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Central Indiana

Vermillion, Parke, Putnam, Boone, Hendricks, Morgan, Johnson, Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Henry, Rush, Fayette, Wayne, Union
Meet Your Counselor

Vacant

Kevin Albert serves as the Central APEX Counselor where he covers 16 counties in Central Indiana, assisting businesses with the procurement process. Prior to joining the APEX Team, Kevin worked as a program grants manager for the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for a few years where he assisted victim service agencies with their programming and financial needs. He is also an infantry officer in the Army National Guard where he has been in the service since 2013 and has spent time overseas. Kevin received his Bachelor of Science in Criminology in 2018 from Indiana State University and his Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University-Purdue University in 2022
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Summer Series Schedule and Topics

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Alert & Updates

Purdue MEP Secures Critical National Funding

CARMEL, Ind. –

 

Purdue MEP Secures Critical National Funding

On June 25, 2025, Purdue MEP received notice that its annual funding from NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

will continue through June 2026. The funding through the Department of Commerce ensures Purdue MEP’s ability to provide critical support

to the state’s manufacturers, including services ranging from advanced technology implementation to workforce development, supply chain

optimization, and general process improvement assistance.

The funding announcement comes after months of uncertainty about the future of the MEP program,

when on April 1, MEP centers in 10 states were given notice they would not be funded for the upcoming year, prompting concerns

for centers across the country as their agreements came up for renewal. A little over two weeks later, that decision was reversed for those 10 centers.

As Purdue MEP’s agreement came up for renewal on July 1, it was unclear if the center would continue to be funded.

 Partners across the state, including the Indiana Manufacturing Association, clients, and advocates for the MEP program, reached out to legislators calling for action.

The Purdue MEP Board of Advisors penned a letter of support for the program that was published in IndustryWeek on June 17, a little over one week

prior to the funding confirmation notice.

“We are incredibly grateful for the vast number of clients and partners who stepped up to show their support for Purdue MEP,”

states Ranae Stewart, Senior Executive Director of Purdue MEP. “With manufacturing serving as the leading industry in Indiana, it is vital to have

the necessary support in place to guarantee the sector’s continued success. Our Center is proud to work tirelessly alongside these critical businesses

to provide timely resources and training.

We are appreciative of the opportunity to continue our mission of serving the manufacturers throughout our great state.”

In Indiana, 98% of manufacturers are considered small to medium-sized businesses. Purdue MEP works with these businesses to not only improve

their current operations through operational efficiencies but also focus on the future to incorporate advanced technologies, such as AI, automation,

and digital transformation.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in June, Purdue MEP has provided vital assistance to Indiana’s manufacturers, resulting in over $8 billion in

economic impact. This encompasses new and retained sales, new investments, and realized cost savings.

About Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Purdue MEP, part of the MEP National Network, provides high-value, affordable, personalized consulting and training services that enable

Indiana manufacturers to work smarter, compete, and prosper. We develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation,

promote company-wide operational excellence, and foster creative strategies for business growth, workforce development, economic competitiveness,

and greater profitability. To learn more, visit www.mep.purdue.edu.

Writer: Julie Warner, 765-496-1200, jawarner@purdue.edu

Read the article online

Upcoming Events in Your Region

City of Indianapolis 2025 July Bid Submission Workshop

Jul 25 10:00 - Jul 25 11:30
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DOD SBIR/STTR 101 Webinar w/APEX Event Registration

Aug 6 11:00 - Aug 6 12:00
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City of Indianapolis 2025 August Bid Submission Workshop

Aug 29 10:00 - Aug 29 11:30
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