For Immediate Release

Date: September 17, 2007

Contact: Mike Terrone, 574-223-3326

Blair Named New FEDCO Director

Merl Tinkey, President of the FEDCO Board of Directors, is pleased to announce that Shane Blair has been selected as the new Executive Director for FEDCO. Mr. Tinkey stated that “Several good applicants were interviewed. We believe that we have chosen a person who will capably continue to advance the economic development efforts in Fulton County. Blair will begin his employment on October 1, 2007.”

With nine years of experience in both economic development and workforce development, Blair’s expertise lies in business retention and attraction efforts, especially with growing high-tech companies. “Existing business is a community’s most important asset, its foundation,” he said.

During his career, Blair has worked for the State of Indiana, Purdue University and is currently doing consulting work on economic development. He has been active on many external boards and councils, including the Lafayette, Frankfort and Indianapolis Urban Enterprise Associations, Indianapolis Enterprise Community Board, Ball State Information Technology Board and the Butler University COPC Advisory Board.

Blair is a native of rural Indiana and is anxious to return to it. Having graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he is currently enrolled in graduate school at Purdue University. He has also completed the Indiana Economic Development Academy at Ball State University. Being a Little League and basketball coach are among his outside interests. He has two children, who live in the Chicago area. Blair plans to move into Fulton County within 12 months of his appointment.

He will have an office at 822 Main Street in Rochester and can be reached by calling 574-223-3326.

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