Workforce Development & Ancilla meeting to unveil WFD Pilot Project

» MCEDC’s Vision Public Hearing at Marshall County Council

» Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership informational event


» CDFF quarterly meeting


JUNE » Culver Stellar Fest

» DAC Enterprise Tax Abatement approved – Plymouth $83,500 capital investment

» Marshall County Regional Cities applications submitted

» Marshall County named College Success County




» Site Tours: 5

JULY » Argos Comprehensive

Plan kickoff meeting

» Bremen awarded Main Street Certification

» Bourbon Business Appreciation Luncheon

» Culver Stellar presentation to State Selection Officials

» Ancilla College opens Resident/Dining Hall & Student Life Center



» Site Tours: 2

AUGUST » Regional Cities Project

Funding approved by RDA

» MCEDC Skill Up Grant application submitted

» INDOT Maintenance Facility Groundbreaking - Plymouth



» BEAR Interviews Conducted: 3


SEPTEMBER » Career Success Coalition

held Marshall County Educational Summit

» WFD Pilot Project Volunteer Training

» Pretzels Inc. expansion announced – Plymouth $18 million capital investment

» Homestead Dairy Tax Abatement approved – Marshall County $14 million capital investment




» Site Tours: 2

OCTOBER » Regional Cities Funding

approved by State for Wellness Center - Plymouth

» Bremen High School Manufacturing Day event

» Viking Paper Tax Abatement approved – Plymouth $3.57 million capital investment




» Site Tours: 1

NOVEMBER » Argos Promotional Video unveiled

» INside Indiana Business Argos Promotional Video interview

» Plymouth High School Manufacturing Day event

» Faulkner Fabricating Tax Abatement approved – Marshall County $1.78 million capital investment

» Pretzels Facility buildout begins






DECEMBER » Plymouth River Gate

South Public Forum

» Bourbon Comprehensive Plan kickoff meeting



2016YEAR IN REVIEW


1111

Marshall County Economic Development Corporation

2864 Miller Drive

Plymouth, Indiana 46563

574.935.8499 Phone

574.936.2645 Fax

www.marshallcountyedc.org

2016 “INVEST IN MARSHALL COUNTY” CAMPAIGNMARSHALL COUNTY COMMUNITIES:Town of Argos

Town of Bourbon

Town of Bremen

Town of Culver

Town of LaPaz

City of Plymouth

Marshall County

PRIVATE INVESTORS:1st Source Bank

Applegate & Company, PC

Banner Electric, Inc.

Bremen Chamber of Commerce*

Brockey Insurance Agency

Centier Bank

CenturyLink

Collins & Company Realtors, Inc.

Community Hospital of Bremen, Inc.

Construction Management & Design, Inc.

Country Auto Center

Culver Redevelopment Commission

Culver Chamber of Commerce*

Easterday Construction Company, Inc.

Easterday Houin, LLP

Elkay Wood Products Company

Farmers Mutual Insurance Company

Faulkner Fabricating, Inc.

First Farmers Bank & Trust

First Federal Savings Bank

First National Bank of Monterey

Graphix Unlimited, Inc.*

Harmony Marketing Group

Hoosier Racing Tire

Hughes Insurance Group

iAB Financial Bank

Indiana Michigan Power Co.

Jones, Huff, Jones & Richeson, LLP

Lake City Bank

Lukenbill & Lukenbill, LLP

Majority Builders, Inc.

Marshall County Community Foundation*

Marshall County Museum*

Marshall County REMC

Masterson & Associates, Inc.

McKesson Title Corporation

Miller Insurance Group

Morrison Law Office

Northern Indiana Public Service Company

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce*

Plymouth Foundry, Inc.

Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation

Plymouth Redevelopment Commission

Pretzels, Inc.

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center

South Bend International Airport

SRKM Architecture, LLC

Stevens, Travis & Fortin

Swan Lake Resort & Conference Center*

Teachers Credit Union

United Way of Marshall County*

Wabash Valley Power Association, Inc.

Wagner & Wagner, LLP

Wiers International Trucks, Inc.

*Non-cash exchange

MCEDC Staff

Jerry ChavezPresident/CEO

Pam DavisOffice Manager

Nancy TyreeCommunications & Marketing Manager

Thank you for funding economic development through “Invest in Marshall County.” This partnership will strengthen and grow Marshall County’s economy.

Documents

MARSHALL COUNTY · Ameriprise Financial A MESSAGE FROM JERRY: It’s safe to say, 2016 was a year of many successes throughout Marshall County. At the top of the list is Regional