Economic Development News for Knox County and Vincennes, Indiana

Note:The KCDC would like to acknowledge the Vincennes Sun Commercial, Indiana Economic Digest and the Evansville Courier and Press for some of the news stories and photographs which appear below. We appreciate their ongoing coverage of events which emphasize the growth of Knox County and it's economic development efforts

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4/1/10 Good Samaritan Hospital Names New Leader
3/30/10 VU Receives $1.5 Donation for Tech Training
3/10/10 KCDC Annual Meeting Slide Show - Click to Launch
2/8/10 VU Plans 20% Energy Usage Cut Over Next 2 Years
1/10/2010 VU Assisting Indiana in Inmate Rehab and Training.
12/31/09 Knox County's FIA Named WorkOne Southwest "Business of the Year"
12/4/09 Design changes and growth add $150 million to Duke project cost
12/1/09 Good Samaritan Announces Cancer Treatment Partnership
11/30/09 Good Samaritan Growing Again
10/20/09 Schott to Diversify and Expand in Vincennes
9/29/09 Vincennes University Partners with ABB Robotics
8/6/09 Indiana Honors AME Group as Company to Watch
7/16/09 AME Group - One to Watch
7/15/09 Vincennes' Sarvis Named Deputy Commissioner for Major Program Management at INDOT
7/1/09 Gentry Represents Knox County at IEDC Reception
6/1/09 AME Acquires Connecting Point of Indiana
5/11/09 Duke Energy to Rebuild Rail Line For New Plant
4/24/09 Futaba Calling Back Workers
3/16/09 Good Samaritan Hospital named a top place to work
3/11/09 Vectren and Duke Share News at KCDC Annual Meeting
3/06/09 New WorkOne Center Dedicated
1/16/09 Vincennes University to Help Retrain Displaced Workers
1/5/09 The South Knox School Corp. named a "Best Buy" school
12/11/08 Good Samaritan Hospital Labs Receive CAP Recognition
11/24/08 Knox County Coal-to-Gas Project Bucks Industry Trends
10/17/08 Appeals Court Backs Duke Energy For New Power Plant
10/7/08 Vincennes University Dedicates Renovation

For past news stories of Economic Development in Knox County and Vincennes, Indiana, visit our archives.

Good Samaritan Hospital Names New Leader

A familiar face will lead Good Samaritan Hospital as its new President and CEO. The Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Governors announced Rob McLin as the hospitals new president and CEO.

McLin is stepping up from the position of Vice President of Finance, which he had held since 1997. An 18-year employee of Good Samaritan Hospital, McLin began his career at the regional health care facility as the Internal Auditor in 1992. After three years in the auditor position he was promoted to Vice President of Professional and Support Services. In just two short years he was named the Vice President of Finance.

The President and CEO seat was left vacant after Matthew Bailey, having spent 26 years with Good Samaritan Hospital, resigned on February 12, 2010. Since, Senior Vice President Gerald Waldroup has filled in as the Interim President and CEO.
McLin says his focus as the new CEO will be on the continued efforts to build stronger relationships between the hospital and medical staff. Good Samaritan has been blessed for many years with a wonderful medical staff that provides excellent care in all the communities we serve, he stated. One of the key focal points as CEO is to build upon our physician relationships and offer even more opportunities for collaboration.

McLin also recognized the importance of community and staff. From an Administrative perspective it is imperative that we continue to be a community leader and especially recognize the efforts of our 1600-plus dedicated employees who make Good Samaritan Hospital the jewel that it is, he added. For Good Samaritan to continue growing, the organization must constantly focus on reducing impediments. Eliminating barriers so our staff can do their jobs better every day. Removing obstacles to improve our physicians ability to treat their patients within the hospital setting. Last, but not least, reducing hurdles for our community so that when they need health care, Good Samaritan Hospital is their first choice.
Mary Cay Martin, Good Samaritan Hospital Board Chairman, says after a thorough search of candidates the board was pleased to announce McLin as the new President and CEO. We did not take this decision lightly, stated Martin. As the countys largest employer our decision has an effect upon the local economy and our decision directly effects the health care of the community.

