Contacts:

Roy Budd – 765.254.1420

rbudd@energize-eci.org

Tom Farris – 765.254.1420

tfarris@energize-eci.org

Marlene Pulley – 765.254.1420

mpulley@energize-eci.org

Energize-ECI EB-5 Visa Regional Center, LLC

Receives Approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to Establish an
EB-5 Visa Regional Center in East Central Indiana

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved the application of Energize-ECI EB-5 Visa Regional Center, LLC. The new Regional Center hopes to bring millions of dollars in foreign investment and thousands of new jobs to East Central Indiana during the next five years. Energize-ECI EB-5 Visa Regional Center, LLC, is a government sanctioned investment zone that provides eligible foreign investors a faster path to U.S. Citizenship in exchange for employment based visa rules by Regional Center is organized by the USCIS, which is a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and is commonly known as the EB-5 immigrant investor program. The Regional Center acts as a facilitator bringing the project developers and foreign investors together, reviewing and evaluating proposed business plans for projects and placing qualifying projects before interested investors.   

Congress created fifth employment based preference (EB-5) immigrant visa category in 1990 for qualified foreigners seeking to invest in a business that will benefit the U.S. economy and create or save at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. The basic amount required to invest is $1 million, although that amount is reduced to $500,000 if the investment is made in a rural or high unemployment area (call a Targeted Employment Area – TEA). Of the approximately 10,000 EB-5 green cards available each year, 3,000 are reserved for foreign nationals who invest in a Targeted Employment Area *TEA) through a Regional Center such as Energize-ECI EB-5 Visa Regional Center, LLC.

EB-5 investors may be eligible for an EB-5 immigrant visa if they have invested – or are actively in the process of investing – the required amount of capital into one of the following for-profit business types:

• A new commercial enterprise
• An enterprise which will expand to 140% of pre-investment

             Net worth or number of employees, or:

• A troubled business in which jobs will be preserved

To encourage foreign EB-5 investment in the U.S. economy, Congress created an EB-5 pilot program in 1992.  By doing so, Congress permitted the USCIS to designate qualified applicants as Regional Centers.  A Regional Center is a private enterprise or or governmental entity with a targeted investment program within a defined geographic region.  Over 98 per cent of immigration investment is conducted through USCIS approved Regional Centers. 

The EB-5 Visa program provides qualifying investors a temporary green card in exchange for their capital infusion from $500,000 to $1 million to a new or existing business and the creation or saving of at least10 new jobs for American workers.  After two years, the investor/applicant may petition the USCIS to remove the initial restrictions from their visas.  The defined geographic business investment development area authorized by the USCIS for the Energize-ECI

EB-5 Regional Center, LLC includes: Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph and Rush counties in East Central Indiana – a region hit especially hard by the domestic auto industry downturn and the lingering recession.  All of the nine ECI counties offer some $500,000 investment level opportunities, with Delaware and Madison counties, along with the City of Marion, also having $1 million investment areas.

The Regional Center will focus on offering EB-5 compliant investment opportunities in new  or qualifying existing commercial enterprises in the following six target industry USCIS approved economic categories: (1) Agriculture, food processing, forestry, fishing and hunting; (2) Construction; (3) Manufacturing and advanced technologies; (4) Information technologies; (5) Transportation, warehousing, distribution and logistics; and (6) Manufacturing and processing – green technologies and recycling.  The Energize-ECI EB-5 Visa Regional Center, LLC is the first Indiana owned and operated EB-5 Regional Center in the state.  The Regional Center is currently consulting with two active prospects who could bring about $500 million of capital investment and more than 2,000 new jobs. 

 There are four steps to becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) through the EB-5 program.

1. USCIS form I-526 immigrant petition approval.
2. Application for an immigrant visa either through adjustment of status (form I-485) in the United States with USCIS, or through an application for immigrant visa (form DS-230) with the Department of State (DOS).
3. Upon approval of the form I-485 or admission on an EB-5 immigrant visa, the alien is granted two-years of conditional permanent resident status.
4. A form I-829 petition to remove the conditions on the LPR status must be filed at the end of the two-year conditional period.  If the alien has fulfilled the EB-5 requirements, then the conditions will be removed and the alien will be an unconditional LPR.

