Whitley County EDC

Staff

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Alan Tio, CEcD - President Email me

Alan Tio joined the Whitley Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as President on January 1, 2008.

Since that time, the EDC has launched the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Initiative, coordinated development of the “Certified Site Ready” Rail Connect Business Park, supported the expansion of industries such as 80/20 Inc, C&A Tool Engineering, Micropulse, and Ultra Electronics-USSI, and worked to encourage Fort Wayne Metals, Iotron Industries, Sailrite Enterprises, and Triad Metals to establish new operations in the community.

Tio recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Prior to joining the EDC, Alan served as project manager in the twelve-county Northeast Region of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Office of Business Development.  

Alan’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree (BA) from Miami University and a graduate degree in public management (MPA) from Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He has completed the Indiana Economic Development Course at Ball State University and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.

Alan is a member of the International Economic Development Council and serves on the Board of the Indiana Economic Development Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Indiana Community Development Corporation.

Kelley Lefever - Marketing Project Manager Email Me

Kelley Lefever joined the EDC as Marketing Project Manager in December 2010. In this role, Kelley develops & executes the EDC marketing plan to support the strategic development of the organization.

Lefever previously served as Senior Marketing Project Manager for STAR Bank, Private Advisory & Insurance overseeing all marketing projects and special events for a 600+ employee organization. She has also served as Marketing Project Manager for STAR Insurance, assisting with promotions, marketing and special events.

Kelley holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication with a concentration in Psychology and Sociology from Purdue University. Since relocating to Whitley County from Indianapolis in 2003, Kelley has volunteered and served on the boards of Junior Achievement, the Whitley County Community Foundation, and the United Way.

Bruce Stach - SBEI Program Manager Email Me

Bruce Stach joined the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Initiative (SBEI) Program manager in July 2010.

Prior to joining the EDC, Bruce’s career included over forty years involvement in the United States Space programs, both as an USAF officer, retired in 1983, and corporate executive, retiring from ITT Aerospace/Communications Company in 2003.

Bruce’s educational background includes a BS degree from Mississippi State University, with a major I mathematics and minors in physics and chemistry. Bruce completed the Duke University executive management program in 2007.

Bruce currently is the owner of two small businesses located in Whitley County.

Affiliations:
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Senior Fellow
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Society Automotive Engineers

Liane Minier - Administrative Assistant Email Me

Liane Minier joins the staff at EDC as the Administrative Assistant effective March 2011.

Prior to joining the EDC, Liane has served in the healthcare field for over 20 years. She has spent time working as a private social work / QMRP consultant and has worked in the hospital and non-profit fields. In addition, she has spent over fifteen years working for national long-term care companies ensuring quality care to the elderly / dementia population.

Minier’s educational background includes degrees from Manchester College in Social Work and Gerontology with a concentration in Psychology, and post-graduate licensure in Social Work and Health Facility Administration.

LIane enjoys volunteering in the community, has participated on the Junior Achievement Board of Directors and sits on the Social Work Advisory Council at Manchester College.

Lori Shipman Community Development Coordinator e-mail me

Lori Shipman joined the EDC staff in September 2011 to support the newly established community development initiative.

As Community Development Coordinator, Shipman provides a single point-of-contact for business owners, developers, and others considering projects in Whitley County communities. The community development initiative employs the same customer service based approach for which the EDC has become well regarded in promoting industrial development over the organization’s nearly 20 year history.

Shipman has been involved in community development projects throughout Whitley County, for instance coordinating Columbia City’s EPA Communitywide Brownfield Assessment Grant funded activities and the Whitley County Community Foundation’s Whitley Forward initiative. She is the owner of Lori Shipman Consulting and is a state-certified grant administrator. Shipman‘s experience in community development includes program and fund development responsibilities with organizations in Central and Northeast Indiana. She is a graduate of Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs and a concentration in management.