Boone County Economic Development Corporation

08/25/2026

A strong win for Boone County and Indiana’s manufacturing economy. D-A Lubricant Co.’s $17 million expansion reflects the strength of Lebanon’s advanced manufacturing sector and its continued potential for economic and workforce growth.

D-A Lubricant, which moved its headquarters from Indianapolis to Lebanon in 2012, manufactures lubricants, greases, coolants, and specialty fluid products.

08/24/2026

500 Sycamore Founder and Boone EDC Board Member, Braden Nicholson, joined Boone EDC's Director of Business Engagement and Partnership, Denise Niblick, to present local initiatives to USDA Rural Development. The presentation highlighted impactful projects across Boone County, focusing on community-aligned rural growth and revitalization.

A major feature was the historic Main Street incremental investment in Thorntown, a development spearheaded by 500 Sycamore in close collaboration with the Thorntown Town Council to align directly with residents' desires. Thanks to this partnership, Main Street is now a thriving hub home to three new woman-owned small businesses: Robin’z Nest, Sweet Linen, and Welcome To The Country Antiques & Home Decor. This collaborative effort stands as a testament to what thoughtful, community-led investment can achieve for local economic vitality.

08/20/2026

Interested in a high-demand career supporting the future of AI and data centers?

Join us to learn about America’s Workforce Academy, built by Meta—a new pathway into the skilled trades designed to connect participants with training, credentials and employment opportunities.

📅 Wednesday, September 30, 2026
⏰ 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 Lebanon Public Library – Crawford Room
104 E. Washington St., Lebanon, IN 46052

Come learn how you can turn your interest into skills, training and a career pathway in one of America’s growing industries.

👉 Join us for this informational Q&A session and discover where a career in the skilled trades c

Register Here: https://4dz4l.share.hsforms.com/2uBDIftCWSLGNGWAPYRSBtg

08/11/2026

There’s a lot happening in Boone County, and even more to be proud of.

The latest Business in Focus feature takes a closer look at the people, places, and possibilities shaping our community’s future. From continued growth and investment to the partnerships that keep Boone County moving forward, it’s a great view of what makes this place special.

We’re proud to see Boone County’s story shared on a bigger stage, and even more excited about the chapters still ahead.

Read the full feature and discover why the future is Better in Boone.

https://mags.businessinfocusmagazine.com/brochures/2026/08/boone-county-indiana/ /3

08/10/2026

Big opportunities are growing right here in Boone County!

America's Workforce Academy, built by META, is preparing Hoosiers for careers in AI infrastructure and connecting investment in our community with new skills and career pathways.

Proud to see Boone County helping build Indiana’s workforce of the future!

You can learn more about America’s Workforce Academy or apply by clicking the link in the comments.

Indianapolis hosted the first graduating class of Meta's America's Workforce Academy, a program preparing locals for AI infrastructure careers.

07/30/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that the Boone County Economic Development Corporation and 500 Sycamore LLC have been recognized as finalists at the 2026 for the Thorntown, Indiana Main Street Revitalization project in the Neighborhood Revitalization category!

This achievement will be celebrated on Oct. 14 at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station during this annual celebration recognizing outstanding contributions to the built environment throughout the ten-county .

07/27/2026

We're excited to welcome Dorothy Widelka to the Boone County Economic Development Corporation team as our new Program Manager!

Dorothy brings extensive experience in social work, mental health, philanthropy, and community engagement. In her new role, she'll help advance strategic initiatives for both Boone EDC and the Boone County Early Learning Coalition, building partnerships that strengthen early learning, support workforce development, and drive long-term economic growth across Boone County.

Please join us in welcoming Dorothy to the team!

Read the official press release here:https://7370517.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7370517/Dorothy%20Widelka%20Announcement.pdf

07/20/2026

Exciting news for Boone County's small business community!

Boone EDC has been awarded a $30,000 Community Collaboration Fund grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to launch the Boone County Storefront Design Accelerator Program.

This new initiative will help 15 storefront-based small businesses enhance their customer experience through:
-Educational workshops
-Professional storefront design assessments
-$1,000 implementation grants for the 15 selected businesses

Strong storefronts create vibrant downtowns, attract more customers, and help build thriving communities. We're proud to partner with our local Main Street organizations and community partners to invest in the success of Boone County's small businesses.

Applications are expected to open later this fall/winter. Stay tuned for more details!

Read the full announcement here: https://betterinboone.org/boone-edc-storefront-design-accelerator-grant/

07/17/2026

🌽 Farmers Market Friday Spotlight: Jamestown Farmers Market 🌻

Looking for fresh, local products and a great way to support your community? Stop by the Jamestown Farmers Market!

📍 Location: Downtown Park, Jamestown
🗓️ Season: 3rd Saturday of April through the 3rd Saturday of September
⏰ Hours: Saturdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Don't miss the market's biggest event of the year, the first Saturday in August, when the farmers market joins the Fish Fry for a fun-filled day!

Shop local. Support local. See you at the market!

07/14/2026

The Boone EDC was a proud partner with Meta and the Boone County Chamber to host a free AI workshop at the Lebanon Public Library, giving local entrepreneurs hands-on strategies to use artificial intelligence to streamline operations, strengthen marketing, and grow their businesses.

As AI continues to shape the future of business, we're committed to connecting our business community with the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to succeed.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Meta for investing in the long-term success of Boone County's small businesses.

Read more here:

On Monday, more than 50 local small business owners gathered at the Lebanon Public Library for a free, intensive AI workshop. The event was hosted by Meta in partnership with the Boone County Chamber and the Boone County Economic Development Corporation (EDC).