MARCE KING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Marce King, a lifelong resident of Owen County became the Executive Director in February of 2019. Marce had previously been the Executive Director of a local non-for-profit for eleven years. She is also the Owen County Bicentennial president as well as a free-lance photographer, artist, and graphic designer. She has two children. Her daughter is currently working towards her Master’s degree and her son is an EMT for Lifeline. Owen County holds a special place in Marce’s heart and she is thankful for the privilege to serve her Indiana Home!
Community & Economic Development
The Owen County Economic Development Corporation works hand-in-hand with the Chamber of Commerce to facilitate growth and improvement within Owen County. Together they promote the interests of the community and local businesses in their day-to-day operations, and long-term economic growth.
EDC Projects
Public Restroom
In June 2020, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce addressed the need for public restrooms for community events and downtown shoppers.
The Chamber created a crowdfunding project with Patronicity and partnered with Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to complete the project.
The facility includes three gender neutral restrooms and a mural by local artist Israel Hogan. The restrooms have automated locks, are monitored by a camera system, and are energy efficient. The entire community gave generously to this project.
Owen County Childcare
Owen County has faced a significant need for accessible and affordable childcare, a challenge that has impacted many working families in the community. Recognizing this critical issue, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) created a childcare alliance with community partners.
Through this collaborative effort, existing childcare facilities have received funding to continue and expand their services and these efforts have also culminated in the expansion of services by the Bloomington Boys and Girls Club to Owen County in May 2024.
This expansion has provided much-needed after-school programs, educational resources, and recreational activities for children, helping to alleviate the childcare shortage and support the well-being of local families.
Owen County Fiber
In 2020, when Covid-19 hit Owen County, the community quickly recognized the challenges posed by inadequate internet access. With schools shifting to remote learning, many parents had to resort to parking their cars outside the courthouse to use its WiFi for their children's schoolwork.
The need for fiber became an immediate priority. Before the end of 2020 the town of Spencer and Owen County received the state designation of being a broadband ready community. The EDC took the lead in bringing together the three local fiber corporations—SCI REMC, Smithville, and Endeavor—to collaborate on a solution.
Through their combined efforts, they worked to secure funding and invest over $30 million into fiber buildouts to provide the much-needed fiber connections.
The community, as well as our local providers, continue in their pursuit of making sure Owen County is 100% connected.
Cook Housing
Cook and CFC Properties broke ground in 2024 on a 96 site subdivision on 62 acres in Spencer, IN. This workforce housing project addresses the shortage of affordable housing for middle-income workers. Cook employees are given priority to purchase these homes. This initiative aims to support homeownership and community growth.
Cook's partnership with the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development ensured the project's success by facilitating the purchasing process and providing resources to potential homebuyers. This collaboration aims to make homeownership more accessible and strengthen the local economy by retaining and attracting a skilled workforce.
Business Mentoring
The Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) collaborate together to create a business mentoring program to help business owners take their business to the next level.
Interested in these programs? Call the Chamber at 812-829-3245
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EDC Access
The Owen County EDC hosts an EDC Access, which provides direct access for local businesses to key networks and valuable tools and resources.