Martin said the board of governors felt McLin was the best suited for the position. We feel that Rob has the personality and the drive to lead the hospital through impending changes with health care reform successfully, while building upon the strong foundation of service offerings Good Samaritan Hospital already has in place, Martin said. We look forward to working with Rob in his new role.

Born and raised in Knox County, McLin is a graduate of North Knox High School. He went on to attend college at Indiana State University, earning a bachelors degree in Accounting/Management. He also holds a masters degree in Business Administration from Ball State University.

Actively involved in his community, McLin is a member of several boards of directors including the Vincennes YMCA, United Way of Knox County, Knox County Chamber of Commerce, and the Knox County Holding Corporation. Hes also a member of the Monroe City First Church of God.

McLin and his wife, Angie (Davis), live in Bicknell and have two children, Makenzie and Jake.
Source: Good Samaritan Hospital

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VU Receives $1.5 Donation for Tech Training

Citing the need to boost area incomes and employment, Lawrenceville, Ill., business leader Frank Ladner has donated $1.5 million to Vincennes University to establish a high-tech training center.

The Haas CNC Training Center, now under development at VU, is the recipient of the gift. Ladner's donation will enable VU to spend $618,000 to purchase seven Haas CNC machines. The balance of the funds will be used to purchase additional equipment to complete VU's Haas CNC Training Center. It will be located on campus in the Indiana Center for Applied Technology.

"I am very impressed with the program that Haas has established at Vincennes University. VU has wonderful facilities for it. My interest is to have something worthwhile in the area to develop income and employment growth. I am glad to support projects that achieve that," Ladner said.

VU President Dick Helton said that Ladner's gift will enable VU to be in the forefront nationally in the area of computer numerical control (CNC) training for business and industry.

"I believe this will be a wonderful addition to Vincennes University and advanced manufacturing thanks to the generosity of Frank Ladner. He has been a longtime supporter of this area and VU is indebted to him for strengthening this training center," Helton said.

The new Center represents an expansion of VU's partnership with Haas Automation, the largest manufacturer of CNC machinery in the U.S., with benefits for VU that include bringing to campus workers, students, and teachers for training on state-of-the-art equipment. It also builds upon the newly established partnership that VU has with ABB Robotics and opens additional opportunities to develop partnerships with other advanced manufacturing companies in areas such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), measurement, and Swiss turning.

"I am extremely grateful for Frank Ladner's generosity in making this project possible," said Doug Bowman, director of the Haas Technical Education Center at VU. "The development of this Center will help support the Haas customer base. Employers in this area who own and operate Haas machines will be able to get trained and this will enhance their ability to hire additional employees to run their Haas equipment. This will benefit this area, the state, and the nation."

Bowman said a benefit of the new Center will be that it will allow VU to expand and enhance programming for students seeking associate degrees, third-year options, and baccalaureate degrees in technology.

As VU becomes the training site for Haas trainers from more than 900 locations throughout the nation, Bowman said that VU's advanced manufacturing graduates will benefit from VU's enhanced reputation as a leader in the field.

"This can only help VU graduates' abilities to land the best employment opportunities in the industry," Bowman said.

The Haas Technical Education Centers Network in the U.S. and Canada includes 940 schools, technical, and career centers, colleges, and universities.

"We look forward to this program at VU becoming very successful under the leadership of Doug Bowman. This is another major step forward for Vincennes University," Helton said.

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VU Plans 20% Energy Usage Cut Over Next 2 Years

Vincennes University plans to cut energy usage by 20 percent over the next two years, according to VU President Dick Helton.

The goal is to simultaneously save money while making VU facilities greener and more sustainable.

Leading the effort will be veteran VU staff member Richard Davis who will begin a new assignment on Feb. 8. Davis will become VUs first Director of Energy Conservation.

