JCDC talks about efforts on education (10/04/06)

As Jay County Development Corporation looks at ways to launch its ED-101 educational program, members of the board discussed the possibilities during its regular meeting Tuesday afternoon.

"There are a lot of rumors and misconceptions," said Pat Bennett, president of the board. "The average person on the street doesn't know what's going on."

"The perception is we give it (Economic Development Income Tax funds) away to anyone who walks through the door," executive director, Bob Quadrozzi added.

Quadrozzi emphasized he would be willing to talk to anyone who has questions about the county's economic development plans.

"With all the acronyms, a lot of people are very confused," he added. "I'd like to explain the makeup of JCDC, and go over the plan with them - EDIT from A to Z."

The board discussed distributing a booklet containing explanations of each of the corporation's areas of focus as well as educational advertising promotions. "We need to make it as illustrated as possible," said board member Ramon Laux.

While releasing no details, Quadrozzi told members of his board Tuesday that an "important meeting" will be held Oct. 12 involving someone in Jay County and assistance from the state of Indiana.

Quadrozzi was not available for comment this morning.

Updating the board on projects in the county, Quadrozzi said plans are in the works for the old Wal-Mart building on North Meridian Street.

"Two people flew in here today - an architect and the developer. They were here about an hour and a half," he told the board. "It looks like they're contemplating splitting the building in two. They're very secretive about that."

Doug Thurman, who has bought the "dark Wal-Mart," said today he expects to make an announcement in about 10 days.

"It looks like it's going to work out good for Portland," he said, but would not comment about the possible tenants.

Construction at the Premier Ethanol LLC site continues, Quadrozzi told the JCDC board Tuesday.

"They're really shakin' and movin' at the plant," he said, explaining that development engineers have been on-site.

"They're doing a good job using local people. They're very open to doing as much locally as possible" he said about the company's use of local contractors.

"I've heard a lot of questions about X-PLEX and all I can say is the project is moving forward. There are going to be some changes," he said.

Also Tuesday the board amended by-laws concerning terms of office for board members and elected new board members. Current one-year terms will be extended to staggered three-year terms.

In other updates, Portland Chamber of Commerce executive director, Vicki Tague reminded the board that Michael "Mickey" Maurer, Indiana Secretary of Commerce, will be the guest speaker at the chamber luncheon on Oct. 31.

The chamber will also be hosting a "Meet Your Candidates" night on Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m.

She reminded residents that the chamber will be sponsoring Trick-or-Treat night on Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Portland.

Business will be handing out treats to children and maps will be provided for those businesses participating.[[In-content Ad]]