Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Lisa Dan asked the commissioners and council this week for funding for several upcoming projects.
When negotiating the contract with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation earlier this year, the government leaders set aside $40,000 that can be used by the Foundation or the SCILL Center for specific economic development initiatives.
Dan asked to use $5,000 to help sponsor Starke Tank. The Starke Tank program will be moving toward a county-wide event, rather than focusing solely in the North Judson area. Starke Tank is for small businesses looking to locate in Starke County or who have located in Starke County and have been in business for less than three years. They will pitch ideas on what they would like to use the prize money for pertaining to their business. She said the Starke County Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors made the decision to open it up to the county. Dan said the county could co-sponsor the event with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation with this funding request, along with other community sponsors.
Dan also asked for $699 to redesign the Foundation’s website, and $3,000 for a marketing video.
“We want to produce a video focusing on the amenities here – the lakes, the rivers, the trails, the Starke County Forest, and the friendly welcoming communities as essential components of economic development,” said Dan. “Businesses looking to locate and expand in a community are looking for a welcoming place to make an investment, as it’s more than economic incentives that attract business to a location.”
Dan said a grant application was submitted toward the cost of the video. If awarded, the full $3,000 would not be needed with that portion of the request.
The commissioners and the council members approved the request during their respective meetings.
