Greene County

7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 to attracting more residents. Greene County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Brianne Jerrels says working with local entrepreneurs has yielded positive benefits. Jerrels’ team has created retention campaigns targeted at high school and local college students while companies outside of Indiana are strategically targeted to move their businesses to the region. Says Jerrels, “we benefit from a rural way of living but still being close to some large metropolitan regions. “We have a tremendous highway system that allows people to get anywhere they need to go easily.” Greene County is involved in some significant infrastructure investments and developments over the next several months. It will complete more than $3 million worth of paving projects to improve its roads, says Abrams. That doesn’t fully include bridge improvements being made this year. “We have averaged three bridge projects a year over the last few years, and made significant progress at (modernizing) them,” Abrams says. Its country events center, which also houses some county departmental offices, will receive a 4,500-square-foot expansion. An additional expansion to the county jail was recently completed as well. All of these projects line up well with other recent developments, including a new fire station, hotel, and battery innovation center. County leaders also are looking to increase walkability scores, which are an important consideration for families and individuals looking to move to new communities. “One of the great things for us is that we have a sense of the value of regionalism,” says Jerrels. She and her staff work with neighboring counties to work together in attracting new developments and securing infrastructure improvements. These efforts are supported by Greene County’s partnerships with such organizations as the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations designed to bring events and activities to the region. Jerrels and other area leaders continue to focus their efforts towards supporting Greene County residents by fostering an environment that will create and retain jobs, increase the tax base and promote economic growth. “There’s a lot more to do here than you may think, and (the county) is a great place to live, work and play.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Milestone www.milestonelp.com