Roy Budd, Energize-ECI EB-5 Regional Center, LLC principal, advised, “This is a prime example of economic development regionalism at its best.  The local economic development directors and mayors of the communities in nine ECI counties have been very supportive and helpful in this endeavor.  Typical EB-5 projects utilize traditional forms of financing along with the EB-5 investments – as each EB-5 investor amount must result in the creation or saving of 10 new jobs for Americans.  This is a great new tool to accelerate economic development and momentum in East Central Indiana.  We expect to begin generating great interest here in Indiana – and around the world.”

Tom Farris, also a principal in the new Regional Center, added, “The application process resulting in approval has taken over 17 months of USCIS review and about one year of research and planning prior to submitting our application.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the special efforts of the office of Congressman Mike pence and Senator Richard Lugar, assisting by the offices of Senator Dan Coats and Congressman Dan Burton and our legal counsel.  The Indiana Economic Development Corporation also provided great support – and we worked together to help them establish a state protocol for reviewing EB-5 Targeted Employment Area matters. It was truly a team effort.  We are establishing our evaluation criteria for reviewing business plans which may be appropriate for financing by EB-5 investors, and we’ll be making that information public within the next 30 days.  We have a lot of work to do in launching our Regional Center now that approval has been received – plus many people to contact about the development and investment opportunities offered by the EB-5 program.”  Marlene Pulley, Regional Center principal will serve as Director of Compliance for the Regional Center.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 ORGANIZATION / ADDRESS

