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When something needs done, the idea should go to the top.
That's the philosophy of Ethel Ringel's third graders who went to the governor's office Thursday, pitching their idea to bring Guidant Corp., now a Johnson & Johnson company, to Warsaw. Guidant develops medical products for heart patients.
Harrison Elementary School students researched facts about Warsaw, interviewed industry leaders and public officials. They wrote letters to the governor, the president of Guidant, as well as the president of Johnson & Johnson, saying how the "Orthopedics Capital of the World" was a perfect fit for the company's relocation. In addition to fact books, a DVD was produced about the community.
Their first presentation was at the annual EdComm Expo. Their subsequent presentations have been before the Warsaw City Council and the Warsaw School Board.
Yesterday they toured the Statehouse wearing their trademark bright yellow T-shirts sporting the "Warsaw - The Best Place for your Future" slogan. On the Senate and House floors they swiveled in the vacant legislator's seats, guests of Rep. Dave Wolkins (R-Warsaw).
"I am amazed by the transformation of a project to learn about the community into a corporate recruiting campaign. These kids are wise beyond their years," said Wolkins.
In the governor's office, Ringle said, Daniels took time with each student and remembered their names.
"They were so excited and had a great time," Ringle said. "They thought Gov. Daniels was nicer than they expected."
Daniels teased the group a little, too. He reportedly said, "We do have one item of, as they say, hard news today, and it gives me a lot of pride and pleasure to announce the relocation of the state capitol to Warsaw."
"They weren't quite sure if he was serious or not," Ringle said. "It was a nice compliment, very complimentary of them and the school project. He said they were great citizens."
Daniels promised the students he would take their books and video to Johnson & Johnson for their review of the request. He's scheduled to meet Johnson & Johnson officials next week to talk about Guidant's headquarters.
Dick Rooker, EdComm Expo coordinator, suggested the class develop a plan to bring Guidant to Warsaw from Indianapolis last year when the company's purchase by Johnson & Johnson was announced. J&J, based in New Jersey, already has a base in Warsaw as owners of DePuy Orthopaedics Inc.
"We're still hoping to get a meeting with Johnson & Johnson out of it, we're hoping to at least get a call," Rooker said.
Accompanying the students were Warsaw school board president Ron Yeiter, superintendent David McGuire, assistant superintendent Sandra Hess, Harrison Elementary School principal Randy Polston, Randy Dahms, Harrison's administrative intern and Dick and Nancy Rooker.
