Muncie, IN – E. Roy Budd, Executive Director of Energize-ECI, Inc., will be represent the economic development interests of east Central Indiana as he accompanies an educational contingent visiting Korea and China for a three week tour in June.  Mr. Budd will be accompanying his wife, Dr. Jo Ann M. Gora, President of Ball State University, along with Dr. Ken Holland, Dean of the B.S.U. Center for International Programs and Dr. S. Jae Park, Senior Advisor for International Education at B.S.U.  The group has meetings scheduled with business, governmental and educational officials throughout their 21-day trip.   Mr. Budd’s participating in the trade and educational mission is being funded by Energize-ECI, Inc.

According to Roy Budd, "As the Ball State University contingent meets with educational and governmental leaders in Korea, China and Hong Kong, I have planned meetings with business executives, governmental economics and business officials and site selection professionals.  My goal is to develop new contacts and renew friendships, while educating the decision-makers about the many advantages offered by East Central Indiana.  We’d like to encourage more foreign business investment in our 10-county area, plus interest global businesses to conduct more business with East Central Indiana companies.  The recent earthquakes in China have caused many changes in our itinerary and the rescheduling of meetings.  We fly from Indianapolis to Chicago, then 13.5 hours in the air to Seoul, South Korea – where we will spend just over a week.  In Korea, I will meet with Mr. Ina Lee, President of Kaesong Industry; Dr. Choue, Chungwon, President, World Taekwondo Federation; the President/CEO of LG Industries, the global appliance and electronics manufacturer, plus meet with other business officials.  We then travel to Beijing, China for 3 days and to Shanghai for 2 days.  In Beijing, I will meet with International Economics officials, State officers and business executives.  Our next stop is Chengdu for 2 days, then Kunming for 3 days.   The final stop is in Hong Kong for two days, before flying to Seoul and back to the United States.  We are very excited by the business and educational potential for East Central Indiana offered by this opportunity.  We have many great attributes to be proud of in our region and we will convey that message to our contacts overseas.  Upon my return, I look forward to sharing a report about my meetings and what we learned."

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 – along with Energize-ECI’s newsletters - may be read or downloaded by going to the website.