(INDIANAPOLIS) — To complement and build upon Indiana’s strong growth in technology companies and jobs, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is forming the Indiana Technology & Innovation Council. The mission: Protect and advance the public policy interests of these organizations, while partnering to promote programming and industry trends.
“The Indiana Chamber has focused on advancing Indiana through pro-employer, pro-jobs public policies throughout our 94-year history,” notes Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “This Council will allow technology leaders to have a strong, unified voice at the Indiana Statehouse and beyond. The focused effort in this area aligns perfectly with the Dynamic and Creative Culture driver of our Indiana Vision 2025 long-range economic development plan.”
Indiana Vision 2025 calls for Indiana to “be a global leader in innovation and economic opportunity where enterprises and citizens prosper.” Central Indiana, in particular, has become home to a number of new and expanding tech firms in recent years.
“All of the current momentum will go by the wayside without a public policy climate that allows companies like ours and many others to continue to attract talent and grow,” shares John McDonald, CEO of Fishers-based CloudOne. “We encourage leaders throughout the state to partner with the Indiana Chamber to help make Indiana the absolute best place in the country for technology and innovation companies.”
The Indiana Technology & Innovation Council will feature open discussion events beginning this summer. Two committees – Tech Policy, and Program and Trends – comprised of representatives of Indiana Chamber member companies will begin their work during that same period.
Mark Lawrance, who recently returned to the Indiana Chamber in the new role of vice president of engagement and innovation policy, will be the lead staff person.
“This is more of a refocus than a new initiative for the Indiana Chamber,” says Lawrance, who advocated on technology issues as part of his role during his previous stint at the organization from 2000-2014. “It is an excellent opportunity to build on our state’s already strong business climate and grow a technology industry that is poised to make even greater impacts in the years ahead.”
The Program and Trends Committee will partner with organizations to provide a statewide platform for their existing efforts. New initiatives will also be developed.
In addition, a year-long series on Indiana Innovation will be featured in 2017 in the Indiana Chamber’s award-winning BizVoice® magazine and through the organization’s electronic and social media.
UPDATE: The first open discussion will take place August 9. Contact Mark Lawrance to learn more.
###
The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors – representing over four million Hoosiers – to achieve the mission of “cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity.”
