Marshall County’s 45,000- square-foot Commerce Shell Building pictured in Plymouth. The facility was built to attract companies wanting a move-in ready property. Photo provided
While focusing on helping existing businesses to grow, the Marshall County Economic Development Corp. is looking to the future by pushing the idea of diversification and regionalism.
That’s according to the 2014 annual report recently released by the economic development agency. And unlike past efforts, the new report highlights what happened in each area of Marshall County, said Jerry Chavez, the EDC’s executive director.
“What’s important is that we speak to the economic development accomplishments that are occurring countywide,” Chavez said. “There’s so much going on in this county and so many positive things.”
The increased focus on regionalism in the annual report reflects Chavez’s work, like the round-table discussions he has organized for about two years now. In an effort to help businesses learn from one another’s successes and failures, address community priorities and foster some friendly competition, Chavez has been bringing business owners together for “County Development for the Future” meetings.
According to the report, the county saw $50.5 million in capital investment with seven companies expanding and 585 jobs created.
Chavez also noted the establishment of a countywide Metronet, which provides unlimited bandwidth capacity and is now being used by 17 businesses, as well as the designing of TIF districts and industrial parks and the opening of the county’s first shell building.
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