Muncie, IN – E. Roy Budd, Executive Director of Energize-ECI, Inc., announced the regional economic development partnership, along with a number of area economic development officials, participated in a economic development luncheon meeting with Christine Bustamante and Julie Ashmore of the KPMG, LLC business consulting team, May 15th in Indianapolis.   Participants  from East Central Indiana included: Dax Norton, Executive Director of the Blackford County Economic Development Corporation; Valerie Shaffer; Economic Development Associate, Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, Indiana; Terry Murphy, Vice President, Muncie/Delaware County Economic Development Alliance; Elizabeth Rowray, Vice President – Technology Advancement, Muncie/Delaware County Economic Development Alliance; Brad Buening, Executive Director, Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation; Greg Beumer, Executive Director, Randolph County Community Economic Development Foundation; Bryan Coats, President/CEO, New Castle/Henry County Economic Development Corporation; Rob Sparks, Executive Director, Anderson Corporation for Economic Development; Mindy Kenworthy, Indiana Economic Development Corporation; and E. Roy Budd, Executive Director of Energize-ECI, Inc.

KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and business advisory services from offices in 145 countries.  KPMG often advises firms regarding global expansion and relocation needs.  According to Mr. Budd, “The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the site selection professionals at KPMG in Indianapolis to the many business advantages offered by expansion and relocation opportunities right here in East Central Indiana.  KPMG works with a variety of international clients, many of whom are considering expansion opportunities.  We wanted to let the Indianapolis KPMG consultants know about what East Central Indiana can offer their clients.  We have distinct advantages not available in Indianapolis, or in many other areas of the world.  We plan to keep in touch with our KPMG contacts in Indianapolis, plus develop relationships with other KPMG global offices.”

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.