Northeast Indiana Pulse

Commentary from a LEDO: A Silver Lining in Wells County

2009-11-04T11:35:00.002-05:00

Mike Row
Economic Development Director of Wells County Economic Development
As Published October 30, 2009 in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly

The nearly $350 million in capital project investment that Wells County experienced in 2007-08 is a tough act to follow.

And while the global economic downturn has caused some in our nation to question the validity of free-market capitalism, Wells County has seized this unusual moment in history to build economic-development capacity.

Indeed, the public- and private-sector leaders who established Wells County Economic Development have long focused on the “first things” of sustainable economic growth:

•The continuous cultivation of strong families, which provides fertile ground for a world-class work force and exemplary quality of life.

•An ongoing, community-wide dialogue that values faith, the free exchange of ideas, critical thinking, civility, personal responsibility and productive creativity.

•A unanimous refusal to allow politics to enter the economic-development process.

•The identification and funding of capacity building opportunities to enhance economic growth potential.

To be sure, this dedication to “the first things” continues to pay dividends in Wells County, even in what some might consider the worst of times.

For example:

•Wells County is home to, not one, but two of the 2009 Indiana companies to watch: Alexin LLC (Bluffton) and Nesco Sales and Rentals (Bluffton).

•Metaldyne emerged from a Chapter 11 restructuring and will continue its driveline machining and assembly operation in Bluffton’s JaSun Industrial Park.

•Bluffton Regional Medical Center recently opened a $3.1-million renovation and development of a women’s center that features new labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum (LDRP) rooms for obstetric patients, an area of private rooms for gynecological patients and comfortable spaces for visiting family members.

•The Wells County Leadership Academy graduated its first class in May 2009. This program is an ongoing collaborative effort on the part of the Wells County Community Foundation, the Wells County United Way, the Huntington University Foundation and the Wells County Chamber of Commerce to empower community leaders.

•Buskirk Engineering, a cutting-edge manufacturer of biomass densification systems, expanded into an existing industrial building on the east side of Ossian.

•Pretzels Inc. (Bluffton) installed a new line that will enhance its specialty food production capabilities.

•The Bluffton/Decker Industrial Park (135 acres) will soon be home to one of the first “shovel-ready” sites to emerge from the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s new certified shovel-ready program.

•Harrison Plaza was recently purchased by a dynamic new owner who has a vision for capitalized growth along Bluffton’s southern corridor.

•The Bluffton Regional KOA Campground will hold its grand opening in June 2010.

•Several Bluffton manufacturing plants have survived internal competitive consolidation processes.

•The Northeast Indiana Foundation has provided Wells County Economic Development with grants that have enhanced capacity building in the areas of shovel-ready site certification, business retention and expansion, site selector visits and evaluations, and organizational benchmarking.

•The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s LEDO council continues to facilitate synergies that better prepare our region for future economic-development opportunities.

This is not to say that Wells County has been immune to the global economic downturn.

Rather, it is to say that the previously mentioned achievements reflect the commitment of the many outstanding leaders — past and present — who have made and continue to make Wells County a place where ideas and success converge.

Thoughts from the CEO: ED 201

2009-11-02T16:03:00.006-05:00

On the surface, ED 201 was just another economic development forum hosted by the five northern counties of the region (Lagrange, Steuben, Noble, DeKalb and Whitley). The content was solid, comprised of the meat and potatoes development of sites, buildings and TIF districts. While the forum held in Kendallville may not have drawn excessive media coverage, in the midst of severe economic times these topics are timely for communities searching for meaningful answers to tough questions.

Beyond the relevant content, I was struck by a bigger picture during the session: Here we are, three years since inception of the Partnership and completely new behaviors are emerging from the graveyard of intense competition between counties for each and every economic development project.

Remarkably, I witnessed mayors, commissioners and developers from neighboring communities sitting side by side, confronting the common problem of product development in our region. Only an insider of economic development with historical perspective in northeast Indiana would be able to discern the dramatic change. Just a short time ago, the sharing of such information in development circles would be the equivalent of Microsoft and Apple discussing software codes; strictly held proprietary intellectual property. Today, however, these neighboring communities are understanding the power found in numbers. Not unlike politics, all development is still very local at the end of any day. But gone are the days when any community can hope to compete in the global economy without the support of workforce, natural resources, supplier networks, infrastructure and cultural amenities of a region.

I commend northeast Indiana's Galen Eberhart, Keith Gillenwater, Rick Sherck, Gary Nielander and Alan Tio, for their leadership in pulling together the conference. Job well done!

-John Sampson (President/CEO NEIRP)

Crossroads of America: Northern Indiana & Major Highways/Transportation Outlets Connected

2009-10-30T09:41:00.004-04:00

"Hoosiers are showing America how to solve big problems and protect taxpayers at the same time."
--Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Oct. 29, 2009

CNBC recent ranked Indiana 4th nationally for logistics in their “2009 America’s Top States for Business” rankings. Further emphasizing Indiana's commitment to quality infrastructure, Governor Daniels' Major Moves initiative has been cited as the "jobs bill of a generation." Including over 400 transportation projects and providing job opportunities to complete the project, "Major Moves" is further advancing Indiana's already renowned logistics and infrastructure for which many companies have cited as their reason for selecting Indiana for their expansion and relocation.

