BEDFORD – The Bedford Board of Works and City Council members were introduced to the new director of Business and Community Development director Ashlynne Bender.
Bedford Mayor Sam Craig was thrilled to have Bender on his team.
“We expect to keep her very busy, in fact it is already busy,” said Mayor Craig.
The Dubois County native went to college in Evansville. Her first job was at a large manufacturing company in Dubois County.
She moved to Germany, where she worked at the German American Chamber of Commerce fostering relations between United States organizations and international students to advance United States interest in international affairs.
Bender moved to Bedford where she currently is employed at Indiana University as Adjunct Instructor, Hamilton Lugar School.
Bender has a history of business and community engagement both locally and internationally through various roles in higher education, non-profit, and private business.
She holds a Bachelors of Arts in German Studies, Sociology, and P-12 Education, and is currently pursuing her Masters of Public Affairs, with a focus in policy and leadership.
Her combination of professional and educational experience both in the United States and abroad offer substantial insight for further developing the business and the community for the City of Bedford.
“I hope to focus on incentives that help the community diversify and grow. Both through economic growth and community development,” said Bender. “My plans are to get more community engagement events going. This includes the farmers market or new events working with businesses to get them more business here.”
Bender plans on meeting with the downtown business owners and listen to their thoughts on the downtown area. Bender will work to advance their interests.
“I would like any community member or business member to reach out to me. I am ready to get some things happening here,” Bender concluded.
