Recently, Energize-ECI has begun to focus on attracting alternative energy companies to the region. One of the reasons for this is the influx of government funding that has been devoted to the implementation of alternative energy sources. Just this past week,  a German-based solar and wind power company, VAT-Group, announced during a small press conference, which I attended, that they would placing their U.S. headquarters in east-central Indiana. This placement also leads to the investment of millions of dollars and hundreds of high skilled job opportunities to our region. VAT-Group produces solar and wind powered street lights that have the ability to fully be disconnected from any electrical grid, making them self-sustaining. Given these types of opportunities, Energize-ECI, I included, has been at the forefront of developing communities and workforces that are ready to take on this new technology. 

Being a political science major, I am constantly discovering how both business and politics are intertwined in the process of economic development. At points I find myself doing grant research for a private company, and then turning to call up the office of an elected official asking for his/her support on the project. I have also found a need to understand and study government legislation, both at the state and federal levels. By better understanding the legislation behind some of these grants, I better understand what our elected officials want out of the passed bill. Many of the alternative energy grants I have been researching come out of Obama’s economic stimulus plan. Through looking at the plan, I have also found several grants that do not seem to have any connection to economic development.  

Something also that has been quite rewarding is the opportunity to work in and for the betterment of my own community and region. I have lived within the Muncie area my whole life and find much return making my community and surround counties successful. Our chief goal here at Energize-ECI is to create jobs for our local workforce. If I am able to help people in my community obtain new, high-skilled jobs, then I have been successful in my work. After having several internship and externship opportunities, I have found that Wabash really has prepared me for all types of career options, all of which are a part of the liberal art education that we at the college value so highly.