One project included in "Major Moves" will, when completed, connect Fort Wayne with deep water ports in , OH. This four-phase project broke ground in April of 2008 and its first phase has been completed, with Indiana and Ohio "Meeting at the Line in 2009." A celebration was held on October 28, announcing the opening of a new section of the U.S. 24 Fort to Port highway. A statement issued by Governor Daniels states that, the 2.9-mile section of highway is the first section in this project to be open to traffic in Indiana. The new section will immediately connect at the state line to a 45-mile section extending to the east side of Napoleon, Ohio. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland joined Governor Daniels at the celebration for this milestone.

Follow this link to read more about Indiana's Major Moves program, learn about northeast Indiana's transportation and logistics or see more Indiana and northeast Indiana rankings and accolades.

Visit to Texas shows New Tech schools, project-based learning do work

2009-10-26T08:52:00.004-04:00

Northeast Indiana was granted a $20M dollar grant from the Lilly Endowment earlier this year to support the TOps 2015 talent initiative and pursue the enhancement of talent resources throughout the region. TOpS 2015 is focused on furthering our region's ability to support the defense and aerospace industries through science, technology, engineering and math education. The Northeast Indiana Foundation's Executive Director, Mark Becker, and the TOpS 2015 Director, Leonard Helfrich, recently traveled to Texas to learn more about STEM education. After returning, Helfrich supplied the following reflection. (The content below is abbreviated from the article that was published in October 23rd's edition of the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly.)

One of the elements we are hard at work advancing is the K-12 education piece, which includes the startup of at least six STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) New Tech high schools in our region. In support of northeast Indiana’s work, I recently joined Mark Becker, Kirk Kemmish and 12 education professionals on a trip to tour two New Tech high schools in Texas to learn best practices and investigate what characteristics make up a successful STEM New Tech school.

I am pleased to report that the New Tech programs we toured in Texas provided evidence and examples in support of a program and curriculum that is succeeding. The PBL model engages the students in a broad range of disciplines within each course, rather than the traditional “silo” learning approach. The projects, which teachers construct in collaboration with each other, are designed to require the students to have mastery of course work across a spectrum of the basic curriculum, apply that course work to problem-solving and reach conclusions, all while working in groups.

This develops teamwork skills that many will be required to utilize in work situations, especially those who go into STEM fields. These students also appeared inquisitive and alert in each of the classes we visited, and, more than I would have guessed, they took to working in groups well. A good number of the students were still engaged in extracurricular activities, albeit with a very responsible attitude about getting their course work done above all.

To produce articulate and confident students is an accomplishment in its own right, but in the end, what about the academic results? The testing from these two STEM New Tech high schools does show incremental improvement. For example, in one Dallas suburb high school we visited, the overall district result in reading/English language arts shows sophomores with a 93 percent pass rate, while the New Tech High in that district has results of 99 percent.

In other subject areas, the overall district pass rates versus those for the New Tech high school were: math 76 percent versus 86 percent; social studies 93 percent versus 97 percent; and science 73 percent versus 76 percent, respectively. Differentials were the same for the second school.

At the end of this trip I came away a believer. I am excited to be a part of exploring this new educational model on behalf of the northeast Indiana region and in support of the school districts that are planning and implementing their own project-based learning programs. With the completion of the TOpS 2015 program and many other regional efforts, northeast Indiana will have one of the largest concentrations of New Tech high schools in the country.

We are encouraged by the potential effect these programs will have on our future work force and the region’s ability to supply highly qualified workers to existing and new businesses. Stay tuned for more progress as we work to produce and build upon the information we found in Texas to create more success stories for our region’s students.

Photos from Germany Trip

2009-10-19T16:06:00.003-04:00

Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership Project Manager Dale Buuck recently returned from a trade mission to Europe, meeting specifically with German interests specializing in various industries. On-location recaps can be found on this blog, and photos from this trip have also been posted to the Regional Partnership's Flickr account.

Please feel free to sift through our photostream and see what Dale was up to in Germany, as well as some interesting cultural snapshots.

NEIRP's European Tradeshow Photos

Germany Trade Mission Update: Homeward Bound

2009-10-02T09:50:00.004-04:00

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Germany trip is now coming to a close. The meetings and interactions we have had with business leaders throughout our time spent here have been very productive and have produced relationships that will continue to be nurtured.

I am also VERY ready to come home. It seems that in the States, being cold is a the common complaint: during conferences, in offices, sitting in classrooms, etc. Here in Germany, however, it is really warm in so many places: The train stations, the trains, the small elevators, THE HOTEL ROOMS, and every single conference room we've been in. In some ways, it reminds me of being at my mom and dad's house. It can be 80 degrees inside and they are reaching for a sweater!
Oh well, on according to my son, I will not have to worry about warm temperatures when I arrive back home. He informed me last night about the cool tempatures awaiting my arrival... I am just fine with that.

Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland! Bis wir uns wieder treffen.
(Goodbye Germany! Until we meet again.)

-Dale Buuck

Germany Trade Mission Update: Days 6 & 7

2009-09-30T08:50:00.004-04:00

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

We had many meetings scheduled Monday and Tuesday in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Bavaria is the economic power house of Europe and this sector has the most GDP; thus, the reason for spending time here. Interestingly, Munich has the same population of Indianapolis; but, in only about one quarter of the land. So it is busy enough on a daily basis and with their infamous Oktoberfest currently on going, another 300,000 to 400,000 people flow in and out of the area per day.

Our meetings in Munich included several visits with companies, but the majority were held with Chambers, Associations and Government departments. In all of these meetings, the comments have commonly been focused on how long it has been since they have been visited by someone from Indiana. I was welcomed warmly and am grateful for scheduling this trip so that Indiana, and northeast Indiana in particular, can remain familiar to our German counterparts.

On a side note, Sunday was election day in Germany, and al-Qaeda had threatened that if the incumbent was re-elected they would attack (because of the country's involvement in Afghanistan). Therefore, we have seen a large increase of military and police presence in many public areas, especially the train station, and they have armored vehicles on the runway at Frankfurt airport...hopefully I can avoid them when I take off from there Friday, flying back to home sweet home Indiana.

-Dale Buuck

Pictured above: Group meeting with the head of the AmCham (far right), Dale Buuck is pictured on the far left.

Germany Trade Mission Update: Days 2-4

2009-09-28T10:18:00.006-04:00

Saturday, September 26, 2009

After getting some good sleep Wednesday night, and feeling more human, we had our first meeting of the day, with the foreign trade and services lead, in Stuttgart with the Industrie und Handelskammer regional office. This organization is the Chamber of Industry and Commerce helping companies in the area. One of the other meetings that day was with a medical company with a sales office in Indiana and inquired if and when they may have a bigger presence.

Friday brought great weather once again and we drove to meet with a manufacturer involved with the public transportation industry. The meeting was something you couldn't begin to script because no one would believe it. We sat down and told them about ourselves and who we represent and following our introduction, they asked if we had a bug in the phone system. Why? Because they are considering a presence in the US at this very moment and have been looking to Indiana as a possibility.

Upon hearing this, we immediately adjusted our schedule and spent the entire morning with them. We will definitely have follow-up communications with them in the very near future. A few more meetings were held in the afternoon, then it was a long drive to Augsburg for the evening.

Saturday morning brought about yet another great day and reminded me that we are definitely in Bavaria now. Many folks were in traditional clothing. Most heading for the train station and a quick ride to Munich's Oktoberfest, and others were just strolling through the Saturday market. I, on the other hand, was off to RenExpo at the trade fair centre. The show did not have a large wind or solar presence, but it was informative. We were able to meet extensively with one of Bayern International's managers. It was an excellent meeting, with him thanking us for the materials we gave him on Indiana in general and northeast Indiana in particular. He was grateful to now have points of contact for the businesses in Bavaria who have interest in the Midwest US.

Pictured Above: RENEXPO 2009

Our progress thus far during this trip has reemphasized the importance and productivity of participating in proactive foreign trade missions and I look forward to the results our new contacts will bring to northeast Indiana.

-Dale Buuck

Germany Trade Mission Update: Day 1

2009-09-23T14:54:00.002-04:00

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Today marked the beginning of our 2009 trade mission to Germany. For the next 11 days, myself and representatives from the Indy Partnership made our way through the country, sharing information about our region and nurturing relationships with area leaders.

We arrived in Frankfurt, Germany at 8:00am and quickly boarded the train heading south to Stuttgart and the trade centre for the MoTek Expo. The show is for companies involved with machines and processes to improve efficiency in manufacturing. During this trade show I was able to meet with four individual companies that had we had prearranged prior to the show. Between those meetings I also took advantage of the show by networking, sharing information and meeting with other companies.

Thursday holds promise for continued progress with four more meetings scheduled, one of which will be with the Stuttgart Regional Chamber of Commerce. This trade mission is off to a great start and we are looking forward to the relationships and opportunities that will arise from our time spent here.

-Dale Buuck

Asia Trade Mission Update: Reflections

2009-09-16T13:08:00.004-04:00

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Now only minutes from Narita, I am heading home for Indiana. I am anxious to get back home but equally sad to leave so many new and renewed friends in both China and Japan. On the surface, Governor Daniel's trade mission to Asia has achieved substantial success. Even short of immediate commitments for jobs and investment, this journey will likely produce tangible results and benefits which northeast Indiana will reap for months and perhaps even years.

For northeast Indiana, after a quick tabulation of notes and business cards, the trip in numbers can be summarized like this: over 60 contacts from 45 corporations or organizations were made, over 20 'assist' commitments were discussed for future trips, and approximately a dozen respectable leads were established which can be expected to develop into near-term visits in the coming weeks, months and year. While these contacts, relationships and leads alone have been worth the investment of our stakeholders, these certainly are not the only metrics from this trip worth measuring.

