Mixed celebration for JCDC (5/11/05)

A look back at its first 20 years, a peek into the future and a tribute to local industry were all part of a combined celebration for a local economic development group.

Jay County Development Corporation, which is celebrating the 20th year of its existence, brought back memories from the past and got a glimpse into the future from the head of a nearby university at its annual Industrial Appreciation Dinner Tuesday evening.

Keynote speaker Dr. Jo Ann Gora, the president of Ball State University, discussed the ways that BSU is helping the region — including Jay County — thrive in the new information economy.

Dick Heupel, who served as the first executive director of JCDC (1986-91), served as master of ceremonies for Tuesday’s event at the Portland Golf Club. Heupel, a senior project manager for the Building Better Communities School of Extended Education at BSU, kept the approximately 170 attendees laughing with his memories from his years with JCDC.

And current JCDC executive director Bob Quadrozzi, who took over several months after Heupel’s resignation, thanked the representatives of local industries in attendance, saying they were vital to the economy of Jay County.

“Please do not ever forget we appreciate you ... doing business in Jay County,” Quadrozzi said after asking representatives to stand as he called names of local companies.

Heupel singled out several of those who were crucial in the formation and early years of the private organization that is largely funded through tax dollars — including Sam Shoemaker, a charter member who still serves on the board. Shoemaker was president of the JCDC board through Heupel’s tenure as executive director.

“Twenty years doesn’t come easily ... JCDC has been a positive force in the Jay County community,” Heupel said.

Saying that Jay County is one of the favorite places he’s worked during his professional career, he said that “Jay County is a great American place.”

Gora, whose remarks were largely geared toward touting the positive attributes of Ball State, said that in the changing world economy universities will play a key role in preparing young people.

“We need to create the kind of economy that holds kids here,” said Gora, who noted that Indiana is the second-highest exporter of those with college educations. “What we want to do is help the Indiana economy grow. We think we have the expertise ... We are here to help you.”

Not only is Ball State educating students both traditionally and non-traditionally, it is also developing outreach programs that help counties and communities develop themselves and their economies.

Jay County has taken advantage of several of those outreach efforts, including assistance in preparing a strategic development plan for JCDC, a recently-completed entrepreneurial community assessment, and planning assistance on a variety of other projects.

Heupel brought laughter with several stories — including getting free green beer on his first day on the job on St. Patrick’s Day in 1986, and his bewilderment at the unshaven men’s faces he saw at his first board meeting (the men of the community had stopped shaving in anticipation of the Portland Sesquicentennial Celebration later that summer).

Quadrozzi wrapped up the meeting by thanking the JCDC board and community for “letting me be JCDC executive director. I appreciate it. I appreciate your support.”[[In-content Ad]]