By Marilyn Odendahl, Truth Staff
modendahl@etruth.com
ELKHART -- Just the mere announcement that President Barack Obama was coming was enough to start the phones ringing.
Local economic development officials have been fielding inquiries from consultants, existing companies and entrepreneurs ever since the White House broke the news that the president would be holding a town hall meeting in Elkhart on Feb. 9. Although the national spotlight has brought calls from across the country, so far none of the proposals has been substantive.
Most of those calling are wanting to get a piece of the federal stimulus money, said Dorinda Heiden-Guss, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County.
Obama stopped in Elkhart to promote his stimulus package designed to revive the national economy. With its dependence on recreational vehicle manufacturing, Elkhart County has been hit especially hard by the recession. The county's average unemployment rate of 8.3 percent in 2008 is the second highest since 1982 when the jobless rate averaged 13.2 percent
The presidential visit has sparked interest in the local community, filling the voicemail and e-mail inbox of Brian Gildea, economic development manager for the city of Elkhart. However, many contacting the city are just trying to sell their services or wanting $3 million to start their business as opposed to being legitimate companies offering a plan to come and put people to work, Gildea said.
Neither the city nor the EDC are outright dismissing the inquires and business ideas they have been receiving. Gildea is asking proposals be submitted in writing and the EDC, according to Guss, is "trying to quantify companies to determine their commitment to the community and citizens."
Obama's visit did boost the number of inquiries but Guss noted the EDC has had an increase in activity since January. To date, the organization has four quality leads from manufacturing companies outside of the RV industry interested in locating in Elkhart County.
Despite being inundated with calls, Gildea believes the president's attention can benefit the city. Since Obama pointed to Elkhart as a reason for the need of economic stimulus, maybe he will point to it again as the proof that the stimulus worked.
"I hope if things turn around," Gildea said, "we can be the poster child for the recovery."