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Regional Adjustment Stratel4ies, Objective <br />Our current economic adjustment strategy is found in the 2015-2019 Comprehensive <br />Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) prepared by the Michiana Area Council of <br />Governments. In an effort to build programs that support business, the following objectives <br />were established for our regional CEDS: <br />Encourage the attraction of new businesses <br />Grow and retain existing business <br />Attract high quality, high payingjobs in growth industries with a focus on <br />technology <br />Encourage an attitude of entrepreneurship <br />Promote an economy which supports business <br />Improve capital access for local businesses <br />Support new technology and workforce development. <br />Local StratelZies, Objectives <br />The regional CEDS describes four very different economics, each with (somewhat) unique <br />economic challenges: <br />Elkhart County is a robust manufacturing center, driven largely by the recreational <br />vehicle and manufactured housing industry. <br />Marshall County reflects a rural community setting, with an economy that is largely <br />driven by agricultural linked manufacturing and service businesses. <br />Kosciusko County is a rural community that happens to have (located in Warsaw) <br />the largest concentration of orthopedic original equipment manufacturers in the <br />United States. <br />St. Joseph County reflects a major manufacturing economy that has gone through <br />a massive contraction as products traditionally produced in the United States have <br />moved offshore, remaining legacy operations have shifted to more highly <br />mechanized production systems, and as locally owned firms have departed, leaving <br />branch plant operations in their wake. <br />Our local efforts in St. Joseph County are driven by two very significant and unique <br />needs: <br />To support the transition of our traditional manufacturing base, ensuring that those <br />activities that can continue to effectively operate in the US (and the Midwest in particular) <br />have the support and resources needed to succeed. <br />To support the creation of new products and services, new business activities that are often <br />fueled by the new concepts and technologies generated by university research. <br />4 <br />