As soon as the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) contacted Cardinal Communications on Feb. 7, the team from the student-run public relations and advertising agency became part of an announcement that would dramatically change the economic outlook for East Central Indiana.

Cardinal Communications provided logistical support as the IEDC and Sallie Mae, the nation's leading student loan provider, prepared for the Feb. 13 media conference announcing the launch of a new center in Muncie. The center will provide 300 jobs in its first year and an additional 400 jobs by 2008 — the largest number of jobs created in the region in decades.

"Working with the team was great. We only had a few days to put it together, but we worked well as a team and everyone was pleased," said Todd Witkemper, senior account manager for Cardinal Communications. "It was great to be involved with something so important to the Muncie community."

Cardinal Communications representatives working at the conference had the opportunity to interact with local, state and corporate leaders including Gov. Mitch Daniels, Muncie Mayor Dan Canan and Sallie Mae's corporate communications director, Martha Holler.  

"When I received the call from the IEDC asking for help with the announcement, I knew it was an opportunity we couldn't turn down," said Robert Pritchard, faculty adviser for Cardinal Communications. "It was a great opportunity for the students to apply what they've learned in class and show off to the Muncie community, local and state leaders the high caliber of Ball State's students. Watching them in action made me proud to be associated with this organization"   

Cardinal Communications is a full-service, student-run public relations and advertising agency located in the Department of Journalism at Ball State, serving 23 clients with its staff of 55 public relations, advertising, marketing, telecommunications, graphics and entrepreneurship majors. For more information on Cardinal Communications, visit www.bsu.edu/web/cardinalcomm.

Jamie Wirtes

(Note to editors: For more information, contact Pritchard at rpritchard@bsu.edu or (765) 285-9104.)