The Starke County Economic Development Foundation provided an update on its recent activities during Monday’s Starke County Commissioners meeting.
The report covered the Foundation’s work from January through July, along with an update on activities during August. Foundation Executive Director Mikie Stogsdill said the organization’s work has focused on supporting local businesses, moving active projects forward, expanding workforce and adult education opportunities, helping entrepreneurs, and strengthening its operations.
Stogsdill reported that four workshops served more than 40 participants during the first seven months of the year. The Foundation also secured five grant-supported CDL training placements for the industrial park and continued working with winners of the 2026 Starke Tank competition.
The Foundation’s Workforce Development Committee reviewed 152 survey responses from employers and community members. Stogsdill said the responses showed interest in training related to entrepreneurship, marketing, customer service, Microsoft applications, and other workforce skills. More than 10 meetings were also held to discuss adult education and workforce offerings, including OSHA, CDL, AI, and workplace soft skills.
Stogsdill also reported continued work with local businesses and industries. That included assistance with the ongoing J.W. Hicks expansion, along with business retention and expansion visits.
Stogsdill said the Foundation also completed its office move, adopted a new budget, signed a rental agreement with Knox Community Schools, and completed a financial review. She said earlier website and inquiry-routing problems had also been addressed, and internal communication procedures were updated.
Looking ahead, Stogsdill said the Foundation plans to focus more on site readiness. She said the goal is to identify a limited number of priority sites, determine what types of development each could support, document existing conditions, and work to address gaps that could prevent development.
Stogsdill said the Foundation’s Building Sites and Infrastructure Committee will work to establish priorities and coordinate with infrastructure partners as part of that effort.
Commissioners thanked Stogsdill for providing the reports and said the monthly updates help keep them informed about the Foundation’s activities.
