Purdue, Indy Partnership hold economic development summit

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's Office of Engagement and Indy Partnership held an information summit Wednesday (Sept. 18) for Indianapolis-area economic development officials and their staffs.

"We wanted to let economic development professionals in Marion and surrounding counties - those who are represented by Indy Partnership - know about the expertise Purdue has available to help them," said Barbara Alder, director of the Purdue Office of Engagement for Indianapolis.

 "The format was designed to give them overviews on Purdue programs and capabilities in the morning and a chance to talk with Purdue officials from specific areas in the afternoon."

 Dan Hasler, president of Purdue Research Foundation, opened the program, followed by an industry sector analysis by Ed Morrison, regional economic development adviser for the Purdue Center for Regional Development.

Three half-hour panel discussions focused on nurturing and advancing entrepreneurialism, attracting new businesses, and supporting and growing existing businesses.

Panelists were from Purdue, government agencies, and area companies and associations.

"We call them super rapid-fire panels," Alder said. "No one speaks for more than a couple of minutes. Attendees were able to delve more deeply into specifics during the afternoon, which was set up almost like a trade show."

The program was a first for the Office of Engagement. Alder plans to offer similar summits in other areas of the state.

Writer: Judith Barra Austin, 765-494-2432, jbaustin@purdue.edu