New Ripley County development strategy discussed at Osgood meeting
Thomas Miller group presents their findings
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

About thirty Ripley County residents attended a meeting March 3 at the Osgood Town Hall to hear an Economic Development Strategy for Ripley County. Thomas P. Miller and Associates developed the plan after conducting community interviews and a peer analysis.

They divided their findings into two areas: Business Attraction and Tourism. With Ripley County's location, strategically placed between Indianapolis and Cincinnati, Ripley County has an opportunity to develop cluster businesses to serve these larger business areas.

The report lists businesses that are growing and expanding that Ripley County could contact. Also there are several suggestions in the report of companies that may find a strategic fit in Ripley County due to Hillenbrand Industries.

Ripley County is located directly between two of the aviation industry's largest corporations: Rolls Royce of Indianapolis and GE Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati. Strategic benefits exist for those companies who would choose to locate between the two aviation giants to serve as suppliers.

Ripley County Economic Development Director, Pam Sander, stated "Currently, eighty percent of Ripley County's business growth comes from existing business and industry already in Ripley County. New business growth is getting more and more difficult. Businesses are looking for shovel ready land. That is land that already has all utilities, infrastructure and zoning in place. Ripley County has very little of that kind of land available."

With the suggestions of the Miller Group, Ripley County now has a direction when looking at what new businesses are the best fit for the county. The emphasis is we have to be ready when we approach a new business about coming to Ripley County.

Tourism was the second area of growth for Ripley County. We have access to a market of 5.8 million people within a 60 mile radius. Ripley County has what people want: Simplicity, time, space, peace, fresh air, and a slower pace.

The Miller report states the key to tourism growth is a lodging facility. For nearly twenty years, Ripley County citizens and our legislators have worked toward getting an Inn at the Versailles State Park. Without this kind of facility, we have little hope of growing our overnight tourism industry.

Other suggestions are to develop a Main Street program for our towns. A charming downtown atmosphere with unique boutiques, restaurants and shops will attract consumers. Other areas to develop could be horse boarding, a first-class children's summer boarding camp, and agri-tourism.

This strategy gives concrete examples and a direction for Ripley County to take. In the report's introduction it states, "It is critical to understand that economic development in any segment of Ripley County will result in economic growth for the county as a whole. A win for one area of the county is a win for all of Ripley County, and this attitude must be embraced."

CATHY MAY PHOTO

About thirty people attended the presentation by Thomas P. Miller and Associates on economic development for Ripley County. It was held at the Osgood Town Hall on March 3.