January 2025 Newsletter

513 W Central Avenue

LaGrange, IN 46761

260-499-4994

What we do at the

LaGrange County EDC

Congratulations Emilee!

LaGrange Co Housing Projects

"The housing project site is approximately 75% completed. With weather conditions, work will stop for the winter and resume in the spring. They are still on track for a late spring completion for site development."

-Stewart Bender, Topeka Town Manager

Made in LaGrange

Community Development

As we step into the new year, we remain steadfast in our dedication to community growth and development despite the news that LaGrange County was not selected as a Stellar Pathways designee. Our resolve to move forward with impactful initiatives and community projects is stronger than ever.

On November 1st, Connect LaGrange County submitted the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) as part of the Stellar Pathways process. This plan was built on invaluable community feedback gathered through Community Connections meetings and surveys, outlining projects designed to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

In early December 2024, representatives from LaGrange County presented the SIP to the Stellar Pathways scoring committee. During this presentation, community leaders passionately advocated for why LaGrange County deserved funding, sharing the vision and framework for these transformative projects.

Leadership and Dedication

The driving force behind these efforts has been a team of committed leaders and community members. Emilee Buller, of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC), spearheaded the development of the SIP with the community's voice in mind. Emilee continues to lead as the Vice President of Community Development and Engagement, ensuring that the momentum generated during the Stellar Pathways process propels us forward.

Stay Connected: Explore Our Community Development Hub

To keep the community informed and engaged, we’ve launched a dedicated Community Development page on the LCEDC website. This page currently features:

• Current press releases on ongoing efforts and progress across the county’s towns (Shipshewana, Topeka, Mongo, South Milford, Howe, Wolcottville, and LaGrange).
• The Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) document.
• Stellar Submission Video - a video developed by Emilee Buller and LaGrange County's own Nathan Raspaugh to showcase LaGrange County and tell our story.

We invite you to visit the website and explore these resources to see how your community is evolving. 

For inquiries or to learn more about community development efforts, please reach out to Emilee Buller, VP of Community Development and Engagement. You can contact her by phone at 260-499-4994 or via email at ebuller@lagrangecountyedc.com.

Together, we’ll continue building a vibrant, thriving LaGrange County—a place we’re proud to call home.

You're Invited!

LCEDC Resources

Apply for the Workplace Preparedness Grant!

The Workplace Preparedness Grant aims to assist recent LaGrange County graduates of a certification, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree to acquire the tools and supplies needed to begin work.

A recent graduate is defined as an individual who has completed a certification or degree in a field related to the areas of study listed below in the last 12 months and has accepted employment in Northeast Indiana.



Areas of Study:

• Industrial Technology
• Machine Tool Technology
• Engineering Technology
• Sales
• Entrepreneurship-Leadership

For more information, please reach out to Sherri Johnston by phone (260-499-4994) or by email (sjohnston@lagrangecountyedc.com).

NIIC - Entrepreneurship Coach Assistance

Northeast Indiana Innovation Center's (NIIC) Angela Harrison will be at the LaGrange County EDC's office on Tuesday, February 11th and 25th for any individuals who would like to meet with Angela.

Angela can assist any entrepreneur with brainstorming business ideas, how to market their product and other marketing plans, succession planning and so much more! She offers a safe, judgement free space for individuals to share their ideas, ask questions, or assist in finding other resources for their business.

The first THREE sessions are FREE!

For questions or more information, please reach out to Angela at aharrison@niic.net or the LCEDC office.

Purdue MEP Supplier Scouting Opportunities

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Indiana. Through this network known as the MEP National Network (MEPNN), Purdue MEP is able to leverage the MEPNN's extensive relationships and knowledge of U.S. manufacturing capabilities and capacity to identify manufacturers across the country that can meet supply chain needs of commercial entities and government agencies.

Purdue MEP is able to connect U.S. manufacturers that have relevant production capabilities and capacities with other manufacturers – enabling them to fulfill current market and societal needs. We can then assist those manufacturers in actually delivering needed products.

For a full list of Open Supplier Scouting Opportunities, please visit the link below.

If you have any questions about the information in this newsletter or would like to learn more, please reach out to the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation at 260-499-4994 or email Sherri Johnston at sjohnston@lagrangecountyedc.com

LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation

513 W Central Ave

LaGrange, IN 46761

(260) 499-4994

www.LaGrangeCountyEDC.com