“But the Indiana 250 is more than a directory or an honor roll,” he said. “It’s a way to help Hoosiers in one part of the state learn about leaders and organizations in other areas of the state. We hope the Indiana 250 will create a bond between influential Hoosiers and help them work together toward a stronger Indiana.”
The IBJ's Indiana 250 were celebrated at an exclusive reception featuring remarks by Governor Eric Holcomb on July 21 at Salesforce Tower. Governor Eric J. Holcomb, who daily does his own heavy lifting uphill of the many burdens and enthusiastic cheerleading that come with his Office, summed up his pride about Indiana and challenged the gathered Honorees and their guests. As by now familiar and much like a veteran U.S. Naval Officer's precision and "a true unifier," the masterful ambassador and the 51st Governor of the State of Indiana, Eric J. Holcomb gave an inspiring Keynote as he laid out his vision and tribute to the Honorees:
"PASSION in what you do;
A Prayerful Reflection: I am grateful for this undreamed-of honor to among the IBJ's Indiana 250 distinguished celebrated visionaries. We understand that this is an introductory list of the celebrated achievers and outstanding contributors that reflect some high distinctions in the future destiny of Indiana. Governor Holcomb reminded us that there are an additional 6.8 million Hoosiers at work and allowing us their dedicated, generous and giant shoulders to lean on and shine.
Being a recipient of so many special honors, awards, and recognition for my artwork, advocacy for the historic architecture, preservation and support of the arts and cultures, equality and dignity of all Hoosiers making Indiana their home, and sharing the good news about Indiana through my drawings, writings, commentaries and public speaking, and community engagements, I join all of you in a joyous shout: "Ain't God Good to Indiana."
We must create a spirit that all Hoosiers feel safe and at home and become robust partners and passionate participants to make Our Indiana Home a Welcome Destination for those who live or visit and a place to invest innovative and imaginative assets.
Our first responsibility has to create a place that serves, where we are treated fair and just, where we together tirelessly strive and pray to assure that each Hoosier can experience the glow of freedom, dignity of his faith and culture, and pursuit of happiness and dreams. I came home with an amazing sense that the IBJ's Indiana 250 are doing just that and inspiring countless others to connect, collaborate, and scan the horizons for new pioneers to ask: "What you have done for Indiana" and prepare them to advance the Hoosier renaissance that began December 11, 1816. With so many working with a spirit of Charhdikala (Punjabi: joyous optimism), we can foresee "That the best is yet to come."
