annual gatherings of Northern Indiana mayors. The county’s strategic location is one of its greatest assets. “I often say, ‘We’re in the middle of nowhere, but we’re in the middle of everything,’” Mayor Long notes with pride. Within a 90-minute drive of South Bend, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis, Wabash offers residents the serenity of rural living without sacrificing urban conveniences. This accessibility has become increasingly important as young professionals and families seek alternatives to metropolitan living. The strategy appears to be working. As Tenille Zartman, President and CEO of Grow Wabash County, shares, “For the first time since the eighties, our population is actually predicted to grow. All of our efforts are really paying off, and we’re taking correct steps and collaborating to hopefully grow our population by 2028.” Even the county’s smallest communities are thriving. Roann, with its population of 478, holds the distinction of being the smallest town in Indiana with a Main Street organization.“We have a covered bridge, a historic mill, a log cabin, and even a Carnegie Library,” says Bob Ferguson, Roann’s Clerk Treasurer, highlighting how each community contributes its unique character to the county. RECORD INVESTMENTS AND STRATEGIC GROWTH Wabash County’s economic landscape is experiencing unprecedented momentum, with 2023 marking a record-breaking year for private investment. “Existing companies expanded and we attracted new businesses,” explains Zartman.“2024 is shaping up to be our second-best year on record.” This success, however, has brought both opportunities and challenges that demanded swift action. A significant milestone came with the sale of the county’s largest industrial parcel, prompting the city to acquire an additional 232 acres adjacent to an existing industrial park. “The sale meant we couldn’t submit for certain project leads for a while,” Zartman notes.“Now, with this new land, we’re back in a position to pursue large-scale developments that require extensive utilities and infrastructure.” 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 WABASH COUNTY, IN
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx