Muncie, IN – Representing East Central Indiana at the Expansion Management Conference, “Roundtable in the Rockies,” March 30th through April 2nd, in Vail, Colorado were Rob Cleveland - Executive Director, Blackford County Economic Development Corporation; Terry Murphy – Vice President, Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance; and Roy Budd – Executive Director of Energize-ECI, Inc., Muncie.

The conference featured eight international speakers who addressed economic development and business expansion trends, plus the challenges and opportunities presented by the global economic downturn.  Participating in the conference were business executives, site selection professionals and a limited number economic development officials.  Attending the conferences allowed the three East Central Indiana representatives to meet one-on-one with site selectors, program presenters and business decision-makers contemplating expansion, relocation, consolidation and new-investment plans.  

According to Roy Budd, “Our primary objectives were to continue to build relationships with site selection decision-makers, to learn more about upcoming corporate expansion needs and how they are being affected by economic conditions, and to present the many important advantages East Central Indiana offers to businesses interested in expanding or relocating.  During the one-on-one opportunities, dinners and free-time we were able to learn firsthand of the expanding company’s needs, so we can better address the benefits of locating in East Central Indiana.  It is through building these relationships that we may have the opportunity to turn an idea or a contact into the reality of a new or increased investment in the region.  Our goal is to diversify the economic base of the region, bringing in more businesses with higher paying jobs and to support the growth of businesses currently located here.”

Energize-ECI, Inc. is a public/private partnership providing innovative, pro-active services and programs to encourage new business investment in East Central Indiana.  Energize-ECI, Inc. acts as an initial 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, directing 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, which provides links to websites for each county economic development group.  The regional 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, Inc. newsletters and regional business updates 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