Jasper Action Team taking initiative in attracting new businesses to Jasper

The Jasper Action Team announced on Wednesday plans to increase marketing to attract potential businesses to Jasper. The Jasper Action Team and Jasper Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the marketing initiative, which is funded through several local businesses.

The first step in their marketing efforts was completed yesterday when two billboards in the county were branded with the Jasper Action Team’s new logo and the message “Jasper Means Business- Be a Part of It”. The billboards are located on U.S. 231 in WITZ bottoms and near Bretzville Junction on Highway 162.

The group is planning other strategic areas to place billboards as another step in attracting outside business to the area and mentioned the idea of placing one on Highway 37 south of Indianapolis.

Additionally the group has included tools on the Jasper Chamber of Commerce website to assist new and existing businesses in the area. The site also has links to area economic development organizations like Dubois Strong and Indiana Small Business Development Center.

In the near future, the group will begin circulating  news releases and advertisements for local businesses through local media outlets.The goal is to get the word out about events in the area such as new businesses, expanding businesses and other business events. “I think often times people don’t really realize what is happening [in the business community],” Rick Stradtner said. “We do have a strong business community. We are the hub for several counties and I think we need to do more to promote what’s happening here. From that we think good things can happen.”

Ideas being considered to increase local businesses include an incubator as well as creating young entrepreneur training with Vincennes University in Jasper.

Reading from a prepared statement, Stradtner said, “We believe, in partnership with our elected officials and through the efforts of our county economic development group Dubois Strong, that Jasper can continue to be a force in southwestern Indiana and, indeed, a place to live, work and thrive.”

Dave Buehler commented that he completely supports the marketing initiative, “I believe in the old saying, ‘you are what you think you are’,” He said. “I think that’s the key thing and we want people to understand that we are pretty good.”

The Jasper Action Team was instrumental in the development and passage of the city and county level tax abatement incentive plans. They authored a specific portion of Indiana House Bill 1007, sponsored by Representative Mark Messmer, dealing with payroll tax rebates. This bill was signed unanimously by the Indiana House and Senate. They also serve as a facilitator to increase public awareness and conversation about economic development in the community.

Here is a link to the Jasper Chamber of Commerce.