The Western Indiana Sustainable Energy Region (WISER) committee announces the appointment of Gary Freymiller as the Director of Regional Energy Initiatives.

Freymiller, a Purdue Cooperative Extension Associate Educator, will focus much of his work in the four counties (Carroll, Clinton, Tippecanoe, and White) that formed WISER.

One of his primary goals will be to increase the adoption of existing energy programs and to promote innovation of next generation solutions for regional economic growth, including the creation of new jobs and career opportunities in Clean Energy Industries. In addition, the Extension Associate will oversee regional initiatives related to outreach, awareness, and public education for renewable energy and energy conservation. The regional energy director will work closely with county Economic Development organizations, Purdue Extension, Ivy Tech, both existing and new energy businesses, and the general public.

The new Economic and Community Development position was funded through a grant from Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED). WIRED is a three-year federally funded program that includes 14 Indiana Counties along with the region's colleges, universities, and other key organizations. One of the focal points that emerged from the grant is the WIRED region's unique opportunity to focus on sustainable energy development and conservation.

Gary Freymiller can be reached via email, gfreymil@purdue.edu or by phone, 574-360-0408.