Real story of Bill Dory goes behind the scenes

To residents of Greencastle and Putnam County:

I feel compelled to write this letter in regard to the recent comments directed toward Bill Dory and Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center Board. If this organization, and Bill, has a failing, it is the lack of desire to "toot our own horn" on behind-the-scenes accomplishments.

Most people are never aware of Bill and the board's involvement to effectively solve problems that cross organizational boundaries. For instance, Cinergy MetroNet would never have made Greencastle its first rural area in the state to roll out high-speed internet if it were not for the countless hours of Bill Dory's behind-the-scenes work and support of the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center Board.

When Altra Indiana proposed the multimillion dollar bio-fuel plant in Cloverdale, Bill was instrumental in getting them to locate here and spent many, many, unbilled hours on paperwork for them.

Unfortunately, when the recession hit and they were forced into bankruptcy, once again, Bill was called to duty to help find a new owner. I cannot begin to tell you the amount of time, paperwork and red tape Bill went through to help POET purchase this plant. This not only brought jobs to Putnam County, but gave our local farmers another outlet to sell their grain.

After the POET deal was complete, I had dinner with the new management, as well as corporate management to discuss their transition and to ask if the Development Board could help them further. They all expressed to me their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all Bill did for them. The corporate management told me they have dealt with cities all over the United States, but have never dealt with anyone with the integrity, professionalism and support which they received from Bill Dory.

Bill and the board were supportive in helping one of our local large livestock farmers in getting tax abatement on his growing hog operation. Our organization also provided assistance to the Co-Alliance project at Bainbridge. I think some individuals feel Bill and our board are not supportive of our farming population.

I hope some of these items prove we are very much supportive of Putnam County and agriculture. Our board has several members representing the farming community covering all areas of the county.

Recently, it was announced the sale of the Oxford Automotive building bringing a first-class privately owned company, paying competitive wages and providing new jobs. Did this happen all on its own? Not hardly. Bill and members of the board have worked diligently many months to bring this new company to town.

Bill has done everything from endless hours of paperwork to letting in and out a countless stream of workers cleaning up the building, dealing with owners located out of the United States that would not provide electricity for lights, showing the property with flashlights, giving access all hours of the day and night for persons taking the old equipment out while most of us were at home, snug in our beds.

The owners of the new company, once again, sang the praises of how fortunate we are to have a director of economic development the superior caliber of Bill Dory.

I could go on and on about Bill Dory and accomplishments of the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center Board. We have all had a rough time the last few years economically and the accomplishments have been slow and sometimes, hidden.

Am I passionate about Bill and this organization? YES. I have been a member of this organization for the last 15 years and proud to say as much. I thank you for giving me the chance to share with some of you on the value of Bill and this organization.

June Pickens

President

Greencastle/ Putnam County Development Board