Economic development director ready for challenge

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

On the job just a week, newly hired Economic Development Executive Director Gary Norman has already made contacts, done research and has some future goals outlined. Knowing Ripley County is sitting on the threshold of a whole new economic landscape, Norman said, “What a wonderful opportunity for Ripley County.”

Longtime resident of Ripley County, Norman lived in Milan and moved to Osgood in 1992. He served as clerk-treasurer for the town of Osgood from 2000-2004 and just resigned last week from his position as a member of the Osgood Town Council as required when he accepted the position of economic development director.

Norman brings experience in local government, understands grant processes on the local, state and federal levels, has worked with abatements, economic growth patterns and comprehensive/strategic planning.

The new director recently completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree through Indiana Wesleyan. The 41-year-old father of two said it was both a challenge and an advantage to go back to school “later in life.” He feels classes on globalization helped him better understand the process and how it can impact even Ripley County. “We’re all globally connected - it’s here and it’s not going away,” Norman told the Osgood Journal.

With the new Honda manufacturing plant getting started in neighboring Decatur County, Norman expects to see supply type industries looking for a home. He’s already met with other economic development directors to get ideas on how to make our county more attractive to these businesses.
Norman said his background in real estate (licensed agent from 1994-2002) gives him an edge on making cold calls. “I’m on the phone a lot,” he noted, saying that was one of the first things he checked into when signing on. “I wanted to make sure they (economic development) had unlimited long distance, because I’d be doing a lot of calling,” he noted.

Saying he doesn’t want to exclude any opportunity for economic growth in the county, he’ll be bringing his contacts from the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky areas into play. “I’m trying to broaden the range of where our (Ripley County) opportunities come from,” he noted, saying he’ll work with officials in our state, but, won’t be limited to that alone.

Norman knows about the construction industry having been employed as project manager for Legacy Construction, Lawrenceburg. He has worked with business owners to expand and improve their facilities. He says, “knowing their needs makes for a smoother transaction putting packages together.”
The future looks bright on the economic horizon for Ripley County according to Norman. He’s looking forward to not only helping to bring new businesses in, but, assisting present ones with any needs they might have. Plans are to offer workshops to present business owners giving them opportunities to grow. “There’s money out there for training for businesses,” he noted. Of the existing business base, Norman said he wants to help enhance what we have and then add more. “We have to remember we’re where we are now because of existing businesses - we want to help them however we can.”

Having been a longtime resident Norman says he knows what the make up of the county is. He has a passion to make the quality of life better for the next generation. He feels his background in business and local government coupled with his education and personal desire to see the county grow, make him a good candidate for the position.

The economic development office is located on the square in Versailles on the second floor of the Schuerman building. You can contact Norman by calling 812-689-4344. “We have prosperous opportunities in front of us and I look forward to taking Ripley County to the next level of economic growth,” Norman concluded.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO Newly hired Executive Director for economic development in Ripley County, Gary Norman is ready to get to work.