February 10, 2022 (Warsaw, IN) – Kosciusko County leaders today welcomed Amy Roe as Community Coordinator. In this newly created position, Roe will support implementation of the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP), and will be based at the offices of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO).
Kosciusko County is one of three communities selected by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to participate in the first cohort of the HELP program. The program encourages communities to develop Strategic Investment Plans focused on four pathways: advancing e-connectivity, enhancing quality of life, promoting community wellness, and strengthening local economies. The state program will utilize the $1.28 billion allocated directly to Indiana communities from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the American Rescue Plan Act.
“This opportunity allows us to make strategic contributions in several of our towns to brighten our community for all who live, work and visit, while investing our resources wisely,” said Kosciusko County Commissioner Cary Groninger. “Through this program, we can leverage additional funding sources to make a deeper impact, and create a legacy for future generations.”
The Towns of Etna Green, Mentone, Milford, and Pierceton are participating with Kosciusko County in the 12-month HELP program, which commenced recently with in-person training for local officials involved in the effort, and will include interactions with other cohort participants Jay County and the City of Auburn.
“Small towns can sometimes feel ignored or overlooked and I commend OCRA for launching this program to assist small towns in understanding the resources available to them,” said Roe, “Being from a small town myself, I am especially excited about the opportunities ahead to work alongside local leaders in these communities to help them implement their strategic investment plans.”
In addition to OCRA, higher education partners involved in the statewide initiative consist of Ball State University, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, and Purdue University, with each university involved in a specific pathway. Next steps will include developing pathway committees comprised of volunteers from each of the participating communities.
“Our economic development efforts are focused toward placemaking activities that make our communities more competitive for business growth and talent recruitment,” said KEDCO CEO Alan Tio, “I look forward to partnering with OCRA and the County on this initiative and to seeing us expand this outreach to other small towns throughout the county.”
Want to stay connected with KEDCO? Find KEDCO on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram (@kosciuskoedc) and visit www.kosciuskoedc.com.
About Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation
Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) was formed in 1984 as Kosciusko Development, Inc. to promote economic and community development throughout Kosciusko County. Today, KEDCO is serves as a single point of contact for economic development in Kosciusko County. KEDCO’s mission is to convene, build, and show Kosciusko County’s talent, ideas, and capital. For more information visit: www.kosciuskoedc.com.
Media Contacts:
Cary Groninger (Kosciusko County) – cgroninger@kcgov.com
Amy Roe (Kosciusko County) – aroe@kcgov.com
Alan Tio (KEDCO) – atio@kosciuskoedc.com
