| RELATED INFO |
| * Technical Assistance Program |
| * Indiana Economic Development Corp |
| * Columbus Economic Development Corp. |
August 20, 2007
Technical Assistance Program opens Columbus office
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Technical Assistance Program, which connects businesses with Purdue resources and helps them grow and prosper, is opening a new office in Columbus to help companies in the southeastern Indiana region remain globally competitive.Denise Knueven, who most recently served as a continuous improvement and quality engineer for the Batesville Casket Company in Batesville, Ind., will direct the office which opens today (Aug. 20) at the Columbus Learning Center.
The program also manages the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership and is a partner of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. Knueven says that through this network, companies will receive assistance in work force, energy, quality, productivity and other assessment, educational and implementation services.
"Our office will work closely with Purdue experts and economic leaders in the Columbus area," Knueven said. "Through this collaboration, we plan to support existing business and industry and plan for future growth."
The new office is financed through a collaborative effort of Columbus Area Economic Growth Council funding partners.
Corey Carr, Columbus Economic Development Board executive director, said the partnership should prove profitable for Columbus and surrounding communities.
"Whether it's streamlining operations, reducing energy costs or fixing a technical problem, Purdue has somebody who can address almost any high-tech business or manufacturing need," Carr said. "Through this new office, we will have even greater access to Purdue resources — which ultimately will make Columbus an even better place in which to live and work."
The Columbus office will be the seventh Technical Assistance Program location. The program also has offices in Indianapolis, Kokomo, Merrillville, Anderson, Fort Wayne and Rising Sun. It plans to establish an additional office in Jasper this fall and new offices in Evansville, South Bend and New Albany in July, 2008.
The Technical Assistance Program served 413 employers in 69 counties in 2006-07. The companies reported $38.9 million in increased sales, nearly $30 million in sales retained, more than $6 million in cost savings, nearly $6.8 million in capital investments and 547 jobs created or retained.
Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu
Sources: Dave Snow, (317) 275-6811, davesnow@purdue.edu
Corey Carr, (888) 379-4457, ccarr@columbusin.org
Denise Knueven, (317) 604-0940, deniseknueven@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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