Montgomery County Economic Development, the community’s longstanding economic development organization, announced Tuesday the corporation has officially changed its name to Indiana West Advantage Inc.
“MCED’s board of directors had committed to a comprehensive rebranding effort that more effectively identifies our community within the highly competitive job growth marketplace,” IWA President Jeff Birk said.
“The new name builds on Indiana’s internationally positive business reputation while also placing us regionally,” said Tom Utley, IWA vice president and Montgomery County Councilman. “‘Advantage’ is the carrot. It produces that competitive connotation every business is looking for.”
Duke Energy’s Regional Economic Development Manager/North Bill Petranoff agreed.
“It was the right thing to do and the right time to do it,” he said.
Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton stressed, “our local citizens will soon come to recognize the new name, but with this change we are really reaching beyond our borders to those who have no stake in the names ‘Crawfordsville’ or ‘Montgomery County.’ We wanted a name that raised our voice above the competitive noise.”
Nucor General Manager Ron Dickerson added, “We vetted over 50 name suggestions but once our naming task force winnowed the options, the board unanimously approved the IWA name choice.”
IWA Executive Director Kristin Clary also unveiled a new logo to support the name change.
“Local marketing consultant Amy Williamson of Blue Marketing Inc. did a great job going over 100-plus logo design bids before delivering just the right creation,” Utley said. “The new logo stresses design elements implying a modern, business savvy partner.”
“IWA continues to represent the workforce needs of our community’s largest employers and the growing economic aspirations of us all,” Clary said. “Economic development is serious business and the stakes are large. Indiana West Advantage is a new name that perfectly describes our mission.”
