Omnicity news, good for the entire county

Brad Buening

Governor Daniels was recently in Rushville to make an encouraging announcement and help celebrate with the community. The message was regarding Omnicity locating their headquarters here in Rushville and committing to creating 100 new jobs over the next two years time.

The better news is that Omnicity is already ahead of schedule on the number of employees they have hired and new jobs that they have created.

As mentioned in previous articles, many of these ventures take time and this was no exception. The best news is that the time paid off and the company has made the decision to call Rushville home as other communities were being considered.

This was not an accident or luck, there were many people involved up front and behind the scenes. Mayor Bostic first met with Greg Jarman, Omnicity CEO, and then brought the ECDC on-board to assist with other incentives. The state was brought to the table as well.

Many other people assisted along the way with utility information, estimates for construction, and possible partnerships with existing businesses in the county as well as in the region. Networks were created immediately and they continue to finger out even today.

This success story was a great real-life exercise for all involved. It wasn’t a smooth transition from day one to the governor’s appearance. There were stumbling blocks along the way and paperwork to fill out and many meetings to be attended. But in the end, the team effort of all involved paid off.

The Redevelopment Commission, with John Pavey as current president, was very instrumental in negotiations with Omnicity. John spent many hours on his own working with the company to draft an agreement that would entice the company to locate here, but at the same time not jeopardize the City with extending too much.

This current success we are experiencing is just phase one. As CEO Jarman mentioned in his press conference speech, the future plans are to construct their headquarters in the North Industrial Park. Not only is the city going to benefit from this success, but Omnicity as well. They have been offered a package from the local and state government that will assist them and they are locating in a community that welcomes them.

When you see the mayor, city council, Redevelopment Commission members, or Omnicity employees in town, stop to thank them for their dedication to the citizens of Rushville.

While all of this was taking place in Rushville, our neighbors to the east also had a grand announcement with the governor (it is nice to keep him in this area of the state). Carbon Motors announced that they would be calling Connersville home and occupying the Visteon Building.

This is pumping life back into the heart of Fayette County and will also be a windfall to all those around. With the economic indicators revealing a glimpse of a slow recovery, Rush County is situated between the new home of Carbon Motors and the new Honda plant.

As employment ramps up at each of these companies, the need for logistics, warehousing, packaging and manufacturing will increase and Rush County will be prepared to respond.

As for being prepared, the North Industrial Park (NIP) will be advertising for bids on Phase One of the park. A firm has been hired by the RDC to advertise, assist in the selection process, to make sure all local, state, and federal guidelines are met and to oversee construction of the infrastructure with an inspection program.

Finally, the ECDC is going to re-energize the previous Honda Task Force and combine Carbon Motors into the marketing scheme. Part of being prepared is determining what is needed by these new companies and how Rush County can fill these voids.

Once it is determined how we can help, we need to create a list of available local companies and build a resume of expertise and promote them through the proper channels.

There are several other projects in various stages of progress. With the same cooperation and dedication that was experienced with the Omnicity success, many of these projects will continue through the pipeline and come out the other end with Governor Daniels again holding a press conference in Rush County.

This is our community; I am here to serve you and am open to any comments, suggestions, or concerns you may have. My telephone number is 938-ECDC (3232) or you may e-mail me at bbuening@rushecdc.org.

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