Working on a regional scale strengthens our local efforts and allows us to compete more effectively in the evolving global economy.
We participate on a regional scale through the following organizations
Hoosier Heartland Region
In 2005, the HHR was awarded one of thirteen Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grants that were distributed across the nation. Benton County is one of 14 counties located in the HHR. The goal of the grant work was to identify how the region would move forward with a new regional identity in a meaningful and sustainable way.
GLEA works toward strengthening partnerships with the Private Sector, Government, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Education, the department of Workforce Development and Utilities.
Indiana’s economic development efforts switched gears in February 2005, when the former Department of Commerce was replaced by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the State of Indiana’s lead economic development agency.