Some skeptics may have justifiably argued to take a pass on this trip to Asia. Passing up participation in this trade mission, however, would have been clearly a missed opportunity. We as a delegation simply had to be there to fully appreciate the enormity of the potential found in China and Japan’s burgeoning economy. There are smart, capable business men and women and elected officials asking when, where and how do we go global and how do we invest in Indiana. Commitment to these personal visits and relationships with industry leaders is crucial to understanding how to best prepare for the time when China will transition from internal development to global investment.

After reflection, I have come to realize that I had under-valued the significance of our sister city and state relationships in Asia. Some might view this trip as excess—a ticket to an overseas adventure. However, to our foreign counterparts, nurturing these relationships provide passports and visas to future opportunity. While we as a culture tend to under appreciate the significance of ceremony and frills, our overseas partners and culture highly value this investment of time and formal tradition. The governor of Tochigi, for example, spared no expense during a tough economy to demonstrate how much this tenth anniversary celebration meant to his prefecture.

In China, this emphasis was even more fundamental and apparent. While we collected business cards hoping to find one in ten that might produce investment or jobs, we were asked repeatedly by our Chinese counterparts for business cards and expanded sister relationships so that they 'might' achieve a visa to visit our state. We seek the creation of wealth and they seek opportunity; it is all a matter of perspective.

One final impression to capture: Whether a twelve hour flight or twelve time zones away, we live in a very small world. Whether we understand it or not, our region and state are tightly linked to these Asian economies. How surprised I was to discover our board members and fellow community members doing business in both China and Japan. Through chance encounters in elevators to greetings from Chinese and Japanese nationals who have visited Fort Wayne or Ashley or other communities in our state, we are all connected. They know us and we are working there: we depend on mutual success, especially in this difficult, but very global, economy.

-John Sampson

Asia Trade Mission Update: Day 6 & China Recap

2009-09-11T15:20:00.009-04:00

Friday, September 11, 2009

The trip thus far has opened my eyes to discover the breadth of the global connections revealed this week; indeed it is a small world in which we live. The Hoosier delegation is preparing to disperse from Hangzhou, China this morning. Some on to Tokyo, some heading back home to Indiana and others are off to other locations in China; David Bramlage of Cole Hardwoods moves on to Hong Kong today as a base of operation for meeting with his customers in southern China; Don Babcock with Nipsco, discovered a major customer based in China. Even in our own backyard, firms based in northeast Indiana like Do It Best and Fort Wayne Metals and many others have numerous connections in the developing Asian market with global firms Cummins and Lilly acted as cornerstones for the state's trade mission activities in China this week.

Global relationships were at the heart of Monday evening's reception for the Hoosier Club of Shanghai. The Hoosier Club in Shanghai is a recent development and to their pleasant surprise, Hoosier roots are prevalent in China. At first the club focused on reaching out to IU and Purdue alums; but now other, more remote but substantial Hoosier ties have been discovered in Asia. For example, I met Andrew Spaudie and his wife Nancy who are building a commercial interior design business in Asia. (Coincidentally, I previously met Andrew and Nancy, only by chance, about eighteen months ago in Indianapolis.)

The same evening, another connection hit even closer to home: Hansen Zhao is a Chinese attorney, educated at IU and now facilitating foreign direct investment into Indiana. Hansen and I have planned to meet soon on his next visit to Fort Wayne where he has visited many times before. Ron Gifford of the Indy Partnership was also very generous to share his personal connection through a dinner invitation with the Wangs, investment advisors out of Shanghai.

Thursday afternoon's seminar and dinner for businesses and entrepreneurs in Zhejiang, Indiana's sister China state, continued to provide the same connections as Monday had presented. Here, I met Wayne Perry. Wayne sat on the China side of the table during the seminar; I imagined by his seating that he had relocated to Zhejiang, worked for a Chinese firm, and was now ready for US growth. Not so, however.

Wayne's business card has an Indy address: His firm distributes Chinese products in the US and is currently considering a manufacturing presence. Later, he discovered our northeast Indiana address. Ironically and much to my surprise, his home is off of Dupont Road in Fort Wayne and we now have plans for dinner at a local restaurant, Paula's.

Connections and opportunity abound. Through conversations this past week we have discovered that the furniture manufacturer, the curtain and drape distributor and the provincial government of Zhejiang are all seeking our help to better understand the American culture and business environment. They are smart and willing investors, but inexperienced in our markets. While these connections may seem to occur by chance, the fact is that we are here as a consequence of intentional investment and deliberate preparation. Northeast Indiana will benefit by extending our experience to assist and guide our global partners.

Providing a positive note to the close of the Chinese seminar, Lydia Zheng of one of the largest Chinese manufacturers tossed a softball to Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob: "What policies can you provide to Chinese firms seeking to locate in Indiana?" Roob responded, "Boy, have I got a deal for you."

