According to Indiana history, Native American tribes used the term “sagamore” to describe “a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice.” To honor this history, in the 1940’s, Gov. Ralph Gates created an award to honor that tradition titled the “Sagamore of the Wabash.
The honor was supported by State Senator Tim Lanane and was presented on behalf of Governor Mike Pence by State Senator Doug Eckerty.
“I have been blessed to be able to work for this organization and community for the last 25 years. I have had the privilege of interacting on a daily basis with truly distinguished, dedicated, and talented business, community, and government leaders. Working in partnership with these individuals, groups, and co-workers has allowed us to achieve the successes we have experienced,” said Terry Murphy.
Terry Murphy came to the Muncie-Delaware County, IN Economic Development Alliance in 1991 and worked to develop and initiate the Horizon and Vision programs, the five-year, community-based, comprehensive economic development plans for Muncie-Delaware County. Murphy worked to execute an aggressive business attraction, expansion, and retention effort that helped attract, among others, Fortune 500 companies such as Sallie Mae/Navient, Progress Rail, Save-A-Lot/Super Value, and IBM/Concentrix, along with international companies Magna Powertrain, Brevini, and Keihin Aircon North America.
During his tenure, Murphy led various economic development and public/private initiatives. Murphy developed the community’s highly-successful shell building program, established three revolving loan funds, facilitated the formation of numerous Tax Increment Finance districts to address infrastructure and capital needs for major economic development projects, led the formation of two Community Revitalization Enhancement Districts to encourage investment in old industrial site areas, and assisted in the creation of Muncie’s Certified Technology Park. Additionally, Murphy assisted local companies in obtaining tens of millions of dollars in job training grants, state tax credits, and investment tax credits.
Most recently, Murphy spearheaded the regional effort in the development of the ADVANCE Regional Development Plan. This six-county initiative identified transformational projects for the region and outlined regional solutions to quality of life issues that directly relate to the attraction and retention of talent.
“We express thanks to Terry for his exemplary work with the Alliance for the last 25 years,” said Jay Julian, President/CEO, Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance and Chamber of Commerce. “Terry is consistently recognized as one of the top economic development practitioners in the State of Indiana, and he is highly regarded by corporate site selection professionals all over the nation. For decades, he has led some of the most important economic development initiatives in Muncie-Delaware County, always doing so with the highest standard of integrity and commitment. Terry’s positive impact on Muncie-Delaware County will continue to be evident for many years to come,” added Julian.