Tourism, as it fits in with the local economy, was addressed more than once at the September meeting of the Franklin County Economic Development Commission Monday morning.

President John Palmer brought up the HELP (Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program) grant, which is a set-aside of $1 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds given to the county and the Town of Brookville. The money would be matched by the state for approved collaborative projects – beginning in 2023 - with Wayne County, the city of Connersville and the city of Richmond. 

Palmer had a preliminary discussion with Connersville mayor Chad Frank and Valerie Shaffer of Wayne Co. Economic Development Corp about something that would be “relatively easy.” A trail system was proposed, but not a traditional one that would require more money than is available. 

“I suggested we do an auto-trail, which would be similar to what Brookville's doing downtown,” said Palmer. “We'd have a QR code on the building that people will scan (with a smartphone) and then hear me talking about it.”

Tourism groups in the three communities would be involved. Spots would begin in Brookville before heading to Metamora/Laurel and then to Connersville and on up through Cambridge City and Hagerstown. Smaller communities – an example given was Nulltown in Fayette County – could be highlighted along the route as well. The idea is people would be drawn to historical sites (i.e. Laurel Academy) and then stick around to patronize local businesses. Palmer emphasized there's no formal plan in place at this time. 

Palmer said the other communities kept bringing up Brookville Lake and the need to get tourists there.

“We don't have a problem getting people to the lake, this whole plan is to try to draw to areas you don't have people go into,” he added. “Improved tourism is not getting people here, it's getting them to stay and spend money here.” 

Member Jessica Hansel, who works with Brook Hill Golf Club in her role as Brookville's Special Projects Director, backed up that statement by saying some large groups of golfers recently have played area courses and spent an evening in town following a Brook Hill excursion.

Member Greg Orschell said he knows someone who finds discounted greens fees via sites like Golfnow or Golflink; the county could possibly put some stay-and-play packages together for golfers.

Palmer recommended Hansel contact Mikel Beck, executive director of Experience Franklin County, Indiana, Inc., since this may already be in the works.

Nick Lawrence, county's consultant from The Wheatley Group, reminded the board of an ongoing study involving Purdue University and the I-74 regional economic development group. The idea is identifying companies in the region closely related to agriculture, then proceeding with site visits for Business Retention and Expansion goals. 

“I'm very much back to thinking that's where our value add is in the group, it has to be more producer-focused,” said Lawrence.

Lawrence and Orschell will conduct business visits (live or virtual) over the next few weeks, review data and identify gaps/employment opportunities in the supply chain.

Orschell gave an update on a potential meat processing/butchering business. The individuals want to sit down with board members to feel out the business side of the venture, what grants may be available, and the amount of matching funds needed.

“You need to understand where you're at, where you want to be and what it takes to get there,” Orschell had told his contact.

In other news, Orschell requested Palmer's presence at the Sept. 12 annual county meeting with Indiana Farm Bureau. 

Hansel, Brookville's appointee to the board, said the town council is prepared to move forward with allocating READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative) funds. 

Palmer briefly spoke on how the county fared in weathering the COVID-19 economic shutdown. He said minimal money ($50,000) was lost in tax revenue and unemployment numbers didn't fluctuate greatly.