The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce: A Force for Advocacy
By Kristin Craig, President/CEO
The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s impact goes far beyond organizing networking events and ceremonial ribbon‑cuttings. We are also deeply engaged in advocacy — shaping policy, organizing partnerships, catalyzing investments and pushing local, state and federal governments to act on big issues. This work has yielded big wins for our community:
Implementation of the Food and Beverage Tax, which provided for the Terre Haute Convention Center
Development of a high school diploma program for adult learners via the Excel Center
Establishment of the Terre Haute Casino, which is now pushing millions of dollars back into our local economy
Last week, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors approved a key guiding document for our advocacy efforts, the 2026 Advocacy Priorities. These priorities align the work of the See You in Terre Haute Community Plan and the West Central Indiana Regional Plan into an actionable list of community needs that is regularly shared with key state and federal legislators. These priorities reflect both the urgent needs in our region as well as future opportunities for growth and collaboration.
This year’s agenda is tighter, more specific and clearly seeks to safeguard essential services, enhance infrastructure, support institutions and strengthen the region’s ability to compete for funding and talent.
To build this agenda and communicate directly with legislators, the Chamber remains active throughout the year, constantly connecting with state, local and federal elected officials and agency leads. This includes:
Monthly Advocacy Forums to share legislative and initiative updates with our members
Regular Statehouse visits in conjunction with local elected officials
Annual DC Fly-In to meet one-on-one with legislators and agencies
Connecting local businesses with key leaders in one-on-one conversations
Development of the West Central Indiana Defense Network to represent the needs of the 181st Intelligence Wing
Indiana Black Legislative Caucus
Chamber President/CEO, Kristin Craig, was honored to join members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus during a late August visit to Terre Haute. It was a great opportunity to connect with Sen. Taylor, Rep. Harris, Rep. Bartlett, Rep. Burton, Rep. Summers and Rep. Pryor to discuss the happenings in their districts and priorities for next year.
May Advocacy Update
The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce hosted an Advocacy Update at the end of the legislative session to provide a comprehensive update to interested parties.
HobNob Legislative Reception
The Terre Haute Chamber hosted its annual HobNob Legislative Reception in late August, including key leaders from the Indiana Senate leadership, including President Pro Tem Rod Bray, Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten, Majority Caucus Chair Travis Holdman, Spencer Deery, Greg Goode, and Daryl Schmitt. During the event, key community partners shared their experiences and provided insights to shape future legislation impacting Terre Haute, Vigo County and the West Central Region.
Roundtable with Congressman Mark Messmer
Congressman Mark Messmer met with business leaders from Terre Haute in June at a roundtable discussion about the progress in our community.
2026 Advocacy Priorities
Addition of a third lane on I-70 between the state line and Indianapolis, and an additional Terre Haute exit to support east side development
Immediate request for all bridge and overpass work to include lane expansion
Safety cited as a limiting factor for development along the corridor
Supporting the state as they pursue funding options, including tolling
Why it matters: I‑70 is critical for commerce, for connecting Terre Haute with broader regional and interstate markets. Improving traffic flow and safety is vital both for business operations and for attracting investment.
Protecting and preserving Terre Haute/Vigo County’s gaming tax revenue
Monitoring proposed expansion of gaming, including additional casinos, iGaming, iLottery and video game terminals
Monitoring changes/consolidation of key boards/commissions, including those providing oversight of the gaming industry
Why it matters: The gaming tax revenue for Terre Haute/Vigo County reinvests millions of dollars back into our local economy. The revenue supports a variety of initiatives, including K-12 education, local infrastructure projects and regionalism efforts.
Funding for the expansion of regional efforts
Monitoring changes to regional maps and funding distribution mechanisms for future regional initiatives
Why it matters: Many challenges (infrastructure, education, healthcare) cross city or county lines. Regional tools allow better coordination, more efficient use of funds, and stronger competitive position for funding.
Support for all education, including Higher Education assets, in our region
Vigo County School Corporation - strong support for their proposed facilities plan and securing resources to implement so as to avoid further economic loss
Ivy Tech - Terre Haute campus for a comprehensive new campus building, including renovated health sciences and nursing
Indiana State University - necessary renovations to Holmstedt and Root Halls
Private institutions, including Rose-Hulman and SMWC.
Why it matters: Better‑funded higher education institutions help with workforce development, keeping graduates local and offering programs that align with employer needs. They are also anchors for innovation and community vitality.
Monitoring statewide Healthcare legislation
Approval of Certificate of Public Advantage to allow retention of highly-skilled workforce in Terre Haute
Support for policies that provide sufficient and sustainable funding for rural hospitals that serve uniquely vulnerable populations
Why it matters: The region faces significant healthcare challenges: staffing shortages, capacity constraints, and issues of access. A successful COPA (or similar arrangement) can avoid hospital closures, preserve jobs, and provide more stable, efficient care.
Supporting our major defense asset, the 181st Intelligence Wing
Policies that enhance the operations of the Indiana Defense Task Force, allowing the Task Force to be more aggressive in pursuing new DoD missions in Indiana
Monitor legislation that supports and enhances mission attainment and fulfillment for Indiana’s military installations
Support continued economic development around Terre Haute Regional Airport, specifically between State Road 40 and I-70
Why it matters: The base is a major employer in the region, brings high‑skill jobs, supports national security, and has spillover economic benefits. Ensuring it has modern facilities helps keep it stable against threats like Base Realignment and Closure.
Supporting strategic local control/decision making
Support policies that allow local officials (city/county) the flexibility to pursue strategic initiatives that enhance quality of life/place, ultimately aiding in population growth/retention and economic development
Why it matters: It is important for our local elected officials to have the freedom to launch projects that make our communities more attractive and livable, which helps bring in and keep people and businesses.
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