Kokomo well represented in auto talks » Kokomo Tribune; Kokomo, Indiana
Kokomo Tribune; Kokomo, Indiana September 2, 2011
Kokomo well represented in auto talks Group wants to make Indiana the auto capital By KEN de la BASTIDE Tribune enterprise editor — Kokomo is well-represented on a council charged with spurring development in the automotive industry. Representing Kokomo on the Indiana Automotive Council are Brian Harlow, Chrysler Group; Jeff Owens, president of Delphi Electronics & Safety; and Michael Harris, chancellor of Indiana University Kokomo. Gov. Mitch Daniels appoints members to the council created by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. “It’s awesome,” said Jeb Conrad, executive director of Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. “The group is doing research and legwork on how to maintain a competitive edge in Indiana, in an industry so important to the state.” Conrad said Kokomo’s footprint with the Chrysler facilities, innovation at Delphi and advanced manufacturing at General Motors Component Holdings made the local appointment a natural choice. “[Kokomo] should be a part of the discussion,” he said. “We’re the largest employer north of Indianapolis.” Conrad said the council will work on how to position the state in the future to leverage assets for expansion within the automotive industry. The newly formed group of automotive experts is tasked with the goal to enhance, grow and promote the automotive industry in Indiana. The ultimate goal is to stimulate long-term job creation and capital investment, and to make Indiana known as the “automotive state of tomorrow,” according to a press release. “Indiana University Kokomo is an essential partner in the success of Indiana’s economy,” Daniels said in a letter to Harris. “Hoosiers need an industry-led initiative, in partnership with government and universities like Indiana University.” The council is a collaboration between industry, government and higher education – a concept also know as the “Triple Helix,” which Harris introduced at a regional mayor’s summit held July 6 on campus and during his testimony to the legislative study committee on higher education and economic development. The group working with Conexus Indiana noted that more than one in 10 cars produced in the country is assembled in the state. The automotive sector in Indiana consists of more than 600 companies that employ over 120,000 residents. “It’s an exciting time to be engaged in Indiana’s auto industry,” Owens said in the release. “We’ve established ourselves as a leader in vehicle electrification, the state is attracting record levels of foreign investment, and the domestic auto industry is making a significant comeback.
http://www.kokomotribune.com/local/x601172689/Kokomo-well-represented-in-auto-talks/print[7/22/2014 3:12:05 AM]
Kokomo well represented in auto talks » Kokomo Tribune; Kokomo, Indiana
“An initiative like the IAC will help us capitalize on these trends, strengthening Indiana’s economy while make all of our companies more competitive,” he said.
http://www.kokomotribune.com/local/x601172689/Kokomo-well-represented-in-auto-talks/print[7/22/2014 3:12:05 AM]