-John Sampson

Asia Trade Mission Update: Day 2

2009-09-08T13:52:00.003-04:00

Monday, September 7, 2009

My first full day in China. Beyond jet lag, the learning curve is steep, but fascinating. When is it safe to be in the cross walks and which end of the chop sticks do you hold for reaching into the bowl? Even more important, however, is learning about and understanding the needs of Chinese business. This is necessary if we expect to attract their investment to our region.

I was fortunate to meet with an officer today from an international bank located in Shanghai. He guided me to focus on the business sectors where we are strongest and to understand what we offer as an opportunity to corresponding firms. His guidance was practical and an important reminder: "Know yourself and know your investors." He explained that international work is not a strength for Chinese. They are impeded by strong cultural differences which go well beyond simple language barriers. The differences in cultural history, legal and business practices produce hesitant reactions to overtures for foreign investment. Despite this reservation, many Chinese firms understand they must grow beyond their own markets or ultimately be left behind in global competition. While these firms are talented, well educated and willing to learn, they are not yet confident outside their borders.

This hesitance can be noted even with current suppliers to US firms operating in China who may not be comfortable in operating beyond their state borders. One long term supplier to Cummins was heard to say that they do not foresee operating in the US for several years.

This leads me to believe that the Chinese may be much more likely to acquire or merge than to start new. They will value partnerships that offer market experience to manage their direct risk exposure from uncharted business systems. Such was the case for CIMC which we visited today. This company is the largest overseas shipping container manufacturer in the world holding enormous shares of the dry and refrigerated container markets. Several years ago they acquired Vanguard National Trailers in Indiana to leverage not only their manufacturing skills but their presence in the US markets.

The central point in today's experience was the necessity to continue our mission of answering the question: What is it that northeast Indiana offers as a strategic advantage to Chinese firms when they are ready for US market entry? This is the question we are here to explore.

-John Sampson

Asia Trade Mission Update: Day 1

2009-09-07T22:47:00.003-04:00

Sunday, September 6, 2009

This is the first in a series of blogs prepared to document our exciting participation on the Indiana 2009 Trade Mission to Asia. Our objective on behalf of the 10 counties of northeast Indiana is to seek relationships which will produce foreign investment in our region.

Northeast Indiana activity began before I had even left the Midwest: I ran into Mark Michael from Fort Wayne Metals in Detroit. A number of his associates are also in Shanghai this week to work a medical device show. The Asian markets represent a growing market opportunity for this local firm from northeast Indiana. 7646 miles, 14 hours of flight and 12 hours of time change later, the Indiana 2009 Asian Trade Mission has arrived in Shanghai.

First impressions are lasting, and our first impression of China did not disappoint. The Pu Dong airport is new, modern and processing through customs was very efficient. Large spaces, corridors, aisles and waiting areas reveal that the Chinese are accustomed to and skilled at serving large numbers of travelers.

As we boarded the bus to travel to the hotel, it was noted that the bus was powered by a Cummins diesel. Something tells me our guide was well informed about our Hoosier roots. One hour later we arrived at our hotel. An amazing amount of construction is underway throughout the city. During the trip to downtown, our guide pointed out a number tall buildings, towers and an immense project for the 2010 World Expo under construction.

Upon arrival at the hotel, a small group, including Mayors Wayne Seybold of Marion and John Ditslear of Noblesville, headed out to sample the local cuisine. In every respect, Shanghai has all and more than what one could expect from a world class city. The shopping areas have all the stores and restaurants you can imagine. We decided to skip Pizza Hut, KFC and Burger King and opted for the Nanxiang Restaurant. Here we enjoyed, shaved ginger (very hot), fried rice, steamed dumplings and spiced green beans; all excellent.

Enough for tonight, 8 hours until tomorrow's business meetings begin.

-John Sampson

Renewable Energy Attracted to Northeast Indiana

2009-08-31T15:04:00.005-04:00

Indiana and green energy seem to have an inevitable attraction to each other. During the summer of 2009 alone, news reports have been inundated with headlines featuring wind energy, green buildings, and sustainable construction to name merely a few efforts occurring across the region. The world's first electrically-lighted city, Wabash, IN, is now home to Indiana's first affordable electric car; and Sweetwater sound, Indiana's first commercial business to receive a Platinum LEED certification, is headquartered in Fort Wayne. Additionally, Sweetwater Sound is just miles away from a brand new sustainable construction and renewable energy lab which was unveiled at Indiana University/Purdue University-Fort Wayne this past June.

Complimenting northeast Indiana's unquestionable dedication to clean and renewable energy, the region's workforce and specialties are consistently attracting the attention of wind energy suppliers and manufacturers, seeking prime locations to support the support the nation's aggressively growing wind energy industry. Most recently, it was announced that Indiana will be partnering with 6 other neighboring Midwest states to support the construction of an unprecedented high-voltage electric highway, which will transport electricity generated by wind power to homes and businesses.

