Columbus Indiana Economic Development Board

The Columbus Indiana Economic Development Board (EDB) is an organization whose mission is "to contribute to building a world-class community in a small town setting by enhancing the quality of life of the citizens of their community and improving their economic opportunity and material welfare".1

It is located at:
Columbus Indiana Economic Development Board
500 Franklin Street
Columbus, Indiana 47201

Community Activities

The Economic Development Board provided additional funding for “Production of Columbus, Indiana: Different by Design”, a production of WTIU, Indiana University in association with Spellbound Productions, Inc.; Terrence Black, producer/director, and Nancy Callaway Fyffe, producer/writer; Steven Krahnke, executive producer. 2

They also supported a new joint venture in Columbus, Indiana - Techtop LHP, Inc. 3

Administration and Staff

Ted Dawson began serving as Executive Director of the Columbus Economic Development Board in October 2007. As an interim Business Consultant, Ted has provided management advisory services to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in such areas as business succession planning, strategy, and new business development. In his career at ArvinMeritor, his positions included Vice President - Commercial Vehicle Exhaust, Vice President/General Manager - Components, and Vice President - Automotive Marketing. Ted has provided exemplary service and commitment to the Columbus community through his membership on the boards of Ivy Tech Community College, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Arvin Foundation, and Community Education Coalition. He holds an Accounting Degree from Notre Dame University, an MBA from Xavier University, and he currently serves as an MBA Executive Mentor for the Xavier University Graduate School of Business.4

Pat Wilson worked in the manufacturing industry for 30 years and in government for 6 years prior to joining the Economic Development Board staff. Pat serves on the Advisory Board for the Ivy Tech Business and Administrative Programs and is Secretary of the local chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Pat works closely with the Economic Development Board Executive Director, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, government officials and community leaders. Pat researches and publishes the Community Audit about the Columbus area. The Community Audit is published every two years and received the "Excellent" award from the Mid-America Economic Development Council. Pat also publishes the Wage and Benefit Survey.5

Executive Committee
(At Least $6,500/year contributor)


Board of Directors
(At Least $6,500/year contributor)


PAT Members
($2,500/year contributor)

Ex-officio Members
(Member of board because of the position they hold)