A Ball State University economist told Mayor Rick Fledderman Jan. 29 the recession is over because the national economy recently grew by 5.7 percent. There were glimmers of hope here as well.

In his role as economic development director, Fledderman presented his 2009 report to the Batesville Economic Development Commission Feb. 1.

He pointed out Joe's Diner opened, Lil' Charlie’s expanded and the Anytime Fitness chain is building here.

Bruce Rippe will be opening a market on the former Romweber Co.’s east building first floor. The mayor toured that Jan. 29 and reported, “He's investing a lot of money over there” in lighting, restrooms and floor improvements.

Fledderman reminded BEDC that the city council recently applied for a historic district designation downtown so investors can obtain tax credits.

Last year also brought bad news. The report noted, “The decision by Jasper Group to close the Batesville facility in mid-2009 resulted in the loss of over 100 jobs. With the challenges of the global economic recession, jobs were also cut at Hill-Rom, Batesville Tool & Die and Batesville Casket. However, in some cases employees have been recalled by these companies. Other companies reduced hours as a means to make it through the tough economic times.”

Some existing businesses saw growth. The mayor said, “Defender Direct now has 178 employees” at Cross County Plaza. “They're ahead of schedule" as far as projected hiring.

According to BEDC member Gene Lambert, at Batesville Tool & Die, where he is employed, “almost everyone's working overtime.” Thirty of the last 52 workers who were laid off have been called back in temporary capacities. “The outlook for Tool & Die is pretty exciting right now .... We put a lot of work into strategic planning last year.” Leaders now are formulating many quotes for possible projects, he said.

Fledderman listed his 2010 priorities: “retain industries and businesses that we have ... fill the existing (empty) buildings, develop the new industrial park” and add retail businesses downtown.

The report stated, “One of the opportunities being worked on is for Batesville to become a member and partner with the Indiana Main Street program. Several community meetings were held in 2009 and the opportunity to move this initiative forward will be a high priority for 2010.” Community development director Kathleen Jeffers, who sat in on the meeting, is charged with that effort.

Fledderman said he’s responded to questions about available buildings and lots. “Is there a trend relative to the inquiries?" asked BEDC Chairman Tom Jeffers. “It's seasonal,” the mayor replied. “It's been a little slow here in the last couple months. We did get a good lead last week. Most want existing buildings.”

Lambert suggested, “It certainly would be nice to keep a history of leads ... have a document that would assist us" that detailed what types of buildings and lots were desired. “I'm wanting more than what we’ve got right now ... so we can make good decisions moving forward.” He and Fledderman will work on the document.

The mayor also is completing an inventory of available commercial and industrial space, which will be posted on the city’s Web site, www.batesvilleindiana.us/, under Economic Development.

When asked about vacant space, the mayor listed the Maxwell building in Batesville Commerce Center, part of the former Knights of Columbus building, the house next to The Bookshelf and the back of the Sherman House.

He added the Taff Furniture, Hill-Rom Architectural Products and Finishing Touch buildings may soon be empty. Part of the former Romweber building is for lease. Real estate agent Jim Dreyer, who was at the meeting, reported the Bee Active Gym School building is for sale.

Referring to the closing of Taff Furniture, Lambert said, “I think a furniture store is important to our community .... whose responsibility is it to find the next Taff?” According to Fledderman, chamber, city and economic development officials are meeting weekly. “We just have to pull together and work as a team.”

Lambert noted, “As we market the industrial side of the community, we've got some buildings opened up,” but he didn’t think they would fit the needs of industrial firms due to either size or location.

Months ago, before the recession began, BEDC discussed constructing a spec building at the new industrial park near I-74. Lambert maintained certain types of companies, such as those based in Japan, look for lots in industrial settings. He said, “I'm still high on the spec building,” although now may not be the right time to build it. The mayor said, “I think when we develop the new park, we need to keep it industrial," instead of the mix of firms now at Batesville Commerce Center.

A few initiatives will help existing Batesville businesses. Fledderman wants to establish a city revolving loan program either in partnership with area banks or through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

He met Jan. 20 with Jackie LeBerth of SouthEast Indiana Small Business Development Center, which serves Franklin, Ripley, Dearborn, Switzerland and Ohio counties. SBDC representatives are a good resource, he reported. They can help local businesses create business plans and will sponsor seminars. He and LeBerth plan to visit six banks to learn what they can and can't do to aid local companies.

The chairman concluded, “There's quite a bit that we have done, but we can always do more.” He said efforts must be evaluated to determine what's giving the city the best return. At future meetings, Jeffers wants to review priorities and have Fledderman report on his monthly actions for each one.