Economic Development Coalition Complete Merger

Economic Development Coalition Of Southwest Indiana, Growth Alliance For Greater Evansville, And Southwest Indiana Chamber Complete Merger

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (April 1, 2021) –Today, the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana, Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, and Southwest Indiana Chamber – and their respective Boards – announce the official merge of the three organizations now operating in unison as the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP).

“Now is the right time for this new public-private partnership to seize the opportunities that build on the regional cohesion that our three organizations have cultivated,” said Jim Ryan, the initial chair of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. “We are coming together to build an organization that is greater than the sum of its parts; an accomplishment which we can all be proud.”

The unified organization will work to advance regional prosperity and global relevance by building on the trusted relationships and legacy of its predecessor organizations. E-REP areas of impact include new business attraction, a focus in business retention and support of existing industry expansions, advancing pro-economy public policies, community development, entrepreneurship, talent attraction, quality of place enhancement, and strategies for regional growth.

“E-REP’S foundational principles are based on our commitment to equitable prosperity and to keeping small business front and center. We look forward to listening and learning from regional residents and businesses to deliver purposeful services that will enhance the quality of life and prosperity for all,” stated Tara Barney, Co-CEO of E-REP.

By unifying essential economic development functions into a single entity, the new organization will operate with a bolder vision, a stronger voice, and the ability to invest in larger regional development strategies adding value to residents and businesses.

“In a very competitive environment for talent and opportunity, working together will significantly strengthen our region’s capacity to promote the unique assets of the region and increase opportunities for measurable success,” said Greg Wathen, Co-CEO of E-REP.

Located at Innovation Pointe in downtown Evansville, the new partnership will operate within the Evansville MSA including Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties. Among our partners are the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, area Chambers, local economic development organizations, WorkOneSouthwest, and other entities that strengthen the region’s opportunity to prosper.

Operating with a combined team of 24 subject-matter-experts, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership will be supported by a regional board of directors representing the public, private and non-profit sectors.