From the desk of Andrea Kern, CEO, Boone EDC
When I look at the story behind RLTurner Corporation, I see more than a construction firm—I see the kind of community anchor Boone County needs to remain vibrant and grow thoughtfully. Founded in 1976 by Robert L. Turner—with an engineering degree, a work truck, and a toolbox—RLTurner has grown alongside our community while staying firmly rooted here.
It’s about a Boone County company choosing to stay, grow, and give back locally.
As we approach their 50th anniversary in 2026, let’s remember the lasting impact they’ve made. From building Zionsville Town Hall and Elm Street Green to constructing aquatic centers across Indiana—including pools at Western Boone High School and Seashore Water Park—they have literally shaped the public spaces that make Boone County feel like home.
Beyond bricks and mortar, RLTurner has invested in the people in our community. They continue a legacy of giving through their contributions to nonprofit organizations: annual support for Habitat for Humanity (named Contractor of the Year in 2024), sustained backing of The Caring Center in Lebanon, and recent establishment of the GLTurner Charitable Trust honoring Greg Turner—all in service of Boone County’s health, well-being, and future leaders.
As Boone County Commissioners Donnie Lawson remarked recently, “RLTurner has been a cornerstone… not just as a business, but as a partner in building Boone County’s future.” Their proposed move to a new 8.75-acre site will provide necessary space for headquarters, warehouse, and equipment, enabling expansion of their operations—but crucially, without uprooting from Boone County.
Yes, they’ve requested rezoning from agricultural to light-industrial, and I understand the concerns. Farmers and rural advocates have rightly shared worries about preserving their farmland and heritage. That’s why it’s critical to acknowledge RLTurner’s commitment—and their willingness to work within the county’s planning framework. Their proposed zoning includes measures to ensure the land remains appropriate to the rural context, and the company has repeatedly affirmed: “We don’t want to move out of Boone County. We like this area.”
Consider this: How many Boone County–born and –raised construction firms turn 50 years old while still calling our community home? Probably one or two—RLTurner is the one. They’re not a fleeting presence; they’re part of Boone County’s identity, now and for decades to come.
Let’s weigh the positives:
• Economic returns: The new site keeps nearly 50 years of jobs, payroll, vendor relationships, and tax contributions inside Boone County.
•Quality of life: Projects like Western Boone High School Pool and Seashore Water Park enhance access to recreation and pride in our towns.
•Social investment: Their support for Habitat, The Caring Center, Boone County schools, the mentoring partnership, and mental health initiatives strengthens families and builds opportunity right here.
Put simply: this isn’t about corporate expansion or urban sprawl. It’s about a Boone County company choosing to stay, grow, and give back locally. As Boone Commissioner Lawson aptly said, “It’s always a win when we can help great companies stay rooted right here at home.” To those who worry about change: I encourage you to see RLTurner’s evolution not as a threat, but as proof of what happens when homegrown businesses are nurtured and allowed to flourish here. Their legacy—and yours—is intertwined with this place.
Let’s support them in staying—and building—Boone County’s future, one concrete pour at a time.
Source: boone-edc — Rooted in Boone: Why RLTurner’s Legacy and Future Belong Right Here at Home, 2025-08-15.
