Gov. Mitch Daniels said on Wednesday he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get more business to Northwest Indiana.
Daniels has met with Mittal Steel USA officials twice in person concerning locating its U.S. corporate office here and is considering offering state incentives to Cabela’s outdoors store.
During a news conference focused on economic development Wednesday morning in Merrillville, Daniels said the state is considering sales tax increment financing, which would allow the city of Hammond to use state sales tax revenues for infrastructure assistance for Cabela’s.
Last week, equity members of Woodmar Country Club voted to accept a $14 million offer for the Nebraska-based outdoor retailer to build a 225,000-square-foot store on the country club’s site. Officials have said the economic windfall for the region could be $7 million.
Daniels said while these types of incentives shouldn’t be handed out lightly, it could be helpful in this case.
Daniels also said that while he wants to help diversify Northwest Indiana’s business landscape, which has predominately been known for its steel, he believes getting the Mittal Steel USA headquarters here would be a coup.
“I’ve had them in my office twice,” Daniels said. “We’ll do anything to get business here. We’ve done all we can do.”
Daniels said he hasn’t spoken with Mittal officials in a few weeks. Mittal Steel spokesman David C. Allen said the company hasn’t made a decision yet on where its USA headquarters will be.
Daniels was in Northwest Indiana for a taping of a new show called “The Solution,” which will air on WYIN Channel 56.
On the show, Daniels spoke about his commitment to economic development in Northwest Indiana, including the Regional Development Authority, but the taping was closed to the public. The new program focuses on economic development, education and literacy issues in Northwest Indiana.
Daniels held the news conference following the taping.
Daniels said he’s committed to economic development in Northwest Indiana and is trying to wipe away perceptions from businesses and residents across the state that government here is corrupt.
“I can’t persuade taxpayers to send tax dollars here if they think it will be stolen or misused,” Daniels said. “I like to tell people about positive movements on good government.”
Linda Woloshansky, of The Center of Workforce Innovations and host of “The Solution,” said she believes local residents realize they have the power to improve the local environment. She said in the past, residents used to blame state leaders in Indianapolis, but now realize change can occur here.
“It’s really up to us,” she said.
Daniels believes the Regional Development Authority is key to Northwest Indiana’s future, saying funds from the RDA can be used to improve the Gary/Chicago International Airport as well as other transportation projects here.
He has emphasized that the development of the airport is important to Northwest Indiana and the state as a whole, but on Wednesday said he believes Northwest Indiana residents should decide what to fund first.
“I have views,’’ he said. “I don’t think I or anyone else outside the region should have a say ... ”