This is an important position that could lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings for VU at a time when the state is mandating budget cuts. The challenge is to achieve substantial cuts in energy use at a time when VU is growing in enrollment. I am confident that Rick will be successful in leading this effort, Helton said.

Davis responsibilities will include reviewing historical data on energy consumption and making recommendations on how energy usage can be reduced throughout the VU system. The recommendations will be specific for each VU building and will include input from individuals in each building.

We believe the primary savings will be achieved by getting employees to think differently, monitor their own demands for energy, and making practical and lasting behavioral changes that will result in more efficient use of energy. This will ease current budget constraints as well as put VU on a sustainable path for the future, Helton said.

VU Assisting Indiana in Inmate Rehab and Training.

Vincennes University, the designated trainer for coal miners in Indiana, has agreed to deliver coal mining classes at Branchville Correctional Facility to assist in the rehabilitation of inmates and their return to the workforce.
Vincennes University will offer two classes as part of its coal mining training: New Miner Underground and New Miner Surface. All classes will be delivered in 8-hour modules at the facility for classes of three to fifteen students. Moreover, only qualified and eligible offenders can participate, and to determine eligibility, Indiana Department of Corrections staff review offender records and assess their career interest surveys.
A federal grant is providing the funds for the training. The coal mining training program is a unique undertaking for a correctional system. Given the significant history of coal mining in Indiana and the current economic climate, the Indiana Coal Council and its membership are to be commended for their support of this endeavor.

Knox County's FIA Named WorkOne Southwest "Business of the Year"

The "Business of the Year” award was established to recognize a company in Economic Growth Region 11 (Knox, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Perry, Spencer, Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties) that has best utilized the Business Services of WorkOne Southwest to create and sustain a 21st century workforce.

Futaba Indiana of America (FIA), located in Knox
County employs nearly 450 people and produces parts for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Kentucky, Texas and Canada.

FIA has been honored for their exemplary commitment to their workforce and in collaborating with WorkOne Southwest.

FIA participates in monthly Business Seminars, job fairs in both Vanderburgh and Knox Counties, encourages employees to increase skills through classes
offered by the Strategic Skills Initiative, and continuously posts all open positions in Indiana Career Connect, the Indiana job and career database.

FIA is committed to helping change old perceptions of manufacturing
and reducing our area's “brain drain” by serving on the Dream It! Do It! Advisory Council, and Engineer Our Future Advisory Board.

FIA has been supportive of all initiatives provided by WorkOne Southwest and continues to be a valued Knox County employer.

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Design changes and growth add $150 million to Duke project cost

Duke Energy Indiana filed information about a 6 percent cost increase with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as part of its semi-annual update.

The utility is asking the IURC to schedule a proceeding in March 2010, when most of the project engineering will be complete, so the company can file a more detailed cost estimate.

The IURC granted the utility permission in 2007 to build the clean coal power plant in Edwardsport, but will need to approve any cost increase for the plant. It is scheduled to be completed in 2012.

The 630-megawatt plant will use integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology to produce 10 times more power than the existing Edwardsport plant, but emit less sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury than the plant it replaces.
It will also emit 45 percent less carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour than the existing facility.

IGCC technology uses a coal gasification system to convert coal into a synthesis gas, which is then processed to remove sulfur, mercury and ash before being sent to a traditional combined cycle power plant, using two combustion turbines and a steam turbine to produce electricity.
The technology can also, with some modifications, remove carbon dioxide from coal during the conversion process, allowing it to be stored underground.

Good Samaritan Announces Cancer Treatment Partnership

Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Clarian Health and the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center have unveiled an affiliation agreement. As part of the deal, the hospital gains access to resources at the cancer center. Good Samaritan patients will also be able to enroll in clinical trials at the center and through the Hoosier Oncology Group

Good Samaritan Growing Again

Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes is anticipating growth in 2010, passing a budget with 2 percent wage increases for employees and investments in capital projects. The hospital is projecting a 1 percent growth in inpatient days and a 2.84 percent increase in outpatient visits. The hospital also plans a $4.9 million capital budget and the purchase of a new $1.4 million open MRI system.

