Annual Chamber DC Fly-In: Day 1

Chamber Members Participate in Annual DC Fly-In

November, 14, 2018 – Washington DC – Members of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, along with city and state representatives wrapped a packed day in Washington DC as part of the annual DC Fly-In.

One of the group’s first meetings on Wednesday morning was with Brandt Hershman, former Republican State Senator for Indiana. Hershman currently serves as counsel in Barnes & Thornburg’s Washington, D.C. office, and is a member of the Government Services and Finance Department and the Federal Relations Practice Group.

“Our meeting with Brent Hershmann reinforces what we are trying to do as a West Central coalition and increase defense,” said Brigadier Gen. Jeff Hauser, Executive Director Terre Haute Regional Airport. “His remarks show that We are headed in the right direction as a state, but also clearly show that we are on target with our local efforts.”

“This was a great opportunity to meet with a former Indiana State Senator,” said Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett. “He shared with us some strategies to get Terre Haute involved from an economic development perspective in Defense Development. Today’s conversation helps Terre Haute be well-positioned to benefit from the increased opportunities available to our state.”

Additional visits on Wednesday included the Department of Commerce, House of Representatives and dinner with Congressman Larry Bucshon.

The group also met with Chad Parker from the USDA. Parker is the Assistant Administrator, Rural Utilities Services for the Telecommunications Program. The point of the meeting was to discuss Broadband in rural areas of West Central Indiana.

Senator Jon Ford, “As the state focuses on broadband, it is important our region recognizes our opps and shortfalls in this area. Today’s visit with the USDA offered additional opportunities for us to advance in this area.”

Added, Courtney Richey-Chipol – Regional Director, West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, “As entrepreneurs continue to invest in the West Central region through expansions and new business creation it is imperative that we offer appropriate infrastructure; broadband being crucial for operations and growth. The conversation today on how we can move forward as a region through USDA programs was very promising. It was encouraging to hear that funding is available for rural development and we will continue to pursue how to utilize these funds to benefit our region.”

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