On June 18 LEAD, a new Bristol community organization, sponsored its first event, a luncheon meeting which attracted about 60 persons to the Open Door Center. LEAD is an acronym for Leadership Enhancement and Development, which seeks to bring together representatives from all segments of the Bristol area, including churches, government entities, nonprofit groups, and businesses. The focus of this initial gathering of LEAD was an update on the local and national economic situations.

Dorinda Heiden-Guss, president of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Elkhart County, spoke about the local situation. The EDC is a cooperative effort of local business and government groups to encourage commercial enterprises to locate in or remain in Elkhart County. More information can be obtained by calling 535-1002 or by consulting the EDC website at www.elkhartcountybiz.com.

Dorinda said she believes that Elkhart County is at or near the bottom of the current economic downturn. She stated that some companies related to the RV industry are beginning to experience more activity.

The EDC, she said, has seen an increase in the number of companies that have checked out Elkhart County in their search for possible relocation sites. The interest has come, not only from around the USA, but also from overseas. Dorinda praised the members of the Bristol Town Council, who “stepped up” with incentives to attract an international concern that recently showed interest in locating in Bristol.

In a recorded video presentation, Alan Skrainka, a market analyst with Edward Jones Investments, responded to questions from a panel of citizens from various walks of life.
Skrainka said “the economy is starting to recover,” noting that unemployment is always a lagging indicator of such a recovery. He said that the nation’s economic problems are “serious, but not insurmountable,” mentioning that the worst downturns in the past century have always been followed by good times. He urged investors to “look forward, not backward” as they consider their economic situations.

Future events sponsored by LEAD will be featured in The Bristol Bugle. All interested persons are invited to participate.