Economic development presenter summarizes wins and asks for a modest budget bump

At a Washington County budget hearing, the Economic Growth Partnership highlighted efforts to retain and expand local businesses and requested a modest budget increase to maintain momentum. The presenter said the partnership has worked with employers and workforce groups and has launched a small business grant program providing awards up to $2,000 for equipment, repairs and property improvements.

The presenter said the group has received 41 site leads and is marketing the JF Hessel Commerce Park, where roughly 100 acres remain available. "We've also started working more closely with Southern Indiana Works on workforce needs," the presenter told commissioners, citing a workforce partnership with a local tubing manufacturer. Commissioners asked about incentives and staffing; presenters said incentives are scaled to project size and that the volunteer board would benefit from a consistent part‑time staff position to handle growing workloads.