As previously discussed here, ECC employees were randomly awarded $5 for participating in Red Shirt Fridays. A matching contribution was given to Bugles Across America at the end of 2014. Please use the link if you would like to know more about the organization or contribute to them.
On behalf of the Town of Culver, I attended the Affordable Housing Finance Summit in Chicago last month. It was a three day event, running from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon. It consisted of a lot of interactive presentations as well as networking opportunities. I have some experience dealing with HUD due to our Garden Court projects, but this was like taking a 200 level course when I really needed 101. I do feel like I learned a lot, while it was painfully obvious that I have a lot more to learn.
Affordable Housing has long been a topic in Culver. The issue has been further focused due to the completion of the Comprehensive Plan where affordable housing was addressed. The recent tax abatement granted to Elkay where they pledged to add 100 new employees also makes housing a local priority. This has also been a topic at several of the MCEDC Development for the Future meetings as other communities in Marshall County are recognizing the same need. Overall, MCEDC is aware of current expansions that are projected to add 500-600 new jobs in the next 12-18 months. Ginny Munroe, Culver Town Council President, asked me to be on a Task Force to address this issue for Culver. When the advertisement for the Summit came up, I volunteered to attend on the Town’s behalf.
Last evening I attended a celebration for Jim Condon, Plymouth High School Principal. He was being honored for being named Indiana High School Principal of the Year. I’m not sure what one does to stand out amongst your peers in the field of High School Principals, but being named such by peer review from other principals makes it quite an honor. Dan Tyree, Plymouth Superintendent of Schools, emceed the event where Jim received several awards and accolades. Plymouth Mayor, Mark Senter, spoke and presented Jim with a proclamation of Plymouth’s appreciation for him, part of which was to name December 11, 2014 Jim Condon Day in Plymouth.
I mainly know Jim through our association on the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) Board. Jim came on the board several years ago and in the time since I have grown to respect his thoughtful approach to all matters. I’m proud to call Jim a friend and also proud of his well-earned award. Congratulations Jim!
Oh, and Happy Jim Condon Day to all!
Picture Source: AM1050.com
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Thank you to all our veterans that have served our country over the years. Your service is appreciated.
Here is a list from Christian Carlson and the Friday Five that includes some businesses that are doing a little extra to show their support. He suggests bringing your military ID or wearing your uniform to take advantage of these. Some offers may vary by location.
Image © 2011 Frank Glick, used with permission, all rights reserved. www.liketophoto.com
At a meeting Thursday evening I was asked why MCEDC (Marshall County Economic Development Corporation) is included in the Affordable Housing Task Force for Culver and I didn’t give you the best answer. Let me see if I can do better here.
One of the things that came from the MCEDC BEAR meetings was the need for more good employees. In the last six months the unemployment rate in Marshall County has dropped another percentage point to 4.5%. (Doug Anspach, former PEDC Director, used to say that at 4% unemployment everyone that is able and willing to work is working.) Since no one is stepping up to address this employment issue, we have added “Workforce Development” as one of our four main action items in the MCEDC strategic plan. Housing is just one of the issues that needs to be addressed under workforce development.