GAGE Releases Mid-Year Report to the Community

Contact: Abby Elpers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marketing Communications Manager July 18, 2012
Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE)
Ph: (812) 401‐4243
Email: abby@evansvillegage.com

EVANSVILLE, IN (July 18, 2012) —The Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE) released today its Mid-Year Progress Report to the community. The report quantifies the efforts completed thus far in 2012 by the Growth Alliance in their four focus areas of: Economic Development, Innovation Pointe (Business Incubation), Technology Transfer, and Downtown Development.

Highlights from the Mid-Year Report include:
• The expansion of three local companies SealCorp USA, Whayne Supply Company and Joe W. Morgan Inc., resulting in the creation of 137 jobs
• Seven (7) site visits to Evansville/Vanderburgh County properties with site selectors
• Representatives from the Growth Alliance visited with 15 existing industries in Evansville/Vanderburgh County to explore business retention and expansion opportunities
• Innovation Pointe (a business incubator and Certified Technology Park) grew from 83% occupancy in January of 2012 to 98% occupancy in June
• Eight (8) successful Downtown Design Review applications were processed through the Growth Alliance to revitalize Downtown Evansville
• The Growth Alliance participated in the University of Southern Indiana’s Pilot Technology Commercialization Academy
• Growth Alliance President, Deborah Dewey received certification for the Kauffman Foundation Growth Venture Program, a program designed to take businesses to the next level
• The Growth Alliance successfully organized and hosted the 4th of July Freedom Celebration and Fireworks for the City of Evansville

The Growth Alliance is currently working with 19 Basic (Tier 1) companies regarding their decision to locate or expand in Evansville / Vanderburgh County, IN. Basic (Tier 1) companies sell or export over 50% of their products and services outside the community and bring new dollars into the community, increasing the dollars circulating within the community that are spent on non-base industries. Of the 19 Basic (Tier 1) companies, 9 are new to the area and 10 are existing companies within the community. Leads for the 19 projects were generated from a variety of sources including the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Vectren Corporation, local realtors, the Economic Development Coalition of SW Indiana, Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville staff, and other partners.

“Last year at this time; projects received by the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville varied significantly by Industry type. Our mid-year report confirms that 40% of the projects worked by the Growth Alliance this year have been focused on manufacturing; one of our target industries for the area” said Debbie Dewey, President of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville.
To view the Mid-Year Progress Report from the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, please visit: http://www.evansvillegage.com/gage-reports/.

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The Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville is a non-for-profit 501c(3) that was created in early 2007 because government and business representatives were searching for a comprehensive focused approach for economic development. The Growth Alliance provides support for strategic programs that enhance the overall economic vitality of the area.
Mission: to drive and support economic development activities for the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana aimed at: attracting and creating new jobs and new revenue dollars, retaining existing jobs and revenue dollars, effectively allocating available resources and recognizing the priorities of basic industries in driving sustainable growth.
Investors that fund our activity: City of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Berry Plastics Corporation, Vectren Foundation, Old National Bank, Fifth Third bank, Atlas World Group, Inc, EVV Airport Authority, Morley & Associates, Keller Schroeder, Ziemer, Stayman, Weitzel & Shoulders, LLP, Kemper CPA Group, Locust Street Company, Interface Financial Group, AnalyCis, LLC, Enterprise Holdings.