Building From Within

All four communities in Jasper County recognize and are focused on the importance of undertaking initiatives that strengthen their respective sense of place.  This emphasis on community development benefits local residents and stakeholders and also serves to increase Jasper County’s attractiveness to those evaluating the area for relocation or business investment.

The guiding principles of the Indiana Main Street Program, effectively administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, are being applied in the Jasper County communities of DeMotte, Remington, Rensselaer and Wheatfield.  They include:

Enhancing the appearance of commercial areas in each community through the rehabilitation of historic buildings, new construction, application of consistent design themes, and long-term strategic planning;

Developing broad consensus and cooperation among the many public and private entities and individuals involved in the revitalization process in order to ensure a positive, self-reliant and sustainable effort;

Marketing each community’s image and commercial assets to customers, investors, businesses, local residents and visitors, and where necessary, reshape the community’s own perspective of itself in a favorable way;

Solidify and expand each community’s existing economic base in mature neighborhoods while also identifying ways to capitalize on the opportunities and address the challenges created by new development in outlying areas.

Drinking the Kool-Aid

The Jasper County Economic Development Organization (JCEDO) is working hard to support the efforts of organizations in DeMotte, Remington, Rensselaer and Wheatfield to achieve their community development goals.  JCEDO is drinking the Koo-Aid with:

DeMotte Chamber of Commerce - organized in 1967 and today over 150 members strong and involved in supporting initiatives that encourage community networking and advocacy.   

Remington Wolcott Community Development Commission - created in 2008 to develop a vision for revitalizing the neighboring communities of Remington and Wolcott, Indiana (in White County) and the U.S. Highway 24 corridor that connects them. 

Remington Main Street - started in 2008 and is involved with their seasonal Farmers Market, downtown improvement projects, ‘Spruce-Up Kits’ for property owners, and retail promotions.

Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce - has over 180 members and exists to cultivate a prosperous business and community environment through support of local government and enhancement of the quality of life in the Rensselaer area.

Main Street Rensselaer - formed in 2000 and is progressive in accomplishing their objectives through infrastructure improvements, festivals and events, streetscape plans, and supporting business and property owners.

Wheatfield Chamber of Commerce - in existence since 2005 and now over 30 members strong, the organization has been bringing local businesses together to promote economic growth and commercial activity in the community.