Markle Town Council hears 2017 economic report from Huntington County United Economic Development
By Jennifer Peryam for The Herald-Press | Indiana Economic Digest
Markle Town Council heard an update on economic development in Huntington County during its final meeting of 2017.
Mark Wickerhsham, Huntington County Economic Development executive director, shared the report with the council.
“I thank the town for their support and help,” Wickersham said. “2017 has been a good year in economic development.”
He said there was $23,129,250 in private capital investment and prime certification was received from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) that earned the first prime certification in northeast Indiana for the 80-acre Brickley site at I-69 Exit 278.
The industrial vacancy rate is now down to 4 percent and the unemployment rate as of October is at 4 percent.
Upgrades at the HCUED office have been LED lighting in the board room, new duct work and chairs in the room as well.
Wickersham identified priorities for 2018 including business retention and expansion activities, industrial site preparation and development, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership activities and Workforce Development Funding Assistance.
Other priorities are consulting services to local units of government, corporate outreach and marketing.
The council approved an agreement with HCUED to provide $4,000 for 2018 for economic development services for the town.
