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“We wanted to be sure the students who were graduating knew about all the services available to them to help with finding and keeping a job”, said Sandy Fussner, Executive Director of the Chamber. “WorkOne has an amazing array of things to offer, from their job matching program to free training to help with paying educational costs. Some you do have to qualify for; others are accessible to anyone”.

Getting information out was one reason the ECDC and Chamber decided to hold this event. Another was the need businesses have to fill open jobs.  During the BOSS (Better Opportunities for Successful Students) presentations, they learned there were many local opportunities.  What better way to match the students to those opportunities than to have a job fair at the high school, scheduled for the end of the school day? It will be held Wednesday, May 11^th, in the high school cafeteria, from 2:45 to 5:00 p.m.

Companies who will be there include: First Call for Emerson Copeland, Flat Rock Lodge, INTAT, Manufacturing Matters, Millers Merry Manor, Rush Shelby Energy, Trane, Wells Fargo, and WorkOne.

“Parents of these juniors and seniors need to know this is going on, so they can encourage their young person to attend.  Even if they are not currently looking for a job, students will learn a lot about the local businesses and the opportunities they present”, said Carolyn Bunzendahl, Client Services Manager of the ECDC. “Just knowing about the training programs for which they may be eligible is valuable information. Representatives from the Manufacturing Matters training program will be talking about the Manufacturing Matters Academy. This five week instructor led, condensed training program teaches safety, quality and measurement, manufacturing processes and maintenance awareness in preparation to become a Certified Production Technician (CPT).  For those who qualify, it’s paid for – a value of $3,150!  And there’s an immediate pay-off for completing – $400 – and an additional $100 once you take a manufacturing job in the area”.

For more information, you can call the ECDC at 938-3232

Six cities and towns have been named finalists for this year’s Stellar Communities program. The statewide initiative involves funding and resources for projects designed to improve quality of life in smaller Hoosier communities.

The state says Stellar Communities helps with “transformative” efforts to plan, leverage existing assets, foster regional investments and stimulate long-term growth. It is a collaboration financially supported by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Office of Community and Rural Affairs and Indiana Department of Transportation through state and federal sources. The state says a total of 11 agencies will provide technical skills and expertise for the program.

Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb is set to visit each finalist in the coming months and says “cities and towns across Indiana continue to benefit from a strong business climate that makes them attractive places to live, work, and play, and the Stellar Communities Designation Program remains an important catalyst fostering local economic growth.”

The finalists are broken down based on size. Division 1 communities have populations between 6,000 and 50,000 and Division 2 finalists have 5,999 or fewer residents. The 2016 finalists are:

Division 1

• City of Rushville
• City of Shelbyville
• City of Warsaw

Division 2

• Town of Corydon
• Town of Culver
• City of Union City

Ten communities applied for the program. Finalists will receive a planning grant to launch or bolster strategic plans, projects and potential funding partnerships. One winner from each division will be announced in the summer.

Past winners are:

2011 – North Vernon and Greencastle

2012 – Princeton and Delphi

2013 – Richmond and Bedford

2014 – Huntingburg and Wabash

2015 – Crawfordsville and North Liberty

The Rush County Economic and Community Development Corporation (ECDC) was recently the recipient of an $8,300 grant from the Greater Indianapolis Foreign Trade Zone, Inc. The ECDC will use these grant funds to promote the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program. They will market the benefits of the FTZ program to existing businesses in Rush County and also to those companies that the ECDC is targeting for attracting to Rush County.

The FTZ program is a federal trade incentive program that helps companies that import by reducing costs and improving logistical efficiencies. The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) became the local administrator of the FTZ program for central Indiana in 1981 with approval from the Foreign Trade Zone Board (U.S. Department of Commerce).

The IAA formed a separate company (Greater Indianapolis Foreign Trade Zone, Inc., also known as INzone) to administrate this program on its behalf within its 41 county service area. INzone is responsible for locally marketing the benefits of the FTZ program, assisting businesses with gaining access to the federal program, and providing support services.

The FTZ program assists companies that import into the United States with improving their competitive position versus utilizing offshore manufacturing and distribution processes. Operating within an FTZ service area can increase business efficiencies – saving time, money, and hassles. The FTZ program provides a diverse group of financial savings and logistical opportunities that help streamline business operations.

The ECDC will include FTZ information / logo on signage at the front entrance of the new Commerce Park at Rushville, and on any billboards advertising the Park. More information about this program can be found at http://inzone.org/, or by calling the ECDC at 765-938-3232.

The Rush County Economic and Community Development Corporation (ECDC), a primary economic development partner in Rushville and Rush County, seeks a qualified individual to join the economic development team in order to foster public/private partnerships that result in private sector investment and job creation.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Client Services Manager is a full-time exempt position that reports to the President/CEO.

