Energize-ECI to Host “ED 101” Introduction to Economic Development Class for Area Elected Officials, Board Members and Other Interested Participants

This high-quality educational program under the direction of Dick Heupel, Senior Project Director for Building Better Communities, will introduce participants to the practice of economic development.  The program will include informative presentations covering Indiana’s economy, an overview of economic development concepts, and the roles of state agencies involved in community and economic development.  Roy Budd commented, “Because of the impact that economic development has on the growth, well-being and transformation of our communities, I encourage all elected city and county officials and members of economic development boards in East Central Indiana to attend.  Business executives are welcome to participate in the program, too.  Attendees will gain a better working knowledge of the subject of economic development and how to address economic development related decisions in their respective communities.”

                                                “ED 101” PROGRAM AGENDA

            8:15 AM           Continental Breakfast

            9:00 AM           Welcome and Introductions – Roy Budd, Energize-ECI, Inc.

            9:10 AM           Overview of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs –

                                       Michael A. Thissen, East Central Community Liaison,

                                       Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

          10:00 AM           Break

          10:15 AM           Introduction to Economic Development – Dick Heupel,

                                       Senior Project Director, Building Better Communities,

                                       Ball State University

          12:00 PM           Lunch / Networking

          12:45 PM          Interactive Role play on Economic Development, or

                                       Professional Site Consultant Interview

            2:00 PM           Overview of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation –

                                       Brook Steed, Northeast Region Director, IEDC

            2:30 PM           Adjourn

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 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.

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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