Economic activity in Wabash County rebounded in 2014, departing EDC head says

"We have the opportunity I believe in January or February to win a couple of these projects," he said.

He said there were three pressing projects and he asked Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann permission to see the projects through with permission of the EDG board. One of the projects is set for North Manchester and two are set for Wabash Industrial Parks.

Konyha needs permission from the lieutenant governor because in late November he was named director of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and he will be starting that post in January.

"I think we are in very good shape to win all three of those projects," he said.

He said this year's report was a reflection of the corporation between the city and county governments and the corporation between the two entities is something that is talked about all over the state.

This year's capital investment created 26 new jobs at an average wage of $32,981.92 or $16.49 an hour. Wabash County received over $24,000 in local income taxes so far for 2014.

Konyha said, since August 2006, the county has supported more than $324 million of capital investment resulting in 1,111 jobs. The county has also received more than $1 million in local income tax due to the capital investments and the total payroll is more than $34.5 million.

He also said the capital investment is up to just under $33 million which he credits largely to the Stellar Communities Grant. Last year the capital investment was over $13 million.

Konyha also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the commissioners.

"I'd like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to you gentlemen for having been such great partners over the past eight years," he said.