Business View Civil Municipal - July 2023

44 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 of the things that we are seriously looking into.” Partnerships and Collaborations for Economic Development Major employers in Aurora include Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., who ship grains by barge down the Ohio River to New Orleans, where it is loaded on ships for international destinations. Another prominent employer is Stedman Machine Company, a manufacturer of crushing equipment used in mining operations across the globe. Located near the airport and with major highway access, Aurora’s location makes it favorable for business expansion, although Drury admits, “We’re a little limited in the space that we currently have within our borders, and that’s another reason why we’re looking at annexation.” Discussions are also underway with Dearborn County to explore the potential of developing a port. Plans include dredging a large piece of land outside the city to facilitate barge operations. “One of my ideas there is to look at the possibility of container on barge shipping because, with the ever-increasing truck traffic on the highways, I think it’s important that we look at alternatives to get goods up and down the river,” he says. Collaborations with the county are crucial to Aurora’s success, along with partnerships with Indiana’s READI program, which has helped to inspire a regional approach in terms of how to put Southeastern Indiana on the map, while also providing funding for infrastructure work as the city prepares for new housing. Aurora has also partnered with One Dearborn, an organization that Drury says represents the city on an economic forefront statewide. “There’s a lot of regional collaborative effort and working with private individuals to see if we can join together for a greater cause,” describes the mayor. “Currently, we’re trying to do that with some riverfront development. There’s a property owner down there and we are partnering with him to see if we can set up some docking straight into the river.” He adds that local organizations like the Lions Club, Eagles, Moose Lodge, and Main Street, play a vital role in fostering community engagement and bringing together businesses and residents. Looking toward the future, Drury says that infrastructure improvements, connectivity, and quality-of-life enhancements will continue to be a focus. Undertaking projects such as expanding a bicycle trail and starting a long-awaited road construction, along with housing and park upgrades will enhance the community and attract more development. In summary, he offers, “We have a lot of irons in the fire, but activity breeds activity, and we’re going to keep our nose to the grindstone and keep moving Aurora forward to the vibrant community that it is, and that it can be.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Brittany O’Bryan n Stedman Machine Company www.stedman-machine.com