This professional position is responsible for all administrative functions with a special emphasis on project management and workforce development activities.  Other activities include, but are not limited to, economic development lead response, phone/email inquiries, accounts payable/receivable processing, coordination/planning of events and meetings, and database/website systems management.  This position will be Rushville, Indiana; please indicate willingness to relocate to Rush County in cover letter.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Operations:

• Provide administrative support for Rush County ECDC staff, including receipt/distribution of mail, preparation of written correspondence, maintenance of file systems, and activities related to monthly Board meetings.
• Responsible for reporting and ongoing accounts payable/receivable processing, as well as preparation of monthly statements and reports.
• Oversee maintenance and development of statistical and/or informational databases. Perform ongoing updates and maintenance of available sites and buildings inventory. Must possess an ability to perform effective online research. Proficiency in Excel required.
• Perform ongoing updates and maintenance of ECDC website through a content management system. Proficiency with website content management systems preferred.
• Design marketing and promotional materials for both domestic and international markets using various media. Experience with Desktop Publishing and social networking tools preferred.
• Coordinate and execute communications with targeted industry leaders.
• Design and coordinate press releases and other outreach material.

Project Management:

• Preparation of initial response for economic development project leads.
• Responsible for coordinating workforce development programs and activities as they pertain to the organization and partners.
• Will assist with coordination of prospect site visits, as well as preparation of customized information packets.
• Responsible for planning and executing special events, such as (but not limited to) Board of Directors Annual Meeting, stakeholder receptions, workshops, and other programs.
• Community or economic-based grant application coordination, with grant research, writing and administration as a desired skill set.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

The ideal candidate will project a professional demeanor at all times. He/she will possess:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• A working knowledge of the Indiana Workforce Development structure preferred
• A working knowledge of economic development or nonprofit organizations, including the principles of economic and community development, volunteer management, program administration, project management, and grant application writing preferred.
• A working knowledge of local and state political structure preferred.
• Ability to exercise discretion and judgment as a normal and recurring part of performing day-to-day duties, including the ability to maintain confidential information and/or discussions.
• Strong public relations skills, with the ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships among diverse groups of people.
• Expertise in Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher.
• Knowledge of social networking tools preferred.
• Knowledge of website content management systems preferred.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to perform basic research and analyze data using acceptable research practices, and to formulate alternatives and recommendations
• WorkKeys Assessment Preferred
• A minimum of Associate’s Degree (Bachelor’s degree is preferred) in Business Administration, Marketing, Economic Development, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and 3-5 years’ experience.

Compensation Package:

Salary and benefits are commensurate with skills and experience.

DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION
Resumes and applications are being collected through March 14th. Interested applicants should contact johnmccane@rushecdc.org with their resume and cover letter.

An article about the official opening of the Commerce Park at Rushville was recently featured in the Jan/Feb issue of BUILDING INDIANA magazine.  Pictured were Sandy Fussner, Director, Chamber of Commerce; John McCane, ECDC Executive Director, State Representative Tom Saunders, Mayor Mike Pavey, City Clerk Treasurer Ann Copley, Morgan Reardon, Project Inspector for Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc., and Cathy Wenning, Chair of the ECDC Board.  More about the article at  http://buildingindiana.com/archive/

The City of Rushville was recently awarded a $364,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The grant supports EPA’s goals and objectives to promote sustainable and livable communities.  The City’s goals for its Brownfields Program are to create jobs, eliminate public health impacts, and remove blighted/unsafe conditions and environmental threats to area residents.

By definition from the EPA, a brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. There will be extensive community outreach to inform Rushville citizens of the plans for this assessment process and to solicit public input.

The first of these public meetings will be held Friday, January 29, 2016, 3:00 p.m.at the City Council Chambers, 270 W. 15^th Street, Rushville. The City has contracted with the engineering firm, SME, to provide environment services for the coordination, direction, conduct and/or oversight of the Brownfield Assessment activities approved by the grant. Representatives from SME will be presenting information at this meeting, and will be on hand for a question and answer session. Local oversight will be provided by the Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation.

Who should attend these meetings? Community partners, health department, City and County elected officials, Chamber of Commerce, local financing institutions, real estate developers, area plan commission and any other interested citizens.

Further questions about the meeting or other grant activities can be directed to the ECDC at 765-938-3232.

What began in the early 1990’s as a dream of an industrial park, has come to fruition in 2015 when representatives of the City of Rushville, the Rushville Redevelopment Commission, and the Rush County ECDC held a ribbon cutting ceremony to signifying the completion of the infrastructure development throughout the 80-acre parcel.  This included road construction, installing curbs and gutters for those internal roads, sanitary sewer, a lift station, water mains, storm water facilities, soil erosion control measures, a fiber network, lighting and other related appurtenances. The project also called for widening State Road 3.

The property, now known as The Commerce Park at Rushville, was designated “Shovel Ready” in February, 2007.  The City purchased the land that same year.  In August, 2012, the U. S. Economic Development Administration awarded $1.66 million to the City of Rushville for the development of the Park.  The City matched those funds with $1.66 million of local dollars, and let bids in 2013.  Construction was started by King Trucking & Excavation, Inc. after the official groundbreaking in March, 2014.

