By JONI TRUEX
Public Information Director, Kosciusko Leadership Academy

Kosciusko County Area Plan Commissioner Dan Richard began the KLA session by explaining the majority of the original towns and settlements that survive still today began on rail and major roadways.

Explaining the history of the development of Kosciusko County, Dan explained the need that eventually arose for planning and zoning. Another interesting fact that Dan shared is the fact that Kosciusko County has more miles of paved roadway than any other county in Indiana.

Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties Executive Officer Joni Truex provided information on construction and home building in Kosciusko County today and in the future.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, nationwide estimates for 2014, building an average single-family home creates 2.97 jobs and generates $110,957 in taxes; building an average rental apartment creates 1.13 jobs and generates $42,383 in taxes; and $100,000 spent on remodeling creates 0.89 jobs and generates $29,779 in taxes. According to multiple surveys, owning your own home remains the American Dream!

George Robertson, executive director of Kosciusko Economic Development, told the KLA audience there have been 12 major manufacturing expansions in 2014. 562 new jobs were created with an average wage of $21.15. In December 2014, there has been an increase of 2,000 people working in the county in comparison to 2013, according to census data. A new marketing strategy is being implemented with the “Come Back to Kosciusko, there’s a job for you here!” in order to recruit former residents to relocate here!

KLA is a not for profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through white paper projects.