"I just wish that every other part of the state and so many places elsewhere had a comeback story that's half as strong as what's going on here," says Governor Mitch Daniels
Positive words from Governor Mitch Daniels, who four years ago could only hope for a time when he could once again, brag about the state's R-V industry.
In 2009 Elkhart's unemployment rate skyrocketed to nearly 20 percent as Americans weren't exactly in the market for a recreational vehicle, it seemed as though the "RV Capital of the World" was collapsing.
It was enough for then, new President, Barack Obama, to visit the area to try to console a beaten down workforce.
"Just a few months ago, folks thought that these factories might be closed for good. But now they're coming back to life," said President Barack Obama in 2009.
Governor Mitch Daniels was briefed Friday by RV industry leaders who say they're feeling pretty good.
"Business has been amazing. Last month was the single-largest month in our company's history," says Doug Gaeddert with Forest River RV.
"We're going in the right direction. Not everyone is satisfied with exactly where we're at, but certainly we're going the right direction," says Mark Bowersox with RV Indiana Council.
Daniels says production is nearing pre-recession levels. He says Indiana's share of RV's built in America is 83 percent. That means five out of six RV's in the nation are built right here in Indiana.
"There was so much focus on Elkhart, the whole world learned where it was and how to spell it. I said many times then, of course we're really troubled with the way the Elkhart area has been hit, but I said, 'You watch, That place will come back," says Daniels.
The Governor's briefing Friday coincided with an RV show going on at the RV Hall of Fame and museum.
