Albion, IN – The Noble County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) introduced its new brand, featuring the words “Be Noble,” in 2021. The organization just recently completed a change in its organizational structure as well. Noble County Economic Development is officially doing business as Be Noble Inc., effective April 1.
Gary Gatman, executive director, says the name change, and the transition from a 501(c)6 to a 501(c)3 organization, was made for a variety of reasons. Among them are opportunities to expand funding streams and better represent multiple strategies and projects the organization is now involved in.
“I came to realize, early in my tenure, that this organization had become an outlier in the region for doing economic development as a 501(c)6 organization,” Gatman explains. “That nonprofit structure is one typically used by membership organizations, like chambers of commerce. The EDC was not a membership organization, nor could we qualify for most grant opportunities under that structure. It made sense to make the structural change and embrace our new brand at the same time.”
Be Noble, under its 501(c)3 structure, can offer opportunities to individuals and businesses to invest in local economic development efforts by making tax-deductible contributions. The organization may also now apply for occasional grants it was formerly ineligible to apply for to build capacity and tackle projects. Gatman believes there are many beneficiaries of the work Be Noble does across Noble County.
“As a 501(c)3, we hope to bring more stakeholders to partner with us as we focus on strategic priorities that reach beyond the more traditional work the EDC did in the past,” Gatman continues. “We are currently working on a broad scope of projects and initiatives ranging from childcare to infrastructure to downtown development and housing. Our staff has seats at tables all across the county, which makes Be Noble a great resource for information. This exposure enables us to help reduce redundancy and recognize and drive collaborations that may not otherwise occur.”
Gatman says he and the Be Noble staff currently serve on boards, committees, or are members of nearly 30 different organizations in or serving Noble County. They represent governments, chambers, downtown development, infrastructure, education, social services, youth engagement, economic development, healthcare, tourism, and more.
While the scope of economic development work has expanded recently, the organization’s operating budget has not. Public monies make up the majority of Be Noble’s operating funds each year. Gatman hopes to see a shift to more private funding going forward.
“As we all work together to bring more affordable housing, high quality childcare, smart factory training programs, infrastructure improvements, entrepreneurial support, and engage youth in ways that develop a talent pipeline, Be Noble will play a significant role. We will continue to be a catalyst at times, a champion and partner, and a convener,” Gatman concludes. “We have much to celebrate in Noble County. The opportunity to define what it is to ‘Be Noble’ and to enable people to join us in the effort is a privilege and pleasure.”
To learn more about Be Noble Inc., or to invest in local economic development strategies, visit www.noblecountyedc.com or call (260) 636-3800.
