Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana Outlines Economic Success

Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana
Outlines Economic Success

(November 19, 2010) – “The message is simple – the Coalition has been a great success in a very short period of time,” stated Michelle Hudson, co-chairperson of the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana during the Coalition’s annual board meeting held this morning. “Since its formation in late 2006, the Coalition has helped to secure $346 million in new investment from existing and new companies such as Berry Plastics, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Toyota Boshoku, Vuteq and AT&T, which is a strong statement during tough economic times,” added Hudson.

“From headquarters to customer service centers to research and development operations, these companies represent not only new investment but more importantly 1,780 new jobs as well,” said Greg Wathen, president & CEO. “And, the most exciting part of these investments is that the majority were made by existing companies.”

Another important aspect of the Coalition’s multi-faceted job description is helping the communities it serves build new capacity for future development. In three years, the Coalition has secured $47 million in grants for such things as expansion of water and sewer systems; building new community centers; and, making improvements to the region’s levee system, which protects thousands of acres.

Wathen also returned this week from the Indiana Trade Mission to Japan headed by Governor Mitch Daniels, where Governor Daniels and Wathen met with key partner companies including Toyota, Aisin Seiki, Toyota Boshoku, and Toyota Industries. Wathen also participated with Governor Daniels in a private luncheon with Tomikazu Fukuda, Governor of Tochigi Prefecture – Indiana’s sister Japanese state.

“During the meetings, Governor Daniels delivered a powerful message about how Indiana and Southwest Indiana are the perfect business locations,” said Wathen. “Demonstrating to Japanese business how Southwest Indiana works as one economic region opened their eyes to the investment possibilities,” Wathen noted.

Formed in late 2006, 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.