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As a pioneer in the automotive industry, DeKalb County is a thriving location for commerce and industry. DeKalb County is rich in history, innovation and small-town hospitality, too. DeKalb County boasts excellent transportation systems including four interchanges on I-69, three major dual-line rail tracks and a regional airport. Cities and towns in DeKalb County include Auburn, Butler, Garrett and Waterloo.
Within a 15-minute drive, you can take advantage of more than 100 lakes in the region. DeKalb County boasts excellent transportation systems including four interchanges on I-69, two major dual line rail tracks and a regional airport. There’s so much to enjoy, from natural beauty to historic attractions. The largest event in the county, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival every Labor Day in Auburn, welcomes more than 80,000 guests during the weeklong classic-car auction, which is also televised nationwide.
DeKalb County is rich with history and small-town hospitality.
DeKalb County, which shares its eastern border with Ohio, is home to Auburn, often referred to as the “Home of the Classics” because of the presence of automobile manufacturers like Auburn Automobile, Cord Automobile and Duesenberg. Auburn’s community-owned infrastructure supports a smart-grid technology and the distribution of electricity at the lowest rate in the state. This service provides established and emerging businesses with the connectivity, convenience and low costs they need. Major employers include MetalX, Tempus Technologies, Cooper Standard, Metal Technologies, Eaton Corporation and C&A Tool. With a growing base of small- to mid-size companies, DeKalb County makes it possible for owners and entrepreneurs seeking an affordable location to turn their vision into a reality.
Built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of Butler’s commercial structures were influenced by the Italianate and arts and crafts styles. The Downtown Butler Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 and encompasses most of the town’s historic commercial resources. Industry in the Butler area includes Color Master, Janus International, Air Products & Chemicals, DeKalb Molded Plastics, Heidtman Steel, Magic Coil, Multimatic, New Millennium Building Systems, Noble Metal Processing, Paragon Steel, Steel Dynamics and Therma-Tru.
Garrett is a small town with a lot of history. Major employers include the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, M&S Steel, Dekko and Electric Motors and Specialties. The town is also a destination for festivals and outdoor adventures, too. The Garrett Heritage Festival, held each year on July 3 and 4, includes crafts, food, games and a parade. The Garrett Historical Museum showcases the county’s local heritage, which dates back to the early 1800s. The Garrett Country Club provides an 18-hole championship golf course open to the public. The city is only 28 miles from the Indiana Toll Road and is home to CSX.
With the third-highest ridership numbers in the state, the Amtrak station in Waterloo is a key transportation feature for residents of DeKalb County who want to travel to Chicago. Major employers in Waterloo are Nucor Building Systems, Heartland Castings, Covington Box, Charleston Metal Productsand UPS. Waterloo offers the advantages of a small town, such as affordable housing and a welcoming atmosphere, and the easy-living conveniences of nearby major shopping facilities and recreational activities.
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