By ANDY OBER Assistant Managing Editor InsideIndianaBusiness COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County Economic Development Corporation says the latest class of its venture accelerator program has graduated. Program manager, Steve Franks, says the cohort includes women-owned ventures and a disabled veteran who has “re-invented” vertical farming. The latest class focused on agribusiness and foods businesses. The graduates include Bill …read more.

Leadership Whitley County (LWC) and the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced yesterday that the LWC program will join the EDC and LWC alumnae Carrie Meyer will serve as the new program director. “Leadership Whitley County is an excellent program that will work well with the added support of Whitley County Economic Development,” said …read more.

Two companies today announced plans to expand their operations and create 69 new jobs in northeast Indiana. “There’s a reason why Indiana continues to have the highest concentration of private sector manufacturing jobs in the United States,” said Governor Mike Pence. “By any measure, Indiana’s the best place to start or grow a business. And …read more.

The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced today that Jonathan J. (Jon) Myers will join the organization as president effective May 11. “We are thrilled to introduce Jon as the new president of the Whitley County EDC,” said board chairman Robin Wright, “We believe Jon brings the right combination of experience, knowhow, and passion …read more.

The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (Regional Partnership) today announced that local economic development professional Alan Tio is joining the leadership team to serve as Senior Vice President. Tio will join the Partnership effective May 4 and lead the organization’s business development, marketing, and regional initiatives. “Alan is a great addition to the leadership team of …read more.

SGS Specialty Group, a contract manufacturer for the development of medical devices, surgical instruments and specialized cutting tools, announced plans today to expand its operations, creating up to 17 new jobs by 2019. The company, previously known as Oak View Tool Company, will invest $773,767 to equip its 9,500 sq. ft. facility at 724 Swihart …read more.

Developer 30 Spec Realty, LLC yesterday announced plans to construct a 16,000 sq. ft. expandable shell building in “shovel ready” certified Park 30 Business Center in Whitley County. The shell building will be located on a 2.36 acre lot on Progress Court in Park 30 Business Center. The Carey Group has been selected as the …read more.

Locally based Ag Plus LP and ChromaSource, Inc. today announced plans to expand their respective local operations, which will involve the companies investing a combined $3.327 million and creation of up to 23 new jobs in 2015. Ag Plus, a farmer-owned cooperative based in South Whitley, is establishing a joint venture with St. Paul, Minn. …read more.

The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation announced yesterday the EDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Initiative (SBEI) is preparing for the second cohort of the Growth Ventures business accelerator program, which will begin Jan. 12, 2015. The SBEI Growth Ventures business accelerator program launched in spring 2014 with its initial cohort of four business owners. Participants …read more.

The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation is the recipient of a $60,000 USDA Rural Development Business Enterprise Grant. USDA-Rural Development State Director Phillip Lehmkuhler will join the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation today to make the public announcement. The RBEG program helps to finance and facilitate the development of new and existing businesses in rural …read more.