By: Steve Dwyer, President and CEO of Conexus Indiana
Posted: December 28, 2010

Website: http://www.indystar.com

The 2011 economic outlook remains mixed. Most experts believe the U.S. economy will continue to grow but at a sluggish pace (under 3 percent) that may not be enough to put a significant dent in a stubborn unemployment rate.

Here in Indiana, however, the new year means more cautious optimism. The state's economy is poised to outperform the nation, and our two bedrock industries, manufacturing and logistics, are leading the way.

Nationally, the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing report shows the sector in its 16th consecutive month of growth as of November. A survey of U.S. business executives by Gallup recently pegged the Midwest as the regional job creation leader, based on the strong performance of manufacturing.

This may seem counterintuitive for those accustomed to headlines decrying the demise of U.S. manufacturing. But while traditional assembly-line jobs have disappeared over the last several decades, they've been replaced by new positions that demand higher skills -- and command higher wages.

This puts Indiana in a strong position as the most manufacturing-intensive state in the country. Economist Michael Hicks of Ball State University recently predicted that Indiana would remain a leader in private-sector job creation in 2011, and although Hoosier workers have suffered a persistent wage gap (earning less than 90 cents for every $1 earned by the average American), Hicks believes that Indiana's personal income will jump by nearly 5 percent next year -- again, driven by manufacturing and logistics, where incomes are projected to grow by 7 percent and 6.9 percent.

In the 2010 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card also completed by Hicks, he estimates that manufacturing payrolls will grow by nearly $2 billion in 2011.

So while the ups and downs of our economy over the last decade seem to have been driven by overinflating and bursting bubbles in housing and on Wall Street, Indiana's recovery seems to be founded on an old-fashioned concept -- making and moving products. 

But the products being made are anything but old-fashioned: electric vehicles, jet engines, advanced electronics, lifesaving medicines and medical devices. As a leading exporter, our supply chains are global, managed by a sophisticated logistics sector. The 2010 New Economy Index recently released by the Kauffman Foundation ranks Indiana ninth among states in "manufacturing value-add," confirming that Hoosier manufacturers are increasingly focused on high-value, high-tech products.

There's a large caveat to these predictions of a manufacturing and logistics-fueled recovery, however: the premise that our workers will have the necessary skills to take advantage of available jobs. In the same Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card that predicts growing wages, Indiana scores its lowest grade (C minus) in human capital.

As baby boomers leave the work force, younger Hoosiers aren't acquiring in large enough numbers the 21st-century skills needed for manufacturing and logistics careers, the high-tech savvy to run computerized equipment and advanced robotic systems, the teamwork and critical thinking abilities required to work in today's factories.

Indiana's high school graduation rate continues to improve, with 84 percent of students receiving their diplomas on time in 2010 -- an 8 percent improvement over the last four years. It's a testament to the hard work of committed teachers and administrators, state policymakers and, of course, the students themselves. But for industries like manufacturing and logistics, a traditional high school diploma is no longer a guarantee of employment.

Indiana must include more technical education options in its high school curriculum, preparing students earlier for high-tech careers. We also must do a better job of moving young people from high school into advanced vocational training (including certificate and two-year associate's degree programs) that prepares them to be successful applicants and productive employees.

But despite this work-force challenge, most signs for 2011 point toward Indiana remaining a manufacturing stronghold at the Crossroads of America. It's up to us to take advantage of the opportunities presented by our manufacturing and logistics industries to accelerate our economic recovery. 

HOLT: Regional airports can fuel economic development (full article)
By: David Holt, Vice President of Operations and Business Development, Conexus Indiana
Posted: December 4, 2010

Website: http://www.ibj.com/

A strong network of airports, unrivaled interstate access, a pro-business tax climate and central geography have made Indiana an attractive destination for logistics firms and positioned the state as a global logistics leader. We've got a lot going for us, but continued growth depends on strategic investment by both the public and private sectors, and developing plans to leverage Indiana's logistical advantages.

As leaders from Indiana's top logistics firms look to capitalize on emerging opportunities in this industry, positioning Indiana's airports as lower-cost alternatives to other cities is a key economic development strategy.

Indiana has four airports (Fort Wayne International Airport, Grissom Air Force Base, Indianapolis International Airport and Louisville International Airport) with 11,900 feet or more of runway, and has aviation facilities strategically located throughout the state. Indianapolis International is the sixth-largest cargo airport in the country and boasts the second-largest FedEx hub, and Fort Wayne International Airport also ranks in the top 125.

Yet, several of the state's smaller regional airports have excess air cargo capacity, providing an opportunity for Indiana companies to save significant time and money by moving products through them instead of busier hubs like Chicago and St. Louis.

Indiana currently ranks seventh among eight Midwestern states in terms of air transport as a share of transportation and warehousing gross domestic product. If we can develop a plan to bring more goods to Indiana's runways, it will provide a significant advantage to local logistics firms-which will ultimately lead to new jobs for Hoosiers, boosting the state's economy.

For full article click here.  For a PDF of the article click here.

The nearly daily FedEx flight from Hong Kong to Indianapolis has been underway since at least last month-made possible by new Boeing 777 freighters being placed into its fleet.

For decades, Indianapolis airport and economic development officials have clamored for nonstop cargo links with Asia. FedEx flights between Indianapolis and Asia typically stop in Anchorage, Alaska, instead.

"This is huge," said David Holt, business development director for logistics initiative Conexus Indiana.

"It helps show we have the ability to do that direct flight, with no stops ... I think it will help attract the types of businesses that use this kind of service."

Memphis-based FedEx has not yet announced the non-stop flights from Hong Kong. The company is gradually ramping up its Boeing 777 operations in Indianapolis, explained FedEx spokesman Jim McCluskey.

To read the full article click here.

Middle-skill jobs: made in Indiana (full article)
By: Thomas J. Snyder and Steve Dwyer
Posted: November 11, 2010

Website: www.indystar.com

There's been much hand-wringing about the United States turning into an hourglass economy where the job market offers good opportunities for those with advanced degrees, menial positions for those lacking education beyond high school, and not much in between. It's a grim outlook, but one that doesn't appear to be true.

