Archives March 2016

Rush County ECDC awarded grant from The Foreign Trade Zone program

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.

JOB OPENING for Client Services Manager at Rush County ECDC

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.