      Energize-ECI EB-5 Visa Regional Center, LLC

      P.O. Box 1912, Muncie, IN 47308-1912

      Phone: (765) 254.1420 / Fax: (765) 254.1450

      Email: info@energize-eci.org

USCIS APPROVED TARGET INDUSTRIES

(1) Agriculture, food processing, forestry, fishing and hunting

(2) Construction

(3) Manufacturing and advanced technologies

(4) Information technologies

(5) Transportation, warehousing, distribution and logistics

(6) Manufacturing and processing – green technologies and recycling

GEOGRAPHIC AREA – PARTICIPATING COUNTIES FOR IMMIGRANT INVESTOR EB-5 VISA REGIONAL CENTER, LLC IN EAST CENTRAL INDIANA

COUNTY                 POPULATION           COUNTY SEAT

Blackford                      13,189                    Hartford City

Delaware                     115,419                   Muncie

Fayette                          24,273                   Connersville

Grant                             68,847                    Marion

Henry                            47,181                    New Castle

Jay                                  21,514                    Portland

Madison                      131,312                   Anderson

Randolph                     25,859                   Winchester

Rush                              17,494                    Rushville

By Abbey DoyleThe Herald Bulletin

ORESTES, Ind. — Red Gold is planning to invest $3.5 million to convert Elwood’s
former Oakland Elementary School into the company’s corporate office,
company officials said Wednesday.
“It promises to be a win-win for the entire community and the company,
allowing us to continue our excellent local partnership in Madison County,
and especially the town of Elwood,” Red Gold President and CEO Brian
Reichart said. “Having all of our corporate office employees in one
building in this new Elwood location will be tremendous for all of our
employees and will improve our continuous improvement initiatives.”
Red Gold will reconfigure the school to be a state-of-the-art corporate
headquarters, said Tim Ingle, director of human resources at Red Gold. The
existing structure will remain intact; however, the classrooms will be
retro-fitted into office space.
“The office will be more modern and Brian (Reichart) will put a lot of
thought into the layout to improve the flow and efficiency within the
corporate office,” Ingle said.
Elwood Community Schools Superintendent Glen Nelson said the one-story
structure — built in phases beginning in 1956 — was recently sold during
an auction for $550,000 to Red Gold.
“We are very pleased,” Nelson said. “We were pleased we were able to sell
the school and even more pleased that a company like Red Gold elected to
invest in the school and, even more importantly, in the community here.
Red Gold has always been a great supporter of Elwood.”
The fact that the school brought more than half a million dollars to the
school corporation — which will be used to help pay down debt — was
amazing in a time where other schools in Madison and Delaware counties
aren’t able to be sold at all or are selling for less than $40,000, Nelson
said.
He pointed out that not only does Reichart live in the Elwood community
but he also attended Oakland, which Nelson thinks played a big factor in
his decision to invest in the school and community.
The structure is nearly 7,000 square feet and sits on a little more than
10 acres of land. After the initial construction there were additions in
1961 and 2003 and several renovations before closing last year.
“Red Gold continually re-invests in our facilities, equipment, technology
and our employees … and that is what we have always done,” Reichart
said. “Our new Red Gold corporate office is only a part of a multi-year
plan to position the company for additional future growth.”
The move is expected to happen sometime within the next year. The
additional office space will allow the company to reconfigure interior
space at its Orestes plant location to allow for future manufacturing
growth, according to a press release from the company.
Bill Savage, Elwood economic development director, said the announcement
is great for the city. Not only will it put the property back on the tax
rolls, it is great for the city’s growth in general.
“This is going to bring the corporate headquarters right into Elwood,”
Savage said. “It means we will have 200 professional Red Gold staff
members now located in the city. That should be a huge boost for the local
economy with people eating lunch here, spending money here and possibly
even getting some of the staff to build houses here in areas like our new
Cattail Estates development.”
Last year, Red Gold invested more than $20 million to keep pace with the
company’s growing demand, Reichart said, including an investment in the
Orestes plant with a new high-speed canned tomato line and additional
equipment to increase the entire plant’s output. Red Gold’s Elwood plant
is currently midway through a major addition of its production and
packaging equipment, including an additional state-of-the-art, high-speed
ketchup bottling line that will be ready for production in mid-August.
Ingle said the company’s full-time employment has nearly doubled and as
surpassed 1,300 employees with diverse careers and opportunities in
advanced food manufacturing.

June 9, 2011

News Release

PENDLETON, Ind. — Remy announced it has been awarded a three-year contract for electric motors by ALTe Powertrain Technologies. Under the agreement, Remy HVH 250 electric motors will act as an onboard generator to recharge batteries and deliver electric drivetrain traction power for ALTe’s hybrid vehicle powertrain conversions.

ALTe develops range-extended electric powertrains for the commercial, government and utility fleet industry, with a focus on light- to medium-sized delivery trucks, vans, and shuttle buses. The mass produced and assembled electric propulsion systems can be installed in 14 hours and are projected to provide an initial 30 miles of all-electric driving, followed by an estimated 275 miles in a charge-sustained mode, before needing to be recharged or refueled. Fuel economy is projected to increase up to 200 percent with no loss in cargo capacity, increased torque, and comparable horsepower and towing capability when compared to a factory V8 engine.

Remy is a leading global manufacturer of electric motors for hybrid and electric vehicles. With over 1 billion miles of proven reliability, Remy’s motors deliver industry-leading power density and efficiency. “We are very pleased that ALTe has chosen Remy as its motor supplier. ALTe has impressed us with their management team, innovation and design. By targeting fleets, ALTe will provide a strong, efficient option for mass savings and fewer tailpipe emissions while using our durable, tested and proven motors,” said Remy Electric Motors VP and GM, Kevin Quinn.

Remy’s patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) technology delivers world-class torque and power density for added speed and range in ALTe’s electric hybrid powertrains. Leading companies like ALTe use the Remy HVH electric motor because of its superior technology, reliability and the speed-to-market that comes with Remy’s existing global production capacity.

“We are very excited to integrate Remy’s electric motor into our advanced powertrains, providing the power and efficiency we need in addition to achieving outstanding reliability and durability,” Thomas stated. “With a nationwide network of installation centers in place, this important agreement with Remy provides us the confidence we will be able to deliver our customers the highest-performing technology possible when sales begin next year,” he said.
About Remy International, Inc.

Remy International, Inc., headquartered in Pendleton, Indiana, is a leading global manufacturer, remanufacturer and distributor of light duty starters and alternators and Delco Remy brand heavy-duty systems. Remy International also manufactures and distributes electric propulsion motors designed with leading edge technology and backed by the security of over a billion miles of proven reliability. In business for over 100 years, today Remy International is actively collaborating with companies throughout the world to develop innovations that are transforming the vehicle industry. Recently, Remy was recognized by the United States Department of Energy for its leadership role in the hybrid technologies space and awarded a $60 million grant under the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative.

