ANDERSON, Ind. —
Mayor Kevin Smith believes that if the city builds ahead and sets the stage for economic development, jobs will come.
Decisions about improvements — designed to draw investment to the community — must come through research and studies on the market needs, the economy, various industries and how companies are changing, Smith said.
During his first State of the City address after returning to the mayor’s office Jan. 1 for his second term, Smith said his top priority is to bring new jobs and investments to the city. He spoke to about 100 people on Tuesday at the Anderson Rotary Club meeting at Anderson Country Club.
“With this process comes vision and planning, which are absolutely important to make this happen,” he said.
One of the keys to drawing companies here is to build and improve infrastructure, like roads and utilities, to encourage businesses to move here, Smith emphasized.
He cited the following example: Several years ago, his first administration began the process of building 73rd Street as an entrance into the Flagship Enterprise Center business park. At the time, the road wasn’t really needed but the city was hopeful businesses would move into the vacant area and would benefit from the street.
When Nestle officials were contemplating siting a plant in Anderson, they wanted to know about the roads leading into potential properties.
Anderson officials notified Nestle that the city had already started the process of building the necessary infrastructure, which can take two to three years, and would have 73rd Street ready by the time the proposed facility opened. That helped land the $359 million Nestle plant, Smith said. Nestle now employs more than 600 workers at its Anderson facility.
“We will dedicate finances to make sure Anderson continues to build ‘roads to nowhere’ that will become ‘roads to somewhere’ in the future,” Smith said.
The city also needs to consider land use, specifically properties that can be redeveloped and vacant land with good access and visibility from the interstate, he said.
“Anderson needs to be sure it has interstate frontage for businesses who desire that to locate here,” Smith said.
The mayor also said he wants to focus on quality-of-life issues. Among those are improvements to parks and trails and beautification projects. Another important aspect is education, and parents’ obligation to educate their children, he said.
Smith reminded the group that the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, during Smith’s first administration, named Anderson its 2007 Community of the Year.
“My goal is to get that in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016,” he said.
Sally DeVoe, executive director of the Madison County Community Foundation, said she enjoyed hearing Smith speak about positive steps the community can take.
“The community foundation is all about collaboration,” she said. “It takes all of us working together for one good.”
Flagship CEO Chuck Staley said Smith’s speech gave a good overview of the community. He appreciated the mayor’s commitment to economic development.
“The emphasis on education and infrastructure are key parts for a community to move forward,” Staley said.
Contact Melanie Hayes: 648-4250 or melanie.hayes@heraldbulletin.com.
Local Politics
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Mayor Kevin Smith gave his State of the City address to the Anderson Rotary Club Tuesday. John P. Cleary
Discussion
Mayor emphasizes infrastructure in annual address
Smith: Education, quality of life also key
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