For Release: July 8, 2005
Contact: Karen Goldner, (260) 469-4451

Fund Honored by Regional Board

Fort Wayne, IN - The Northeast Indiana Workforce Investment Board (WIB) awarded FourthWave, LLC, an "Excellence in Overcoming Barriers" award at its annual meeting today.   The award is given to individuals and organizations who display innovative approaches to economic development problems.

FourthWave, LLC, received the award for its "adVenture Fund," a private equity fund which makes investments in Northeast Indiana entrepreneurs and inventors who are developing new technology.   These projects are typically not able to be financed by more traditional business financing tools such as banks.   The equity fund overcomes that barrier.

"We are honored by this recognition," said Karen Goldner, Director of Special Projects for FourthWave, LLC.   "Many exciting programs were highlighted by the WIB and it is a privilege to be one of them."

Awards were given in several categories to a wide variety of programs including Ottenweller Company and IPFW for a business planning project, Anthis Career Center and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance for their Aircraft Technician School, Mayor Terry McDonald of New Haven for his Youth Advisory Council and Indiana Rep. Randy Borror for his support of workforce development programs.