To learn more, visit the Remy brand website at www.remyinc.com

About ALTe, LLC.

ALTe is the developer of a Range Extended Electric Powertrain used to repower light commercial vehicles up to 26,000 GVW. The system will retrofit into existing fleet vehicles as well as in “glider” applications of new vehicles to dramatically increase their fuel economy and lower emissions. Designed to replace a base V-8 internal combustion engine powertrain, the system’s patented technology improves fuel economy from 80% to 200%. Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the company is headquartered in an 185,000 square foot facility where it will assemble its powertrain kit that will be shipped to installation locations across North America.

To learn more, visit the ALTe website at www.altellc.com

Source: Remy International Inc.

By Abbey Doyle The Herald Bulletin The Herald Bulletin

ALEXANDRIA, Ind. — Once the final stages of a months-long process are complete, Alexandria will officially become the new home of a defense contractor and eventually 100 new jobs.

Alexandria Mayor Jack Woods said he is excited about the possibilities that exist with Floatograph Technologies coming to Alexandria at the former U.S. Pipe facility on West Sixth Street. The deal is just awaiting a property exchange, he said. The company that owns the now dilapidated facility are donating it to the city. Floatograph will buy the property for $75,000 from the Alexandria Redevelopment Commission.

“Our main goal is to keep the property on the tax roll,” Woods said. “It is all rundown and they plan to fix it up and make it a workable factory creating eventually 100 jobs, which in the times we are in right now is a great opportunity.”

The benefits will go far beyond the city, but he is most excited about what it means for Alexandria.

“The best part is the jobs, of course,” Woods said. “But this is a great opportunity for the city of Alexandria to show everyone what we have been trying to show people all along — we are a viable city, not just a bedroom community. Hopefully this factory will spawn interest for other businesses coming to Alexandria. We have everything they need right here.”

Floatograph co-owner Frank Liestenfeltz said the move to Alexandria will be a great opportunity for the company providing them with the much needed opportunity to expand from its current Fairmount location, which currently employs 25, some of which will remain in Fairmount and some will come to the Alexandria facility.

The company owns the ideas for products like the specialized utility trailers with telescoping masts, which are being manufactured in Fairmount and will be manufactured in Alexandria. Floatograph contracts other companies to build the products for Floatograph in their facilities. Then Floatograph sells the products — mostly to the military and military contractors, he explained.

Liestenfeltz said they are hoping to start two brand-new lines at the new plant but for right now are focusing on finishing the deal and making the needed repairs and remodels to the facility once they have the deed.

“We are ready to go as soon as we can get in,” he said. “The city made such a good deal for the property we couldn’t refuse. They wanted our business, and we wanted the facility.”

The jobs that eventually will come include welders, fitters, electricians, office help, logistics, assemblers and others once the plant gets online, hopefully by the end of July, Liestenfeltz said. The wages would be between $12 and $35 an hour, he said, but most of those hires won’t happen until later in the year.

Alexandria’s Economic Development Director John Dockery said he worked for three years to get possession of the old factory property for the city so it could be used for a new plant.

“It is a great opportunity for everyone involved,” he said. “It is a great company with good people that is opening the door initially for 25 jobs and eventually 75 more. It creates hope, something people need now more than anything. When people see this coming to Alexandria they will see there are many other opportunities. This is the first of many more to come.”

Getting the money to the redevelopment commission allows the town to continue to invest in properties making them more enticing to companies looking to relocate or expand, Dockery said.

Redevelopment Commission President Brian Donahue said the Alexandria property is a perfect fit for the company, something Liestenfeltz said he’s excited about as well with a roof clearance of 35 feet compared to 15 feet in Fairmount. The company will invest about $300,000 in the plant on repairs and remodeling.

“We like to keep buildings full and utilize the assets we have in our community,” Donahue said. “And, of course, this will give us the opportunity to look for parallel businesses or businesses that could enhance Floatograph. We will do what we can to find whatever fit we can for companies.”

