Economic Development Week: Celebrating the Work That Doesn’t Always Make Headlines, But Always Makes a Difference

When a new business opens, a building gets a facelift, or a young professional chooses to stay and work in town, those decisions aren’t made in isolation. They result from intentional planning, behind-the-scenes advocacy, and a lot of collaboration. That’s what we do, and this week, we’re proud to share it.

“Economic development is the bridge between today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s success stories. We’re here to connect the dots and make Steuben County a top business destination,” said Isaac Lee, Executive Director, Steuben County Economic Development Corporation

What Economic Development Really Means

May 12 to 16 marks Economic Development Week, a time to pay even more attention to the work that drives progress and economic growth.

At the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), we believe that economic development is about more than just big numbers and ribbon-cuttings. It’s about building confidence, relationships, momentum, and a future where both businesses and people can thrive.

Steuben County: A Strategic Place to Grow

SCEDC’s role is to ensure that businesses excel in Steuben County. With more than 100 completed projects in the past seven years, the results are real. Most of these projects support the companies already rooted here, proving that success doesn’t always mean relocation; it often means reinvestment.

Still, we welcome new players, too. Steuben County’s location in Northeast Indiana, right off Interstate 69 and the I-80/I-90 Toll Road, provides the infrastructure and accessibility that today’s industries demand. Combine that with access to a regional workforce of 370,000 and targeted support from SCEDC, and you’ve got the perfect climate for growth.

Our Mission Is Your Momentum

The mission of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation is clear: lead prosperity through collaboration and create quality employment opportunities that strengthen the community as a whole.

We envision a county with:

• A resilient and diverse economy driven by forward-thinking employers
• A well-educated, highly skilled workforce
• A quality of life that draws talent and keeps it here

And we work every day to make that vision real.

How We Help Businesses Succeed

Whether you’re a manufacturer expanding operations, a startup looking for guidance, or a company exploring a move to Indiana, the SCEDC is here to move you forward. We offer hands-on support and expert navigation through key business milestones, including:

• Workforce development coordination
• Incentives and financing guidance
• Permitting and compliance assistance
• Speed-to-market solutions
• Tax abatement compliance support

Economic Development In Motion

We know economic development is not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a consortium of strategies, people, and organizations focused on ensuring everyone in Steuben County has the best chance to succeed. For that to happen, we focus our efforts on:

• Attracting businesses that offer high-quality jobs with high-quality pay
• Helping local businesses expand and stay competitive
• Building partnerships that align business growth with community priorities
• Supporting workforce development at every stage
• Enhancing the overall quality of life

The result? A more resilient economy and a stronger Steuben County.

Let’s Talk About What’s Next

Economic development is happening all around us, sometimes subtly, sometimes boldly, but always with purpose. If you want to grow, relocate, or explore what’s possible, the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation is your first call.

Reach out to us today to learn how we can help your business grow and how you can contribute to the momentum building right here in Steuben County