local Business
Location, Support and Development for Business Growth
There is really no perfect formula for business, commercial, and economic growth; however there are essentials that cannot be overlooked. The appeal of Converse cannot be underestimated when you consider the essentials:
Location
Converse is uniquely positioned as a hub between the four counties of Miami, Wabash, Grant, and Howard at the intersection of State Roads 19 and 18! With these factors, the daily traffic count is many times over the population of Converse. Although, location does not ensure success, it does guarantee potential!
Support
For more than 20 years, the mission of the Converse Economic Development Corporation has been to support existing economic activity, and to attract new business and industry to the Converse area. First established by the Town Council, the Converse EDC is committed to the belief that the Converse community should shape its own future, look to its own resources, and that some of our best ideas and innovation for business growth come from within our community. Some notable past achievements of the Converse EDC have been the establishment of Jefferson Park Common, the pursuit and development of the Drook Medical Center, and the ongoing Façade Grant program. The façade grant program is a matching grant that is designed for shopkeepers to upgrade or restore store fronts visible from Jefferson St. The EDC is in alliance with the Miami County Economic Development Authority and the Grant County Growth Council.
Development
The Converse Redevelopment Commission, empowered by the state of Indiana, oversees the Converse TIF District. Since 2001, the CRC has realized and seen a sizable capital investment in real property, which is unique for a small town and indicative of the vision the town of Converse has had throughout the years. Tax Increment Financing provides for infrastructure development in the TIF area from new construction and equipment. It is best described as a Win-Win for businesses in this district, and neighborhoods adjacent to it, as well as the town of Converse as new jobs have been created in the process.
Atmosphere
Generally, businesses in Converse that market beyond the community feel they can “grow” a business in Converse without all the distractions. There is a definite Converse Advantage in this respect as this is also a value area for housing, a prevailing work ethic, and accessibility to metro areas is within 1-2 hours. Converse is a proud member of the Oak Hill Community which has an outstanding legacy of scholastic and athletic achievement.