“We are very pleased to be able to present a positive budget during a time of rapid change in health care,” said Matthew Bailey, President and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital. “Though health care reform and Medicaid cuts will demonstrate a substantial hardship we need to be able to provide state of the art care and technology that our patients have come to expect from us at Good Samaritan.”

Schott to Diversify and Expand in Vincennes

Governor Mitch Daniels joined SCHOTT North America in Vincennes for an announcement that SCHOTT has been awarded a defense contract to manufacture specialty glass and will add up to 150 jobs by 2010.

SCHOTT, which currently processes and finishes glass-ceramic cooktops and flat glass for the home appliance industry from its Knox County facility, will invest $7.2 million over the next few years to fabricate transparent armor for the defense industry. The company's armored windows have been selected by Oshkosh to equip their new line of mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles designed specifically for the rugged mountains of Afghanistan.

L-R - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Gerald Fine, Chief Executive Officer, SCHOTT North America, Gary Gentry, President, Knox County Development Corp.

The 125-year-old company, whose main markets include defense, aviation, electronics, optics, solar energy, pharmaceutical packaging, architecture and home appliances, currently employs approximately 300 associates in Vincennes and plans to hire additional production and supervisory workers over the next year as the new line is phased in. SCHOTT has been a supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense for more than 40 years, having established its first manufacturing facility in the United States in 1969.

Listen to the InSide Indiana Business interview with Greg Wolters, VP and General Manager of Schott North America.

Vincennes University Partners with ABB Robotics

Vincennes University and ABB Robotics, a leading supplier of industrial robots have formed a partnership that will greatly enhance the Indiana college's vocational and technical robotic training and provide ABB with an authorized training facility in the central Midwest.
The partnership includes the installation of 29 ABB robots and related work cells, software, and controllers into VU's new $9 million industrial training facility, the Indiana Center for Applied Technology (ICAT), which opened in March 2009.
VU offers a two-year associate degree in Computer-Integrated Manufacturing and Robotics, and a series of robotic training courses in its Workforce Development program. The ICAT will be ABB's third authorized training center in the U.S., joining the headquarters location in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and an auxiliary facility in Birmingham, Alabama.
'VU has been at the forefront of advanced manufacturing education and training for many years and was one of the first schools to offer a degree in robotic technology back in 1983,' said VU President Dick Helton. 'We couldn't be more excited about our new relationship with ABB; they understand our educational goals and have been a great partner in helping shape the vision for enhancing our programs and making the ICAT one of the finest facilities of its kind in the nation.'

Indiana Honors AME Group as Company to Watch

AME Group will be honored for being among Indiana's 50 outstanding second-stage companies during the Indiana Companies to Watch awards program in Indianapolis.
AME Group, an information technology consulting firm located in Vincennes.

"From Indianapolis to Bluffton and Vincennes to Merrillville, these 50 Companies to Watch are as geographically diverse as the industries they serve," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "We appreciate the continued contribution these companies are making to the Indiana economy and look forward to future growth and job creation."

The AME Group provides business and financial consulting services for clients in a variety of industries. Established in 1985, The AME Group provides solutions including risk management, operational cost control and business systems automation for clients across the country.

The accolade, presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Center network, Purdue University and the Edward Lowe Foundation, recognizes the state's privately held businesses that employ up to 150 employees and have between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or working capital.

The 50 "Companies to Watch," were named after independent evaluation of more than 500 nominations for the awards.

AME Group - One to Watch

The AME Group, which provides IT services to Vincennes University and Good Samaritan Hospital, among others, has been selected by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) for its list of "50 Companies to Watch."

The list recognizes midsized Indiana businesses that employ up to 150 people and have between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue or working capital.

AME provides setup and maintenance of technology systems, and president Mark Gerkin said he thinks his company was selected because of its continued success despite a sour economy.

