Alliance Awarded Study Grant from Duke Energy

Contact: Jeb Conrad                                                     

December 14, 2011

The Supply Chain Gap Analysis Study project was proposed by The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance to Duke Energy for consideration earlier this year. Consultant proposals will be solicited from Indiana research consultants with expectations of a deliverable study report completed by the end of the first quarter 2012.

The report will provide data that will assist in targeting industries that best meet our environment’s local and regional strengths, and will identify supply chain voids throughout our market that can be targeted to help reduce costs by having suppliers locate within our market.

“As part of the The Alliance’s sales and marketing effort to attract new business opportunities to Kokomo and Howard County, it is important to have the in-depth research data that will measure gaps and opportunities for us to target that complement our assets,” said Jeb Conrad, President & CEO of The Alliance.

“For more than 100 years, Duke Energy has been working to build better communities, and partnering with Kokomo on this project through this grant demonstrates our intention to continue to do so the next 100 years as well.  I can’t think of a better investment for the next century for Kokomo than helping them to diversify and grow their economic base,” said Laura Sheets, North District Manager for Duke Energy.

“It is critical to identify new industry sectors and targeted areas that will provide new investment, jobs and potentially add diversity to our supply chain asset base,” Conrad added. “Duke Energy is a great partner in supporting economic development and investing in strategies to grow our local business base.”