Contact Abbey Doyle: 640-4805, abbey.doyle@heraldbulletin.com

Isaac Taylor

News Release

President James L. Edwards and the Anderson University board of trustees are pleased to announce the planned construction of the Performance Hall and Galleries project. The approximately 24,000 square-foot facility, with an estimated cost of approximately $4 million, will adjoin the existing Krannert Fine Arts Building, bringing together classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and the new performance venue. The performance hall project will be designed to be a flexible performance space for many ensembles, solo student performances, and guest artists visiting Anderson University. The facility will seat approximately 400 in the audience and a choral loft area in an intimate setting.

“The performance hall project adds a significant dimension to the outstanding programs found in the School of Music,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “The lead gift for this project has come from Dr. James York and Dr. Elizabeth York. These great friends of Anderson University have lifted our vision for what we can accomplish toward a bold and vibrant future in several of our outstanding programs.”

The Performance Hall and Galleries project is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $97 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment, and $25 million for operational support.

“We are so grateful for the commitment and support of the York family,” said Bob Coffman, vice president for advancement at Anderson University. “This new facility will provide a world-class environment in which our students and faculty will perform. Through their generosity, Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York are making a significant difference in the lives our students.”

Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have given of their time and resources to make a difference in people’s lives. Their giving spirit was what convinced the couple that Dr. James York should retire early from his practice of orthopedic surgery so that they could work in mission hospitals throughout Africa. It also prompted them to contribute to the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Endowed Memorial Fund at Anderson University. And it is one of the primary reasons they created the James M. York, M.D., and Elizabeth H. York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology. The Yorks also provided resources for the York Seminary Village project at AU and the York Children’s Book Collection within the Nicholson Library.

The architectural firm of KRM in Anderson is designing the project. Contractors managing the 18-month construction of the facility — targeted to begin in early summer 2011 — will be announced at a later date pending a further review and evaluation of project costs and projected gift income by the Executive Committee of the AU board of trustees.

It is anticipated that the new facility will support a permanent gallery space for the Warner Sallman Art Collection at Anderson University as well as an additional gallery space for other specialized art collections owned by the institution. Anderson University maintains a website dedicated to Sallman’s work — www.warnersallman.org.

The Performance Hall and Galleries project is designed to be an acoustically superior venue that will give proper recognition to the work of students, faculty members, and guest artists. The architectural and acoustical design of the facility will enhance the nationally recognized programs of the School of Music. The hall will be carefully constructed and shaped to ensure that music is heard and experienced in powerful and moving ways.

“This is a project that we have been anticipating for a long time that we feel will have a significant impact on the growth and development of the School of Music,” said Dr. Jeff Wright, dean of the School of Music at Anderson University. “All of us in the School of Music are very excited about the impact that the performance hall will have on our work and the development of students.”

The Performance Hall and Galleries project will feature orchestra space for 45 musicians, a choir loft for 75 voices, and an advanced acoustical design. The main floor of the facility will accommodate approximately 250 seats while the balcony space will support approximately 75 seats. A large lobby with glass walls will provide natural light and wide views of campus — providing an ideal setting for greeting guests and hosting receptions.

The School of Music is one of the largest and strongest academic units on the campus of Anderson University. Graduates perform in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including The Metropolitan Opera in New York City and La Scala Theatre in Milan. Graduates are also teaching in some of the strongest school systems in the nation, leading music ministries in important churches, sharing their artistic vision through all facets of the music industry, and pursuing graduate degrees from prominent universities.

“As a performing artist, I understand the importance of a performance hall in creating a venue where the expression of art can be realized,” said Lawrence Brownlee, a 1996 alumnus of Anderson University and a world renowned bel canto tenor. “It also provides an intimate space where the acoustics and atmosphere contribute to an experience that both listeners and performers can enjoy. For those students who will go on to have performing careers, it is vital for them to understand the setting in which their performances will take place. The performance hall has many possibilities, and I am sure it will benefit the Anderson community in countless ways.”

