LaGrange, Ind. (Apr. 20, 2009) — The LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) announced today that Mr. Keith Gillenwater has been named director of the new economic development office. Gillenwater will officially begin his duties as director April 20. This announcement follows the February 12 signing of a contract between the LCEDC and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance. The Alliance has a similar contract with the DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership (DCEDP).
“After reviewing and meeting with several well-qualified individuals for this position, we are very pleased to announce the selection of Keith Gillenwater as director of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation,” stated Joe Pierce, Chairman of the board of directors for the LCEDC. “Mr. Gillenwater will be a tremendous asset to the county’s long term commitment to economic development.”
Gillenwater’s recent professional background included a position with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) as the Northeast Indiana Community Liaison. Gillenwater holds an undergraduate degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, and a Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University, Fort Wayne. He is certified as a federal Community Development Block Grant Administrator, and has attended various economic development courses.
“The Alliance is looking forward to beginning our professional relationship with Keith Gillenwater and LaGrange County,” added Scott Naltner, interim president of the Alliance. “We believe Keith will be an excellent addition and we are excited to support operations at the LCEDC.”
“We are very excited for LaGrange County to name Keith as the LCEDC director,” said John Sampson, president and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. “The new EDC and this announcement are major additions to LaGrange County and northeast Indiana. The Partnership looks forward to supporting Keith in his new role and continuing our support of LaGrange County in marketing the region to prospective base employers.”
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to become director of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation,” stated Gillenwater. “I am looking forward to being in a position that is focused on economic development in addition to community growth. My primary assignment will be to work with existing and potential new employers to create high-quality job opportunities for LaGrange County residents.”
LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation
The LCEDC office will be located at 304 N. Townline Road, LaGrange, Indiana 46761. For more information on the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation, visit
http://www.lagrangecountyedc.com/.