FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 16, 2009

Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721

Indianapolis--Today, the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 18 endorsed former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy's exploratory committee for mayor of Indianapolis. Insulators Business Manager Scott Collier cited Kennedy's experience creating jobs as key to the union’s endorsement.

"As a Deputy Mayor, Melina was a proven job-creator," Collier said. "And as a proven job-creator, as somebody passionate about Indianapolis’ future and as somebody who has a vision that gets this city moving again, Melina’s leadership will mean a better tomorrow for Indianapolis," Collier added.

Kennedy thanked Collier, and praised the Insulators dedication to Indianapolis and its future. "I am proud to announce this endorsement, and am honored to have the Insulators at my side," Kennedy added. 

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Melina Kennedy recently formed an exploratory committee for the Office of Mayor of Indianapolis. As Deputy Mayor for Indianapolis under Mayor Bart Peterson, she was recognized for her efforts in job creation and economic development, including securing hundreds of new jobs at the vacant United Airlines airport facility, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Lawrence, numerous urban redevelopment projects like the Keystone Enterprise Park in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and helping launch long term strategic job creation initiatives like BioCrossroads.

Melina and her husband, Bob Kennedy, Olympic and former Indiana University distance runner, started a small business in 2001 that now consists of four running and walking specialty stores in the Central Indiana region. Melina supports a number of community organizations in leadership roles, including: President of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society board of directors; co-chair of the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative; Board member of Dress for Success; President of the Legacy House board of directors; and numerous other organizations. Melina and Bob are the proud parents of a son and daughter.