Peru & Miami County: Growth at Grissom Aeroplex and Ivy Tech arrives.

• Author: Mayer, Kathy
• Position: REGIONAL REPORT NORTH CENTRAL - Ivy Tech Community College

GROWTH AT GRISSOM Aeroplex, a fall opening of Ivy Tech Community College and dramatic trail and streetscape enhancements are the latest developments for Miami County, known for its rich history, recreation and established industries.

About 40 businesses employing a combined 1,300 now operate at Grissom Aeroplex, property once owned by the Air Force, which still employs 600 with another 1,300 coming in on reserve training weekends.

Businesses include One Source Automation & Technologies, where 15 make robotic systems; Alliance Group Technologies, employing 30 who design and make printed circuit boards; and UAP Richter, an agriculture distributor. The complex seven miles south of Peru also houses a state correctional facility, nursing home, medical facilities, hotel, restaurants and retailers.

"We have about 450 acres left to develop at Grissom," reports Jim Tidd, executive director of the Miami County Economic Development Authority; 850 acres have been sold, leased or developed.

Ivy Tech's pending opening in the former Holman School is a welcome and well-supported milestone, he says. "About $800,000 in public and private pledges helped with phase-one renovation."

Peru had a ribbon cutting for the 3A-mile Nickel Plate Trails, a walking/biking path along a former rail corridor. And downtown a 1.5-mile West Main Street renovation includes a wider street, new sidewalks, historic lampposts and more trees. "A second phase will cover another mile along West Main," reports Christy Householder, deputy director and director of business development at the economic-development group.

Those amenities will be enjoyed by the county's 36,200 residents--about one-third of them living in Peru--and visitors who come for its history and outdoor activities.

Beginning in 1892...