Ballard Set For Australia Trade Mission

September 20, 2012

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Mayor Greg Ballard will lead a delegation of economic development, business and community leaders on an economic development trade mission to Australia. The trade mission, scheduled for Sept. 21-Oct. 1, is being led by Develop Indy, with the support of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). The mission will focus on life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and information technology industries in Sydney and Melbourne.

"Indianapolis is an international city, with more than 250 international companies located here that employ more than 43,000 people," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "We see this as an opportunity to leverage Indianapolis' stable, affordable, pro-growth economic environment to enhance global trade and investment, while broadening business opportunities for Indianapolis-based companies."

Included in the delegation's agenda are meetings with companies considering investing in the U.S. as well as those already familiar with the benefits of doing business in Indianapolis. This list includes: Lumen CSL Ltd., Bluescope Steel, ARM Rollforming, and Nanosonics.

"By participating in these trade missions, we've opened many doors; we've seen a direct increase in strategic partnerships, strengthened relationships, and an increase in business-and we plan to build on this success to increase our global presence," said Robert Chew, President, Commissioning Agents, Inc.

Previous trade missions to Australia have proven successful for Indianapolis-based companies such as Commissioning Agents, Inc., a $40 million engineering and technical services firm headquartered here. A February 2011 trip led by the City, Develop Indy, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation prompted a meeting with executives at CSL, an Australian pharmaceutical company. This resulted in the company securing work with CSL in Kankakee, Illinois. Additionally, a second trip with Develop Indy to the Australian Biotech Show provided additional exposure in that market. During 2011, Commissioning Agents established operations in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and China, and is now poised to support its global biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and nutritional clients.

The Australia Trade Mission is privately funded.

About Develop Indy

Develop Indy is Marion County's local economic development organization. Develop Indy is dedicated to attracting new businesses, retaining and expanding existing businesses and serving as a catalyst for capital investment and quality job growth in Indianapolis/Marion County. Formed in 2007, Develop Indy is led by Mark Fisher, Interim President. For more information about Develop Indy, visit www.developindy.com.

Source: Develop Indy