As discussed during the Wind Supply Chain conference, held in Fort Wayne this past May, northeast Indiana is primed with the foundation to support the wind energy. High-precision manufacturers and top quality engineers from some of the nation's finest universities provide key elements in successful companies active in the renewable energy industry. Wind and renewable energy are finding their home in northeast Indiana, and in accordance to its reputation, northeast Indiana is meeting the challenge through traditional work ethic and incessant innovation.

Perspective: Northeast Indiana and the Defense Industry

2009-07-16T14:10:00.002-04:00

"Northeast Indiana and the Defense Industry: Advancing with the Growth Curve"
By Dean Barber- Vice President, Business Development

While Northeast Indiana has a long history and tradition of auto-related manufacturing and assembly, less known is the fact that our region has a growing defense and aerospace industry. This growing presence is substantial enough that it should be hard to ignore. In fact, during 2005 and 2006, a total of $2 billion of prime contracts were awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense to six major defense contractors in Northeast Indiana. Additionally, more than 160 companies have been identified as suppliers to the defense industry in our region.

Clearly the industry is on a growth curve and requiring new and replacement workers. These are typically high-paying, high-technically skilled jobs. Fortunately, northeast Indiana's historic manufacturing skills presents the prime foundation on which to support the defense industry. The Talent Opportunity Success (TOpS) 2015 was formed to leverage the region's manufacturing capabilities and to upgrade the skills of our existing adult workforce while preparing K-12 students for a knowledge-based economy as well as ensuring and providing a skilled workforce to serve this industry.

Forbes.com recently highlighted various skill sets that the defense industry utilizes and demands. This article outlines several areas which northeast Indiana is focusing its attention as our workforce is enhanced.

Read Forbes.com "Defense Jobs And Where To Find Them"

Northeast Indiana Savvy Entrepreneurs Garner Attention

2009-07-15T13:11:00.004-04:00

The entrepreneurial spirit northeast Indiana harbors is playing a key factor in our region's resiliency. Not only that, but with Indiana a top ranking exporter, the global economy is influenced by every Hoosier city and town.

During a recent visit to northeast Indiana, Purdue University President France A. Cordova noted the revolution of American Manufacturing that is taking place in the region. Prevalent "high-tech, high-value, innovative and client-driven" companies have leveraged Indiana's global economic presence and moved forward at a pace which compliments the advancements taking place in technology and industrial needs.

The market leader for custom-drawn precision fine wire in medical produces, Fort Wayne Metals and Huntington-based Shuttleworth were both highlighted in President Cordova's regional review for their capabilities in keeping pace with the world economy and embracing a global presence. In fact, Ireland is home to a Fort Wayne Metals facility while serves the European Union marketplace from facilities in ShuttleworthKuala Lumpur and Belgium.

These companies which President Cordova highlighted are merely two examples in a region full of innovation and technological advancement. Avilla, IN plans to be home to a new innovation center in the near future, bringing a green technology hub to the heart of northeast Indiana. And companies like Raytheon, ITT and ERAPSCO--to name a few--are acquiring defense industry contracts on a regular basis and supplying our country with state of the art technology.

Northeast Indiana's savvy innovation is showcasing to the world our region's success and President Cordova's acknowledgement is yet another supporting piece in our growing list of accolades.

Read Purdue University President Cordova's Full Article

An All America City Perspective by John Sampson

2009-07-07T09:40:00.002-04:00

John Sampson
President/CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
As Published July 3rd, 2009 in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
Abbreviated Edition

Admittedly, I was originally a reluctant participant in the city of Fort Wayne’s bid to add an All-America City award to its trophy case for the third time. When Mayor Tom Henry called, I suggested an appropriate alternate. He didn’t bite. Throughout rehearsals and travel to Tampa, Fla., my mind was replete with missed appointments and a to-do list not done.

Sure, I wanted Indiana’s second-largest city and our region to have this honor — a testament to a community’s core values and civic responsibility. And as the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership works to further northeast Indiana’s economic development, I selfishly acknowledged that quality-of-place factors such as an All-America City honor routinely influence business retention and relocation decisions.

I remained convinced that surely someone else would have been better suited for the three-day venture to Florida. Mayor Henry refused to take no for an answer; so, I committed to the assigned practices and began preparing answers for random but seemingly likely regional economic-development questions.

I was in for a surprise. I thought I was there to merely contribute my perspective, but not so. I was there to learn. While at rehearsals, I learned the story of Shafiquillah Fahim (who prefers simply “Shaq”), an Afghan refugee who has come to call northeast Indiana his home. I listened to and absorbed the tragic story of Sharon Repka and the loss of her husband in a bicycling accident. This sad story was turned glad through a grassroots community project, Aboite New Trails. And northeast Indiana was aptly represented by Sheena and Cheyenne, who are changing lives through the Great Kids Make Great Communities and Youth Summit programs as high-school authors and evangelists. These stories are what mattered. They are but a few reasons why northeast Indiana is a region fully worthy of the All-America City honor.

Yes, I could have been doing other things. Thankfully, I was in Tampa, simply providing backup to the real story of a great city and our region. What I discovered through the civic pride and celebration was well worth the after-hours rehearsals and now-forgotten travel hassles. I was able to witness the very fabric that makes up the Hoosier character of our region.

