Helen Hauke, pictured above, takes a practical yet compassionate position when asked about concerns of skeptics who question the sale of land and the closure of unsuccessful businesses due to economic development. She states, “Often change and growth come with a price. Yet without growth areas become stagnant and dry up. Without change you lose your young people to larger cities and stop looking forward to the future.”
The Princeton Area Chamber Of Commerce (PACC) has been active in economic development for over 40 years. Helen Hauke, Executive Director, has been spearheading PACC’s efforts to retain and recruit industry in the area for 9 years.
Unlike most economic development organizations, PACC is privately funded. It also has an excellent working relationship with state and local government as well as national agencies, utility companies and industry. Hauke comments, “Our elected officials are key. They choose where and if additional monies are put back. They determine whether we are building for today or for the future.”
Gibson County, home to PACC, is land rich. This, in combination with hard work, was instrumental in bringing Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) to Gibson County in 1995. According to Hauke, “The conditions of the land were right. The presence of 2 rail lines and a combination of circumstances made this the right choice for Toyota.”
Toyota had first expressed interest in the area in 1985 prior to choosing its first US site. The company executives were impressed with the area and lifestyle, but conditions just weren’t right the first time around. This time, everything clicked.
As with any major industrial growth, everyone in the area has benefited by the coming of TMMI. Neighboring towns of Haubstadt and Ft. Branch have seen an impressive rise in quality housing. Area businesses supplying goods and services have seen substantial growth. Many are experiencing welcome growing pains. Two specific cases are Richard Tool & Die and Prodigy Tool & Die which have expanded and are seeing the need for further expansion based on new business.
Hauke observes that economic development brings many additional benefits to the area which are not always apparent on the surface. The value of existing holdings are improved. Infrastructure improvements which are instigated for corporate citizens benefit everyone. Example: The area now has a new fire station and overdue improvement to the Princeton water system has been made.
Mike Goss, Public Relations Director of TMMI, attributes the “incredible success” of the Gibson County plant to a number of factors. He cites the unwavering support of the county, state, PACC and the excellent team of workers at the plant. He further states that the community in general has provided an incredible level of support.The company’s satisfaction in the area is probably best demonstrated by two major expansions announced since its opening. The first expansion was announced in 1997 (1,000 jobs) and a new plant was announced in 1999 (2,000 jobs).
Hauke’s future plans include improving the perception of the Gibson County area. She feels that development is an ongoing process of reinventing and enhancing your image. Area “hubs” are affected by perceptions based on a number of factors. Neighboring Vincennes and Evansville are viewed as entertainment “hubs”. Hauke would like to see Gibson County develop the same perception. How? Renovation of downtown Princeton, the development of “niche” shops and upscale dining are her first recommendations to this end. “It will happen,” she predicts.
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Gibson County at a Glance
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| First Settled in 1789 |  |
| Area - 489 square miles | |
| Population 32,230 | |
| County Seat-Princeton | |
| 4.4% Unemployment | |
| Total Labor Force (County) 16,430 |
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| Total Labor Force (Region) 174,050 |
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For more information about Gibson County or the Princeton area, contact::
Helen Hauke 812-385-2134
(hmhauke@sigecom.net)
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