Radius names Purdue@WestGate top economic development project of the year for Southern Indiana

Greg Deason of the Purdue Research Foundation accepts the Top Economic Development Project of 2017 designation honoring the arrival of Purdue@WestGate at WestGate@Crane Technology Park. A publication-quality image is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2018/idea-impact.jpg Download image

FRENCH LICK, Ind. – Purdue@WestGate was named top economic development project of the year at the recent Radius Indiana annual stakeholder’s meeting. More than 100 regional stakeholders submitted over 50 nominations to Radius’ Top 10 Economic Development Projects of 2017.

Greg Deason, senior vice president of the Purdue Research Foundation and director of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Burton Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship at Purdue University, said recognition as the top economic development project of the year exemplifies the high level of support from the Radius Region.

“Radius stakeholders and regional partners in southwest Indiana will be anchors to our success as we replicate initiatives from the Foundry, Office of Technology Commercialization, and Purdue Polytechnic at WestGate,” Deason said. “Purdue’s mission as Indiana’s land-grant university is to help Hoosiers live happier, healthier lives by cultivating ideas to economic impact.”

Radius Indiana is an economic development organization representing eight counties in Southwest Central Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Washington.

“The fact that over 100 community leaders in our region voted for the arrival of the Purdue Foundry and Purdue programs as the top economic development achievement of 2017 speaks to the high regard in which we all hold Purdue,” said Jeff Quyle, Radius Indiana president. “People are excited to have the Purdue brand here in our community as a new partner in our economic development work.”

Two WestGate “honorable mentions” also made the list: the Purdue Foundry @ WestGate Firestarter and the expansion of Alion at WestGate@Crane Technology Park. BrightVolt’s move into the Battery Innovation Center in the park ranked third in 2017 economic development projects.

About Purdue@WestGate

Purdue@WestGate is an economic development accelerator formed by the partnership between WestGate Authority, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Purdue University and Purdue Research Foundation. The Indiana-based collaboration combines strengths to advance educational, research and development and technology commercialization across Indiana and elsewhere. Purdue@WestGate offers tools for startups, entrepreneurial experts, programs, educational opportunities and workforce development to help southern Indiana businesses grow and thrive. For more information about the resources available to businesses, visit Purdue@WestGate.

About Radius

Radius Indiana is a regional partnership representing eight counties in Southwest Central Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Washington. Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging our diverse assets to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business. As a results-driven regional leader in economic development, Radius Indiana works to increase employment, investment and quality of life within region. 

Writer: Sarah K. Miller, 812-863-2754, skmiller@prf.org

Sources: Greg Deason, 765-588-5251, GWDeason@prf.org

Jeff Quyle, 812-277-9778, j.quyle@radiusindiana.com