WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.
— Purdue University will provide an economic development
boost to southwest Indiana by opening a new Technical Assistance
Program office in Jasper, Ind.
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and Dubois County Area
Development Corp. officials, along with Purdue President Martin C.
Jischke, will announce the opening during a luncheon on Tuesday (Feb.
1). The Technical Assistance Program, which connects businesses with
Purdue resources and assists them in implementing state-of-the art
technologies, will work from that office to help companies in southern
Indiana remain globally competitive.
The program also manages the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership and is a partner of the
IEDC. Through this network, companies will receive assistance in
workforce, energy, quality, productivity and other assessment,
educational and implementation services.
Technical Assistance Program director David McKinnis said the new
office is expected to open in May at the Vincennes University campus.
It is funded by $300,000 in grants and includes $150,000 from the
Dubois County Area Development Corp. and another $150,000 grant from a
regional partnership comprised of local economic development
organization from Crawford, Dubois, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and
Washington counties. The Jasper Chamber of Commerce also supports the
expansion.
"Through our newest office, we look forward to working with
manufacturers in southern Indiana to reduce costs and increase
productivity," McKinnis said. "The Jasper region is manufacturing
intensive with companies such as Kimball International Inc., Jasper
Desk, and Jasper Engines & Transmissions. Purdue is eager to
serve as a key work force development partner in Dubois and its
surrounding counties."
Nathan J. Feltman, Indiana Secretary of Commerce and Indiana Economic
Development Corp. president, said the state of Indiana values this new
partnership.
"With its vast network of Purdue experts, the Technical Assistance
Program has done an excellent job helping Indiana companies solve
problems and boost their bottom lines," Feltman said. "The Jasper
office will be especially helpful as a resource to manufacturing
companies in southern Indiana that are working to improve operating
efficiency."
Robert Grewe, Dubois County Area Development Corp. president, said
establishing the new office satisfies one of the top goals of his
organization.
"We see the impact that Technical Assistance Program offices are having
in other communities and are looking to benefit from a similar
arrangement," Grewe said. "It's smart business planning."
The Jasper office will be the eighth Technical Assistance Program
location. The program recently opened offices in Merrillville,
Anderson, Fort Wayne and Rising Sun and plans to establish an office at
the Purdue Technology Center of Southern Indiana in New Albany. Offices
also have been established in Kokomo and Indianapolis.
The Technical Assistance Program served 536 employers in 2005-06,
including at least one in company every county. According to the
program's recently released annual report, the companies reported $16.8
million in increased sales, nearly $31.7 million in sales retained,
more than $5 million in cost savings, nearly $9.5 million in capital
investments, and 385 jobs created or retained.
"By expanding our reach and helping more companies improve their
operations, Purdue realizes its goal to serve as an educational and
economic partner throughout the state," McKinnis said. "We are
confident that our increased presence in southern Indiana will reap
significant economic rewards for that region."
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