Muncie, IN – East Central Indiana was represented at the American Wind Energy Association’s 2010 WindPower Conference in Dallas. Energize-ECI, Inc. sponsored a reception at the Conference, assisted by the World Economic Development Association (WEDA)., and attended by representatives of companies manufacturing components for wind energy systems. The goal of the reception was to let business leaders know more about the advantages of locating in East Central Indiana. Representing the nine-county Energize-ECI, Inc. economic development partnership area were Rob Cleveland, Executive Director of Blackford County Economic Development Corporation, and Terry Murphy, Vice President of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance. Brevini Wind, the Delaware County based manufacturer of gear units for wind turbines, was an exhibitor at the Conference and hosted a large reception for prospective clients.

According to Rob Cleveland, “The AWEA WindPower Conference and Exhibition was well represented by the ECI region. We were able to connect with a number of developers and manufacturers that could have a tremendous impact on job creation within our region. The State of Indiana and the East Central Indiana region were on display and highlighted throughout the convention. The addition of Brevini Wind to East Central Indiana was used to underscore the tremendous impact that wind power will play in our nation’s future. All major wind power companies are familiar with the existing and announced wind farms within the State of Indiana and this certainly bodes well for East Central Indiana.”

Terry Murphy added, “The wind industry presents some great opportunities for communities to diversify their economic base and bring new employment opportunities. Muncie-Delaware County is aggressively pursuing businesses in this energy sector that will make capital investment and provide good paying jobs. The WindPower 2010 Conference and Exhibition in Dallas had over 1,300 companies exhibiting and provided us with a good source of leads and contacts.”

According to AWEA statistics, 2009 broke all previous records with the installation of nearly 10,000 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity (enough to serve 2.4 million homes). This growth expands the nation’s wind energy fleet by 39% and brings total wind power generating capacity in the U.S. to over 35,000 MW. This new generating capacity will avoid an estimated 62 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to taking 10.5 million cars off the road, and generates enough electricity to power the equivalent of 9.7 million homes.

East Central Indiana is located in a prime area recognized for consistent wind velocity and has numerous wind power projects underway. Energize-ECI, Inc., along with the local economic development officials from Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph and Rush counties are dedicated to bringing wind power related industries to the region. Indiana is a leading state in adding new wind capacity, ranking second in the nation in 2009 and first in 2008 according to the AWEA. At 750 MW, BP’s zero-emission Fowler Ridge Wind Farm in Benton County is the largest wind energy farm east of the Mississippi and generates enough carbon-free energy to power more than 120,000 homes.

About the American Wind Energy Association
AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with a membership that includes global leaders in wind power development, wind turbine manufacturing, and energy, as well as a broad range of component and service suppliers. The AWEA website is www.awea.org.

About Energize-ECI, Inc.
Established in 2005, Energize-ECI, Inc. develops a mission of globally marketing the nine-county East Central Indiana region by teaming with local economic development organizations (LEDOs) in Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph and Rush counties to bring new jobs and commercial investment to the area and helping the region diversify its industry types. For more information about Energize-ECI, Inc., visit www.energize-eci.org. They may be contacted at P.O. Box 1912, Muncie, IN 47308-1912; phone 765.254.1420; fax 765.254.1450; or by email to info@energize-eci.org. Energize-ECI’s “Regional-Report” news-magazine and news releases summarizing the many recent economic development successes of East Central Indiana may be viewed at the organization’s website.

Contacts
Tom Farris - 765-254-0116
tfarris@energize-eci.org

Roy Budd - 765-254-1420
rbudd@energize-eci.org

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Prepared by:
Tom Farris
P.O. Box 1912
Muncie, IN 47308-1912

765.254.0116 Phone
765.254.1450 Fax
tfarris@energize-eci.org