As the particulars are being decided for a technical education center at the site of the former Diebolt Lumber, it’s crucial we keep up the momentum.
Two reasons: Local benefactor Ray Maloney’s support is not to be taken for granted. And the program’s funding through Senate Bill 155 needs to be locked in before state legislators get their grubby hands on it.
Maloney has been instrumental in launching the program by providing a site — buildings included — for the program. A self-made success, Maloney isn’t accustomed to the bureaucratese in education and government circles. Instead, he cuts to the chase. He wants to see at least the beginnings of the program be started next fall. Educators should see that it happens.
As for the funding, there’s about $20 million in the SB 155 pot for these programs that equip graduates with industry-approved certificates.
Shhhhhh. It may not be too smart these days to announce there’s state money to be had.
A BONUS from the technical education center coming to Allen County is that it will help attract industries.
A workforce trained right at their doorstep — to their specifications — is a valuable tool to prospective industries.
Industries looking to expand consider an area’s incentives. Some aren’t as valuable as others.
Tax credits, for instance, are good only if a company has a large tax liability in state. What works better are outright gifts in the form of reduced rates for utilities, reduced property taxes for a limited period of time, and infrastructure in the form of streets, sidewalks and utility hook-ups.
If a company is moving to an existing building, then gifts can include a new or upgraded sprinkler system, electrical system or a new roof.
The beginning phase of a new company is its most expensive. Make it cost-prohibitive for them to get their feet off the ground, and you’ve lost them.
But give them a way to reduce their liabilities, and that may be the bridge to a deal.
Does that mean we just hike up our skirt whenever someone feigns interest?
Of course not.
