Member of the Month: October 2013
Chris Kinnett
Each month, ICBR honors one of its members as Member of the Month. This month, we recognize one of our Economic Development Corporation members, Chris Kinnett. Chris is the Business Development Director for the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE).
ICBR: Why are you an ICBR member? What do you look to gain out of your membership?
Kinnett: The Growth Alliance (the economic development agency for the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County) is a member to partner and network with the commercial agents that represent the Southwest Indiana Region; understand the needs of the area, and; gain a broader perspective.
ICBR: What designations/awards/recognition have you received?
Kinnett: Past President of the Inland Rivers and Port Association, Board of Directors of the National Waterways Conference, past Treasurer of the Indiana Economic Development Association, past Board member of the Regional Workforce Board.
ICBR: How did you start your career in commercial real estate/development?
Kinnett: My economic development career began at Port Director for the Indiana Port Commission for both Southwind Maritime Centre located in Mt. Vernon, IN and Clark Maritime Centre located in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Between the two river ports, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with several companies that brought over $500 million in capital investment and over 1,000 jobs to the communities.
ICBR: Do you have any mentors? If so, who? How has he/she inspired you?
Kinnett: The mentor I am most fond of is no longer with us. Garth Wipple taught me the foundation of working with others and respecting their viewpoints, at the same time being able to present another view.
ICBR: What is the most important thing you have learned by working in commercial real estate?
Kinnett: Perseverance, Respect, Living, Deep appreciation of others and Ethics. Keeping all these in mind you will have Pride in your work and in your daily living.
ICBR: What is your current professional goal?
Kinnett: To learn and know more about the Economic Development opportunities in the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County.
ICBR: What is your most recent accomplishment?
Kinnett: The announcement of DSI Integrated Systems at the Vanderburgh Industrial Park with an investment of approximately $1.3 million and 40 new jobs to the area.
ICBR: Do you have any special skills, interests or hobbies?
Kinnett: I have had the opportunity to obtain my private pilot’s license and own 1/3rd of a small Cessna 150, learn to scuba dive and explore new surroundings, attempting to play golf, go fishing (and knowing why they call it fishing not catching) and learning the art of woodworking. However, the best time is spending time with my wife, our 3 grown children, their spouses and our 6 grandchildren.