By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
This year has seen two new occupants in the JF Helsel Commerce Park and more could be coming.
Angie Buchanan, director of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership, gave a year-end report to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
To retain and encourage the expansion of local businesses, Buchanan said she has assisted business owners obtain and complete the annual compliance requirements of tax abatements; met with representatives of the county’s major employers, like Kimball International; and helped businesses find financial help through sources like grants.
Buchanan also worked to attract new businesses to Washington County through her networking with groups such as the regional development authority, by attending conferences, and by seeking an Economic Developer certification through Ball State University.
Improving the county’s “quality of place” is another aim adopted by the Partnership, with Buchanan saying her office offered assistance and planning during the solar eclipse, provided housing project support, and supported the City of Salem’s and the county’s READI project applications, which resulted in a total award of $7.9 million.
As for her 2025 goals, Buchanan said she wants to develop a social media plan, to investigate all possible uses for the commerce park, and to align her office with the county’s Tourism Board to help boost awareness of what the county has to offer.
In other business:
*Washington County has been named a “StormReady” community. Deni Stempowski, the county’s Emergency Management director, said the designation will lead to more grant opportunities. StormReady is a free voluntary program offered by the National Weather Service. To qualify, the county had to meet certain communication, mitigation, and preparedness requirements.
*Structure Point presented the updated comprehensive plan they developed for the county. The plan details goals for the county like workforce development, business retention, entrepreneurship, tourism, and quality of life. It was noted a grant paid for most of Structure Point’s fee for the work.
*Lori Gilstrap was approved as a member of the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.
*Outgoing Commissioner Rick Roberts thanked the county’s residents for allowing him to serve on the Commission. “It’s been an honor,” he said.