Indiana’s secretary of commerce says the state is on course to help create 25,000 new jobs this year.
Dan Hasler told members of a study committee on economic development 14,500 already have been created.
But he admits meeting the goal won’t be easy and will require an intense marketing effort.
"It's a numbers game. The best way to double our jobs and careers in Indiana, is to double our opportunities to compete for business. They can't find us unless we are bright, bold and somewhat brash. That's what good branding is."
Hasler says word of mouth among business leaders continues to be the best referral services for Indiana. He tells Hoosier businesses to mention the state as a good place to set-up shop to their out-of-state clients, partners or suppliers.
So far this year, the state has signed contracts with 158 companies to come to the state. The goal is to have 250 businesses signed by the end of this year.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation also is changing its international game plan slightly.
Hasler says I.E.D.C. stopped its efforts in Australia, because they weren’t seeing results. He says China, Germany and Japan continue to be attractive places to market the state. He cites numerous trips to Asia by business, education and government leaders for helping educate those markets about what Indiana has to offer.
Hasler made the comments Monday while testifying before the study committee on economic development.