cases > economic development

Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center is Indiana’s only active military base. Targeted by Congress for potential closure, prominent southern Indiana policy makers and political leaders combined forces to reinforce the value of the base throughout the state—and to Congress. The initial charge: to educate the public about the base’s economic development value and its available brain trust of scientists and engineers who could assist various industries. The media campaign that followed the creation of the Crane Technology Inc. board was timed to political reviews in Congress and meetings with state lawmakers. Sustained positive coverage occurred during critical federal review periods. Not only did Crane survive the base closing review with the support of Crane Technology Inc., it also helped create support for the state’s first multi-county technology center which should serve to keep the $2 billion military base viable for the foreseeable future—and an important participant in the state’s economy.