The Carroll County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) has selected RJL Solutions to serve as the county’s interim Local Economic Development Organization (LEDO), providing leadership and continuity for economic development activities while assisting CCEDC in its search for a full-time executive director.
Jonathan Blake, Vice President of Economic and Community Development at RJL Solutions, will serve as the primary point of contact for the engagement. Blake will work closely with the CCEDC Board of Directors, local elected officials, businesses, community partners, and regional and state organizations to advance Carroll County’s economic development priorities.
During the engagement, RJL Solutions will support business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts; respond to prospective development opportunities; strengthen relationships with existing employers; coordinate with regional and state economic development partners; and assist with the day-to-day administration of CCEDC. The firm will also lead and support the process of identifying and recruiting a qualified full-time executive director.
“Maintaining continuity and momentum during this transition is important for Carroll County,” said Anita Werling, President of the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. “RJL Solutions brings the experience, statewide relationships, and practical understanding of local economic development necessary to support our existing businesses, pursue new opportunities, and help us identify the right person to lead the organization into the future.”
RJL Solutions is well positioned to serve Carroll County in this interim role. The firm has extensive experience providing economic and community development services to counties and local economic development organizations throughout Indiana, including interim leadership, organizational management, business retention and expansion, project development, strategic planning, incentive coordination, and executive recruitment.
Through this work, RJL Solutions has developed strong relationships with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, state agencies, regional development organizations, utility partners, site selectors, consultants, and local government leaders. These relationships will allow the firm to quickly engage with Carroll County’s partners and ensure that the county remains responsive to existing businesses and prospective investment opportunities throughout the leadership transition.
“Carroll County has strong assets, committed community leaders, and meaningful opportunities for continued economic growth,” said Jonathan Blake. “RJL Solutions looks forward to working alongside the CCEDC Board, local officials, employers, and community partners to maintain momentum, strengthen the county’s economic development efforts, and support the search for a permanent executive director who can lead the organization forward.”