"A new umbrella organization has been created to guide and lead economic development for the citizens and community of Piqua. Articles of Incorporation for "Grow Piqua Now" have been filed with the Ohio Secretary of State. Three organizations in the city the city of Piqua, the Piqua Improvement Corporation and the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce will make up "Grow Piqua Now." The goal of the nearly formed corporation is to establish a strong and progressive private-public partnership for economic development in the Piqua area and dynamic leadership for Piqua's growth efforts and plans. A board of directors will include leaders from the founding organizations and will have the authority and ability to guide and coordinate the economic development activities of the city, the Piqua Improvement Corporation and the chamber. Funding for Grow Piqua Now (GPN) will come from the same three organizations as well as Piqua-area businesses. Harry Bumgarner, Piqua assistant city manager and economic development director, has been appointed as the initial executive director of GPN. The mission of GPN is to promote and encourage economic development and civic welfare in the Piqua area through private-public partners for the purpose of expanding the wage base and prosperity of the Piqua community and advancing the quality of life of Piqua's citizens."