Economic Development Coalition Helps To Build Communities

(July 30, 2010) – The Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana announced its mid-year accomplishments in Community Development with more than 35 written and administered grants for 2010. An integral part of its mission, the Coalition provides up-to-date grant program information to units of local government and works with local elected officials to identify projects that could potentially be funded by grant awards. Since its formation in 2006, the Coalition has secured $32,266,710 in direct grants for its four partner counties to help with projects such as water and sewer improvements, downtown planning and purchase of emergency responder equipment.

“We love what we do! It is very fulfilling knowing that in a small way the Coalition is helping to build this region for generations to come,” said Debra Bennett-Stearsman, Vice-President of Community Development for the Coalition. “It is an honor working with the communities to make them better places to live.”

“Efforts like those exhibited by Debra and her team enrich the quality-of-life for the region’s residents and helps to attract both talent along with new businesses to our communities,” said Greg Wathen, President & CEO for the Coalition.

The Coalition also recently completed the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document for submission to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Spearheaded by consulting firm Strategic Development Group, a committee of 46 community leaders was brought together over a period of four months to compile goals and objectives for the region. A master list of projects for future grant consideration by the EDA and the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) is also part of the document. The CEDS document may be viewed at www.southwestindiana.org/cd_CEDS_Report.

The Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana acts as the umbrella economic development organization for Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties in Southwest Indiana. The Coalition facilitates and coordinates business retention, expansion and attraction activities; and, supports efforts to enhance the business climate through regional capacity building. For further information about the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana please visit our web site at www.southwestindiana.org.