A few weeks ago, a consortium of human capital-focused organizations (Skills2Compete, the National Skills Coalition and Indiana Institute for Working Families) released "Indiana's Forgotten Middle-Skill Jobs." The report draws attention to the fact that the majority of Hoosier job openings through 2016 will be in the "middle-skill" category, requiring more than high school but less than a four-year college degree.

In Indiana, manufacturing and logistics jobs make up the largest percentage of these middle-skill jobs -- nearly 40 percent -- and for one of every five total jobs.

This means that thousands of job openings in those fields will require advanced technical skills beyond high school. These challenging, good-paying jobs will make up a vibrant middle class, defying the hourglass theory.

The findings are mirrored by the Department of Workforce Development's Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs released last month. Manufacturing and logistics are well-represented, with seven jobs on the list, from industrial engineers ($69,000 annually on average) to skilled metal fabricators ( nearly $60,000). While 55 percent of Hoosier jobs are in this middle-skill category, we face a shortage of trained workers. Over the next decade, more than 10,000 job openings may go unfilled for lack of qualified applicants.

Nationally, manufacturing shows the largest gap between open positions and actual new hires in 2010, as employers struggle to find workers to operate and troubleshoot complex robotic systems, anticipate supply chain needs and work as a team in highly computerized factories.

Conexus Indiana, the state's manufacturing and logistics initiative, and Ivy Tech Community College hear a similar refrain: The private sector is gearing up, but human capital is the missing link. Indiana ranks No. 1 among states in per-capita manufacturing employment and ninth in logistics employment. But we must raise the bar for our work force or see these lofty rankings begin to slip.

In response, Conexus and Ivy Tech are working together to translate industry input into useful training programs and promote them to young Hoosiers. As evidenced by collaborations with the national Manufacturing Institute on work-force credentials, and Ivy Tech's recognition at the White House Community College Summit last month, Indiana is seen as a leader in building industry-academic partnerships.

The work-force pipeline is a critical economic development priority. Pro-growth tax and trade policies and infrastructure investment pale in comparison to the importance of a skilled and productive work force.

Promoting training beyond high school means meeting the middle-skill needs of industries like manufacturing and logistics, and preserving our middle class.

Snyder is president of Ivy Tech Community College. Dwyer is president and CEO of Conexus Indiana.

Supplier INsight Participating in the Fort Wayne Business Services Showcase (full article)

Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce officials and local business representatives gathered today at Ottenweller Company to announce an upcoming opportunity for small businesses. The City and Chamber are presenting a Business Services Showcase, Wednesday, October 20, at the Public Safety Academy.

"It can be somewhat intimidating to try to find all of the information about what resources are available to business people in Fort Wayne," said Mayor Henry, at the Ottenweller Company. "This will be an excellent---and free---opportunity for our local entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn how to access all sorts of programs, services and advice. The City has tried to ‘de-mystify' what may feel like an overwhelming amount of information."

Ottenweller Company, a family business established in 1916, is a great example of a local company that has made use of many of the numerous resources available to local employers. Over the years, Ottenweller has successfully utilized local and state incentives such as industrial revenue bonds, tax abatements, and training grants to grow their business. The Showcase will help other companies of various sizes find similar resources.

The morning-long event will feature several panel discussions and resource sessions about issues such as where to seek financial resources to start or to grow a business. Among other topics offered will be information about how to make your business more green and sustainable; incentive programs such as façade grants, tax abatements, brownfield programs and loans; how the city handles problem commercial properties now with the commercial code; and the draft of the new stormwater green standards.

In a statement, County Commissioner Nelson Peters observed that cooperation between Fort Wayne and Allen County on economic issues have already improved the way local businesses operate and that he looks forward to working with the city to make processes even easier for employers and business owners.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mayor Henry and his staff to ensure Fort Wayne and Allen County are the best place to work, own a business, and grow your business. There are so many opportunities for current and future employers, and together we will continue to improve how we communicate with those who are here, and sell ourselves to potential local employers."

Organizations like Partners in Contracting Corporation and Women's Enterprise will be there with information on how they help businesses prepare to do business with the State and Federal government through certification processes and programs like WBE and MBE certification for State government and the Small Business Administration's HUBzone program. Conexus Indiana will be there to register businesses to access their Indiana Supplier Insight Web portal.

The Business Service Showcase will be held at the Public Safety Academy from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Registration is free, but is requested. Please e-mail Showcase@CityofFortWayne.org to make a reservation or call economic development specialist Elissa McGauley at 427-1127.

Source: The city of Fort Wayne

Advanced Manufacturing: Where is America Today? (full article)
By: Jonathan Katz - jkatz@industryweek.com
Posted: September 22, 2010

Website: www.industryweek.com

Manufacturers are using a combination of technologies, processes and education to promote a new era of U.S. manufacturing that can't be easily replicated by competitors.

Workers at the Corning Inc. Harrodsburg, Ky., plant probably look east with some trepidation. The facility previously produced LCD glass for Asian customers, but demand for larger-sized glass made it impractical to ship overseas, says Don McCabe, Corning's senior vice president of manufacturing and performance excellence. The company also wanted to move closer to its customers, so it shifted LCD production from Harrodsburg to Asia.

Advanced manufacturing is most commonly referenced as the use of high-tech processes, often involving factory automation, or the development of innovative products. Nanotechnology, direct digital fabrication and micro manufacturing are a few of the technologies that fit into the advanced manufacturing category (see sidebar "Advancing Manufacturing to the Future"), says Shreyes Melkote, engineering professor and interim director of Georgia Tech's Manufacturing Research Center.

The Anderson Economic Group in Michigan defines advanced manufacturing operations as those that "create advanced products, use innovative techniques in their manufacturing, and are inventing new processes and technologies for future manufacturing." The research center published a report in July that highlighted collaboration in Michigan between industry and education to develop advanced-manufacturing processes and technologies.

