Contacts:

 

Tom Farris

765.284.5313

thomaslfarris@comcast.net

 

Roy Budd

765.254.1420

 

 Roy Budd Represents Energize-ECI on IEDC Business Development Sales Trip to Chicago

 

Muncie, IN – E. Roy Budd, executive director of Energize-ECI, Inc., is a member of the official team representing Indiana during a 3 day (August 27, 28, 29) sales trip to Chicago. The business development trip was organized by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and includes officials from IEDC and representatives from 18 Indiana partner economic development organizations and electric utilities. The sales team has appointments with executives from a diverse group of more than 40 companies that are considering growing, relocating or investing in Indiana. Team members will provide the prospects with information about Indiana’s low-cost, pro-business environment, tax incentive programs and other business advantages offered by the various areas of Indiana. The goal of the meetings is to generate business development leads that will result in future business investment and job creation of Indiana. The IEDC will also play host to key prospects during a Chicago Cubs – Philadelphia Phillies baseball game.

 

Roy Budd commented, “Indiana is very pro-business and is attractive to companies wishing to expand. We are one of only a few states in the Midwest with a balanced budget. The word is out that Indiana is a great place for business expansion – and that builds a strong foundation for our case about the advantages of East Central Indiana. The IEDC is very organized and focused in their efforts to build Indiana’s economic future. We are pleased to be an integral part of their efforts. We made many strong contacts, which we will continue to manage. We’re competing with the world, but our ten 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; easy access to nearby metropolitan centers; plus short commute times, allowing for a better work/life balance for East Central Indiana workers. Although our state has gained a reputation for having a pro-business environment, we still battle perceptions that the Midwest is a rust-belt area full of vacant manufacturing plants and not much else. We are addressing those antiquated perceptions with our sales trips, marketing programs, materials and website. I encourage everyone to visit our website www.energize-eci.org to learn more about our East Central Indiana, one of the world’s best kept secrets.”

 

Energize-ECI, Inc. also participated in IEDC sponsored business development trips to Dallas in February, New York in April, and will be on the trip in Atlanta in September.

 

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, 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 their comprehensive website www.energize-eci.org. The site may be translated into six languages, in addition to English.

 

The regional economic development organization may be contacted at:

 

 Energize-ECI Engagement Center

122 E, Main St., Muncie, IN 47305

phone: (765) 254.1420; fax (765) 254.1450 

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.

 

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Prepared by Tom Farris / T.L. Farris & Associates P.O. Box 2542 / Muncie, IN 47307-0542 Phone: 765.284.5313 / Fax: 765.284.5314 Email: thomaslfarris@comcast.net