"It's definitely an honor ... to show our employees all the hard work they've done," Gerkin said. "In this economy we continue to prosper, and the (IEDC) recognizes that."

The IEDC selected companies for its list based on several factors including growth potential, innovations in their field, potential for new employee head counts and economic growth over the coming years.

AME has had to shift its focus a bit to adjust to economic conditions. Gerkin said most of the company's business is in maintaining IT systems, while the setup of new networks and projects has declined.

"Our fastest-growing market is the small to medium (sized business) market," he said. "Any business that has between five and 50 users ... we're doing ongoing maintenance services, reactive support, anything to help clients make their business process more efficient."

Gerkin attributed much of his company's success to changes in demand brought on by the slumping economy, and agreed IT can be somewhat insulated from trouble because of changing demands from the businesses that need it.

"Maybe the luxury of having a full-time IT person is not there anymore," he said. "We're not only helping companies stabilize their business, we're giving them future items so their business plan and IT plan go in parallel."

Gary Genry, executive director of the Knox County Development Corp., agrees with that statement.

"(IT) is an arena that's becoming ever more complicated, and the idea of being your own serviceman and provider is falling out of vogue. We all need expert help," he said.

Both Gentry and Marc McNeece, president and CEO of Knox County Chamber of Commerce, said they were not surprised to hear that AME had been selected for the IEDC list, though neither of their organizations had nominated the company.

The IT firm has locations in nine cities, bought two other IT companies in the last 18 months and is expanding its service area.

"(AME) is a good indication of what can be done through entrepreneurial approaches in the community," Gentry said.

"In times like this, it shows that if you're one of those companies that can take on technology challenges, you can be successful and be recognized for that success," McNeece said.

The 50 companies selected for the IEDC list are projected to have combined revenues in excess of $671 million and create 560 new jobs this year.

Vincennes' Sarvis Named Deputy Commissioner for Major Program Management at INDOT

Michael W. Reed, commissioner-INDOT, has chosen Sam Sarvis as the new deputy commissioner-Major Program Management at the agency. Sarvis will report directly to Reed. The appointment is effective immediately.

“Initially, Sam’s focus will be on I-69, so we can manage costs and delivery dates for what is the priority Major Moves project in Indiana,” Reed said. “With 14 years in local and state highway construction in southwest Indiana, Sam’s experience gives him not only a strong understanding of road building, but also working relationships with many key civic and business leaders throughout the I-69 Corridor.”

Sarvis will be the executive in charge of all planning, development and construction of the I-69 Corridor. He will direct the activities of consultants, engineers, construction, and environmental and right-of-way matters. In addition, he will manage all public information and external communications, as well as contacts with legislators, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Local Planning Agencies, and the Federal Highway Administration.

“I want to acknowledge the work done by current staff that got this mammoth project underway,” Sarvis said. “We had the ground breaking on the first section last summer. They have worked diligently to keep the project under budget at bid, ahead of schedule currently, and then set higher expectations for future development.”

Sarvis comments come from his first-hand experience in the Vincennes District. “I understand the economic benefits that I-69 will bring to Indiana,” he said, “and I am looking forward to working with all parties on the challenge of controlling costs on this multi-billion dollar project.”

Sarvis joined INDOT in 2005 as the District deputy commissioner for the Vincennes District. In that role, he managed more than 550 employees and $200 million in annual construction projects. He also coordinates public information and customer service activities in the district.

Prior to joining INDOT, Sarvis served as the street commissioner for the City of Vincennes and highway superintendent for Knox County.

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Gentry Represents Knox County at IEDC Reception

A reception for Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and new CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, hosted by Vectren and Ice Miller offered an opportunity for area economic development professionals and industry executives to discuss the status of job recruitment within their communities.

Gary Gentry of the Knox County Development Corporation is pictured above with Roob discussing the enviable position of Knox County with the 4th lowest unemployment rate in the state.

