Economic Development News of Interest in Southwest Indiana

Left to Right above, Brent Courter, Brian Ader and Jolene McAtee

Jolene McAtee is the official economic development representative for Martin County, Indiana. Martin County’s efforts in this area are a community effort, however. In Jolene’s official “job” she is an employee of Vincennes University overseeing Martin County’s Workforce Development Office. She views her duties as economic development liaison as a natural extension of this job.

“All of the businesses cooperate in our ongoing efforts to attract new industry to the area. They are also very supportive of programs, such as the “Reality Store”, a state developed program which helps insure that students entering the workplace and workers entering new areas are prepared to be responsible and conscientious employees. Participants have a full understanding of what is actually required to make a living and to be successful in a job,” states McAtee.

In a cooperative effort headed by Brian Ader, mayor of Loogootee, Brent Courter, President of the Martin County Chamber of Commerce, and Jolene McAtee, a master plan for the county is being prepared to provide more directed efforts at economic development. A task force has been formed which will address community needs and will assist the area in a campaign to attract industry to Martin County.

Loogootee, the county’s largest city is currently upgrading its water and wastewater treatment systems to better serve industry according to Mayor Ader.

“We will soon be providing the best that technology has to offer” he states.

Martin County has long enjoyed a strong tourism industry due to its natural beauty and numerous historic places of interest. The school system has earned four stars from the state and is highly ranked in computer technology training. The small town community feeling is strong and the quality of life fulfilling, according to McAtee.

“Retail and service industries have always been a strong base and have grown steadily in Martin County, ” she states.

The county is now shifting its focus to the manufacturing and technology sectors as a means to provide jobs to keep its young people in the county.

NSWC Crane, one of the area’s largest employers is working with Martin County on the development of an industrial site to that end.

The site will be located in North Crane village in Martin County. Ader, Courter and

Download our current newsletter in PDF format. (File size 683K)

The newsletter requires the free Adobe Acrobat reader which is available by Clicking Here.