[Southsider2k12]

Do we really need a separate group from the ones we already have? More organizations means less of a streamlined process for anyone wanting to locate a business here. Wasn't the whole idea of a single tourism agency to simplify things?

This reeks of more patronage.

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte...c738381590.html

LaPorte County creates economic development office
Stan Maddux Times Correspondent


LAPORTE | LaPorte County started the New Year laying out strategies aimed at bringing in more new jobs.

The LaPorte County Office of Economic Development was created Wednesday.

It was a unanimous decision by the LaPorte County commissioners who met for the first time with Dave Decker and Dr. Vidya Kora in their newly elected seats.

Matt Reardon, who was previously the LaPorte County economic development coordinator, was appointed director of the office.

An 11-member economic development advisory group answering to the commissioners was also formed to help speed up job creation efforts.

Two of the advisory group members are James Dworkin, chancellor at Purdue North Central near Westville and Jack Arnett, executive director of the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Decker said the previous commission had success creating new jobs but a more aggressive approach is now being taken to create additional employment opportunities quicker.

“This is what we're going to push mainly. Within 10 years, you are not going to know LaPorte County,” said Decker.

Previously, an alliance formed between the economic development corporations in Michigan City and LaPorte, helped with job creation in unincorporated areas of the county.

However, no one answered directly to the commissioners, which plans to hold the feet of those involved closer to the fire.

Besides more accountability, the new office also creates a "one stop shop" approach for prospective firms to come in and more conveniently receive information.

The new office is next to the office of the county commissioners in the government annex building in LaPorte's downtown.

“We want to raise it a notch higher so we get more results,” said Kora, who added, "How we look 10 to 15 years from now depends on what happens today."

Arnett said he's pleased that tourism with its growing influence on the local economy was given a voice in the more aggressive job creation approach.

“This gives us a say so in the direction we're going to go,” said Arnett.

LaPorte County Commission president Willie Milsap expressed confidence the new office will work to create more jobs.

“It's going to work. Trust me. Watch. Get ready for it,” said Milsap.

[Jesse B]

Do we really need a separate group from the ones we already have? More organizations means less of a streamlined process for anyone wanting to locate a business here. Wasn't the whole idea of a single tourism agency to simplify things?

This reeks of more patronage.

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte...c738381590.html

Within 10 years, you are not going to know LaPorte County,” said Decker.

My fear exactly.

[diggler]

Within 10 years, you are not going to know LaPorte County,” said Decker.

My fear exactly.

That happened when Whirlpool moved out.

_

[Southsider2k12]

Within 10 years, you are not going to know LaPorte County,” said Decker.

My fear exactly.

I don't recognize this county from 10 years ago, I am afraid what will happen next.

[Commuter]

Bureaucrats create layers of bureaucracy to attract business. It's just how they think.

The first thing I look at is how they spend their tax revenues.

If I see too many agencies, or too many commissions, I get turned off. Rather than look at agencies and plans, I look at achievements.

Hence my screen name.