During a brief speech, Roob referenced the impressive success rate of Indiana in attracting new jobs despite the current economic situation. He pointed out the many advantages Indiana enjoys over neighboring states, largely due to the solid position of its finances and its trained conscientious workforce.

Mr. Roob acknowledged that is is more difficult to attract new industry during this temporary downturn, while emphasizing Indiana's continuing commitment to improving the availability of good jobs for Hoosiers.

AME Acquires Connecting Point of Indiana

Advanced Microelectronics, Inc, DBA The AME Group today announced it acquired the assets of Michiana Micro Inc, DBA Connecting Point of Indiana, a South Bend, Indiana based Information Technology Company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We believe the acquisition of Connecting Point of Indiana is a very good fit to the Managed Computer and Infrastructure Support services we deliver in every Indiana County,” said Mark Gerkin, President of The AME Group. "This acquisition will provide The AME Group with a greater geographical coverage area, allowing more effective coverage of current clients, as well as all new clients. It will enable us to continue delivering our brand of efficient, high-end onsite service solutions throughout the state of Indiana."

Connecting Point of Indiana’s service portfolio includes computer hardware, network management and support, project management, database solutions, and general consulting services.

Connecting Point of Indiana was founded in 1984 and headquartered in South Bend Indiana. Current Connecting Point of Indiana’s customers and users will benefit from the expanded resources and operational scale made possible by the integration into The AME Group.

Duke Energy to Rebuild Rail Line For New Plant

Duke Energy Indiana plans to build an eight-mile rail line for its coal gasification plant in Knox County. The new route will run along the former railroad line that once served the current Edwardsport Station. It will offer a connection point with the Indiana Southern Railroad just south of Sandborn.

Although Duke Energy acquired the former railroad line last November, the company will need to purchase additional land rights from property owners along the rail spur route. Over the next several weeks, Duke Energy will be contacting those affected.

Construction of the rail spur is expected to begin in 2010. The goal is to have it available for use when the new plant begins operating in 2012. The rail spur will allow Duke Energy to move sulfur byproducts from the new plant to resale markets. Proceeds from the sale of these byproducts can help offset the operating costs of the new plant for customers.

Futaba Calling Back Workers

Local automotive-parts maker Futaba Indiana of America Corp. is calling laid-off workers back to their jobs and preparing to expand its market to more than just Toyota products.

Stoelb said Camry sales took a hit in recent months but are forecasted to go back up. Sales for the Sienna also are forecasted to increase and will require additional employees, he said.

FIA also is working on its TS-16949 accreditation, a standard of international automotive quality, Stoelb explained, required by most automakers.

Gary Gentry, executive director of KCDC, believes there are opportunities for FIA to capture work from the new $1 billion Volkswagen plant being built at Chattanooga, Tenn.

As the company started calling back laid-off workers, Stoelb found that many of them had gone on to gain other employment or had gone back to school.

"So over next several months, we're going to have some options where we will need people part-time," Stoelb said, adding that the jobs could cater to those who have gone back to school and can only work 20 or 30 hours a week.

FIA also is working with Vincennes University to implement an internship program.

"A lot of other companies have cut back on interns," Stoelb said. "But we see this as a good opportunity for us, for the community, students and ourselves."

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Good Samaritan Hospital named a top place to work

Good Samaritan Hospital has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Indiana" by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber President Kevin Brinegar said businesses like Good Samaritan Hospital represent some of the state's most outstanding Hoosier employers.

"They embrace the idea that a positive work culture that includes respect, communication, opportunity and being part of a team not only makes it a place in which employees want to work, but also fuels the success of the organization," he said.

The top companies in the state are determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. This is Good Samaritan Hospital's first time being honored.

Dean Wagoner, director of Human Resources at the hospital, attributes this award to the efforts of employees in achieving the hospital's mission.

"We strive to provide an employee-focused culture that encourages and allows employees to excel," he stated. "Our employees understand that teamwork leads to our success in providing excellent care to the patients we are privileged to serve."