But advanced manufacturing is about more than just technology, say other experts. "It's not just robotics," says Rusty Patterson, president and CEO of the National Council for Advanced Manufacturing. "It can encompass new manufacturing technologies that we've developed that other people don't have; it can be processing technologies that we've developed that others don't have, including automation; it even can be areas where the education level is such that it can't be readily duplicated in Third World countries," says Patterson, whose group advocates public policies that foster advanced manufacturing.

Steven Dwyer, president and CEO of advanced-manufacturing consortium Conexus Indiana, includes continuous-improvement principles such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management as critical components of advanced manufacturing. "It doesn't have to be the next generation of product that advanced manufacturing applies to," says Dwyer, former Rolls-Royce Corp. president and chief operating officer.

In essence, says Dwyer, "it's really a different approach to manufacturing."

Click here to read the full article.

Despite pressure from overseas, manufacturing continues at the central Kentucky facility that's been in operation since 1952 and is considered Corning's glass-melting technology center. About one year ago, plant engineers discovered a new use for a decades-old Corning technology now known as Gorilla Glass. It was the third major product transformation for the plant since it opened, says McCabe.

Gorilla Glass has become one of the company's fastest-growing products and is currently produced exclusively in Harrodsburg. That's expected to change soon when a Corning plant in Japan begins producing the specialty glass used in mobile electronic devices. But the Harrodsburg plant has shown resiliency similar to the Gorilla Glass it produces through continued innovation and flexibility that's helped it survive several market shifts. It's the type of nimbleness and focus on cutting-edge developments that some people refer to as "advanced manufacturing."

Advanced manufacturing is a term that's been used loosely to explain any number of methods that take manufacturing operations to another level not easily replicated by competitors. Economic departments, politicians and manufacturing leaders use the phrase to describe where U.S. manufacturers need to be in the future if they're going to remain globally competitive.

What is Advanced Manufacturing?

WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, the Manufacturing Institute announced a partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana's four-year public universities to create college education programs aligned to nationally-portable, industry-recognized skills credentials for careers in advanced manufacturing. As part of the project, Conexus Indiana-the state's advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative focused on strategic workforce development-will take the lead in industry engagement in the new college programs, while ensuring the foundational skills gained effectively feed into higher-level education and training credentials in the industry. The partnership is supported by a $650,000 grant from Lumina Foundation for Education.

The initiative will build college programs that prepare students, particularly low-income young adults and transitioning workers, with entry-level skills necessary to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers such as aerospace, transportation, logistics, and machining.

With a 9.5 percent jobless rate and 15 million Americans looking for work, a surprising number of employers are having difficulty filling positions in advanced manufacturing.

Lumina Foundation for Education is an Indianapolis-based private foundation dedicated to expanding access to and success in education beyond high school. The Foundation supports projects nationwide that help increase the proportion of Americans with college degrees and the necessary credentials to enter the workforce. With better access to industry-recognized, nationally portable credentials, students and workers can receive the quality education and training needed to respond to the demands of local manufacturers, who depend on talent-driven innovation for survival and growth in the competitive global marketplace.

"We need to engage more young people and unemployed workers in learning skills that translate to high-quality jobs in our economy," said Manufacturing Institute President Emily DeRocco. "By deploying the Manufacturing Skills Certification System as stackable credentials in Indiana colleges, we will be offering new pathways to employment and advancement in manufacturing, which is a mainstay of the state's economy."

"Integrating these industry skills certifications in our programs of study dramatically improves how we prepare individuals for manufacturing jobs," said Tom Snyder, president of Ivy Tech Community College. "We will enhance and accelerate our delivery of a manufacturing workforce for Indiana, equipped with advanced, 21st century skills."

Support from Lumina Foundation positions Indiana as the fifth state receiving private, independent funding to establish the Manufacturing Skills Certification System as the statewide standard for manufacturing education. Forsyth Technical Community College in North Carolina, Lorain County Community College in Ohio, Alamo Colleges in Texas and Shoreline Community College in Washington have set a national precedent for deploying the System.

"Twenty-five percent of our state's economy is attributable to manufacturing," said Steven Dwyer, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana, and former COO, Rolls-Royce Corporation. "The availability of a skilled workforce determines if and where manufacturers choose to locate. Development of a credentialed talent pool in this state will help us keep and attract new manufacturing jobs to Indiana."

Click here to read the full article. 

The initiative, called "Conexus Indiana," is designed to steer businesses towards manufacturing and logistics opportunities, in part by highlighting the state's geographic allure as the self-styled "Crossroads of America." The initiative is part of a broad, multi-industry campaign that also involves luring companies and investors in the life sciences, information technology, and financial services sectors to the state, which in July reported a 10.2 percent unemployment rate, higher than the national average.

David Holt, Conexus Indiana's vice president, operations and business development, said that while cities like Columbus, Ohio, and Kansas City, Mo., have similar programs to draw investment by highlighting their logistics infrastructure, Indiana is the first state to have moved in that direction.

"There is no entity like us on a statewide level," he said.

Click here to read full article.

Supplier INsight Workshops - Wednesday, September 1 (full article)
By: Citiy County Observer - Evansville, Indiana
Posted: August 18, 2010

Website: http://city-countyobserver.com/

Have you heard of Indiana Supplier INsight?

It is a FREE internet based match making site that links manufacturers with Indiana suppliers. Businesses can register their company on the website and participate as a supplier and/or a buyer.

Indiana Supplier INsight is brought to you by Conexus Indiana and is also sponsored by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Rather than spending time combing the entire country for a supplier, you can quickly see if a qualified candidate is located in your own backyard. The platform is available to all industries, including professional services, and allows you to search companies by location, industry type, capability, minority or women owned certification, etc.  

• There are currently over 5,000 companies registered on the site!
• Purdue University is using Indiana Supplier Insight as its primary diversity search tool!

 To learn more about this important Indiana initiative, attend one of two FREE workshops on Wednesday, September 1, sponsored by The Chamber, Southwestern Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Tri-State Manufacturers' Alliance (TSMA)

FREE Supplier INsight Workshop

Wednesday, September 1

Workshop Times: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. or 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

(Registration is first-come, first-served and only open to the FIRST 15 ATTENDEES PER SESSION).

