Chamber Continues Advocacy Initiative With New Task Force
Terre Haute, IN – The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the continuation of its government and policy mission with the creation of several regional initiatives.
Beginning in 2018 the Chamber developed an Advocacy Committee Task Force which will spearhead the development of a comprehensive Defense Development strategy for Terre Haute, Vigo County and West Central Indiana.
The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee is led by Sycamore Engineering Vice President Sara Smith. The Defense Development Task Force will be co-chaired by Greg Gibson of Retec Corporation and Steve Witt, the President of the Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation.
“The business community’s attention to advocacy and government relations is getting increasingly stronger and is vital to the success of our community,” Smith says. “As a member of a local family business I’m honored to be able to serve in this role and look forward to the many opportunities that will be coming to our area in the future.”
The co-chairs will work with community leaders representing higher education, industry and elected officials, as well as the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to develop a comprehensive regional plan on how our community can take action, and work with other communities across the state to best position ourselves for success in defense development.
“The Chamber is always looking for ways to grow ourselves, our community and what we offer to our members,” says Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce President David Haynes. “Defense Development, Advocacy and continued communication with the Indiana Office of Defense Development are just a few of the ways that we are working towards those goals.”
The creation of the task force is already receiving praise from state agencies, including the Indiana Office of Defense Development.
“Engaging in the defense development industry as an economic engine is critical when you have world class asset like the 181st Intelligence Wing in Terre Haute. I am pleased to see (the Terre Haute) Chamber and Economic Development groups working together to push for a unified agenda,” says Danielle Chrysler, Director of the Indiana Office of Defense Development, Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “As defense opportunities arise, I’m confident this group will place Terre Haute in a position to be a leader in the defense conversation with the State.”
The Chamber will follow this announcement with details of the West Central 2025 initiative. More information will be available in early February.
