By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
After 33 years in banking, Dean Fuelling is ready to take on the challenge of a new career – as the executive director of the Adams County Economic Development Corp. (ACEDC).
The ACEDC has tapped Fuelling to replace Colton Bickel. who resigned in July to take another position.
Fuelling officially retires from First Merchants Bank in Decatur on Nov. 6, then begins his new ACEDC duties on Nov. 10.
Although Fuelling has never formally held the title of economic development director, “one of my co-workers at First Merchants assured me that my entire career has been involved in economic development, working with helping businesses start and grow with banking services,” he told WZBD.com.
“I look forward to getting out into the county and talking to the business owners and property developers in our community, and I look forward to working alongside our elected officials to pursue the goals established in our County Vision Plan,” he continued
Fuelling has long been active in the community.
He is a member of the Decatur Optimist Club and serves on the boards of the Adams County Community Foundation, the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Adams County Boys & Girls Club, and the Decatur Housing Authority.
Dean and his wife, Mindy – lifelong residents of Adams County who have raised three sons – are active in various roles and boards at St. Mark’s Global Methodist Church.
In his 33 years in banking, Fuelling served as a commercial loan officer and a credit analyst, along with a background in mortgage loan underwriting.
“His experience in banking and lending provides a strong foundation for understanding business needs, building relationships, and supporting economic growth throughout the community,” the ACEDC said in making the announcement.
“Fuelling will work to support the continued economic vitality of Adams County, building relationships with local businesses and community partners while helping advance opportunities for growth and development,” it noted.
“I am proud of our community and am excited about its future,” Fuelling said in the new release. “I look forward to being part of the continued growth and success of Adams County.”
The ACEDC office is located on Second St. in downtown Decatur.
WITH REMC: Bickel is currently Strategic Partnerships & Economic Development Manager of Northeastern REMC.
He served as Adams County’s economic development director from 2019 to last July.
Northeastern REMC is a member-owned electric cooperative headquartered in Columbia City. It serves thousands of homes, businesses, and farms across a multi-county territory in Northeast Indiana.
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