Innovation Pointe, 1st Floor USI Computer Lab

318 Main Street
Downtown Evansville

Participants will learn:

• How to register your company on the e-portal, (bring your laptop and register at the seminar!)
• How to post a procurement opportunity,
• How to find procurement opportunities,
• How to search for suppliers,
• And, much more!

Enhance the visibility of your business! Join us for one of these important workshops. https://app.suppliergateway.com/conexus/iframe.htm to learn more about this new ePortal!

For more information or to reserve your seat, please contact Carly Griffin, events manager, at 812.425.8147 or via e-mail at cgriffin@ccswin.com.

Click here to read full article.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:               Chris Watts, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership/Conexus Indiana

Phone:  317.464-2237                     E-mail:  cwatts@cincorp.com

 Online supplier database now easier to find at IndianaSupplierINsight.com  

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.,  June 29, 2010)  The Conexus Indiana manufacturing and logistics initiative has made it easier for Hoosier companies searching for in-state suppliers and procurement opportunities to register online for its Indiana Supplier INsight database, by simplifying its web address to www.IndianaSupplierINsight.com.  (The e-portal was previously only accessible through the supply chain consultant Supplier Gateway, which developed the online platform.)

Indiana Supplier INsight is a tool for making connections between firms of all industries, including professional service providers.  It is a free service provided by Conexus and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), with support from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State and the Indiana Department of Administration.

More than 5,300 companies have already registered for the database.  This number includes 1,500 diversity business registrations, for companies seeking to meet certain supplier benchmarks in those areas.

Sign up today at www.IndianaSupplierINsight.com.

Launched by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Conexus Indiana is the state's advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative, dedicated to making Indiana a global leader in high-growth, high-tech industries.  Conexus is focused on strategic priorities like workforce development, creating new industry partnerships and promoting Indiana's competitive advantages. 

South Bend Regional would stand to benefit from increased flights (Full Article)
By: Daryl Bjoraas - dbjoraas@sbtinfo.com
Posted: July 27, 2010

Website: http://www.southbendtribune.com

Conexus Indiana is a statewide initiative looking to bring more business to Hoosiers by making better use or improving the transportation infrastructure.

One area of focus is making use of unused capacity at Indiana’s airports for domestic and international cargo flights.

David Holt, vice president of operations and business development for Conexus Indiana, said direct cargo flights into the state instead of Chicago could save companies thousands of dollars.

“They (airports) are underutilized and because of that, a domino effect of costs are associated with it,” Holt said.

Click here to read full article.

For Immediate Release
July 14, 2010

Contact: Rob Higley - 317-430-3769 

Distribution Company Celebrates 50 Years of Innovations
Integrated Distribution Services Remains Midwest Powerhouse

INDIANAPOLIS-Integrated Distribution Services (IDS), a national third-party logistics provider (3PL), this year marks its 50^th anniversary in the transportation and warehousing business. The Indianapolis-based company was originally formed as Trans-City Terminal Warehouse, Inc. in the summer of 1960 and has been in continuous operations in Indianapolis since.

That survival story is no small feat considering that most companies fail within the first five years according to the Small Business Administration and the average life cycle of a company is 13 years.

Founded by James Durnil, the warehouse and transportation company has served regional and national businesses while helping to grow the Indianapolis region as a logistics hub.

"Durnil and those early team members were really pioneers in the outsourced logistics industry," said current owner and company president Mark DeFabis. "They recognized that clients needed to stick to their core competency yet did not want to sacrifice customer service."

During the 50 years since it was founded, the logistics company has adapted to meet the changing needs of the market.

In the early years, the company focused on serving the public storage needs of local Indiana businesses. Their client list was diverse and included some of the largest businesses in the state such National Starch, RCA, GE and Navistar. 

The company expanded its offerings in the 1980's to include transportation services tailored for the bulk plastics and starch industry. Trans-City also handled the bulk transfer from rail cars to over-the-road tankers for these commodities.

Trans-City was sold to its current owner, Mark DeFabis, in 1993. DeFabis and a group of investors transitioned the company into a modern logistics provider with an enterprise-wide warehouse management system (WMS) in 1995. With this new technology, Trans-City became an industry leader in implementing electronic data interchange (EDI), a capability now required by most large retailers and manufacturers. 

Throughout the remainder of the decade Trans-City was at the forefront of technology adoption in the 3PL Industry. The company was the first 3PLs in Indianapolis to implement bar code scanning and radio frequency (RF) technology in their facilities. Trans-City became known for offering advanced technology enabled solutions customized for individual distribution needs.  

As customers began to look to 3PLs to provide more services at the warehouse level, Trans-City began providing packaging and assembly services. The company quickly established a track record of efficiently managing complex and high-volume projects for catalogue retailers in the emerging direct-to-consumer market.

Trans-City joined two other 3PLs to form LOGSICO in 2000 to expand their footprint beyond central Indiana. Although the company developed a national footprint as LOGISCO, it met only limited financial success. 

In 2007, DeFabis regained ownership of the former Trans-City and renamed the company Integrated Distribution Services, Inc. The name reflects another evolution in the services the company offers to meet changing client demands.

As catalogue retailers became ecommerce companies and the number of retail channels selling direct to consumers exploded, IDS leveraged its logistics expertise and advanced technology to meet those clients' direct-to-consumer order fulfillment needs.

IDS also delivers best-in-class transportation management services and intermodal expertise for clients throughout the country. Intermodal transportation via train and short-haul trucking is becoming a viable option for many companies looking to connect with Midwest markets.  

DeFabis says clients in the next decade are going to be looking for the integration of outsourced supply chain services for greater visibility and efficiency.

"Our clients are finding that partnering with one firm like IDS for transportation management, warehousing, and fulfillment simplifies their management and increases their economy-of-scale," he says. "On top of that, by handling the complete supply chain for a client we're able to make recommendations that can reduce transit time, lower total distribution cost and improve efficiencies on the client's side as well."

Employees and family members will celebrate the lifelong Indianapolis company's 50^th anniversary milestone with an outing at an Indians baseball game this summer.

