Chesterton council approves development measures

CHESTERTON | The town's business climate got a shot in the arm Monday when the Town Council approved two initiatives to boost entrepreneurial activity.

The council gave the nod to creation of a Chesterton Economic Development Company, designed to fuel economic growth. Economic Development Coordinator Dwayne Williams told the council the body would spearhead marketing efforts to create business or industrial parks. It would also be a command center for coordinating economic promotion grant applications and county economic development income tax-funded projects.

The council authorized Town Attorney Charles Lukmann to begin drafting bylaws for the nonprofit organization.

The council also directed Williams to pursue private partnerships that would lead to creation of a business incubator in the town. The incubator would provide a space and support services for entrepreneurs to get new businesses up and running. It would be open to entrepreneurs throughout Porter County, with preference given to those from Chesterton, Williams said.

The incubator initiative got offers of support from Jeff Jones, assistant vice chancellor of Purdue University North Central, and Christopher Davey, of Mishawaka real estate and brokerage service Cressly & Everett. Both spoke of the growth potential in Chesterton and their past efforts in such public and private partnerships.