The Vermillion County Commissioners convened on January 2, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding the county's economic development strategy. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the current structure of the Economic Development Coalition, which has faced significant leadership turnover and a lack of clear vision.

One commissioner expressed strong dissatisfaction with the coalition's performance, noting that it has not effectively supported local businesses, particularly in terms of loan distribution. The commissioner advocated for a return to a more traditional Economic Development Commission model, where a dedicated director and staff could be appointed to lead initiatives. This shift, they argued, would alleviate the burden of micromanagement currently placed on the commissioners and allow for more creative and effective economic strategies.

The discussion included reflections on past successes, such as a small business grant program initiated by a former director, which had significantly benefited local enterprises. The commissioner emphasized that since the transition to the coalition model, no loans have been issued to small businesses in the county, indicating a failure to support economic growth.

Another commissioner echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the challenges posed by micromanagement and the need for economic development leaders to operate with autonomy. They noted that previous attempts to empower directors had not yielded the expected results, suggesting that a reevaluation of the current approach is necessary.

The meeting concluded with a call for further dialogue among the commissioners to explore the best path forward for economic development in Vermillion County. The urgency of addressing these issues was underscored by the recognition that the current coalition structure may be setting the county up for failure if not reformed promptly.