October has again been a busy time for Hoosiers. I hope you’ve been paying attention to the new jobs and investments that are making Indiana their home, and I hope you’ve also seen the many ways Hoosiers are being good neighbors as we quickly approach the holiday season.

Property Taxes

The first thing on most of our minds these days is property taxes. I think of it as a perfect storm of events that has converged on our state. Hoosiers have shown unprecedented interest in this issue, and the time for action is now. Governor Daniels unveiled his plan for permanent property tax relief this month, and I was able to share the particulars of that plan during my visits around the state, including the Connersville Chamber of Commerce and the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce. The Governor’s Plan for a fair, far-reaching and final property tax solution includes capping residential homeowner’s expenses at 1% of the assessed value of their homes.  Most Hoosiers would see a one third reduction in their bill.  To read more about the Governor’s plan to fix Indiana’s property tax problems once and for all, click HERE.

New Jobs and Investments

Even as the property tax debate takes center stage, the great progress we are making in economic development has continued full steam ahead. The groundbreakings and investment announcements the Governor and I make are constant reminders that Indiana’s economic recovery is well under way. I joined Major Tool, Inc., a homegrown business that is using the state’s Brownfields Program to expand into a part of Indianapolis once thought to be impossible for new development. They are bringing 53 new jobs to Hoosiers. I also announced the expansion of Lehigh Cement, one of Southern Indiana’s oldest businesses.

Women In Business

As much as I love turning the first shovelful of dirt for new businesses across the state, I also look forward to days when I can get to know Hoosier business leaders – present and future.

I had the opportunity to speak to two groups this month that focus on the networking and development of Hoosier businesswomen. The Women’s Economic Development Outreach (WE-DO) offers women in business opportunities to network and to refine their business skills. I spoke to them about my own experiences as a female leader,and the time passed

Later in the month I found myself in front of a similar group when I spoke to the National Association of Women Business Owners. After hearing the inspiring stories of women who have succeeded in their careers, it’s impossible to leave these events without a sense of optimism about our state’s future. The women I met have a lot to contribute, and they are helping drive our economy to greater heights.

Small Cities and Towns

As many people know, I have been a champion for Indiana’s small cities and towns all my life. I grew up in one, and I will always be a small-town resident in my heart. As Indiana moves forward, we have to do it together, and several events this month proved to me that small towns and big cities are moving in lock step with each other. This month, I welcomed a Scottish delegation to my office, a group that has shown interest in our one-of-a-kind plan for rural development. The group toured the state to discuss rural strategy with our local leaders and businesspeople. The great strides we are making in our small cities and towns are even attracting international attention.

We celebrated the progress of a number of our small cities and towns at the Cornelius O’Brien Main Street Conference in Richmond and at the Community Alliance Foundation in Evansville. Both events were a showcase for the great things that happen when local leaders create their own visions for their communities and, take advantage of the excellent development grant opportunities available through our state’s Office of Community and Rural Development. To read my remarks at the Main Street Conference, click HERE.

Memorable Moments

One of the highlights of October was the inauguration of the 18^th President of Indiana University, Dr. Michael McRobbie. I joined faculty, dignitaries and university presidents from around the state and across the globe in welcoming Dr. McRobbie to his new role in front of a crowded auditorium. It was an experience I will not soon forget. Indiana’s network of colleges and universities plays an important role in our state’s economy and it is growing stronger every year. With world-class leaders like Dr. McRobbie at the helm, we can all expect great things from IU in the coming years.

I hope you enjoyed this review of October. As we approach the holidays, I want to encourage you to do all you can to be a good neighbor in your community and beyond. I hope you’ll take advantage of our Hoosier Cheer for Our Heroes card drive, and be a good neighbor to those in uniform who will be spending the holidays far from family and friends.

A word of encouragement from you would be a big blessing to them. My goal is to send 5,000 letters and cards overseas. When I report to you on the month of November, I’ll be sure to let you know how much “Hoosier Cheer” we received.