Business and community leaders from a nine-county region, along with Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, were on hand Friday morning for the announcement of a new regional economic development organization called MidWest Indiana Economic Development.

The nine counties forming the regional economic development organization to coordinate marketing efforts that highlight the region’s assets are Benton, Carroll, Cass, Fountain, Montgomery, Pulaski, Tippecanoe, Warren and White.

“MidWest Indiana will help these counties pool their resources to better sell the region to growing companies,” Lt. Governor Skillman said. “As Indiana ramps up its emphasis on regional economic development, this group of nine counties is positioned to be a leader.”

Among those speaking was Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sana Booker.

MidWest Indiana Economic Development is setting out to create the premier economic development partnership, increase the wealth opportunities and quality of life within the region and advance a knowledge-based workforce that prioritizes education, work ethic and innovation.

A regional site database can be found on its website: www.MidWestIndiana.com.