Franklin Business Park, Blackford County Industrial Receive Development Designation

he Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the designation of Indiana Site Certified Silver to the Franklin Business Park and Indiana Site Certified Gold to the Blackford County Industrial Park.

“To earn a site certified designation, groups are required to have both public and private sector dedication and collaboration,” said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. “I commend the leadership and local partners of the Franklin Business Park and Blackford County Industrial Park for taking the necessary steps to bring economic development to their communities.”

The Franklin Business Park is a 140 acre site is located in Franklin, Ind., two miles from Interstate 65. In a partnership between the land owner and Johnson County Development Corporation, the property has all utilities installed and could be used for business services, general/light manufacturing, transportation, distribution and logistics.

“Companies want to work in communities that are able to work at the speed of business, and the city of Franklin is committed to doing just that,” said Steve Barnett, Mayor of Franklin. “This certification is one more way we can ensure companies’ success in our city.”

The Blackford County Industrial Park is a 37 acre site located in Hartford City, Ind. Owned by Blackford Industrial Development Corporation, the site has all utilities installed including high-speed internet and could be used for a variety of industrial purposes.

“We are thrilled to not only recertify this site to the new standards, but also enhance the level of our certification to Gold Status. The work put into this site allows us to be one-step ahead for future development” said Colton Bickel, Executive Director of the Blackford County Economic Development Corporation. “The future is bright in Blackford County and we look forward to working with potential occupants in making this site their home.”

The Indiana Site Certified program validates sites that are ready for economic development. The program is administered by OCRA in partnership with the state’s Fast Access Site Team, which is comprised of multiple state agencies. These agencies include the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.