About Integrated Distribution Services

Integrated Distribution Company is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider that delivers a comprehensive mix of supply chain services including transportation, distribution, and fulfillment to customers in diverse industries. The 50-year-old company is supported by best-in-class processes and is led by a core ownership team. IDS operates a state-of-the-art, 315,000 square foot distribution center in Plainfield, Ind. near one of the largest air shipment hubs in the U.S. The IDS facility offers fulfillment, packaging, and retail distribution in a food/OTC grade environment. In the heart of Indiana and America, IDS provides excellent parcel, truckload, LTL, expedited and intermodal service for national distribution.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:  Chris Watts, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership/Conexus Indiana
Phone:  317.464-2237  E-mail:  cwatts@cincorp.com

           Conexus Indiana's 'Dream It. Do It.' campaign to sponsor Band Day at the 2010 Indiana State Fair

Manufacturing and logistics initiative will promote high-tech careers, education opportunities as high school marching bands compete

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., July 8, 2010)  The Conexus Indiana manufacturing and logistics initiative's 'Dream It. Do It.' career awareness campaign is the title sponsor for the Indiana State Fair's annual Band Day - the competition among high school marching bands on the Fair's opening day, August 6^th.  The 'DreamItDoItIndiana.com Band Day Competition'  will showcase the talents of young musicians from across the state, and also promote the high-tech manufacturing and logistics careers that await Hoosiers with the right education and training.

"In one month, young people from across the state will converge at the Indiana State Fair, and then head back to the classroom," said Claudia Cummings, Conexus Vice-President of Community and Workforce Programs.  "We felt that the first day of the Fair - Band Day - was a perfect opportunity to tell kids about the great jobs available in manufacturing and logistics, and encourage them to pursue the education they need after high school to get ready for them."

On DreamItDoItIndiana.com Band Day, the campaign will be promoted throughout the fairgrounds, and at a dedicated booth on Main Street during the Fair's opening weekend.  More than 50 high school bands will compete throughout the day beginning at 9:00am, with finals starting at 8:00pm that evening.

While the estimated 5,000 participants in the DreamItDoItIndiana.com Band Day Competition share an affinity for brass and percussion, they may be less confident in their plans after graduation.  The economic recovery combined with a growing trend of Baby Boomer retirements means that thousands of manufacturing and logistics jobs will be available across the state - high-tech, high-paying positions producing everything from electric cars to consumer electronics, from lifesaving medicines to the latest military jets. 

But today's manufacturing and logistics careers demand critical thinking and technical skills that mean education beyond high school.

"Dream It. Do It. exists to let young people know that good jobs are waiting for them - but that they'll need to aim higher than a high school diploma," continued Cummings.  "These aren't just jobs standing on an assembly line - they'll be working with computers, with advanced robotic systems, as part of a team to solve problems."

Young Hoosiers can visit DreamItDoItIndiana.com to explore these careers and find industry-approved educational programs that will prepare them for the most in-demand jobs by Indiana manufacturers and logistics firms.

"We're pleased to welcome Conexus Indiana as a sponsor and recognize the 'DreamItDoItIndiana.com Band Day Competition' on August 6^th," said Andre Lacy, Chairman of the State Fair Commission.  "As someone who's been involved with Conexus Indiana's efforts, I have a personal passion for the Dream It. Do It. mission - connecting young people with career opportunities in two of Indiana's most important industries.  We look forward to advancing that mission at the Indiana State Fair."

Learn more about Dream It. Do It. at DreamItDoItIndiana.com, where visitors can explore careers and create personal accounts that encourage them to solve animated challenges, watch videos and receive more information on jobs and educational opportunities.

Learn more about the DreamItDoItIndiana.com Band Day Competition and the rest of the 2010 Indiana State Fair schedule at IndianaStateFair.com. 

Launched by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Conexus Indiana is the state's advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative, dedicated to making Indiana a global leader in high-growth, high-tech industries.  Conexus is focused on strategic priorities like workforce development, creating new industry partnerships and marketing our competitive advantages. 

The Jobs Keep Coming, But We Need Qualified Workers (full article)
By: Steve Dwyer, President and CEO of Conexus Indiana
Posted: July 1, 2010

Website: http://www.indystar.com

Indiana's manufacturing sector has gotten better at churning out an important product recently -- new jobs for Hoosiers.

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Indiana leads the nation in job creation this year, buoyed by industrial growth. A closer look at data provided by the state's Department of Workforce Development shows that we've added nearly 12,000 new manufacturing jobs in 2010 (only the broad professional business services category has added more positions).

This trend is consistent with the economic forecast released by Conexus Indiana as part of our annual Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card; economists from the Ball State Bureau of Business and Economic Research predicted a sharp manufacturing recovery during the second half of 2010 and 2011. The state's total manufacturing compensation is projected to grow by nearly $2.5 billion during this period, after falling or staying flat since mid-2007.

Once again, reports of manufacturing's demise were greatly exaggerated: The recession took its toll, but every downturn brings a recovery.

The domestic auto industry suffered plummeting sales, bankruptcies and bailouts, but Indiana has attracted international auto plants and seized high-tech opportunities in electric vehicles.

Global competition has challenged U.S. manufacturers, but Indiana has led the nation in attracting foreign manufacturing jobs.

Traditional jobs have disappeared, but high-skill manufacturing careers have emerged.

In short, every challenge also is an opportunity, and Indiana's heritage of manufacturing strength and innovation prepared us to take advantage.

Recent positive events aren't just isolated announcements, but part of a broader growth trend. They include Chrysler's $300 million investment in its Kokomo plants, EnerDel's plans to double job creation in Central Indiana, and the recent acquisition of the vacant Delco Remy factory in Anderson by S&S Steel.

It's even more remarkable because we're starting from a higher plateau: Indiana already has the most manufacturing jobs per capita of any state in the union.

But we can't afford to be lulled into complacency by good news. Long-term prosperity is achievable only if we're willing to outwork and outthink the global competitors eager to challenge our success.

This means making the most of this recovery, maintaining a competitive tax climate and continuing an aggressive economic development effort to make Indiana an attractive destination for manufacturing investment.

