BUILDING A WORKFORCE Workforce development is a priority in Greenfield, and Crecera Brands is working closely with local school districts to provide opportunities for students. “We want to create an internship program here at Crecera brands. On the engineering side, each high school has a robotics team, and we want to open that up for an internship in our automation side, the engineering aspect of it, the software, the coding, all that goes with that,” Eichstadt shares. “We also want to do an internship for maintenance on our conveyor system, conveyor tech, and also our forklift equipment.” Amplify Hancock, a 100,000 square foot career and technical education center is a valued resource for Greenfield and beyond. Mitchell Kirk, Communications Director Hancock Economic Development Council, outlines,“All four school districts have been heavily involved in it, and we in economic development have been involved, along with the city, and Ivy Tech college. We need to make sure that we remain robust.” DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION TAKES SHAPE While industrial and residential growth continues throughout the city, downtown Greenfield is undergoing its own transformation. Plans include a mixed use project that will see the introduction of 177 high end apartments with retail and restaurant space on the main level. “This is the first project that’s happened in 40 years in our downtown,” says Mayor Titus. “Citizens said it’s time to revitalize our downtown, and that’s what I plan on doing. We have a lot to offer out here, while still having the small town feel of a community.” This revitalization will also complement existing features, like Depot Park, which hosts free outdoor concerts that draw thousands of visitors. “We have anywhere from 2000 to 4000 visitors on the weekend, just for those concerts, and it’s been amazing,” the mayor highlights.The recent completion of the Riley Arts Trail is another source of pride and speaks to Greenfield’s commitment to culture and connectivity. “It starts on our literary trail and goes all through town. It visits James Whitcomb Riley’s old home,” Mayor Titus says. “It’s got markings along the way, 106 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01
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