Kokomo well represented in auto talks Kokomo Tribune; Kokomo, Indiana

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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.
Its 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 Kokomos 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. Were 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 Indianas 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 mayors 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.
Its an exciting time to be engaged in Indianas auto industry, Owens said in the release. Weve 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.
Kokomo well represented in auto talks Kokomo Tribune; Kokomo, Indiana
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An initiative like the IAC will help us capitalize on these trends, strengthening Indianas economy while make all of our
companies more competitive, he said.