State-of-the-art technology and immaculately maintained buildings provide the best possible environment for employees to achieve positive outcomes, but Wagoner says it's the continuous compassionate care and concern demonstrated by employees and medical staff that have allowed Good Samaritan Hospital to achieve this recognition and celebrate 101 years as a community hospital. "We are extremely proud of and grateful for their efforts," he added.

Darrel Bobe, chairman of the board of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce Board, says he is especially proud of the award for Good Samaritan Hospital.

"This is an outstanding honor, especially in this tough economic time, for a local business to be given this award," Bobe stated. "We are very fortunate to have an outstanding hospital here in Vincennes that continues to grow and make Vincennes a better place to live.

Vectren and Duke Share News at KCDC Annual Meeting

The news an progress reports from Vectren Fuel Delivery and Duke Energy were welcome lights in a dim economy. Each made announcements of large investment in the Knox County economy and discussed status of there projects which will bring in excess of $2.5 billion to the local economy. To view a slide show of the well attended annual meeting of KCDC, click here.

New WorkOne Center Dedicated

Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Teresa Voors says it is the third WorkOne Center in the state to partner with a university.

Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Teresa Voors says college is no longer just for "an 18-year-old with a book bag." She says now more than ever adult workers are going back to school to get additional skills in order to find better jobs when the economy recovers. Voors made the comments amid today's dedication of the Indiana Center for Applied Technology (ICAT) at Vincennes University, which also serves as Knox County's WorkOne Center. ICAT will provide workers with WorkOne services and training under one roof.

Vincennes University to Help Retrain Displaced Workers

Hundreds of recreational vehicle production workers in north-central Indiana who recently lost their jobs can receive technical training through Purdue and Vincennes universities.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center, administered by Purdue, is working with Vincennes University and The Apprentice Academy to offer technical training and advanced manufacturing instruction to RV and other displaced workers in Elkhart, Knox, Nappanee, Plymouth, Rochester, South Bend, Warsaw and surrounding communities. Workers can learn new trades, such as precision metalworking, welding and industrial maintenance.

"We're taking the training to displaced workers right in their backyard," said Dietra Rosenkoetter, MEP senior account manager. "Vincennes University will provide training in the technical skills, and Purdue will train in manufacturing techniques. This includes lean manufacturing tools, quality systems, 'green' sustainability, problem solving, change management, conflict resolution, and essential communication skills in the workplace. Our goal is to help as many people as possible in this economic downturn."

"When there are emergencies and layoffs that are large in scope over a short period of time, the State of Indiana makes these funds available to help workers seek better jobs," said Marc Lotter, Department of Workforce Development director of communication. "These funds also are available to displaced workers outside of the RV industry. We provide assistance to workers in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties who are unemployed as a result of flood damage caused by Hurricane Ike, for example."

Suzanne Wheeler, The Apprentice Academy director, said classes will be limited to 10-20 students and the training will apply to jobs in high demand.

"We're providing them with the skills they'll need for the jobs of today and the future economy," Wheeler said.

The South Knox School Corp. named a "Best Buy" school

South Knox has been named a "Best Buy" school by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The designation is awarded when test scores, graduation rates and other academic performance measures exceed what is typical for similar schools.

In early December, South Knox reported its ISTEP scores, which continue to shine. Students consistently outperformed the state average, sometimes by a wide margin.

"In every step we were above the state average," Case said. "That's certainly somewhere we want to be."

Particularly notable was the performance of the sixth grade, which scored in the 89th percentile in English and the 97th percentile in math.

Case and other school officials have pointed to the success of South Knox as an example of what smaller school districts can achieve.

Good Samaritan Hospital Labs Receive CAP Recognition

Good Samaritan Hospital’s Laboratory and Respiratory Care Laboratory have been awarded an accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

The laborator was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the “excellence of the services being provided.” CAP is the premiere accreditation agency for clinical laboratories in the US.”

The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.

