Development program flourishes in new location

The Purdue Student newspaper (The Exponent) reports on the opening of the new TAPS office in Rising Sun saying:

The Purdue Technical Assistance Program has continued its expansion across the state with a new office opening in Rising Sun, Ind.

The program works on economic development in Indiana with businesses and hospitals by improving quality, lowering costs and helping businesses become more competitive, said David McKinnis, director of the program.

The Rising Sun office is expected to open by November, making it the fourth new office this year, joining locations in Merrillville, Fort Wayne and Anderson, he said.

"These retail offices are primarily involved in serving the local manufacturing factor. Indiana is a large manufacturing state," said McKinnis. "There are clusters of companies throughout the state. One exception is Rising Sun, which today does not have a lot of manufacturing, but that is going to change soon because a Honda plant is being built in that region of the state."

TAP is under high demand; throughout the state, businesses, hospitals and high-tech companies are seeking input and assistance from Purdue University. The program has a very positive impact on jobs and wages throughout Indiana, McKinnis said.

Chad Sweeney, chief financial officer and counsel of Indiana Economic Development Corporation, said the new offices give better coverage for a manufacturing-dependent state.

"There's obvious holes there (South Bend and Southern Indiana)."

He said he hopes the program will continue to open new locations, reach more clients and become a valuable resource.