Press Release
Kokomo, Ind. — In an effort to save and potentially create jobs, Mayor Greg Goodnight has sent a letter to Sergio Marchionne the Chief Executive Officer of the Italian auto manufacturer, Fiat S.p.A. The letter briefly discusses the city’s rich automotive and industrial history, but also invites Mr. Marchionne to Kokomo to visit facilities, to learn about the city’s economic and environmental sustainability efforts, and outlines the assets of the area as they pertain to the Italian automakers intentions of expanding into the North American auto market.
In his letter, Mayor Goodnight wrote:
“I would like to invite you to visit Kokomo, to tour the existing industrial facilities located here. Further, I would like to extend an invitation for you and your staff to meet with local government, community and educational leaders.”
“Geographically, Kokomo is well positioned for your company’s logistical and manufacturing needs. Kokomo is located just 50 miles/80 kilometers north of Indianapolis. We are home to satellite campuses of Indiana University and Purdue School of Technology. Additionally, the trade/technical school Ivy Tech Community College also calls Kokomo home. Finally, Kokomo is a regional partner with Tippecanoe County, home of Purdue University’s main campus.”
“Kokomo has a well earned reputation as a city of innovation. We are a community with a rich legacy of scientific advancement and industrial entrepreneurship that continues today. We are extremely proud of our heritage, but we are also excited for our future. Our City is focused on sustainable economic growth, and on nurturing the emerging green economy.”
“As we both know, these days every city – and every company – is talking about renewable energy and green initiatives. However, we have gone beyond talk, implementing innovative ideas such as our Kokomo Fuel program. Through this program, the City partners with local businesses and residents to convert used cooking oil into bio-diesel, for our municipal vehicles. Similar sustainability programs are also being contemplated by my Administration. With our City’s combination of comprehensive manufacturing experience and innovative entrepreneurship, we are extremely well-positioned to be a regional, national and global leader in the economy of tomorrow.”
“I believe all of these assets make Kokomo an excellent fit for your company, and an ideal location for Fiat’s North American presence. In addition to our culture of innovation, our dedication to sustainable economic development, and our connection to the automotive industry, there are other, more pragmatic reasons to explore Kokomo. Consider the following:
— Kokomo is located in the heart of the Midwest, within 250 miles/400 kilometers of Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, Louisville and Saint Louis, and within 500 miles/1250 kilometers of Atlanta, Minneapolis, Nashville, Toronto and Washington, D.C.
— Our businesses are served by the Kokomo Municipal Airport, the Grissom Aeroplex and the Indianapolis International Airport, as well as the Central Railroad Company.
— Kokomo has available manufacturing and office space, as well as shovel-ready land.
— Kokomo maintains a low cost of doing business including the areas of taxation and cost of energy.
—Kokomo has an experienced workforce trained in advanced manufacturing.”
Source: City of Kokomo
