(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana's current, most recent and soon to be 50th governor were among the featured presenters at the Indiana Vision 2025 Statewide Summit: Advancing Our Future event on Thursday at the Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

More than 300 business, government, community and non-profit leaders from throughout Indiana were contributors to the next step to helping ensure the state's long-term economic prospects. The participants not only received analysis on important issues within the economic development strategy for the state, but took part in discussion on how to move forward on some of the key goals within the plan.

"Bringing together so many people who are already doing great work in their communities was one of the goals of today's event," says Kerry Stemler, president and CEO of KM Stemler Co. in New Albany and 2013 chairman of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

"I personally believe Indiana is on the edge of greatness. We have so many positive things that have happened in recent years, and we have all the tools to be one of the premier states in the country."

Indiana Vision 2025, coordinated by the Indiana Chamber, was developed in 2010-2011 by a 24-person statewide task force. Its 33 goals in four driver areas are all intended to accomplish the mission that: "Indiana will be a global leader in innovation and economic opportunity where enterprises and citizens prosper." The four drivers are: outstanding talent, which encompasses K-12, higher education and the workforce; an attractive business climate; a superior infrastructure; and a dynamic and innovative culture.

Six forums in the summer of 2012 brought the original plan to the local level, allowing regional participants to provide input on the priorities and opportunities within their areas. Thursday's statewide summit focused on the goals that were highlighted in those forums.

Governor Mitch Daniels discussed his legacy and the state's future while Gov.-elect Mike Pence focused his closing keynote address on the next steps required to move Indiana from good to great. Former Gov. Joe Kernan guided a portion of the discussion on objectives within the drivers of Attractive Business Climate and Superior Infrastructure.

"With the right vision and leadership, the people of Indiana can create tremendous opportunity and build the fastest-growing economy in the Midwest," said Gov.-elect Pence. "I applaud the Indiana Chamber for bringing Hoosiers together through the Vision 2025 process."

Among the other presenters:
• Kevin Brinegar, Indiana Chamber president and CEO
• Kathy Davis, former Indiana lieutenant governor and owner of Davis Design Group
• Larry Gigerich, Ginovus managing director
• Mark Maassel, Northwest Indiana Forum president and CEO and Indiana Vision 2025 regional partner
• Jamie Merisotis, Lumina Foundation president and CEO
• Bill Oesterle, Angie's List co-founder and CEO
• John Sampson, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership president and Indiana Vision 2025 regional partner
• Stemler, also an Indiana Vision 2025 regional partner

In videos introducing the segments on Outstanding Talent, and Dynamic and Creative Culture, 10 additional leaders offered their perspectives. They were: Scott Dorsey, ExactTarget; Steve Ferguson, Cook Group; Scott Glaze, Fort Wayne Metals; Dan Hasler, Indiana Secretary of Commerce; Teresa Lubbers, Indiana Higher Education commissioner; Michael McRobbie, Indiana University; Rae Pearson, Alpha Rae Personnel; Van Smith, Sherry Laboratories of Indiana; Mike Wells, REI Investments; and Alisa Wright, BioConvergence.

"The only way to accomplish many of the Indiana Vision 2025 initiatives is with a broad coalition working together," offers Brinegar. "Some areas within the plan will require legislation from the Indiana General Assembly, but reaching many of the goals will depend on the leaders here today and others continuing to combine their talents to help make Indiana the best place to live, work and raise a family."

Learn more about Indiana Vision 2025 at www.indianachamber.com/2025.
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Media resources/available for interview -- Indiana Vision 2025 regional partners:

Ed Hafer: Evansville Regional Business Committee, (812) 491-4936
Mark Maassel: Northwest Indiana Forum, (219) 763-6303
Shawn Peterson: Corporate Partnership for Economic Growth, (574) 387-2734
John Sampson: Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, (260) 469-3471
Kerry Stemler: KM Stemler Co., (812) 944-3887
Mike Wells: REI Investments, (317) 573-6098

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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is the state's largest broad-based business advocacy and information organization, representing nearly 5,000 member companies that employ 800,000 Hoosier workers.