BEDC and City of Bloomington Launch New Technology Initiative

For Immediate release

Ron Walker, President, BEDC, 335-7346
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY
[Mayor Mark Kruzan speaks at a press conference announcing the partnership.|image:3540][Members of the advisory committee field questions after the conference. From left: Ron Walker, President, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation; Robert Schnabel, Dean, Indiana University School of Informatics; Danise Alano, Director of Economic Development, City of Bloomington.|image:3541]

Bloomington, IN (August 20, 2008) - The Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and the City of Bloomington have announced the creation of the "Bloomington Technology Partnership," a new initiative focused on strengthening Bloomington's emerging technology sector. A collaborative effort, the Bloomington Technology Partnership is modeled after the successful public-private Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership (BLSP) which launched in 2003.

"Bloomington has a very sophisticated and rapidly growing technology business cluster," said Ron Walker, President of the BEDC. "After consulting with many local companies, the IU School of Informatics and the City of Bloomington Mayor's Office, we saw a need to focus resources toward supporting our existing technology business sector and facilitating the development of new technology opportunities."

City of Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan underscored the importance of this partnership in providing guidance for the enhancement of the City's strong technology industry.

"Just as the BLSP helped to strengthen the vitality of the Life Sciences industry here in Bloomington, this collaboration is critical to the enhancement of our vibrant technology sector," said Kruzan. "I'm proud that the City's participation in this important partnership will help spark the union between local industry-specific businesses and the technology talent that we are working hard to promote."

Last year the BEDC released its 2007 Economic Benchmarking Report, which showed an 87% increase in employment in Bloomington's information technology sector between 2003 and 2005. As the technology business sector continues to grow, its role in stimulating economic vitality and enhancing quality of life in Bloomington becomes increasingly important. New challenges, such as employee recruitment and space acquisition, will emerge that require a collaborative and comprehensive approach with both private and public solutions.

Led by the BEDC staff, the Bloomington Technology Partnership will be guided by support from the City as well as business and education leaders. The BEDC Board of Director's recently appointed an Executive Advisory Committee to advise the BTP through initial processes. Members of the Executive Advisory Committee are the following:

Ari Vidali
Chief Executive Office
Envisage

Bill West
President
Option Six

Mat Orrego
President/CEO
Cornerstone Information Systems

Jim Shelton
Vice President, Indiana Operations
Technology Service Corporation

Robert Schnabel
Dean
Indiana University School of Informatics

Marty Donnelly
Regional Director
South Central Small Business Development Center

Danise Alano
Director of Economic Development
City of Bloomington

Tony Armstrong
Executive Director
Indiana University Office of Engagement

"I applaud the leadership from BEDC and the City of Bloomington in providing focus on the growth of the technology business sector in Bloomington," said Indiana University School of Informatics Dean Bobby Schnabel. "The IU School of Informatics is pleased to be involved with the Bloomington Technology Partnership and a partner in supporting and growing a vibrant information technology business community."

Ari Vidali, CEO of Envisage Technologies, emphasized the importance of employee attraction to the continued growth of Bloomington's technology sector.

"As a rapidly-growing technology company in Bloomington, we are very pleased the BEDC and the City are launching this vital effort," expressed Vidali. "Access to world-class technology talent will be the most important factor for the continued growth of our local technology sector. As a business, we are constantly in competition with established tech centers around the Country for access to the best and brightest minds. The Bloomington Technology Partnership will focus on innovative ways to attract and retain the skilled professionals, technology employers and entrepreneurs that fuel the engine of high-tech economic development."

About the BEDC
The BEDC is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to the retention, development and attraction of quality jobs in Monroe County. The BEDC is led by a partnership of private industry leaders, the City of Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana University and Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington. For more information click here www.comparebloomington.us.

What Mayor Mark Kruzan has to say about the Bloomington Technology Partnership….

"My focus is on bridging from the traditional strategies of the industrial economy to a new tradition of economic development."

"The Partnership is a new initiative focused on strengthening Bloomington's emerging technology sector."

"A collaborative effort between the City, BEDC, Indiana University and Ivy Tech, BTP is modeled after the successful public-private Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership, which launched in 2003."

"Just as BSLP has done in the life science arena, the Bloomington Tech Partnership will be an invaluable resource in attracting successful technology-related businesses."

"In the current economic climate, investments in the right types of industries - to create quality jobs, to enhance local employment, and to promote the growth of local small businesses - is critical."