Evansville, Ind. (October 25, 2022) – The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) and Posey County Economic Development Partnership (PCEDP) announce actions by their respective Boards to merge organizations.
The unification comes as a natural next step to the successful collaboration between the two organizations. Each respective board, after thorough and deliberate evaluation, voted unanimously to continue its working relationship with E-REP by officially merging.
“We’ve had much success working with Posey County this past year in attracting new business and advancing quality of life projects. We look forward to nurturing that relationship further as we take on the added economic development responsibilities, said Tara Barney, CEO of E-REP.
Over the past year, E-REP helped secure City of Mt. Vernon incentives for redevelopment of the former K-Mart Building, transforming the space for CountryMark. To protect the Mt. Vernon riverfront, E-REP secured $100,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through the Lake and River Enhancement Program was submitted and secured by E-REP. In addition, E-REP also helped complete the City of Mt. Vernon’s comprehensive plan.
The merger brings added benefit to Posey County as E-REP’s business retention and expansion services will extend to Posey County businesses. Additionally, Posey County businesses and residents can engage with E-REP through their Family Business Alliance, Young Professionals Alliance, Tri-State Manufacturer’s Alliance, among others.
“We’re certain that aligning efforts and delivering economic development services under one unified organization, with one unified voice will elevate Posey County’s ability to attract business and talent, said Jim Alsop, president of PCEDP. I want to extend my appreciation to all of those who have volunteered and served with PCEDP. We are excited about the future opportunities for Posey County that connecting with E-REP can continue to provide.”
Formed by merger on April 1, 2021, E-REP advances regional prosperity and global relevance by aligning the work of economic development with pro-economy public policy, community and entrepreneurial development, talent attraction, quality of place enhancement and strategies for regional growth.
“In the last year, E-REP has proven that a unified organization is greater than the sum of its parts, added Curt Begle, Chair of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. “The official merger with Posey County will add to our region’s cohesion, an accomplishment which we can all be proud.”
E-REP operates within Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties while continuing strategic partnerships with the entire MSA – some of which is in Kentucky. Partnerships include the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, area Chambers of Commerce, post-secondary institutions, WorkOne Southwest, education partners and other entities that strengthen the region’s opportunity to prosper.
About the Evansville Regional Economic Development
The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) leads economic development efforts for the Evansville, Indiana region e and elevate the overall quality of life through transformational projects and planning. Additionally, E-REP supports regional businesses through advocacy and membership engagement.