Tri-State University’s investment in Steuben County was recognized at the Excellence in Business Awards Breakfast hosted by the Steuben County Economic Development Corp. May 18.

NIPSCO, Steuben County REMC, Indiana Michigan Power, and TSU were sponsors of the breakfast and awards presentation in TSU’s Witmer Clubhouse on Zollner Golf Course.

Thirty-nine area businesses were recognized for improvements which created new jobs, retained jobs, added equipment, expanded structures, purchased existing buildings, or constructed new ones.

SCEDC executive director Gary Nielander summed up the impact of the group’s investment in the county. “This represents an investment of $51.2 million and 297 new jobs. That’s impressive,” he said, thanking those making the community investments.

In a recently released study by the TSU Ketner School of Business, Professor Julie Howenstine coordinated data associated with TSU’s new buildings and improvement projects. The study outlined expenditure and evaluated the amount of money infused into the community during the study’s one-year duration to show a $35 million investment through the University Center and Center for Online Technology, C.W. Sponsel Administration Center renovation, student villas and apartments, and technology upgrades completed or in progress.

TSU plans sports facilities upgrades and more student apartments in the near future. A goal of $90 million by 2009 for campus improvements has been set by Vision for the Future, TSU’s capital campaign.