Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
LEESBURG - Indiana Secretary of Commerce Pat Miller stressed the importance of small business enterprises during her speech at the 28th annual Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Dinner Thursday night at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club.
Much of her presentation focused on Indiana's strength in innovative business thinking and strong entrepreneurial history - topics Miller is very familiar with given her occupational background.
In 1982, Miller and her friend, Barbara Baekgaard, created Vera Bradley Designs, a women's luggage, clothing and accessory line in Fort Wayne. What began with a $500 initial investment has grown into a company which generates $70 million a year in sales and employs 120 workers.
During her speech, she encouraged state businesses to think "outside the box" in efforts to spawn new businesses.
"Everyone starts out as a tadpole," Miller said. "One weakness I've observed in the state is Hoosier modesty. We need to be proud of where we come from and what we work towards."
Governor Mitch Daniel's Indiana Economic Development Corporation was another tool Miller said could boost the state's job market in years to come. The IEDC, established in February, replaced the former Department of Commerce and is a public-private partnership governed by a 12-member board.
"There are three reasons for the IEDC, and that is speed, flexibility and customer service," Miller said. "This organization is dedicated to attracting, retaining and helping jobs grow like a business in the state."
Miller said IEDC efforts include establishing bio-diesel and other alternative fuel sources within the state.
"There is plenty of grain here," she said. "And we don't want to be dependent on fossil fuels. We have a tremendous opportunity."
After Miller's presentation, GOP Chairman and Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine inducted Madge Harman and Eddie Creighton into the Republican Hall of Fame for "their continuing efforts and contributions to good government."
Rovenstine also recognized past Hall of Fame honorees as well as Eric Kelly, the Northern Indiana Young Republican Leader of the Year.