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Knox County Coal-to-Gas Project Bucks Industry Trends

In the heart of southwestern Indiana's coal country, Duke Energy Corp. crews are building what the company's CEO calls the power plant of the future — a $2.35 billion complex where coal will be turned into a gas, stripped of pollutants, then burned to generate electricity.

The project, one of the "clean coal" technologies supported by President-elect Barack Obama, will become by far the nation's largest coal-gasification plant when it goes online in 2012, generating enough power to light more than 200,000 homes.

Gov. Mitch Daniels says the Edwardsport plant's ability to remove pollutants from coal will reinvigorate southwestern Indiana's coal mining towns by opening a larger market for the region's high-sulfur coal deposits.

He also says the plant will provide Indiana with some of the 3,000 new megawatts the state is projected to need by 2012.

Traditional coal power plants burn pulverized coal and then spew pollutants through smokestacks.

But Duke's plant along the White River will convert coal into a synthesis gas that's processed to remove pollutants such as mercury and sulfur dioxide. The gas will then be burned in turbines to produce electricity, while heat from that process is tapped to create steam that generates power in separate steam turbines.

Jim Rogers, CEO and president of the North Carolina-based utility, called the plant an "Apollo project for energy," comparing its technological innovations to the United States' manned lunar program during a July ceremony at the construction site.

"With this plant we're taking a giant leap for our country," he said.

The plant will produce about 75 percent less sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury than the traditional 160-megawatt coal-fired plant it will replace, even though that plant runs only about 30 percent of the time.

"This will be a larger plant that will produce more power and operate longer yet produce cleaner power than the existing facility," she said.

And Duke wants to study ways to equip the plant to "capture" some of the 4 million tons of carbon dioxide it would release annually. Such a step would help the plant comply with any greenhouse gas caps Congress might impose.

Energy expert Daniel M. Kammen said the Edwardsport plant could provide a key lesson for the coal industry, in which future plants will likely be those with low carbon dioxide emissions.

"The new economics of coal need to reflect the price of holding down greenhouse gases," said Kammen, director of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. "If this is a plant where the company can do some R & D learning about how to bring those costs down, that's a step forward."

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Appeals Court Backs Duke Energy For New Power Plant

Duke Energy's plans for a $2.35 billion coal-gasification power plant in southwest Indiana have withstood another legal challenge. The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled against groups who questioned the process used to grant construction approval.

The plant being built in Edwardsport would be a 630-megawatt power plant that the company says will use convert high-sulfur coal into substitute natural gas, which would then be burne to create electricity.

Vincennes University Dedicates Renovation

Following a $10 million renovation of George Rogers Clark Residence Hall at Vincennes University, student Shane Davis said it is so nice that “we never need to leave—except to go to class.”

Speaking at Monday’s re-dedication ceremony, Davis thanked VU for modernizing the residence hall that first opened in 1967. “Clark Hall is now a state-of-the-art residence hall that provides suite living and a true college experience,” Davis said.

An assistant hall coordinator at Clark Hall, Davis cited a series of features that residents enjoy. “Students have their own showers and bathrooms and a living room and kitchenette. The residence hall also features a theater, game room, study rooms, computer rooms, and a laundry.
The residential living rooms also feature a flat-screen television.

VU student Eseniya Matvelieva, a resident assistant at Clark Hall, said its “unique design, bold colors, and room layouts create a wonderful atmosphere which helps students to focus more on their education and less on problems with accommodations.”

J.R. Gaylor, chair of the VU Board of Trustees, said the investment represents VU’s commitment to providing “both quality education and a quality living environment for students.”

Phillip Rath, vice president for Financial Services and Government Relations, said Clark Hall has come a long way since it was built for $1.3 million in 1967. “Part of our strategic plan is to recruit students from across the state. Having great residential facilities such as this is a great way to start,” Rath said.

Rath particularly thanked Brad Killion, director of Architectural Services and Facilities, and his staff for their work to keep the project on schedule. The $10 million renovation included extensive changes to both the interior and exterior of the building and only required closing the residence hall for one academic year.

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