The Kankakee Iroquois Regional Ag Strategy, funded through the READI 1.0 program of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), is pleased to announce that Warren County and Carroll County have officially joined the regional collaboration. This expansion now increases the reach of the Initiative to eight counties across northwest Indiana.
The Ag Strategy brings counties together to build value‐added agriculture, improve processing infrastructure, strengthen food systems, and promote regional economic growth. Warren and Carroll Counties will now partner with Benton, Jasper, Newton, Pulaski, Starke, and White Counties to advance these shared goals.
“Communities who have a vision and a plan tend to receive more industrial development, grants and investment. It makes sense for Warren County to join this initiative and the momentum it is building for our rural area and region,” said Ben Dispenett, member of the Warren County Economic Development Board and Warren County Council.
About Warren County Economic Development
Warren County’s Local Economic Development Organization (“Warren Advantage”) plays a key role in supporting workforce training, infrastructure, and business growth. Among its many advantages, the county offers strong transportation links, robust broadband coverage, and educational opportunities tied to career technical training programs. These assets help position Warren County as a competitive player for agribusiness, manufacturing, and renewables.
The county seat of Williamsport anchors a largely agricultural economy, with productive farmland, supportive local leadership, and a history of emphasizing small‐town values while creating room for industrial and technological growth.
About Carroll County Economic Development Corporation
The Carroll County Economic Development Corporation is a well‐established non‐profit (501(c)(6)) that works to attract new investment, enhance the tax base, and support local businesses. Carroll County is known for its strong agricultural heritage, accessible industrial parks, rail and highway infrastructure, and an active local leadership focused on balancing economic growth with quality of life in its rural communities.
Significance of the Expansion
By welcoming Warren and Carroll Counties, the Ag Strategy becomes more geographically and economically inclusive, allowing the region to leverage more agricultural resources, expand value‐added processing opportunities, and improve site readiness for agribusiness prospects in more counties.
With the addition, the Strategy’s implementation—led by consultants Connie Neininger and Lee Lewellen—will now scale workshops, marketing, and site development outreach even more broadly. The aim is to attract investment, improve supply chains, and provide entrepreneurs and farmers across all eight counties with stronger support and better infrastructure.
Media Contact: Sara DeYoung, JCEDO Executive Director, KIRAG Grant Administrator
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