Community leaders to discuss regional development advantages

The conference, titled Regional Development for Local Success: Innovations in Economic Development and Governance, will take place from 1:30-9 p.m. Sept. 6 and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Hyatt Regency, One South Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. Featured speakers will include:

• Purdue President Martin C. Jischke;

• James Hunt, National League of Cities president and Clarksburg, W.Va., council member;

• Matthew Chase, National Association of Development Organizations executive director; and

• Colleen Landkamer, National Association of Counties president and commissioner of Blue Earth County in Minnesota.

Prospective conference attendees can register online. The conference cost, which includes materials, three meals, snacks and an evening reception, is $130.

Sam Cordes, Center for Regional Development co-director, said more towns, cities and counties are finding economic advantages in working together.

"Many of today's social and economic issues can be addressed best if approached from a regional perspective," Cordes said. "That can also be a challenging proposition, since it represents a new way of addressing pressing issues. Conferees will learn about challenges and opportunities from national and statewide leaders and authorities. Specific success stories of regional collaboration and cooperation will be highlighted, as well as barriers that often impede such collaboration."

One example of a regional approach to development includes Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development, through which 14 counties in north-central Indiana collaborate on innovative economic development projects and investment strategies. WIRED is funded by a $15 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration and is based on President George W. Bush's Competitiveness Agenda. It also complements Indiana's "Accelerating Growth" economic plan. 

Another example is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, which is an alliance of Indiana businesses and university presidents that collaborates on projects related to issues facing central Indiana. Issues include encouraging high-growth, high-wage economic clusters and expanding capital formation.

A third alliance of public and private leadership established the West Gate at Crane Technology Park, which is the only multi-county technology park project in Indiana. More than 4,000 scientists, engineers and technical professionals are now employed at the military base and park.

Victor L. Lechtenberg, Purdue vice provost for engagement and center co-director, said the conference also will provide innovative ideas on how to take a regional approach to economic development.

"Attendees will leave with new ideas and tools that demonstrate the best practices of regional development and governance," Lechtenberg said. "Networking and other aspects of the conference agenda will help attendees become more knowledgeable about resources that can help ensure local success."

Lechtenberg said community leaders have expressed a strong interest in the conference.

"The conference will be of immense value for Indiana's community leaders, elected government officials and engaged citizens who are looking to the future for creative approaches to address economic and governance challenges and opportunities," Lechtenberg said. "Purdue looks forward to working with these future-minded leaders."

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Sam Cordes, (765) 494-7273, smcordes@purdue.edu

Victor L. Lechtenberg, (765) 494-9095, vll@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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