We also have to look beyond the next business cycle and concentrate on the strategic issues that will determine our competitiveness for the long term.

Human capital is clearly one of these issues. Indiana's high school graduation rate ranks in the middle of the pack, and we're among the least-educated states in terms of college graduates in our work force. In all, just a third of Hoosier adults hold at least a two-year degree.

At a time when new manufacturing jobs demand high-tech skills and problem-solving capabilities, workers with a high school diploma or less just can't make the grade. And with baby boomer workers retiring in greater numbers (and the average age of the Indiana manufacturing worker hovering at about 50), the state faces a looming shortage of qualified employees.

We can't have sustainable job growth without a parallel focus on education. Ultimately, trying to grow our economy without training our work force only frustrates the ambitions of both the companies that can't find skilled workers and the Hoosiers who continue to find themselves unqualified for better jobs.

Conexus Indiana is working with our industry and educational partners to create new training programs appropriate to emerging careers in manufacturing and logistics, while encouraging young Hoosiers to enroll in these programs through the "Dream It. Do It.'' marketing outreach campaign. (Learn more at www.dreamitdoitindiana.com).

In any business you're always either gaining or losing momentum. For the moment, Indiana is moving forward. But to keep it up we still need to make the education connection: Filling manufacturing jobs doesn't mean just matching workers with empty spots on an assembly line. It means sending our work force back to school. That's how Indiana will keep our manufacturing edge.

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NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Chris Watts, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership/Conexus Indiana
Phone: 317.464-2237 or 317.514-3184 E-mail: cwatts@cincorp.com

2010 Manufacturing & Logistics Report Card shows industries’ economic importance, but warns of workforce shortcomings
Conexus Indiana annual report predicts strong growth in 2010-11 – but failure to address issues like human capital could undermine projections

• Indiana ranks first among states in per capita manufacturing employment economic output and 9th in logistics employment per capita, helping lift the state to its respective ‘A’ and ‘B+’ grades in overall industry performance;
• Indiana ranks first in per capita income derived from foreign-owned manufacturing operations, fifth in reach of foreign direct investment (the number of countries from which the state attracts foreign investment), and 14th in manufacturing exports per capita, accounting for the ‘A’ in Global Position.
• Indiana scored a ‘C’ in Benefit Costs – while ranking second among states in workers compensation rates and fifth in long-term health costs, the state places 40th in healthcare premiums and 39th in fringe benefits as a share of wages;
• Indiana generally ranks in the top tier of states in terms of tax rates, though less competitive in corporate taxes (21st among states measured by corporate tax index) and sales taxes (20th).
• Indiana earned a ‘C-‘ grade in Diversification due to the state’s continued dependence on the traditional automotive industry; however, with new opportunities in electric vehicles and the growth of medical manufacturing operations, Conexus leaders are optimistic about this category.

With rankings of 31st in percentage of the workforce with a high school diploma or greater and 42nd in college-educated workers, human capital remains Indiana’s biggest long-term hurdle to future manufacturing and logistics growth.

“The Report Card is a roadmap for organizations like Conexus as well as educators, policymakers and economic developers to follow,” said Michael Hicks, Director of the Ball State Center for Business and Economic Research and primary author of the Report Card. “It gives us a snapshot of where we are – and clearly, Indiana is still a manufacturing state. But it also warns us about the issues we need to address to maintain our overall success in manufacturing and logistics. It’s up to us to heed these warnings now.”

Launched by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Conexus Indiana is the state’s advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative, dedicated to making Indiana a global leader in these high-growth, high-tech industries. Conexus is focused on strategic priorities like workforce development, creating new industry partnerships and promoting Indiana’s competitive advantages in manufacturing and logistics, which already make up more than a third of the state’s economy.

Lilly Endowment continues support of Conexus Indiana's
advanced manufacturing and logistics workforce efforts with $3.45M grant

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.,  January 15, 2010)  Conexus Indiana  today announced a $3.45 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for Conexus Indiana, an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) focused on manufacturing and logistics. Awarded to the CICP Foundation, the grant will support the efforts of Conexus to showcase career opportunities and connect potential workers with the right education and training opportunities in these increasingly high-tech industry sectors.

Launched by CICP in 2007 with Endowment funding, Conexus Indiana has worked with industry and education partners to prepare workers for manufacturing and logistics careers.  The growing trend of Baby Boomer retirements in these fields combined with new business growth will create more than 5,000 job openings in Central Indiana over the near term according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections - the equivalent of three new factories the size of the Greensburg Honda plant.  

Many of these jobs are in advanced manufacturing and logistics, using cutting-edge technologies and practices to maximize productivity and streamline supply chains.  Indiana's advanced manufacturing sector generates a spectrum of state-of-the-art products from lifesaving pharmaceuticals and medical devices to electrified vehicles, from jet engines to wind turbines.

"Excellent jobs are available in manufacturing and logistics - but they are different from the assembly line positions of the past, and many require advanced skills," said Sara B. Cobb, Lilly Endowment's vice president for education. "Lilly Endowment is pleased to support Conexus Indiana as a catalyst to bring industry and education together to prepare Hoosiers better to seize these opportunities." 

"In Indiana, we have a generation entering a tough job market," explained Steve Dwyer, president and CEO of Conexus.  "On the other side of the equation, we have two industry sectors that make up nearly a third of our economy that are in desperate need of qualified workers.

"To bring the two together, we need educational programs that teach the high-tech skills that manufacturing and logistics companies need, and we also have to let young people know that these jobs are available.  This is the work that the Endowment is so generously supporting."

Since its launch in 2007, Conexus has helped create five new post-secondary programs in manufacturing and logistics, including a new advanced manufacturing curriculum being implemented across the state by Ivy Tech Community College.  Conexus also has engaged 28 high schools and career centers across Central Indiana to counsel students on manufacturing and logistics careers, and it is helping create a first-of-its-kind secondary education curriculum that will enable high schoolers to work toward advanced degrees or certificates in these areas.

