December 2025 Newsletter

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A Year of Momentum — Thank You for Moving Carroll County Forward


As 2025 wraps up, we celebrate a year of progress powered by collaboration. Together with businesses, partners, and local leaders, the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation advanced initiatives in childcare, housing, leadership, agriculture, workforce training, industrial growth, and regional connectivity.


Highlights:

▪️ Welcomed James Wells as CEO

▪️ Opened the Children’s Garden with 68 new childcare seats

▪️ Strengthened employer ties through BR&E visits

▪️ Honored Leadership Carroll County Class of 2024–2025

▪️ Advanced regional ag strategy with KIRPC

▪️ Expanded workforce training and education pathways

▪️ Helped launch public transit through a historic regional agreement

▪️ Completed GLRR Arts & Culture Plan


Thank you to our business community, officials, partners, and residents for your dedication and belief in Carroll County’s future. Here’s to building on this momentum in 2026!


Wishing you peace, joy, and a prosperous new year!

CCEDC Named New CEO — James Wells


The CCEDC Board of Directors appointed James Wells as CEO/Executive Director, succeeding Interim Director Jonathan Blake, who guided the organization through early 2025.


Wells brings seven years of experience in economic development and finance, including leadership at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.


“I’m honored to join CCEDC and serve the people of Carroll County,” Wells said. “I look forward to working with local leaders and businesses to strengthen our economy and quality of life.”

Children’s Garden

Ribbon Cutting & Open House


On March 15, 2025, Children’s Garden officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting and community open house.


The new childcare center brings 68 much-needed seats to support families across Carroll County.


This project was made possible through the partnership of the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation, Purdue University, and Lilly Endowment Inc., and was supported in part by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s READI, which invests in community growth and quality-of-life projects.

Press Release

Supporting Local Industry Through

Business Retention & Expansion


The Carroll County Economic Development Corporation works to help local employers grow through Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) efforts. These visits strengthen relationships, identify needs, and ensure companies have the support to thrive in Carroll County.


This year, CCEDC met with PTI Machining, Indiana Packers Corporation, and The Andersonslistening, learning, and collaborating to encourage continued investment and job growth.

Leadership Carroll County Celebrates

Class of 2024–2025



Leadership Carroll County continues to grow the next generation of community and business leaders.


The 2024–2025 cohort participated in hands-on learning, site visits, and workshops designed to strengthen civic engagement and local leadership.


Applications for the 2026–2027 class

Carroll County Cultivates Growth — Regional Ag Strategy Support


CCEDC is continuing working with the Kankakee Iroquois Regional Planning Commission (KIRPC) and other partners to strengthen Carroll County’s agricultural economy through value-added development, encourage innovation, and build long-term growth.


Our gratitude goes to the organizations fueling this progress:

Community Foundation

Wabash Valley Power Alliance & Carroll White REMC

Duke Energy

Carroll County Agriculture Association

Carroll County Government Website


The Carroll County Government updated their website to make it easier than ever to find information, access services, and connect with local leaders.


Stay Connected to Public Meetings

Carroll County

Town of Burlington

Town of Flora

City of Delphi

Town of Camden or call 574-686-2121

Workforce Development – Cultivating Careers


A Strategic Priority

Workforce development is a cornerstone of our strategic plan, investing in people and businesses by connecting education, training, and career pathways to the needs of Carroll County’s local economy.


Why It Matters

  • Attracts and retains businesses
  • Connects people with meaningful careers
  • Boosts local earnings and spending
  • Strengthens families and communities

Where to Start

Funding & Training for Your Business



The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce offers resources to help you grow:

Low-Interest Loans - Thanks to USDA funding, small businesses in Carroll County can apply for low-interest loans.

  • Start-ups should complete the BizExcel course and submit a business plan.
  • Existing businesses email Amy Beechy or call 574-709-7955.

Training Funds Grant - money is available for consulting, market research, service training, and more—no repayment required.

BizExcel Course - Offered each Spring and Fall, this hands-on course helps you build a business plan and sharpen your skills.

Free Counseling - Meet one-on-one with expert advisors.

READI Arts and Culture Plan Complete



The GLRR Arts & Culture Plan is now complete—a shared vision for a vibrant and creative future across the region. Thank you to everyone who contributed!


Carroll County EDC has spent several months helping shape a regional arts and culture plan through Indiana’s READI initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. As part of the Greater Lafayette Region, local residents participated in focus groups, surveys, and community meetings—ensuring Carroll County’s history, creativity, and community identity were reflected in the final plan.


This collaborative effort marks an exciting step toward expanding cultural opportunities and supporting creative growth in our county.


Read the full plan here: – GLRR Arts Plan

Strengthening Connectivity —

Regional Transit Expansion


To improve access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services, CCEDC helped

advance a historic transportation partnership.


On June 2, Carroll County, Tippecanoe County, and the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation (GLPTC) formally executed an interlocal agreement

that brings public transit service into Carroll County.



