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Wells County economic director reports $60M+ in new investments, cites local projects and workforce focus
Summary
Economic Development Director Jessica Beste told the council that Wells County saw more than $60 million in new investments last year, cited three developing projects in Ossian, and described company expansions and workforce-education efforts; she said data center and carbon-capture inquiries exist but no active negotiations are underway.
Jessica Beste, Wells County Economic Development Director, updated the county council on local business activity and workforce efforts during the April 7 meeting.
Beste said three projects are being developed in Ossian that are expected to create new jobs. She reported Almco Steel is constructing a new addition with completion anticipated this summer and that Bluffton Rubber is renovating parts of its facility to improve efficiency. Beste told the council that Wells County recorded more than $60 million in new investments last year.
Beste said she is working with area schools to strengthen connections between local businesses and post-secondary education and noted that many employers contribute to student education costs. She also cited grant and gift funding: $40,000 received in 2025 and $26,000 received to date in 2026, which she described as helpful for economic development work. In response to a council question about data center and carbon-capture pipeline inquiries, Beste said inquiries have been received but "nothing that has required further conversation."