To promote these programs and encourage more young people to consider manufacturing and logistics opportunities, Conexus has also created an innovative online marketing campaign that will allow Hoosiers to explore specific careers through a series of interactive websites including games, videos, quizzes and other media.  Dubbed 'Dream It. Do It.,' this campaign is poised for launch during the first quarter of 2010.

These activities were made possible in part by a $3 million initial grant from the Endowment in 2007. The new grant will allow Conexus to sustain and expand these efforts over the next two years, with the ultimate goal of increasing enrollments in manufacturing and logistics education and training programs by 55 percent within five years.

"Education is the major competitive advantage in today's knowledge-based economy. It empowers individuals to seek new opportunities, and industries are attracted to regions that have the human capital they need to thrive," concluded Dwyer.  "We'd like to thank Lilly Endowment for supporting our work, helping us build tomorrow's workforce for two of Indiana's most important economic sectors."

Established by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Conexus Indiana is the state's advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative, dedicated to making Indiana a global leader in high-growth, high-tech industries in these sectors.  Conexus is focused on strategic priorities like workforce development, creating new industry partnerships and marketing Indiana's competitive advantages.  The CICP Foundation supports the charitable and educational programs and activities of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and its initiatives.

For more information about Conexus Indiana, please visit http://www.conexusindiana.com.

Last week, a delegation from the U.S. Department of Energy visited Central Indiana to finalize a $118 million grant to Indianapolis-based EnerDel, the only current U.S. manufacturer of lithium ion batteries for hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles.

Leveraging this grant and private investment, EnerDel is creating more than 1,400 new jobs in Central Indiana, building a new manufacturing facility in Greenfield.  It's a major economic success story for the region.

EnerDel is just part of a growing 'green vehicle' industry in the state.  Last year, Think North America chose Elkhart as the site of the first U.S. factory for its line of electric cars.  In Anderson, Bright Automotive is also engineering state-of-the-art plug-in hybrids.  Established Indiana manufacturers like Cummins, Remy, Delphi and Allison Transmission are also major producers of hybrid components.

We can be proud that Indiana is a leader in putting electric vehicles on the road, helping our environment and making the U.S. less dependent on foreign oil.  Taking advantage of the growing market for plug-ins and hybrids is also good for Indiana's economy.  But we do face a longer-term challenge to sustaining and strengthening this leadership position in the green economy - educating the next generation of employees for this fast-growing, rapidly-evolving industry.

The factories that produce hybrids and plug-ins are increasingly high-tech, just like the cars themselves.  These vehicles feature microcontrollers and other advanced technologies, along with the standard automotive electronics - installing, testing and troubleshooting these components takes a skilled workforce, with technical training beyond high school or two-year associates degrees.

It's not just the green automotive industry that requires more educated employees.  There are very few 'low skill' jobs left in manufacturing in general today.  In a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ('A Leaner, More Skilled U.S. Manufacturing Workforce'), economists divided manufacturing jobs into low-, medium- and high-skill and observed that between 1982 and 2002, high-skill manufacturing occupations grew 37% while low- and medium-skill jobs declined 24% and 18% respectively.

Indiana boasts a rich reservoir of engineering talent and a strong manufacturing workforce - it's a key competitive advantage that allowed us to attract companies like EnerDel, and why other clean technologies firms are looking to locate and expand in the state.  But to maintain this edge, we have to ensure that our workforce pipeline stays strong, with young workers getting the right degrees and certifications to take advantage of advanced manufacturing careers in electric vehicles and other high-tech fields. 

Initiatives like Conexus Indiana are hard at work bringing private industry and higher education together to create up-to-date manufacturing training programs, and marketing these career paths to young people through its 'Dream It. Do It.' campaign.  Purdue and Ivy Tech Community College received a $6 million federal stimulus grant to create specific degree and technical programs for electric vehicles, and the state's Department of Workforce Development is also focused on green job training.  At the K-12 level, it's critical that technical education programs are spared from budget cuts to get students on the right track early on.

These efforts have to be a top priority for policymakers, educators and manufacturers alike.  Pursuing economic development without a parallel focus on education will ultimately frustrate the ambitions of both the companies that can't find skilled workers to fulfill their growth plans and the Hoosiers who find themselves unqualified for better jobs. 

Announcements like EnerDel's are great news for Indiana's economy; a steady supply of talented workers has been a catalyst for this success.  But we also have to keep a proactive focus on tomorrow's workforce to keep the momentum going.  Looking ahead, degrees and certificates awarded are economic development metrics just like jobs and investment - the path towards a green advanced manufacturing economy for Indiana starts in the classroom.

Loughrey is the retired Vice-Chairman of Cummins, and chairs the Conexus Indiana and Energy Systems Network initiatives for the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership.

Indiana Supplier INsight database attracts more than 5,000 Hoosier companies
seeking supply chain opportunities within the state
Conexus Indiana lauds enthusiastic response to e-portal
that allows firms to post and apply for procurement opportunities

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.,  May 12, 2010)  The Conexus Indiana manufacturing and logistics initiative today provided an update on Indiana Supplier INsight, its web-based network that links Indiana firms with potential suppliers within the state.  The response to the interactive database that facilitates Hoosiers doing business with Hoosiers has been immediate and enthusiastic, with more than 5,000 companies registering on the site, which was formally launched in early April.

"The fact that 5,000 companies have already signed up on Supplier INsight demonstrates the appetite that exists for a 'matchmaking' service like this for Indiana companies," said Steve Dwyer, President & CEO of Conexus Indiana.  "As our database of procurement opportunities grows and we begin seeing success stories emerge, we expect the list of participating firms to continue to grow rapidly."

While Conexus Indiana is focused on the manufacturing and logistics sectors, Indiana Supplier INsight is a tool for making connections between firms of all industries, including professional service providers.  It is a free service provided by Conexus and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), a major sponsor of the project.

"Modeled after Governor Daniels' aggressive public-sector Buy Indiana program, this database has made it easier for Indiana's private companies to do business with each other and the response has been overwhelming.   Indiana's small and mid-size businesses are gaining new customers as a result and this goes a long way in strengthening the state's economy," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Indiana Supplier INsight was commissioned by Conexus using Supplier Gateway, a national firm that provides supply chain networking services.  The platform stores information on registered businesses, and allows users to access the platform online to search for Indiana suppliers, using categories like capability, location, industry classification and women- or minority-owned certifications.  At the same time, suppliers can search for procurement opportunities that match their area of expertise and express interest in submitting a bid.

