Economic development has the county’s financial backing.
The Shelby County Commissioners OK’d contributing $100,000 to the Shelby County Development Corp., the same amount the county gave last year.
SCDC is a non-profit organization which markets the county to national and international business prospects with the goal of generating new jobs and capital investment in the county.
Brian Asher, executive director of the SCDC, reviewed the organization’s efforts over the past year prior to making the funding request.
He said three new businesses have joined the SCDC.
“As for private funding, we’re looking to push that up in the near future,” said Asher, who is also a member of the Shelbyville Common Council, representing the entire city at large.
He became head of the SCDC in January 2016.
Asher also cited two local business expansions – Freudenberg-NOK and Brazeway Inc. – and the recent announcement that Germany-based Krone North America will move its headquarters to Shelbyville from Memphis, Tennessee, creating more than 100 new jobs by 2021.
SCDC recently hosted two groups of Krone employees who may relocate with the company, he said.
He’s also been working on other issues related to economic development, Asher said, such as quality of life initiatives and the city’s Stellar Communities application.
Shelbyville is a finalist along with Rushville and Warsaw in its population category. The Stellar selection committee, which will name the winner, is due to make a site visit later this month to Shelbyville.
Asher asked for $75,000 for operations and $25,000 for the SCDC’s marketing efforts.
“Every year you get involved in more and more things, more costs are involved,” Commissioner Kevin Nigh (R - Center District) said.