2023 Strategic Plan

Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) has created a tactical economic development plan to identify organizational objectives and guide countywide economic development strategies. This plan sets a five-year organizational vision and the blueprint for success, propelling Steuben County into a thriving future. 

The plan outlines a meticulously crafted roadmap designed to grow businesses, improve the quality of place, cultivate and retain talent, increase population, and foster collaborative partnerships throughout Steuben County and the Northeast Indiana region. Sustainability is central to this strategic plan and growth tactics included in this plan to understand the importance of protecting the county's natural assets to which are vital for the County's long-term prosperity.

Five key focus areas have been identified for the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), based on the organization's mission and community needs. These focus areas have been informed by stakeholder input, economic trend analysis, and other local, regional, and statewide planning efforts. SCEDC aims to align its strategic priorities with broader planning efforts to maximize organizational impact. SCEDC's proposed focus areas are outlined below to serve as strategic pillars, guiding the organization's efforts toward impactful economic development. 

Business Retention & Expansion:

Maintain a proactive business-retention strategy by engaging with local employers, assessing local trends, and offering support through available resources and services to aid local business growth and entrepreneurship.

Business Attraction:

Implement effective business recruitment programs that showcase Steuben County's economic advantages to attract expanding or relocating companies, in collaboration with local and regional partners.

Talent Attraction and Development:

SCEDC plays a key role in supporting holistic workforce development programs focused on the retention, attraction, and enhancement of talent in Steuben County.

Economic Development Marketing:

SCEDC develops and implements marketing strategies and materials that effectively showcase Steuben County's development opportunities, assets, and high quality of life, to attract new residents, and businesses, and raise awareness of local resources. 

Community Development and Growth:

SCEDC will promote a vibrant community to attract and retain residents through continued support of infrastructure expansion, trails, placemaking, and housing development that address the needs of current and future residents.