about Warren County ledo
Services
Warren County LEDO lends support to established companies by providing information and support relative to workforce training, new local, state, and federal initiatives for expansion of employment and technology enhancement. Because of our strong basis in agriculture, an ongoing emphasis is focused upon the agricultural community, particularly mid-sized and niche oriented farming operations, to develop new agriculture-related industries.
New business attraction is supported by placing a priority on local incentives such as tax abatement and low interest business loans. The Warren County Redevelopment Commission was established to enable the creation of TIF districts, with particular focus to strengthening infrastructure in the West Lebanon area. Warren County places a priority on maintaining strong business relationships at the State agency level to maximize local opportunity for new business attraction.
about Warren County LEDO
The LEDO was formed in 2001 and is supported by county funding with other financial support coming from grant opportunities. Warren County LEDO is a not for profit organization and was originally charged with supporting local business with a focus towards available and affordable job training to enhance employment opportunities.
To date, much has been accomplished towards these priorities. LILLY Endowment, the USDA, and the Indiana Department of Commerce (IDOC) have awarded funds supporting a new community Learning Center, and a 70 acre industrial park was developed and is full. A new Economic Development Area has been established to enable additional development. Additionally, a CAPE (Community Alliance to Promote Education) grant totaling five million dollars has provided the groundwork for numerous educational and workforce initiatives.
To further these initiatives, WCLEDO spearheaded a widespread community forum which included the Metropolitan School District, The Warren County Community Foundation, CAPE, local government representatives, farmers, social service agencies, homemakers, small businesses, St. Vincent Hospital, and Purdue. As a result of these sessions, four main interconnected projects and initiatives were identified: Expanded Use of the Warren County Learning Center (WCCL) for Job Creation /Retention and Workforce Development; Expansion of the Existing Revolving Loan Fund; Development of a Countywide Comprehensive Plan; and Development of a Community Health and Fitness Program. The Warren County Local Economic Development Organization was instrumental in obtaining Indiana Rural Development Council Funding for three of the four initiatives.
about the Executive Director
Steve Eberly assumed the role as Executive Director of the Warren County LEDO in January of 2008. Steve has extensive expertise in the areas of purchasing, contracting, and has extensive experience in working with county government.
Prior to taking the lead for economic development in Warren County, Steve completed a career spanning 33 years with Purdue University retiring as Director of Food Stores. Steve and his wife Jean own and operate Eberly Family Farms, a Hoosier Homestead Farm.
Board Structure/Governance
Warren County LEDO is governed by a seven member board and meets monthly. The Executive Director and Board collaborate with the Redevelopment Commission to further economic development priorities for Warren County.
