The Commons in downtown Columbus will be the venue for a Greater Columbus Economic Development Corp. event next month that will feature appearances by at least six candidates for Indiana governor.
As the 2024 governor’s race nears, a local economic development organization will host six candidates at its annual luncheon.
The Greater Columbus Economic Development Corp. (EDC) will hold its annual meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 8 at The Commons. Attendees will hear a brief report from the EDC, followed by a gubernatorial candidate forum. The following candidates have confirmed that they will attend:
- U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Indiana)
- Former Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers (R)
- Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch (R)
- Fort Wayne businessman and former Indiana Economic Development Corp. President Eric Doden (R)
- Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill (R)
- Donald Rainwater (L), who previously ran for governor in 2020
The event is open to the public, but advance registration and tickets are required, the EDC said in a release. The cost is $65 for an individual ticket and $390 for a reserved corporate table of six. Up to six corporate table sponsors will also have the opportunity to each host one of the candidates and their guest with the purchase of two additional tickets.
Space is limited, and organizers expect a sold-out event. Attendees can register via a link at columbusin.org/AnnualMeeting/ or by emailing [email protected] by close of business on Nov. 27 or until the event sells out.
“Indiana’s governor sets the tone and policy for statewide economic development efforts, and we know that local business and civic leaders are very interested to hear what the candidates have to say on important economic development issues,” said EDC President Jason Hester. “Out of seven invited candidates from three parties (Republican, Democrat, and Libertarian), only one candidate sent their regrets, so there’s a good chance that our next Governor will be in the room.”
Organizers said that, as a nonpartisan organization, the EDC invited all “substantive candidates” to the forum, regardless of party affiliation. The campaign for Democratic candidate Jennifer McCormick, former Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, declined due to a schedule conflict.
Candidates who attend the forum will have time for opening and closing remarks, along with equal time for answering questions. The forum will be moderated by Gerry Dick, creator and host of the Emmy award-winning “Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick” television program and president of Inside INdiana Business.
Hester
“Among the participating candidates, our annual meeting attendees will hear from a U.S. senator, a lieutenant governor, an Indiana Economic Development Corporation president, a secretary of commerce, and an attorney general – all representing the Republicans, and a Libertarian candidate who received a record number of votes last time,” said Hester. “I think our attendees are in for a treat as they hear different views on the issues.”
He also noted that while past meetings have included a detailed report of the EDC’s efforts to support existing business growth, business recruitment and quality of place investments in the region, this year’s remarks — delivered by Hester and 2023 board chair Miranda Fox — will be limited to allow more time for the forum. However, they will still hit the high points, Hester said.
If you go
What: GCEDC annual meeting and gubernatorial forum
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 8
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St.
Cost: $65 for an individual ticket and $390 for a reserved corporate table of six. Up to six corporate table sponsors will also have the opportunity to each host one of the candidates and their guest with the purchase of two additional tickets.
Additional information: More information and a link to register is available at columbusin.org/AnnualMeeting/. Registration is also available by emailing [email protected] by close of business on Nov. 27 or until the event sells out.
Credentialed members of the media are also invited and welcome to attend the remarks portion of the event. Advance courtesy notice should be sent via email to [email protected].
