GCEGC Annual Economic Impact Awards

Grant County Celebrates Community Investment and Growth at Annual Economic Impact Appreciation Awards

Grant County, IN – The Grant County Economic Growth Council’s (GCEGC) annual Economic Impact Appreciation Awards celebrated significant local investments and partnerships that have advance economic development across the county.

GCEGC Director Chuck Binkerd, in his first year as director and over 26 years in the community, praised the nearly one billion dollars in investment—from small businesses to major corporations—flowing into Grant County over the last two years.

“Every dollar invested plays a vital role in our county’s prosperity,” Binkerd stated, highlighting the importance of partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, and local government in fostering a supportive economic environment. The council has collaborated with institutions like Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana Wesleyan University, Taylor University, and economic development partners on workforce development, infrastructure, and quality-of-life projects to attract and retain businesses and residents.

Local officials and Growth Council board members were also recognized for their commitment to shaping a supportive environment for new and established businesses in Grant County.

Kristi Pulley, GCEGC board president, echoed the value of recent investments, stating, “When we invest in Grant County, we're investing in a future where our traditions and entrepreneurial spirit grow hand-in-hand. Every new storefront, every community event, and every revitalized building is a step toward a stronger, more connected Grant County,” said Pulley.

From small business startups like the Boutique in Swayzee to the new Hospital in Gas City to major investments at our local universities and industries in Van Buren, Upland, and Marion, Grant County is on the move. With new major investments being currently developed, that momentum is pushing the communities forward into a bright future.

This year's Grant County, Indiana Economic Impact Appreciation Award recipients include:

· Afena Federal Community Union

· Agricor

· Affordable Housing and Community Development Corporation

· Amoco

· Brew Life Co.

· Cafe Valley

· Caladin Construction

· Carey Services

· Cedar Creek Manor

· Clear Choice Chiropractic

· Community School of the Arts

· Culver's

· Fastpace Health Urgent Care

· Gas City Performing Arts Center

· The General Motors – Marion Metal Facility

· Halstead Architects

· Hands of Hope

· Hive Mind Market

· JMAX

· Idyl Wyld Roller Palace

· Indiana Health Center

· Indiana Wesleyan University

· Lola’s at the Inn

· Marion Health East

· Mattress 4 Less

· Meijer

· Miller’s Merry Manor

· Mississinewa Cigar Lounge

· NearSpace Launch, Inc. (NSL)

· Neveria Tropical

· Paris Event Center

· Boston Hill Event Center

· Patent Pending Shop

· Phil & Cheryl’s Grill

· BDP Investment Firm

· Rookie’s Gear

· Runnings Store

· Sassy Diva Sisters

· Seamless Autoworks

· Steve Mitchell’s Custom Carts

· T-3 Investments

· Taylor University and 1846 Enterprises

· Tha Taste

· Folkie’s Tavern

· The Covenant Place

· The Wellness Refinery

· Weaver Popcorn

· Wesleyan Health and Rehab

Find out how these businesses have contributed to the Grant County, Indiana community at www.grantcounty.com/news/grant-county-celebrates-community-investment.

If you have an addition or edit, please contact us at communications@grantcounty.com.