County 71: Blackford

The top priority of any community today is economic development, and when I meet with local leaders in our rural cities and towns I find this to be especially true. This is why in 2005 I created the Office of Community and Rural Affairs to help smaller communities thrive and grow. Blackford County, one of our state’s smallest counties, caught my attention with several recent economic development successes.

I met with several local leaders including Rep. Kevin Mahan, Hartford City Mayor Ben Hodgin, and Montpelier Mayor Kathy Bantz. Blackford County was one of the state’s hardest hit areas during the recession. At its peak their unemployment reached 15.5 percent, while today it sits at 9.8 percent. This number isn’t satisfactory, but it is trending in the right direction.



Lt. Governor Skillman talks with local leaders
in Blackford County about economic development



In our rural areas every investment makes a huge impact. Just in the past year, Petosky Plastics made a $1 million investment with the creation of 45 new jobs. While 3M, an industrial adhesive and tape manufacturer, made a $4 million expansion. These announcements will give a significant boost to their local economy.

When businesses look to invest and grow in a specific region of our state, quality of life issues are a major factor in their decision making. Local leaders are working hard to make sure their county is attractive to potential business investors.

Blackford County has strong schools– graduating 85 percent. They are working on funding through INDOT for a greenway project for pedestrians and bicyclists. The reconstruction of highway 26 through Hartford City from Taylor University is also good for the local businesses. Infrastructure improvements are one of the top reasons businesses decide to locate and invest in Indiana.  Montpelier received a $500,000 grant through OCRA to build a community center for their residents.

These projects are all signs of progress and will make the county more enticing to future business. Blackford County’s economic development mission is right on point and moving full steam ahead.