Smith A new and more aggressive approach will be in the offing at the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation starting today.

Daryl Smith of Monticello has been named full-time executive director to replace part-time director and county commissioner Bill Brown. The change brings with it a more intensive focus on economic development matters as Smith begins his duties as director on July 5.

"I am really looking forward to meeting the people of the C a r r o l l County comm u n i t y , " Smith said.

Smith already has ties to the c o u n t y because his son Brady has been a resident of Delphi for three years. Additionally, Smith was an administrator in the Twin Lakes School Corporation for the past 19 years, serving children and families in Jefferson Township.

Smith intends to focus his economic development duties on small businesses as well as the larger ones. He said his position will dovetail with the new director of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Keith Chandler.

"We (Carroll County) are positioned to be a logical place for small industries and satellite groups," said EDC board president Ron Kennedy. "We have a quality workforce and a good quality of life here."

Smith said his personal philosophy is to help others and he said he accomplished that as a school administrator.

"I'm just ready to help in a different way," he said. "I want to make sure there are jobs for our kids. It's an investment for the future."

Smith said he will take some time for orientation in the office, but he will get out and visit people as soon as possible.

"I'm looking forward to meeting people. I want to learn all can," he remarked.

Kennedy said the EDC would like to connect with neighboring counties and he said Smith is the person for that task.

"We (EDC) intend to strengthen our regional presence," he said.

Kennedy said Smith is very familiar with Tippecanoe and White counties economic development corporations. And his brother is the mayor of Anderson.

Smith said the first thing he plans to do is to meet with Brown. He said he wants to make sure he knows what projects have been initiated before developing others.

"I want to know what plans are currently in place," he said. "I need to get the lay of the land."

Smith said he understands the need to update the corporation's Web site frequently.

"Many contacts come through the Internet," he said. "Carroll County needs to be tied into the Lafayette area, for instance."

"The board of directors will direct Daryl where to be involved in the community," Kennedy stated.

Smith said he is very interested in the Hoosier Heartland Corridor and how the new road will impact the economics of the local community.

"I have been very impressed with Carroll County," Smith said. "I look forward to working in the community. Carroll County is blessed in many ways and the county can be very well positioned to bring new industry in."

"I think he will bring a new perspective about economic development and Carroll County's capabilities," Kennedy concluded.

Smith and his wife, Marsha, also have a daughter, Valarie, who lives in Atlanta. The family has lived in Monticello for the past 19 years.