Lawrence County is poised for economic and cultural growth.
The has a mission "to collaboratively plan for and guide the economic development of the county; to facilitate the expansion and retention of existing business; to aggressively recruit new business; and to support the development of a quality of life that makes Lawrence County a superior place to live, work and run a business." Adjacent to Naval Support Activity Crane, the third largest naval base in the world, defense is one of Lawrence County's target industries for growth. Automotive manufacturing is also on the rise in Lawrence County, while the Limestone Industry remains our strong foundation.
The serves as a community learning center and currently provides accommodation to two schools: Oakland City University-Bedford and Ivy Tech Community College, Bedford. Discussions are underway to deliver access to additional higher education providers at StoneGate Center. To that end, StoneGate Center will expand to include a second location at 15th and J streets. StoneGate Center Downtown will provide a site on the Lawrence County Courthouse Square for job training, degree work and professional training in collaborative partnerships with Oakland City University, Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, Radius Indiana, WestGate Academy and North Lawrence Career Center. In addition, the organizers’ goal is for the site to house a branch of the Indiana University Chinese Flagship Center, which will offer Mandarin language courses. StoneGate Center will partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County and the Lawrence County Museum of History for youth training and education, and with local performing arts groups to present independent films and cultural events. The combined StoneGate Centers will offer workforce development to ensure international, national, regional and local impact for skilled trades, advanced manufacturing and information technology needs of the future. For more information, call (812) 279-8126, e-mail gene@stonegateeducation.com, susan@stonegateeducation.com or visit stonegateeducation.com.
Bedford was given Indiana's Stellar Community Designation in 2013, enabling the city to work with state agencies as it creates new living amenties and growth opportunities for the community. Preserving cultural character through historic preservation, new parks, downtown revitalization as well as the promotion of bicycling and the arts are all part of the city's strategic plan. Learn more about Bedford's .
(BRI) is an Indiana Main Street organization with the mission of "strengthening partnerships, supporting business, and attracting visitors while building community relationships to promote a vibrant downtown district." Acrosss the country, Main Street programs promote preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. BRI's work is in evidence at the and the .
