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BizVoice/Indiana Chamber – July/August 2015
The seven words in the headline above seem pretty
straightforward. But the question posed does not offer a
simple answer.
We ask it in regard to the Indiana Chamber’s
Indiana Vision
2025
plan and the recent Report Card release evaluating
Indiana’s progress on metrics related to the 33 goals. The
results (story on Page 12) do little to provide a decisive
response.
For each nugget worthy of celebration, there is a corresponding
concern. In the critical Outstanding Talent driver, for example, impressive improvements
in reading and math scores (particularly for fourth graders) are offset by a continuing
lack of achievement in higher education completion. The shortage of residents with
education credentials beyond high school remains among the most serious challenges to
future economic prosperity.
You will learn much more in the full story. I want to point out here that work on this
plan started nearly five years ago in the fall of 2010. The 2025 time frame seemed far
away at that point. But we’re now one-third of the way into this mission – and a mere
10 years away from its conclusion. It’s possible that only then can we properly provide
the elusive “making the grade” answer.
Another of the
Indiana Vision 2025
drivers is Superior Infrastructure.
BizVoice
®
goes
in-depth in this issue – from air and rail transportation to broadband expansion and energy
developments. Don’t miss the profile of Truck City and owner Gerri Davis-Parker –
both working to make a difference in Gary.
We also share some additional Northern Indiana success stories – from the red-hot
recreational vehicle industry in Elkhart County to a special spotlight on Kosciusko County
and its global agricultural impact.
Finally,
BizVoice
earned six additional national and state awards for its work in 2014.
Writers Rebecca Patrick, Charlee Beasor and Tom Schuman were recognized along
with creative director Tony Spataro. The magazine has earned 75 honors in its 16-year
history. Full details are at
www.bizvoicemagazine.com.
Kevin M. Brinegar
President and CEO
BizVoice
®
Publisher
Kevin Brinegar
kbrinegar@indianachamber.comEditor
Tom Schuman
(317) 264-3792
tschuman@indianachamber.comArt Director
Tony Spataro
tspataro@indianachamber.comManaging Editor
Rebecca Patrick
rpatrick@indianachamber.comAdvertising
Jim Wagner
(317) 264-6876
jwagner@indianachamber.comWriters/Editors
Matt Ottinger
Symone C. Skrzycki
Charlee Beasor
Katie Coffin
Olivia Ober
Mission
To inform and influence
Indiana Chamber Chair
Tom Easterday
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Lafayette
Indiana Chamber Vice Chair
Tom Hirons
Hirons & Co. Communications Inc., Indianapolis
President and CEO
Kevin Brinegar
BizVoice
®
(ISSN 1521-0146) is published bimonthly by the
Indiana Chamber of Commerce, 115 W. Washington, Suite
850S, P.O. Box 44926, Indianapolis, IN 46244-0926.
BizVoice
®
magazine is provided as a benefit of membership in the Indiana
Chamber of Commerce. Non-member subscriptions: $25.20 per
year (includes sales tax). Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis,
IN and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to BizVoice
®
, 115 W. Washington, Suite 850S, P.O. Box
44926, Indianapolis, IN 46244-0926.
Indiana Chamber of Commerce, 115 W. Washington, Suite
850S, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 264-3110 | Fax: (317) 264-6855
www.indianachamber.com|
bizvoice@indianachamber.com©Copyright 2015, Indiana Chamber of Commerce
BizVoice
®
is printed on
FSC® certified paper
Indiana Chamber Mission:
Cultivate a world-class environment which
provides economic opportunity and prosperity
for the people of Indiana and their enterprises.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
How is Indiana Faring
in Economic Battles?
www.bizvoicemagazine.comJuly/August 2015 | Volume 18, Number 4