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Community & Economic Development

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The Owen County Economic Development Corporation works hand-in-hand with the Chamber of Commerce to facilitate growth and improvement within Owen County. Together they promote the interests of the community and local businesses in their day-to-day operations, and long-term economic growth.

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EDC Projects

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Public Restroom

In Spencer, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce addressed the need for public restrooms for community events and downtown shoppers.

 

In June 2020, supported by local donations and an Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority grant, the restrooms were opened.

 

The facility includes three non-gendered restrooms and a mural by local artist Israel Hogan. For security, the restrooms have automated locks and are monitored by a camera system. This project took the help of our generous community.

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Owen County Childcare

In 2020, when Covid-19 hit Owen County, the community quickly recognized the challenges posed by inadequate internet access. With schools shifting to remote learning, many children had to resort to sitting in their cars outside the courthouse to use its WiFi for their schoolwork.

 

Realizing that this situation was unsustainable, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and the EDC determined that the county needed full access to high-speed internet. The EDC took the lead by bringing together the three major fiber corporations—SCI REMC, Smithville, and Comcast—to collaborate on a solution.

 

Through their combined efforts, they worked to ensure that Owen County would be connected to fiber internet, providing a much-needed resource for students and the entire community.

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Owen County Fiber

In 2020, when Covid-19 hit Owen County, the community quickly recognized the challenges posed by inadequate internet access. With schools shifting to remote learning, many children had to resort to sitting in their cars outside the courthouse to use its WiFi for their schoolwork.

 

Realizing that this situation was unsustainable, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and the EDC determined that the county needed full access to high-speed internet. The EDC took the lead by bringing together the three major fiber corporations—SCI REMC, Smithville, and Comcast—to collaborate on a solution.

 

Through their combined efforts, they worked to ensure that Owen County would be connected to fiber internet, providing a much-needed resource for students and the entire community.

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Cook Housing

In 2020, when Covid-19 hit Owen County, the community quickly recognized the challenges posed by inadequate internet access.

With schools shifting to remote learning, many children had to resort to sitting in their cars outside the courthouse to use its WiFi for their schoolwork.

 

Realizing that this situation was unsustainable, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and the EDC determined that the county needed full access to high-speed internet. The EDC took the lead by bringing together the three major fiber corporations—SCI REMC, Smithville, and Comcast—to collaborate on a solution.

 

Through their combined efforts, they worked to ensure that Owen County would be connected to fiber internet, providing a much-needed resource for students and the entire community.

Economic Development
by the Numbers

Million READI Funds

$2.7

The Exchange Center for Entrepreneurship

Fiber Plan

Business Mentoring

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) have teamed up to create a business mentoring program to help business owners take their business to the next level.

BR&E

Our BR&E (Business Retention & Expansion) Taskforce is constantly working with local businesses to define and address their needs to ensure their success. Special attention is given to small businesses that employ between 2-99 employees.

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