Articles
Lt. Governor Skillman's December In Review
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December in Review |
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Despite the chaotic schedules many of us keep in December, I found Hoosiers across the state were busy with more than festivities and family gatherings. From economic development announcements to new grant awards, Indiana finished 2007 strong, and with an eye on the New Year. |
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I traveled to Boone County for a tremendous economic development announcement in December. Medco Health Solutions, one of the nation’s leading pharmacy benefit managers, will bring 1,300 new jobs to Hoosiers when they locate in Whitestown. I was proud to add my voice to the celebration as Boone County residents welcomed new business and new jobs to their area. I also had the opportunity to join OFS Brand Holdings, Inc. in Huntingburg to announce their expansion. The office furniture supply company will create more than 300 new jobs in the area by 2012. |
Lt. Governor Skillman joins representatives from Medco, an advanced pharmaceutical company that will bring more than 1,300 new jobs to Boone County, as they unveil the site of their new facility in Whitestown. |
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In between these exciting announcements, I also spoke to some of Indiana’s most active citizens. In early December, I spent time with Indiana Farm Bureau members at their annual convention in Indianapolis, and I met with the Association for Financial Professionals. Both of those groups work with some of our most precious resources – our farm land and our finances! It was a pleasure to report to them on the progress Indiana is making with record low unemployment rates and new job opportunities totaling more than 22,600 for 2007.
December also held opportunities to recognize communities for outstanding local leadership. Thanks to the citizens who pursued grant opportunities, 13 communities received Downtown Enhancement Awards and 26 communities received Community Focus Fund Awards. Both grants are administered by our state’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs. I always look forward to welcoming award winners to the State House. It’s one of the best parts of my job to send them back home with the funding they need to move their hometowns forward.
Every year, the Indiana Christmas Tree Grower’s Association comes to the State House to donate beautiful Indiana evergreens to the state. The Governor and I each receive a tree for our offices, and the rotunda houses a tree fit for Rockefeller Center. The tree filled the rotunda, and as is tradition, it was decorated with ornaments made by Hoosier elementary school students. |
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Governor Daniels and Lt. Governor Skillman receive the casket of United States Representative Julia Carson to lie in state at the State House. |
Most years, the rotunda tree stays up for about two weeks. But this year, it had to come down early. It was replaced with something far dearer to the hearts of Hoosiers in central Indiana – the casket of U.S. Representative Julia Carson. The Governor and I received her body on December 21st, to lie in state in the rotunda. It was a bittersweet day – bitter because Indianapolis had lost a truly great lady, but sweet because the State House was filled with those who loved and respected her.
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The next day, her funeral was a celebration of the triumphant life she led. I will never forget the images that day held, as I joined Julia’s family, friends and constituents in following their leader, one last time.
2007 closed with ceremony we may only see once in a lifetime. It was filled with great moments that will help us build a better 2008, and it reminded me yet again that individual Hoosiers are the reason Indiana is the greatest state in the union.
