Muncie, IN - E. Roy Budd, Executive Director of Energize-ECI, Inc., was a member of the official Indiana Economic Development Corporation team representing East Central Indiana during a 3 day (February 11th, 12th, 13th) sales trip to Dallas. The business development trip was organized by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). The participants had appointments with corporate prospects and professional site consultants - to learn more about their upcoming expansion plans, site searches and to present the many advantages Indiana offers to businesses. The objective was to develop contacts and cultivate new opportunities for economic development throughout our state, and more specifically within the ten county Energize-ECI, Inc. partnership area in East Central Indiana.

Roy Budd commented, “We are pleased to again be an integral part of the IEDC’s aggressive economic development efforts in 2008. We made a number of good contacts in Dallas, which we will continue to cultivate, along with our area economic development directors. We’re competing with the world in attracting economic development projects, but our ten county area has many distinct business advantages for existing and expanding companies: a trained and educated workforce; a well-developed 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 and their families. Our state has earned an excellent, world-wide reputation for offering a pro-business environment, but we are still facing age-old “rust-belt” perceptions which continue to exist about the Midwest and Indiana. East Central Indiana is one of America’s best kept secrets. These sales trips help us address these existing perceptions and to promote our region on a one-to-one basis.”

Energize-ECI, Inc. is a public/private partnership providing pro-active services and programs to encourage new business investment in East Central Indiana. Energize-ECI, Inc. 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, Inc. answers inquiries regarding sites, buildings and regional information, then directs leads to the appropriate local economic development groups. Energize-ECI, Inc. provides support to: Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph, Rush and Wayne counties. 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, Inc. and information about East Central Indiana may be viewed at the comprehensive Energize-ECI, Inc. website www.energize-eci.org. The organization may be contacted at the Energize-ECI Engagement Center, 122 E, Main St., Muncie, IN 47305 (P.O. Box 1912, Muncie, IN 47308-1912); 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. Energize-ECI’s January 2008 newsletter, REGIONAL-REPORT – which summarizes economic development activities during the past 6 months, may also be viewed at the website.