All together now: All-America City. All-America region.

Read John's Full Article "Residents’ stories, efforts made Fort Wayne an All-America City"

Happy 233rd Birthday to the United States of America

2009-07-03T16:26:00.003-04:00

Photo Courtesy of travlinman43

Our sincere thanks and appreciation to our armed forces who continue to stand by America's side and for all those abroad who continue to fight for our freedom – we salute you!

Wishing you and yours a safe and wonderful Independence Day holiday!

Hotel Groundbreaking Unites Northeast Indiana Lenders

2009-07-02T14:29:00.003-04:00

Participating Northeast Indiana Lenders and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry Are Pictured Above at the Courtyard by Marriott Groundbreaking Ceremony

Northeast Indiana has a reputation for coming together for the betterment of our communities. This habit of ours reaches deep into the fiber of the region's fabric, with no industry lacking in community consciousness.

Following this tradition of collaboration, but yet in an uncommon turn of events, 7 northeast Indiana banks teamed together to finance a project traditionally funded by a single lender. First Federal Bank, Grabill Bank, Lake City Bank, Chase, Star Financial Bank, Tower Bank and Salin Bank contributed to the financing and support which was vital to construction of Fort Wayne's new Courtyard by Marriott hotel and the continuation of the Harrison Square project. Lack of financing briefly stalled the Marriott construction; however, after Centier Bank of Merriville stepped in, the 7 northeast Indiana banks followed.

Because of this collaboration, the Courtyard by Marriott construction was ceremoniously launched on Monday during a groundbreaking ceremony next to Parkview Field. Construction will now continue with local firms acquiring over half the contracts necessary for the project.

Even in an economic time in which lenders across the country are tight and dollar-conscious, teamwork still remains to be the reliable answer for success. Northeast Indiana lenders know what is best for the region and thus created an avenue which further development and investment in northeast Indiana could proceed. If it can be done, northeast Indiana understands how to make it happen.

Northeast Indiana's Homestead HS Makes Newsweek List

2009-06-15T16:41:00.003-04:00

Newsweek's recently published "2009 Best High Schools" List features 7 Indiana high schools, including Fort Wayne's own, Homestead High School. This marks Homestead's third year on Newsweek's compilation of the nation's top public high schools.

According to a recent article released by Inside Indiana Business and written by Carol D’Amico, President & CEO of Conexus Indiana, "two recent studies by Federal Reserve economists show educational attainment as the strongest driver of per capita income and overall output, perhaps the two best indicators of economic vitality."

A solid high school education lays the foundation for skilled workers to obtain their higher education degrees or pursue further training and contribute to their communities and local, state and national economies. It is more important now than ever before to place priority on education. The benefits that are reaped in educational respect and success compound exponentially in the economy and workforce.

Find out more about northeast Indiana high school and higher education.

Indiana Slated as a Top 10 Most Competitive State in 2008

2009-06-04T14:52:00.004-04:00

Site Selection has recently named its top 10 competitive states from 2008 based on business-expansion activity. After states who earned eligibility by placing in the top 20 in each of the 10 areas of criteria where allocated points according to their rank, Indiana snagged a Top 10 position, coming as the 9th most competitive state in 2008.

The 10 areas of criteria used in this selection process included: Total new and expanded facilities per 1 million population in 2008; Total capital investment in new and expanded facilities per 1 million population in 2008; Total new jobs created at new and expanded facilities per 1 million population in 2008; Total actual number of new and expanded facilities in 2008; Percentage growth in new and expanded facilities from 2007 to 2008; Three-year growth change (2005-2008) in new and expanded facilities; Ranking in Site Selection's most recent annual business climate survey; Number of top 100 metros in the annual ranking of top metros; Number of top 100 small towns in the annual ranking of small towns; and the number of 100-plus-job projects per 1 million population in 2008.

See how Indiana fared in Site Selection's Business Climate Survey

Follow this link to see more accolades Indiana and northeast Indiana have received.

See the new investments incurred in 2008 in northeast Indiana

Huntington County: A Heritage of Location, Workforce, Value--Poised for the 21st Century

2009-05-28T14:35:00.002-04:00

Mark Wickersham
Executive Director of Huntington County United Economic Development
As Published March 27, 2009 in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
Abbreviated Edition

Generations of Hoosiers have long appreciated Huntington County for its location, people, commerce and lifestyle. Native Americans of the Miami Tribe were the first to enjoy the County named in honor of Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This region was the key center connecting historic trade routes between the Upper Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin.

Today, Huntington County is connected to the world via the NAFTA Corridor of I-69, the U.S. Highway 24 Hoosier Heartland Industrial Corridor, and Norfolk-Southern's Class 1 line. Huntington Municipal Airport with its 5,001 foot runway, new terminal and low fuel costs welcomes pilots from throughout North America. Its economic heritage often put Huntington County on center stage as the Nation's economy grew.