Companies interested in taking part in Indiana Supplier INsight can sign up at https://app.suppliergateway.com/conexus and get started making connections.

Launched by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Conexus Indiana is the state's advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative, dedicated to making Indiana a global leader in high-growth, high-tech industries.  Conexus is focused on strategic priorities like workforce development, creating new industry partnerships and promoting Indiana's competitive advantages. 

For more information about Conexus Indiana, please visit http://www.conexusindiana.com.

Conexus launches Indiana Supplier INsight initiative, connecting Hoosier manufacturers and other businesses with in-state suppliers
Interactive database sponsored by Indiana Economic Development Corporation
encourages Hoosiers doing business with Hoosiers

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.,  March 3, 2010)  The Conexus Indiana advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative announced today it has launched Indiana Supplier INsight, a web-based community linking Indiana firms with suppliers within the state.  Sponsored by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Indiana Supplier INsight will create new opportunities for companies of all sizes, while streamlining supply chains and encouraging Hoosiers doing business with Hoosiers.

Indiana Supplier INsight will provide tangible benefits to manufacturers and other businesses, as the geographic proximity of suppliers means streamlined operations, reductions in transportation costs, more manageable oversight and other advantages.  Access to these potential customers creates a wealth of new business opportunities for Indiana companies. 

"Indiana Supplier INsight opens the door for Hoosier businesses," said Steve Dwyer, President & CEO of Conexus Indiana.  "Manufacturers look at suppliers all over the country, often unaware of qualified firms right here in their own backyard. This initiative shines a light on these companies and helps them forge new relationships."

While Conexus Indiana is focused on the manufacturing and logistics sectors, Supplier INsight is a tool for making connections  between Indiana firms of all industries, including professional service providers.  It is a free service provided by Conexus and the IEDC.

Indiana Supplier INsight is a web-based 'matchmaking' system developed on a software platform by Supplier Gateway, a national firm that provides supply chain networking services to clients including Chrysler, Home Depot, Boeing, and Raytheon, among others.  The platform stores information on registered businesses.  Users can access the platform online to search for Indiana suppliers, using categories like capability, location, industry classification and women- or minority-owned certifications.

"Indiana has attracted record levels of investment in advanced manufacturing over the last several years," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.  "These firms don't just create new jobs and investment within the walls of their own facilities, but also for their suppliers.  By keeping these dollars in the state, we're multiplying our efforts to grow Indiana's economy."

Other public sector partners including the Indiana Secretary of State's Office and Indiana Department of Administration, are also working to promote Indiana Supplier INsight.

"As I travel to each of our 92 counties every year, I see the need for initiatives like this one," said Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita.  "Indiana Supplier INsight will be a great catalyst to help up-and-coming companies promote themselves, while helping our manufacturers - the backbone of Indiana's economy - find qualified partners."

Companies interested in taking part in Indiana Supplier INsight can contact Lisa Laughner, Program Director at Conexus Indiana, at llaughner@conexusindiana.com, or visit https://app.suppliergateway.com/conexus to sign up online.  More than 3,800 Indiana companies have already registered during the initiative's test phase.

Launched by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Conexus Indiana is the state's advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative, dedicated to making Indiana a global leader in high-growth, high-tech industries.  Conexus is focused on strategic priorities like workforce development, creating new industry partnerships and marketing our competitive advantages. 

For more information about Conexus Indiana, please visit http://www.conexusindiana.com.

Website: http://flyergroup.com

"PLAINFIELD — A committee of 36 business leaders from throughout the state says Indiana is poised to become the logistics destination in America. But not without proper planning.

The Conexus Indiana Logistics Council Executive Committee (LCEC) has spent the past two years formulating methods to ensure continued and proper growth in the logistics industry.

“It’s a statewide strategic plan to help Indiana leverage and optimize its leadership position as the Crossroads of America,” said J. Mark Howell, president of Brightpoint Americas and LCEC chair, at a press conference Tuesday unveiling phase one of the committee’s study."

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Website: http://www.insideindianabusiness.com

"Conexus Vice President of Workforce and Education Claudia Cummings says the website will be utilized at Indiana high schools.

Conexus Indiana is hoping a new website and social media network will help convince more young Hoosiers to pursue logistics and advanced manufacturing careers. Conexus has unveiled DreamItDoItIndiana.com, which it considers the centerpiece of its "Dream It. Do It." campaign. The state's logistics initiative says more young people are essential for the future of manufacturing and logistics due to retirements of many Baby Boomers employed in the sector."

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Website: http://www.indystar.com/

"Decatur Central High School students are getting a lesson today about manufacturing and logistics careers.

Conexus Indiana unveiled a new online campaign at the Southwestside school today aimed to attract Indiana students to high tech careers in electric vehicles, aerospace and supply chain management, said Chris Watts, Conexus spokesman. The campaign is called Dream It. Do It and encourages students to pursue jobs in these fields as Baby Boomers near retirement age."

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Website: http://www.insideindianabusiness.com

"Conexus officials discuss the transportation facilities plan with Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick.

Officials with Conexus Indiana say growth of inter-modal and multi-modal facilities would help strengthen the state's position as a national logistics leader. The organization says several cities are being considered for multi-transportation facilities at strategic points throughout the state. Officials say building the facilities will also create jobs and boost the Hoosier economy."

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Website: http://www.nwitimes.com

"Northwest Indiana transportation issues typically focus on moving people from one place to another. It would be wrong, however, to neglect the other major transportation concern -- moving freight.

It also would be wrong to look just within the confines of Northwest Indiana to spot potential trouble spots. One of them is in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

David Holt, vice president of the Connexus Indiana transportation think tank, highlighted the aging Soo Locks during his visit to The Times on Thursday. Those locks are the gateway for iron ore being transported to Northwest Indiana's steel mills as well as other freight sent to the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor, which is located in Portage."

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