President of Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation George Robertson had a lot to tell the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission at the April 11 meeting.

First, Robertson showed the commission how Kosciusko County staked up in the annual Combined Ratings Corporate Survey. Robertson said this was a corporate survey of CEOs and site selectors asking “What do you see happening and what is most important to you?”

For the first time in the survey’s history, availability of skilled labor topped the list of site selection factors. Robertson announced that his Kosciusko Kickstart program, designed to create a pipeline of skilled, trainable entry level workers for the manufacturing industry, would be kicking off this summer.

“Every prospect wants to know how much skilled labor you have and what’s your pipeline for creating skilled laborers,” said Robertson. Kickstart will educate young people in the community, preparing them to work in the many manufacturing jobs in Kosciusko and make the county attractive to potential prospects.

On the “Quality-of-life” section of the survey, the top three factors were low crime rate, healthcare facilities and housing costs. Robertson felt like Kosciusko faired well regarding these factors.

Robertson also addressed first quarter growth in the county. “Last year started out slow, this year is starting out slow,” he said. “I expect as we get further into the year we’ll see more prospects. Most think growth will really kick up in the 2nd or third quarter of this year.”

That’s not to say growth isn’t happening, but Robertson said 70 percent of announcements in Indiana were established companies who are expanding, rather than new businesses moving into the state. Robertson also noted that a lot of companies were looking for shell buildings larger than 250,000 square feet, which are in short supply in Kosciusko.

Last month, Senate Enrolled Act 118, which established new guidelines for TIF districts, was established as a law. Robertson reviewed the new guidelines with KCRC.

The highlights include statutory termination dates imposed on TIF districts established after July 1, 1995. The bill also mandates annual reporting of assessed valuation. “If you have 200 percent more money than your obligations for the next 10 years, then you have to redistribute it,” said Robertson. To read the entire bill, visit iga.in.gov.

County administrator Ron Robinson came before the commissioners to request use of TIF funds from the Louis Dreyfus TIF District in the Claypool area to repair part of 700 South from 500 West to SR 15. “Quite frankly, it’s deteriorating rapidly,” said Robinson

The estimated cost of the project is $150,000, and Robinson requested $132,500 of TIF funds. Robinson’s request was approved and will be making the rounds through other county commissions and councils for approval.

Finally, before the meeting was adjourned, the commission addressed a need for a public water supply in Leesburg. The town is growing, but most citizens get their water from wells.