This expansion enhances mobility for rural residents — especially seniors,

individuals with disabilities, and those facing transportation barriers. It also aligns with the CityVan employer-based vanpool program, part of the College & Community Collaboration (CCC) Initiative funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.,

 which continues to support regional workforce access.

New Homes Available in Delphi, IN


Five+ new homes in the Bowen Estates subdivision! These modern builds bring much-needed housing options to Carroll County, thanks to the City of Delphi, Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s READI initiative and Majestic Homes of Lafayette!


The Carroll County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) has made housing development a top priority—recognizing that quality, attainable homes are key to attracting and retaining a strong workforce. These homes in Bowen Estates are a great example of how strategic investment in housing supports both economic and workforce development in our community.


New housing like this helps ensure local employers can recruit and retain talent—supporting Carroll County’s long-term economic growth.


Featured Listings Include:

▪️230 Vine Street ~1,768 sq ft, 3 beds, 2 baths, open concept, porch & patio.

▪️ 116 Williston Court ~1,979 sq ft, 3 beds, 2 baths, split floor plan, open concept.

PROPERTY FOR SALE or LEASE

25+ ACRES AVAILABLE 



Hoosier Heartland Industrial Park is just minutes from the Hoosier Heartland Highway; this location is truly at the “heart” of industry in the Midwest. The HHIP features two CONTIGUOUS 10-acre lots and one 5-acre lot, a total of 25 acres of Shovel Ready buildable land in DELPHI, IN.

SHELL BUILDING

239 N Heartland, Delphi, IN



FOR SALE or LEASE- This 49,496 SF stand-alone shell building is available for sale or lease in the Hoosier Heartland Industrial Park. Located on a beautiful 10-acre site, the expandable precast concrete facility offers 32' clear height and is designed to accommodate a wide range of industrial or advanced manufacturing uses.

RAIL-SERVED

INDUSTRIAL LAND


Two primary rail-served locations in Carroll County are the Project 218 Industrial Area and JNT Farms Industrial Site.


These sites offer rail access through short-line railroads and are strategically located near major highways, including the new Hoosier Heartland Corridor and I-65.

FOR LEASE in FLORA, IN


Are you looking for PRIME COMMERICAL space to rent? 



Suite 11 at the Sycamore Industrial Park is available.

Contact Denny at D-K Construction at 574-967-4103.


12,123 SF includes: Store, Office, Restroom, Breakroom and Warehouse Facility

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 🔦

Welcome to Camden, IN!


Nestled along State Road 218 and 75, Camden offers a friendly rural setting with convenient access to Delphi, Flora, and the Greater Lafayette region.


Community Spirit: From local ball games to town celebrations, Camden is a place where neighbors know one another.


Local Favorites: Enjoy familiar staples like R&D Family Restaurant, 218 Market, and Camden-Jackson Township Library, along with hometown services and caring local businesses that make everyday life easier.


A Place to Grow: With its inviting atmosphere, strong community values, and central Carroll County location, Camden is a wonderful place to put down roots.


Learn more about community resources and upcoming events at the Town of Camden’s website.

TRIPLE Your Impact for Carroll County


Carroll County, this is our moment to shine!


Our community always shows up for one another — and right now, your generosity can go even further.


Thanks to the Community Foundation of Carroll County, every $1 is matched with $2, tripling your impact for local nonprofits.



Carroll County is 91% toward our $375,000 goal, unlocking $750,000 in matching funds through GIFT VIII and Lilly Endowment. DONATE here!


Carroll County

by the Numbers

Economy Overview



20,747

total population

Up ~2.2 % since 2020 


3.6%

unemployment rate


$64, 003

median household income (2023)


10,939

local labor force


89%

with a high school degree or higher

Source: Indiana Stats

Hoosiers by the Numbers

ABOUT US


The Carroll County Economic Development Corporation is a private, not-for-profit, corporation leading the county's economic development strategy to add more jobs and diversify the local economy while enhancing the area's unique natural and cultural environments. The EDC is a catalyst for creating a vibrant economy that is sustainable and globally competitive.



OUR MISSION



The Carroll County Economic Development Corporation will be a pro-active leader in a unified pursuit to provide a dynamic and prosperous economy for the citizens and employers of Carroll County.

FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK


This year’s progress reflects what our community can achieve together — across sectors, municipalities, and regional partnerships.



As we look to 2026, CCEDC remains committed to:

  • Housing & infrastructure development
  • Business retention & expansion
  • Workforce access and employer support
  • Agricultural innovation & value-added markets
  • Quality-of-life projects that help residents thrive


As we prepare for the year ahead, we look forward to deepening our partnerships and identifying new opportunities that keep Carroll County competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Together, we can continue building a county that attracts investment, supports our businesses, and strengthens the foundation for future generations.


— James L. Wells Executive Director, Carroll County EDC

CCEDC TEAM

James Wells

Executive Director

219-718-9818

director@carrollcountyedc.com

Shannon Telfer

Office Manager

765-564-2060 stelfer@carrollcountyedc.com



Carroll County Economic Development Stakeholders and Partners

Mailing Address:

PO Box 83

Delphi IN USA

Phone:765-564-2060

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