ANGOLA — Eight communities have contacted Trine University about potential economic development partnerships, the university said in a news release Tuesday.
University officials said Trine remains committed to economic growth and innovation and continues to move forward with aggressive plans for implementation and the creation of jobs in northeast Indiana.
The university presented a $28 million economic development plan to the Steuben County Commissioners in December. The university withdrew its proposal Jan. 24, when the university and commissioners could not agree on the memorandum of understanding.
On Jan. 28, the commissioners invited Trine University back to the table to continue discussions on an economic development partnership. At a joint meeting of the commissioners and the Steuben County Council, the commissioners approved a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to move the project forward.
While Steuben County officials continue to assess the plan, university administrators said they have started meeting with other interested communities about the proposal.
“Considering our timeline and the need for job creation in northeast Indiana, we cannot wait for our elected officials to make a decision. Jobs in this region are needed now, and if we wait, we will watch yet another opportunity pass us by,” said Earl D. Brooks II, president of Trine University.
“The university has been contacted by eight different communities as far away as Whitley County in Indiana and the City of Sturgis in Michigan. As we meet with other communities and those directly involved in economic development, there is a level of excitement and eagerness to proceed,” Brooks added.
Trine officials said the plan, which includes a dollar-for-dollar match up to $14 million by the university, continues to be of interest to communities throughout the region and a number of existing businesses, new businesses and entrepreneurs.
“As of today, we have six letters of intent from various companies interested in a partnership with Trine University. We continue to talk with interested parties focused on business expansion, research and development and job creation,” said Mike Bock, the university’s senior vice president.
The university will meet this week with the City of Fort Wayne and discuss opportunities, such as the location of the proposed Biomechanics and Movement Sciences Center to support the health care market, including the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System. University officials also plan to travel to Washington, D.C., before the month’s end to discuss collaborative efforts between Trine University, Parkview Health Systems and the VA.
“There is tremendous opportunity associated with the full implementation of this plan. Additional grant opportunities and various sources of funding from the federal government are already being explored to further enhance the programs being discussed,” Bock said. “Partnerships are being considered and evaluated on a weekly basis with other higher education providers as well as private investors.”