New EDC director sees big things on horizon

Aug. 30—Bob Grewe is the new Daviess County Economic Development Corporation executive director. He assumed the position about two weeks ago. Grewe is experienced in economic development and with southwestern Indiana having held positions in both Vermillion and Vanderburg counties.

"I have had a number of economic development assignments and have always wanted to be in an organization that is dynamic and can accomplish things and looks to take on transformational projects," said Grewe. "I think Daviess County with I-69, Westgate and a source of other resources here, is poised for those transformational opportunities."

Grewe says he feels his history in economic development in other places will help Daviess County bring about those transformational opportunities.

"One of the primary things I bring is a lot of experience from a lot of different organizations and perspectives," he said. "I have seen a lot of organizations and communities and the ways they go about economic development. I am also exceedingly curious, wanting to know what makes things happen. In addition, I bring a great network of colleagues that I can call on."

Economic development has changed over the decades. At one time it was basically take an option on a field and hope someone would put in a factory. Now, the job of an economic development director reaches into a wide range of elements beyond turning field to factory.

"Clearly, workforce is now part of corporate site selection. The quality of life dynamic is now in play so an employer can see that not only is there a workforce available but it can continue to grow and that there are certain amenities that can attract and keep people," he said. "There is a more recent component. The housing market has become part of it. It has taken on a lot of new dimensions."

Grewe says in rural regions like Daviess County, economic development agencies often take on projects and ideas that would be handled by different groups in larger cities.

"What I have seen here in my first couple of weeks is that the EDC has taken on a challenge and worked it and then off-loaded it to another group or organization," he said. "This EDC is very nimble at taking on the challenges of the new parts of economic development. That nimbleness and ability to adjust is a key to growth."

Grewe's past work included in the Newport area that included working with the United States Army.

Now, he finds himself in Daviess County dealing with the Navy at Crane and the growth coming from the defense industry.

"Over the years we have seen Crane advance but it never seemed to hit its stride," said Grewe. "Now, it seems there is a whole new dynamic afoot up there with so much promise. We are going to key on that. It is so important. We need to pursue and chase down those opportunities as they are presented."

He sees Daviess County in a position to become more of a fixture in economic development in southern Indiana as some of the assets the community has developed start paying off.

"I-69 and those exits in Daviess County are strategic," he said. "Those rural mid-market interstate exits can take some time to develop. There is rail here with CSX and Indiana Southern. There are transload facilities. Just a lot of good infrastructure in this county. Crane is one of the big opportunities."

He also calls the cultural diversity in the area a plus when it comes to development.

"The diversity of the community is a real plus," said Grewe. "We have the county seat here. The community up at Odon, you add in the Amish community, it creates a vibrancy that is appealing in helping the community grow."

Grewe says one thing that has excited him about the new position is that the organization has a commitment to take care of its existing businesses.

"I was impressed by this organization because it has a dedicated staff person whose job is to work with business retention and expansion," he said. "It is important to pay attention to the one that brought you to the dance. There is an outstanding portfolio of existing businesses and we want to make sure we engage them and make certain we don't miss something they need to be successful."

The new EDC director says his new community, the job and the organization has been impressive so far.

"I am just absolutely delighted," said Grewe. "The people I have met both within and outside of our organization have been very welcoming. There is quite a track record for this organization. The board members are deeply committed to the community."

Grewe projects a very active future for Daviess County because it has so many positive parts that can help it grow.

"If Crane takes on a measure of what could be, I think the entire area could look differently in years to come," said Grewe. "It will be interesting across Indiana as we take the advanced manufacturing base and lean more into technology. There are predictions that this area could be the cradle for the next generation of manufacturing."

The Daviess County Economic Development Corporation is inviting the public to meet new Executive Director Bob Grewe during a meet and greet at Aces restaurant on Bedford Road on Tuesday, September 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.