Muncie, IN – E. Roy Budd, executive director of Energize-ECI, announced that Wayne Seybold, Mayor of Marion, and Bruce W. Hosier, Mayor of Portland, would serve East Central Indiana as delegates on the State of Indiana’s 2007 Trade Mission to Japan, September 7th – 14th. This year’s investment mission is being led by Governor Mitch Daniels, assisted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and is being held in conjunction with the 2007 Midwest U.S. – Japan Association Conference – September 9th -11th in Tokyo. According to Roy Budd, "This trip represents the third time the State of Indiana has returned to Asia to call on current contacts and new business decision-makers. We are proud to have two mayors – Wayne Seybold from Marion and Bruce Hosier from Portland, representing the assets and advantages of East Central Indiana." In addition to participating in the Conference, members of the delegation have pre-scheduled appointments with companies doing business in Indiana, as well as those interested in investing in our state. The group will be presenting Indiana’ economic advantages as they cultivate new investment opportunities. Mayor Hosier is Energize-ECI’s official representative, with Mayor Seybold being member of the state delegation."

Roy Budd commented, "The IEDC is very focused in their efforts to continue to develop Indiana’s economic growth. We are honored to be a part of their efforts. During previous missions, Energize-ECI representatives have cultivated many strong contacts, which we will continue to manage. In fact, our delegation will meet with several of these contacts on this trip. Although we’re competing with the world, our nine county area has distinct business advantages for existing and expanding companies: a well-trained and educated workforce; an excellent transportation network; world-class universities; low utility costs; a temperate climate; a low cost of living and operation; and a high quality of life; plus short commute times, allowing for a better work/life balance for East Central Indiana workers. Indiana has gained a reputation for having a pro-business environment, but we continually battle the lingering perceptions that the Midwest is a decaying rust-belt. We help address those perceptions with our new website, www.energize-eci.org, which I encourage everyone to visit and learn more about one of America’s best kept secrets."

Since 2005, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has completed 28 competitive projects with Japanese businesses. Those 18 expansions and 10 new Indiana locations include $1.3 billion in new capital investment and nearly 5,500 job commitments. In all more than 220 Japanese companies operate in Indiana. They’ve invested over $9.3 billion in the state’s economy and employ more than 42,000 Hoosiers. With the opening of the new Honda plant, Indiana has moved past Ohio and now ranks second to California for the amount of Japanese business investment in our state.

The Midwest U.S. – Japan Association conferences began forty years ago in Chicago, as a meeting between a farsighted group of interested businessmen from both sides of the Pacific. The purpose is to meet on an annual basis to discuss the growth and progress of economic relations of the American Midwest and Japan. Indianapolis hosted the 2006 Conference, in which Energize-ECI participated and helped sponsor.

In addition to Mayor Seybold and Mayor Hosier, other trade mission participants from East Central Indiana include: Terry Murphy – Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance; Robert Sparks – Anderson/Madison County Corporation for Economic Development; and Ayako Yamamoto-Girt – City of Anderson. The Indiana delegation is made up of 70 business, community and government leaders.

Energize-ECI is a public/private partnership providing pro-active services and programs to encourage new business investment in East Central Indiana. Energize-ECI acts as a single point of contact for promoting the many advantages of operating a business in the region, collects and cultivates leads and assists individuals, site consultants and companies researching the area. Energize-ECI answers inquiries regarding sites, buildings and regional information, then directs leads to the appropriate local economic development groups. Energize-ECI provides support to: Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush and Wayne counties, plus the City of Anderson. Funding for trade missions, exhibits, marketing, programs, services and materials is provided by public and private entities throughout East Central Indiana, by foundations and grants.

Details about Energize-ECi and information about East Central Indiana may be viewed at their new, comprehensive website www.energize-eci.org. The organization may be contacted at the Energize-ECI Engagement Center, 122 E, Main St., Muncie, IN 47305, by phone at (765) 254.1420; fax (765) 254.1450 and by email info@energize-eci.org. Energize-ECI’s 48-page REGIONAL-FOCUS magazine, which contains a great overview of East Central Indiana, may be read or downloaded by going to the website.