Nicole Krasean
Updated: Apr 24, 2018 08:38 PM EDT
My Wabash Valley
VERMILLION COUNTY, Ind. - A new shell building in Vermillion Rise Mega Park is expected to boost Vermillion County's current unemployment numbers.
These latest numbers from the state show Vermillion's unemployment rate is 5.6%; the highest of all Hoosier counties, and well above the state average.
But local leaders believe buildings like the one showcased today will change that.
It's a space needing to be filled inside with workers, while simultaneously filling a bigger need outside its walls.
The shell building is the result of collaborative efforts from several private and public companies, and those involved with the project say a building of this kind is exactly what prospective businesses are searching for.
"Eighty percent of the new economic development projects are looking for existing buildings," said Bob Grewe, Executive Director of Vermillion Rise Mega Park. "So it's really essential that we have a high quality structure to put in front of business prospects to consider."
Grewe says the building can accomodate traditional manufacturing and distribution companies, but that he's also been told by analysts that it could be a great spot for a data research center.
Grewe says the county's unemployment rate was a large consideration when constructing the 50-thousand square foot shell building, which can be expanded up to four times its current square footage.
"This project is specifically meant to address that," said Grewe. "By again having a ready facility for a new employer to create new jobs and investments."
Leaders believe that workers will boost the county's economy whether they're county residents or not.
"Even if they live in the next county, they're gonna be buying gasoline here, they're gonna be buying groceries here, they'll go to the restaurants here," said Jack Fenoglio, President of Newport Chemical Depot Reuse Authority. "All those things that add to the economy of everybody in the county."
And in states like Indiana, a boost to communities like the one in Vermillion County, is a boost for Hoosier communities in general.
"Rural Indiana is the heart and soul of Indiana," said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. "And when rural Indiana succeeds, the rest of the state will succeed."
During the open house Tuesday, Duke Energy reps shared that the Mega Park will be one of thirteen recipients of Duke's Marketing Partnership Program grants, which range from $2000-$5000.
