A new economic development initiative aims to bring growth to the state’s manufacturing industry. With Indiana losing thousands of industrial jobs in seven years, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership decided to launch Conexus, a widespread effort to build a skilled workforce for high-tech factories and freight movers. Conexus Chair Joe Loughrey says the partnership of 50 chief executives and college presidents has an annual budget of $2 million. Loughrey, who is the chief operating officer at Columbus-based Cummins, says the government, industry, and education sectors continue to work toward a common goal.
Loughrey says those involved in Conexus will use part of the funding to rebuild the state’s manufacturing image. The group also wants to make sure high school and college graduates are able to troubleshoot computer problems.
