LAFAYETTE — Last week, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. ran an ad in two British publications. The message was clear: Indiana stands with United Kingdom companies no matter the fallout from Brexit. Indiana houses over 50 U.K. based companies according to the development corporation.
"Indiana's message is two-fold. To our U.K.-based firms, know that we support you and value the Hoosier jobs you create. To job creators across the globe, we invite you to learn more about the benefits of doing business in a state that works," Victor Smith, Indiana secretary of commerce, said last week.
Currently, Smith and a number of delegates from Indiana's business community are in the U.K. at the Farnborough International Airshow. Their presence there is not a token appearance. The Indiana delegation attended the show to demonstrate support of current U.K. businesses operating in Indiana, and to attract new investments to the state, specifically investments that further Indiana's aerospace industry. Greater Lafayette companies including GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce Corp. and Alcoa are only a few of the 82 companies that make-up this sector, which employs over 6,800 Hoosiers.
The aerospace community also recognizes Indiana's importance. On Tuesday, the Aerospace Industries Association announced at the airshow the association's 2018 Spring conference will be held in Indianapolis.
"Today's news is further evidence of Indiana's advancing aerospace industry," Indiana Governor Mike Pence said.
Abby Gras, director of communications for Indiana Economic Development Corp., said the state is a natural fit for multinational corporations looking for a place to do business. Indiana, she continued, has taken an active role in fostering a beneficial business climate through cutting both corporation taxes and regulatory measures.