At the ceremony, ECDC Executive Director John McCane commented that the development of the industrial park has been achieved through from the labor of five mayors, six economic development directors, dozens of city councilmen, and countless community leaders.  “This project is the culmination of dedicated efforts from countless public servants, volunteers, various levels of government participation, and even the input from local citizens,” said McCane.

McCane, went on to say that the park is not only shovel ready, but it is now “pad-ready”.  Because the infrastructure and zoning is in place, city and economic development officials contend that this will serve as an enticement to interested parties looking to expand a business in Rushville.

Cathy Wenning, Chair of the Rush County ECDC, thanked those in the audience for braving the cold and rain to come help celebrate the completion of the park.  She reiterated that this property opens the door for many new economic development opportunities for Rushville and Rush County.

Mayor Mike Pavey said “I just want to thank everybody who participated in this, whether it was the boards that supported this, the people who actually got the construction done, or whether it was Ann (Copley – City Clerk Treasurer) who paid the bills, I want to thank everyone for their efforts. I think this shows that we are a truly progressive community, and that we do make significant financial investments in the economic development of this community.”

The intent of this RFQP is to request technical qualifications from qualified environmental consulting firms (Respondents) interested in providing environment assessment services to the City with the needs outlined in the RFQP. The City plans to qualify a single Respondent that meets the threshold and selection criteria outlined in this RFQP.  The RFQP is open to all qualified environmental professionals (QEPs) capable and qualified to meet the objectives and requirements described in this document.  Qualified DBE/MDE/WBE organizations are encouraged to respond.

For complete RFQP, visit:  http://cityofrushville.in.gov

The City of Rushville announced today that Ivy Tech Community College will become the first tenant in the soon- to- be renovated City Center Building on Main Street. Current Ivy Tech Richmond offices and classrooms at 126 South Main Street will move to the City Center Building in late 2016.

Rushville Mayor Mike Pavey said, during the 11 a.m. ribbon cutting, “I have looked forward to this day since I became Mayor in 2012. We are saving a community and downtown landmark, and creating a new vibrant cultural center that will provide entertainment and educational opportunities as well as house city offices and streamline services.”

John McCane, Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation executive director, said, “Today, we are taking an important step to assure Rush County’s new and existing businesses have the educational resources available to support their current and future needs and those of their employees.”

Richmond and East Central Regions’ Chancellor Andy Bowne said, “These plans have been a long time in the making, starting with our previous chancellor, Dr. Steve Tincher.  The students of Rushville and Rush County need access to high quality at a price they can afford, and a location that makes starting their educational journey possible.  We are excited to partner with Mayor Pavey and community leaders to make this happen.”

Chad Bolser, Richmond Campus President said, “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse. We are thrilled to be in the central part of Rushville with visibility, great technology access, classrooms and office space.  It is a wonderful opportunity for current and future students of Ivy Tech Community College.”

The City of Rushville acquired ownership of the building in November, 2014. The first floor building renovation, in addition to the space for Ivy Tech, will provide opportunities for multiple cultural events including a movie theater; a large live music seating forum (winter extension and bad weather venue for the Riverside Park Summer Concert Series); the performing home of the Rush County Players-Live theater troupe. The second floor will be used for consolidation of city-related offices, enhancing efforts to streamline Rushville city services.

When local business and industry leaders shared the struggles they were having in filling current job openings, a task force of representatives from the Rush County ECDC, the Rush County Chamber of Commerce, and WorkOne embraced the challenge to identify workers capable of filling the void.

The First Annual Rush County Economic Development Job Fair was established as the means to help meet the worthy goal. Last week, 24 regional employers came together to meet and interview prospective employees from Rush and surrounding counties.

Several employers stated they were able to find quality applicants that day.

“To have the opportunity to share your business with the community is a positive for everyone regardless of open positions. Finding great qualified applicants is just a huge plus. This event was very successful and I look forward to speaking with some applicants we received throughout the day,” Dennis Fogle, vice president of Human Resources for Rush Memorial Hospital, said.

Max McMichael, co-owner of FarmBoys Smokehouse BBQ, said, “We came away with a stack of completed applications, and are beginning to call some candidates in for interviews. We were very pleased with the turnout and the whole process of the job fair.”

“I talked to several of the manufacturing firms participating in the job fair, and some had already found the workers they needed,” Sandy Fussner, Executive Director of the Rush County Chamber of Commerce, said. “It was a great opportunity to connect job seekers with local and surrounding businesses. We’ll definitely do it again next year.”

Some employers provided prizes that were given away, and ten of the job seekers who attended will be getting phone calls to inform them of prizes they won during the day. Those winners will be notified to pick up their prize at their local WorkOne office.

“I believe the organizers hit it out of the park when they decided to host the event on a Saturday,” ECDC Client Services Manager Carolyn Bunzendahl said. “This provided currently employed individuals who seek better jobs the opportunity to visit with regional employers without having to miss their regular work.”