Turner, Harris dedicate new Ivy Tech Campus

State Reps Eric Turner and Tim Harris were both very involved in the early stages of bringing a new Ivy Tech Campus to Grant County. The Marion Chronicle-Tribune reported that it was a day of celebration for them on Saturday when they dedicated the new facility.

State Rep. Tim Harris, R-Marion, reflected on what he called a “tough day” in Marion’s history when the Thomson plant closed in 2004, cutting more than 800 manufacturing jobs. He said on the same day he took a call from Henry Olynger, offering to donate land for the campus. Local developer Gary Oradat also donated land. Harris said the economic growth in the county since the closing of the TV picture tube manufacturing factory was a result of such community involvement.

“This is happening because people are working together in unprecedented ways in Grant County,” he said.

Turner was equally positive.

State Rep. P. Eric Turner, R-Marion, called the building a dream come true for him.

“I’ll never forget the look on (Ivy Tech Executive Director) John Lightle’s face and (Marion Mayor) Wayne Seybold’s face when I said, ‘We’re going to build a new building in (Marion),’” Turner said.

Rep. Tim Harris Working Hard for District

Representative Tim Harris is known by his constituents to be a hard-working legislator.  But it's nice to know that the local newspaper recognizes it, too.