Huntington's heritage of location, workforce, and value contribute to local strengths in several economic clusters including, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, distribution centers, food processing, metal and steel fabrication, mineral aggregates and petroleum refining and distribution. The County saw ten new industrial projects during 2008, earning it recognition by former Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman as one of Indiana's best performing economic development efforts among County's of its size.

The City continues to make improvements to its water supply by developing new wells, long before demand outpaces their existing capacity. Huntington is constructing new storm and sanitary sewer systems to address historic combined systems. And Huntington hopes to become a leader in the production of renewable energy by working with Nature's Fuels Company on a project to utilize municipal waste to produce fuel and electricity.

Local communities are also moving forward with several infrastructure projects. The Town of Markle is adding additional water capacity to its industrial park on I-69. The Town of Warren will complete its downtown streetscape project this year and is preparing infrastructure improvements for a project at local employer Heartland Aluminum. The Town of Roanoke continues to develop its comprehensive strategic plan, evaluating commercial and residential growth in a balancing act with transportation needs and wetlands resources and opportunities.

Huntington County has proven that our heritage of location, workforce, and value are leading the way to a bright future for Huntington County.

Follow this link to read Mark Wickersham's full article "A Heritage of Location, Workforce, Value--Poised for the 21st Century"

Through Action, Noble County EDC Aims to Make Vision A Reality

2009-05-26T10:27:00.006-04:00

Rick Sherck
Executive Director of the Noble County Economic Development Corp.
As Published May 22, 2009 in the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
Abbreviated Edition

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is a waste of time. Vision with action can change the world.” This is a quote from Joel Barker that I heard a number of years ago. It is now written on the wall of the Noble County Economic Development Corp. boardroom. The last line of this quote exemplifies the strategic planning process of the Noble County EDC.

One of the first actions completed by the Noble County EDC in early 2006 was a strategic plan, which was reviewed and updated in 2007. The actions of the Noble County EDC the last two years have been guided by the 2007 strategic plan. We believe these initiatives have positioned us well for the future.

The strategic plan focused on three main categories: marketing, site inventory and work-force development. Each of these are important individually, but a coordinated effort developed with a equal focus on all areas will create a great deal of synergy.

We have devoted a great deal of time to strengthening our relationships with existing industries and cultivating new relationships with site selectors. These efforts have paid off, as Noble County EDC has helped secure more than $1 million in work-force training grants for existing industries and secure state incentives in excess of $3.2 million. Noble County was recognized for our accomplishments in 2008, as we were: 10th in new jobs created per capita since 2005; and third in total number of deals per capita. Noble County was recognized by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman as the No. 1 county per-capita in job creation in 2008.

There is still a great deal of uncertainty in the auto market, but we must look toward the future with a great deal of optimism. Noble County possesses an entrepreneurial spirit that can be matched by very few communities, a work force that is well-trained and devoted and skill sets that can be easily adapted to other industries such as orthopedic, wind energy, solar energy or any other manufacturing environment.

Examples of the entrepreneurial spirit of Noble County can be seen by looking at industries such as Structural Composites of Indiana, which recently began production of rail-car covers for the coal industry, or Busche’s diversification into the manufacturing of refrigeration housings that will be used for reach-in coolers and dental applications. To be successful in the future, we will need to work to diversify our employment base, as opportunities may be right around the corner..

The leadership of the Noble County EDC soon will be revisiting our strategic plan, the outcome of which will not only include a vision for the future, but action plans to make that vision a reality, because we believe “vision with action can change the world.”

Read Rick's Full Article "Through Action, EDC Aims to Make Vision A Reality" to learn more about Noble County's vision and the steps they have taken and programs they have initiated thus far.

Memorial Day 2009: Honoring Those Who Protect Our Freedoms

2009-05-22T16:26:00.004-04:00

The American spirit wears no political label. In service to others and yes,

in sacrifice for our country, there are no Republicans; the are no Democrats; there are only Americans. ~ Sen. John Kerry

Photo Courtesy of BL1961

Two More U.S. Military Contracts for Northeast Indiana

2009-05-19T09:41:00.004-04:00

Northeast Indiana's defense industry brings in millions of dollars every year and is an industry that is holding its own amidst economic changes. Northeast Indiana's skilled resource pool of talented engineers couples with innovative companies that are committed to providing high-quality products and parts to America's Defense and Homeland Security needs. In fact 10 of northeast Indiana's 11 counties contribute to Department of Defense contracts.

Adding to the region's collection of defense industry contracts and continuing northeast Indiana's tradition of defense/aerospace excellence, the U.S. Department of Defense recently announced that two new U.S. Military contracts have been awarded to Fort Wayne and Columbia City firms, respectively. Fort Wayne-based ITT has been awarded a contract totaling $22,928,426 to provide single channel ground and airborne radio system waveform software support for the Program Executive Office's Joint Tactical Radio System. Columbia-City manufacturer ERAPSCO was awarded a $31,316,120 contract for to provide 7,320 AN/SSQ-101A sonobuoys and 20 test, analyze and fix units for the Naval Antisubmarine Forces.