New Communities in Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program
For the next 10 months, the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) will be serving four new communities through its Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program (DMAP), funded by the Department of Defense – Office of Economic Adjustment:
- Jefferson County has identified the need for a transportation demand study, which PCRD will deliver in conjunction with Purdue’s Department of Agricultural Economics;
- In Martin County, PCRD will conduct a follow-up project based on the result of its housing study conducted during the first DMAP granting period;
- The Miami County Economic Development Authority has asked PCRD to complete a supply chain analysis of the region’s two strongest industry clusters, agriculture and manufacturing, to improve economic opportunities there; and
- The Michiana Council of Governments in the South Bend, IN area has asked for an in-depth look at their region’s defense industry, as well as workshops to better connect members of the defense community.
Each project is unique and draws on different skills sets and expertise of PCRD staff, as well as Purdue faculty who can bring their expertise to bear on the important challenges facing these communities. “When all is said and done, our efforts are intended to achieve one key goal,” notes Bo Beaulieu, director of the Center. “We want to help strengthen the long-term economic vitality of these communities.”
Specialists Annie Cruz-Porter and Melinda Grismer will collaborate with each of these communities to deliver on the promise of completing the work by May 31, 2018. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage in some real community problem-solving with local leaders across the state of Indiana,” said Grismer. “We look forward to the challenge!”
