Kruzan Appoints Alano Economic Development Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2006

For more information, contact:
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Bloomington, IN-- Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that he has appointed Danise Alano to serve as the City of Bloomington's Economic Development Director, effective January 1, 2007.

Alano, currently Assistant Director of Economic Development, replaces Ron Walker, who is leaving the top post to direct the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation.

"Danise is a proven leader in promoting economic vitality in the community," Kruzan said. "She has been especially sensitive to the importance of small business, the arts and sustainability."

Alano joined the City economic development team in March 2005, having previously served as marketing director for Monroe Bank.

"I am delighted to take on the challenges of this expanded role," Alano said. "I look forward to leveraging my experience to further strengthen our Community Commerce as well as Bloomington's position throughout the region and beyond."

Alano said the City economic development team has accomplished a great deal and worked with many community partners to expand the definition of economic development, and that she is eager to take the lead in developing and carrying out the City's initiatives for enhancing economic vitality.

Alano is past president of the Downtown Bloomington Inc. board. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Indiana University and an area certificate in environmental studies from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs.