The Indiana Economic Development Corporation administers the state’s broad array of incentive programs aimed at attracting and retaining businesses from around the world.  Certainly these incentives can and do have a key impact on the decision to locate or expand here.  What is less well known is the impact of “soft” or quality of life issues.  For example, at an investment seminar we presented in Tokyo a couple of years ago, the first question posed to the Governor was not about taxes or other business costs but rather, “Can I take the Indiana driver’s license exam in Japanese?”  The Governor’s answer – “yes, you can now” -- set the tone for a welcoming, Hoosier-hospitality approach.

That welcoming atmosphere can play an important role in attracting business.  Imagine a pending assignment as a manager for a new plant overseas.  All other things being equal, who wouldn’t prefer to go to the welcoming, friendly location.  That is the practical, personal side of a pending business decision and it won’t go unnoted.  In addition to business costs and our incentives, companies ask about neighborhoods, schools, golf courses, museums, foreign language instruction for children, restaurants, and so on . . . all the things that make for a full and rich living environment.  They will ask about the incentives, of course, but the first question is frequently about something else.