The 812's Ellie Acra spoke with the governor Sunday
(GREENSBURG, Ind.) -- Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb met virtually with media on his trip abroad to Singapore and Australia this week.
When asked the importance of taking this economic development trip, Holcomb replied, “Carpe diem.”
As he rounds out his 10-day trip through the regions, Holcomb says his administration is committed to maximizing their remaining days in the governorship and not taking their foot off the pedal when it comes to economic development.
“Indiana cannot afford to downshift, down my stretch or in 169 days when I hand the keys to someone else to drive forward,” said Holcomb.
According to the governor, these types of economic development trips emerge from simply living the Hoosier value of “showing up.” This particular trip to Australia and Singapore emerged from Select USA meetings hosted in Washington, D.C. This aligns with his past economic development trips that have originated from invitations or perceived opportunities with new allies. Holcomb says his administration has always followed up on new leads and interest, and will continue this commitment through the end of his term. Governor Holcomb sees Indiana’s strength in manufacturing as a breeding ground for new friendships, new shipping lanes and new supply chains across the globe. Holcomb says it would be “lazy at best” if he did not follow up on fostering an environment that would bring new opportunity to Hoosier soil.
“There is no substitute to showing up,” said Holcomb. “Indiana walks the talk and backs it up.”
The 812's Ellie Acra was there to ask Governor Holcomb about the impact these opportunities abroad would have on small businesses in the state.
“It’s not an either or, it’s a both,” said Holcomb. “Small businesses need medium and large sized businesses, and medium and large sized businesses need small businesses.”
Governor Holcomb cited Indiana’s record number of small businesses in recent years and the administration’s focus on supplying venture capital for Hoosier small businesses to scale up and stay here.
The pay off of these trips for Holcomb is for families to have high-wage careers where they can live, work and play in Indiana. No matter the economic opportunities that emerge, one thing for Holcomb is sure: he’s not slowing down as his term of governor nears its finish line.
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