than two hours from Rochester, both facilities are multi-billion-dollar projects tied to the automotive industry’s shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). He believes that Rochester’s new industrial park could capitalize on this trend.“We could see some activity in that sector, but we also want to work on attracting other types of investment,” he adds. Ladd envisions the park as versatile enough to accommodate EV supply chain partners while providing opportunities for ag-related industries, aligning with Rochester’s agricultural roots. Mayor Odell, meanwhile, is focusing on building connections. “A lot of my efforts have been trying to open relationships with who is going to be our new governor,” he explains.These relationships could prove valuable as Rochester is a regional and statelevel growth initiatives hub. BUILDING A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY FOUNDATION Rochester’s leaders are focused on creating an environment that supports new and long-standing Mayor Odell explains that getting utilities to the industrial park site is a crucial priority. “Just the discussion about running utilities has already gotten the attention of our local and even state legislators,” he says. According to him, companies are starting to show interest in the location, with some even exploring the possibility of future partnerships. While specifics remain under wraps due to nondisclosure agreements, he hints that an agriculture-based company might break ground as early as next spring. “Honestly, we’re trying to get ourselves in a position to land some of these companies, but we don’t know what they’re going to be yet,” he says, acknowledging both the excitement and uncertainty that come with these early-stage negotiations. Charlie sees Rochester’s central location as a strategic advantage, especially within Indiana’s broader industrial ecosystem. “We’re positioned between two huge new investments in battery technology and production,” he says, referencing a Stellantis-Samsung joint venture in Kokomo and a Samsung-GM battery plant in New Carlisle. Less 219 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 ROCHESTER, IN
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