All current Anderson University music students and alumni share one thing in common. They perform as soloists and as members of musical ensembles during their years at AU. Each week, the School of Music hosts multiple performances that showcase the artistry of student musicians. In addition, the School of Music presents performances by faculty members and guest artists, many of whom are featured in a special Thursday Night Concert Series which attracts significant audiences from the campus and community. In short, the School of Music boasts an active performance calendar that will be support by the new performance hall.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

Source: Anderson University

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana’s preliminary seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate dropped 0.3 percent, to 8.8 percent in February. This marks the first time since December 2008 the state’s unemployment rate has been less than 9 percent. Indiana’s rate is now just below the national average of 8.9 percent and below that of all neighboring states. Private sector employment in Indiana declined in February, (-1,600).

“The number of Hoosiers claiming state unemployment insurance benefits is less than half the number it was two years ago,” said Mark W. Everson, Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development. “Moreover, new claims for unemployment insurance are now at a level not seen since 2006.”

Employment by Sector

Sectors showing significant employment gains in February include: Private Education and Health Services (1,300) and Construction (1,200). Sectors showing significant declines are Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-3,200) and Government (-6,300). Total non-farm employment decreased (-7,900) in February.

Click here for ranking of Indiana counties by unemployment rate.

Click here for Indiana unemployment rate map.

Click here for labor force estimates.

Midwest Unemployment Rates:

Indiana
Feb. 2010: 10.7%
Jan. 2011: 9.1%
Feb. 2011: 8.8%
Monthly Change: -0.3%

U.S.
Feb. 2010: 9.7%
Jan. 2011: 9.0%
Feb. 2011: 8.9%
Monthly Change: -0.1%

Illinois
Feb. 2010: 11.1%
Jan. 2011: 9.0%
Feb. 2011: 8.9%
Monthly Change: -0.1%

Kentucky
Feb. 2010: 10.9%
Jan. 2011: 10.4%
Feb. 2011: 10.4%
Monthly Change: n/c

Michigan
Feb. 2010: 13.5%
Jan. 2011: 10.7%
Feb. 2011: 10.4%
Monthly Change: -0.3%

Ohio
Feb. 2010: 10.6%
Jan. 2011: 9.3%
Feb. 2011: 9.2%
Monthly Change: -0.1%

Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development

By Dave Stafford
The Herald Bulletin
The Herald Bulletin Wed Mar 23, 2011, 09:59 PM EDT

ANDERSON, Ind. — Officials representing Anderson and Madison County will be among 25 selected to travel with the U.S. Economic Development Agency next month to the largest industrial trade show on Earth.

Linda Dawson from the City of Anderson and Rob Sparks from the Corporation for Economic Development will attend the Hannover Messe trade show April 4-8 in Hannover, Germany. More than 6,500 exhibitors including industries from more than 65 nations will be represented at the annual conference whose focus this year is smart efficiency.

But the goal will be making contact with companies from around the world to try to persuade them to do business and create jobs here.

“It’s huge; it’ll be a challenge to work,” Sparks said of Hannover Messe. Sparks will represent Anderson and Madison County on behalf of CED, and he said the event will be the largest and best-organized trade show he’s been involved with.

“It’s best described as, ‘If it’s got metal and it moves, you need to be there,’” Dawson said of the kinds of companies that will exhibit in Hannover. She said economic development experts consider the show the mecca of such events.

The EDA trade mission selected Anderson, CED and 23 other U.S. organizations to be represented at the show, which is designed to increase American exports as well as lure direct investment from overseas.

“EDA is proud to collaborate in this important program to help U.S. communities promote themselves as strong trading partners and attractive locations for international investment,” Brian McGowan, an Economic Development Administration delegation leader, said in a statement.

Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon said in a statement that the invitation to for the city and CED to join the delegation is a recognition of the area’s “global economic development attraction efforts and the fact our city is well suited for the type of industry clusters that will attend the show.

“The city and CED feel it will be a unique opportunity to introduce Anderson to many of the companies that attend Hannover Messe each year,” he said.

Dawson and Sparks said travelling with the delegation allows EDA to set up meetings for the city and CED with companies they’d like to court. “Not often do you get to pick and choose the companies you want to meet with that are best suited for your area,” Dawson said.

“The expectation is to open some doors and build relationships that will bring investment here,” Sparks said. “But we also understand it takes time.”

Vermillion County in west central Indiana is the only other organization in the state invited to send a representative with the EDA delegation.

Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com

and Indiana’s #10 ranking in the Business Tax Climate…Business Tax Climate Comparison