Purdue to open TAPS office in Rising Sun

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University will enhance its regional economic development partnership with southeast Indiana through a new Technical Assistance Program office in Rising Sun, Ind.

The Technical Assistance Program, which connects companies with Purdue resources and assists them in implementing state-of-the art technologies, will work from that office to help companies in southeast Indiana, including automotive suppliers for Honda Motor Corp., to remain globally competitive.

TAP also manages the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and is a state partner of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Through this network, companies will receive assistance in work force, energy, quality, productivity and other assessment, educational and implementation services.

TAP director David McKinnis said the new office is expected to open in November. It is funded by grants from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation and the city of Rising Sun.

"Through their generosity, we look forward to working with manufacturers in southeast Indiana to develop a highly trained, efficient work force, reduce costs and increase sales," McKinnis said. "Purdue is eager to play a key role in boosting the economy of this region."

Edward F. Sullivan, Rising Sun Regional Foundation executive director, said he called three companies that have worked with TAP before recommending that the foundation approve its $100,000 grant.

"Those were all very positive," Sullivan said. "The TAP program clearly has a good reputation throughout the state. Their services will be especially important for the smaller companies in the foundation's grant-making region that don't have the staff needed to do certain projects."

Rising Sun Mayor Bill Marksberry said city council members on Thursday (Aug. 3) approved a $50,000 grant as an investment in the city's economic future.

"With all of the engineering, technology and business-related expertise available at Purdue, TAP should be of enormous help to companies in Rising Sun," Marksberry said. "We have high expectations for this partnership."

TAP also recently opened three new offices in Merrillville, Anderson and Fort Wayne and plans to establish an office at the Purdue Technology Center of Southern Indiana in New Albany.

"By expanding TAP's reach and helping more manufacturers improve their operations, Purdue fulfills its land-grant mission to serve as an educational and economic partner to the state," McKinnis said. "We are pleased to be making great strides to further fulfill that mission."

Source: Purdue University