Dubois Strong president resigns; interim president is Michael Cummings

Jasper, IN – Dubois Strong announced today that Jim Dinkle has officially resigned from his position as President, effective September 28, 2012.

In his statement, Mr. Dinkle explained that he will return home to Arizona to accept a position as Executive Director of the Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation. He explained, “Even though I will be 1,600 miles away, I will always be a champion for Dubois County. Whenever opportunities arise that would be a good fit for Dubois County, I’ll be the first to help however I can.”

“What will be ingrained in my memory,” Jim said, “is that Dubois County reminds me of a better time in America. It’s a place where people fly the flag, kids ride their bikes down the sidewalk and play in the back yard, where the daily newspaper is delivered to your doorstep, and churches and public education remain a focus for families and children.”

Mr. Dinkle served as President of Dubois Strong since April 2011, and has achieved numerous significant accomplishments. The organization, formerly known as Dubois County Area Development Corporation, reinvented itself as Dubois Strong in April 2012. Along with the rebranding effort came a new website, logo, and increased social media presence.

Mr. Dinkle’s tenure also saw the retention and expansion of several local companies, including Indiana Furniture, Stens Corp., and G&T Industries.

Other accomplishments include improved relations with elected representatives in Washington, D.C., inclusion of the Huntingburg Airport Technology Park in the Indiana Shovel Ready program, an increased focus on providing better access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as strategic investments in the I-67 corridor study, Purdue Technical Assistance Program, and Buxton Analytics.

Dubois Strong also saw growth in its investor base, increasing from 14 investors in 2010 to 40 investors currently.

Board Chairman Mike Schwenk stated, “We’re very pleased with Jim’s involvement in bringing Dubois Strong to a higher level as an organization. The rebranding has been a success, and the implementation of new tools like Buxton Analytics and the expansion to our Enterprise Loan Fund have positioned Dubois Strong to provide true value to our stakeholders.”

The Dubois Strong Board of Directors is currently exploring several options to find a new President. The Board has named Michael Cummings Interim President until a permanent replacement is found. Michael currently serves as Director of Marketing and Investor Development with Dubois Strong.