IEDI is dedicated to providing business attraction; existing business retention and expansion; and location services in Indianapolis/Marion County, serving as a catalyst for capital investment and quality job growth.

Press Release

Indianapolis, Ind. -- Mayor Greg Ballard will lead a delegation of business and community leaders to Europe next week in search of jobs and manufacturing technology to benefit the city and help grow its motorsports industry. The delegation will meet with business leaders, government officials, and researchers in Cologne, Germany and the UK from November 14 through November 23.

“It is imperative that we make every effort to boost our economic development opportunities and grow our industries right here in Indianapolis,” said Mayor Ballard. “We undoubtedly compete globally, and I’m optimistic that this mission will not only create opportunities for economic growth here but will lead the way to enhanced partnerships in the motorsports industry worldwide.”

The Mayor will first meet with local leaders in Cologne, Germany, one of Indianapolis’ Sister Cities in an effort to enhance the already growing partnerships with local and international businesses based in the city. The Sister City program aims to foster working relationships between Indianapolis and the international community in an effort to grow industry and enhance cultural and education opportunities globally.

In the UK, the goal of the trip is to create permanent economic, social, and cultural linkages between Indianapolis and the motorsports valley area of England. The delegation will work to create partnerships with UK based motorsport companies - including manufacturing, retail, research, race shops, promotions, etc. - in order to build on Indianapolis’ and the UK’s respective reputations as leaders in the motorsports industry.

“As one of the top motorsports cities in the United States, it is important to continue to build relationships, create partnerships, and exchange information and ideas with companies around the world that are part of this exciting industry. We believe these types of efforts will breed jobs through attraction of new companies to Indianapolis and new opportunities for our existing companies,” said Michael Young, Motorsports Industry Director, at Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc.

The delegation will meet with various companies including Manard Competition Technologies, Aston Martin and Warwick Manufacturing. In addition, the city will look to establish a Sister City relationship focusing on motorsports exchange.

Members of the delegation include: Mayor Gregory A Ballard; First Lady Winnie Ballard; Carolin Requiz Smith – Director of International and Cultural Affairs, City of Indianapolis; Michael Young – Indianapolis Economic Development Inc.; Ersal Ozdemir - Keystone Construction; Scott Treadway – Steward & Irwin pc; and Mak Knowles – American Structurepoint, Inc. One Indianapolis security official will accompany the group.

About IEDI
Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc. is Marion County’s local economic development organization. IEDI is dedicated to providing business attraction; existing business retention and expansion; and location services in Indianapolis/Marion County, serving as a catalyst for capital investment and quality job growth. IEDI and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce operate with a collaborative agreement to leverage resources to better meet the needs of the Indianapolis business community. IEDI is led by CEO Scott Miller and a nine-member board of directors appointed by Mayor Greg Ballard.

Source: City of Indianapolis