Pence Welcomes Israeli Leaders at Business Exchange
Pence presented Roey Gilad
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Mike Pence hosted the second-annual Indiana-Israel Business Exchange Monday, which was the first stop of an Israeli economic mission to the United States. Pence’s office says conference focused on strengthening global cybersecurity, as well as economic ties and collaboration between the two.
Pence was joined by representatives from nine Israeli businesses, 29 Indiana businesses, the city of Indianapolis, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and Indiana and Purdue universities. Business leaders from Israel had the opportunity to visit cybersecurity companies in Indiana.
"Israel and Indiana share many common bonds that Hoosiers cherish," said Pence. "As our nation’s strongest and most important ally in the Middle East, Israel is also a key partner in our state’s continued economic growth, which is why were proud to welcome Israeli business leaders to Indiana. Hoosiers and Israelis are linked by our self-reliance, determination and entrepreneurial spirit, aiding us all in collaboration to grow our economies and create more great-paying jobs."
Pence’s office says the visit was part of Indiana’s efforts to strengthen ties with Israel. While attending CyberTech 2016 in Israel, the world’s second-largest cybersecurity conference, Israeli auto parts manufacturer Omen USA announced it is locating its first North American production facility in Richmond, bringing 100 new jobs by 2019.
"Israeli businesses today are global leaders in cybersecurity, an industry growing in one of the world’s top entrepreneurial hotspots," said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. "While Israelis are developing new and advanced strategies for addressing constantly evolving threats, Hoosiers are also leading top cybersecurity initiatives that are deployed at some of the top businesses around the world."
Smith said Indiana and Israeli have built relationships and shared ideas which will help the industry grow and add more Hoosier jobs.