South Bend, Ind. (April 11, 2016) – Jim Finan of Granger, Indiana, is the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Vice President of Business Recruitment for the Michiana Partnership, Inc., the two-state regional economic development organization covering Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Jim brings a wealth of experience in both economic and community development including economic and business development for AEP’s Indiana Michigan Power, specifically in the “Michiana” region, and formerly as the executive director for the Rush County Economic and Community Development Corporation (Rushville, IN).
In his new role effective April 1, 2016, Finan will report directly to Regina Emberton, President and CEO, and will be charged with the development and execution of marketing plans to increase the national and international exposure of the region, generating business recruitment and lead opportunities while targeting industrial clusters that align with the region’s competitive advantage. Additionally, Finan will be instrumental in overseeing the daily operation of the organization’s core deliverables and its continued formation.
Jim and his wife, Ellen, a South Bend native, have been back in the South Bend area now for over three years. “We have thoroughly enjoyed living here. “We have family in South Bend as well as Chicago and Indianapolis, so this puts us in a perfect spot.” “In our brief time here, we certainly feel a real “energy” developing in the region and believe that we are on the cusp of an incredible transformation…an economic renaissance, if you will.” “And, with the Lake Michigan experience in Southwest Michigan just a short ride away; we have the best of all worlds.”
“Jim brings a variety of experience and expertise to this position and in some fashion has already been doing this role…he will just be wearing a different hat,” said Regina Emberton, President and CEO of the Michiana Partnership, Inc.” “He has been representing our area within the attraction circles and has established pivotal relationships as a result. Collectively we saw an opportunity here to leverage Jim’s experience in building a stronger regional platform for success. I have observed Jim’s drive and am very eager to have his energy and experience building bridges to a more robust Michiana Region.”
“I feel quite honored to be selected by Regina to lead the charge of cultivating further business development for our region.” “I’ve had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with the economic development professionals in the area in my role with Indiana Michigan Power and have been able to get to know them and the region’s assets quite well over the past few years.”
Finan has his B.S. in Management and a M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing from Ball State University. He has completed the Indiana Economic Development Course through Ball State’s Center for Community Economic Development and is a graduate of the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute working towards achieving the certified economic development professional (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council.
About Michiana Partnership
Michiana Partnership is a collaboration of the economic development partners from North Central Indiana and Southwest Michigan (together, “Michiana Region”). Michiana Partnership proactively works to advance the regional economy through marketing and business attraction efforts and by supporting other collaborative efforts to attract and retain businesses and the talent that supports their long term success. For more information, visit www.MichianaRegion.com.
Media Contact
Regina Emberton
Remberton@MichianaRegion.com
574-400-5432
