Greater Lafayette Commerce Compiles Year End Results

Greater Lafayette Commerce has compiled its achievements in 2009 for its more than 1,000 members and community supporters.

In 2009, Greater Lafayette Commerce’s economic development efforts led to projects resulting in 702 new jobs and more than $172 million in capital investment, says Greater Lafayette Commerce’s President and CEO Joe Seaman.

“We are not going to pretend 2009 was not a difficult year for local business and industry and effected employees, but there are many bright spots in 2009 that are worth acknowledging,” said Joe Seaman.

Greater Lafayette Commerce’s mission is to make Greater Lafayette the place of choice to live, work, do business and raise a family. To further its mission, Greater Lafayette coordinated events to enhance quality of life, grow capital resources, engaged leadership and advocated for the community and offered programs to grow business and industry.

In 2009, Greater Lafayette Commerce presented four major events in Downtown Lafayette – West Lafayette: Dancing in the Streets, Uptown Jazz and Blues Festival, Dickens of a Christmas and the Christmas Parade. These events attracted more than 40,000 visitors.

Greater Lafayette Commerce hosted more than 60 ribbon cuttings in 2009 and began a new small business networking group: Networking ‘n Nachos. GLC’s monthly events attracted more than 1,000 attendees to Industrial Luncheon, Eggs ‘n Issues and Women in Business.

Greater Lafayette Commerce joined with eight neighboring counties in 2009 to form MidWest Indiana Economic Development. The regional economic development organization will market the region’s assets to attract, retain and expand business and industry. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman helped announce the group’s formation at a press conference in October attended by nearly 200 people. MidWest Indiana Economic Development can be found online at www.MidWestIndiana.com.

Mike Gibson, Chairman of Greater Lafayette Commerce’s Board of Directors, commends the efforts of staff and volunteers to make 2009 a busy and successful year.

“The thousands of volunteers and hard work and dedication of staff have ensured that Greater Lafayette doesn’t skip a beat, even in times of economic downturn. Supporting businesses – large and small alike – is very important. We look back on 2009 with pride, but our focus is on moving Greater Lafayette forward,” said Mike Gibson.

Greater Lafayette Commerce’s 2009: Results at a Glance is available online at www.GreaterLafayetteCommerce.com.

About Greater Lafayette Commerce.

Headquartered at 337 Columbia St. in Lafayette, Greater Lafayette Commerce, whose roots go back more than 80 years, is a nonprofit membership organization supported by local industries and governments. Its mission is to advance economic and community prosperity for a superior quality of life.