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Former Indiana economic development leader on why he resigned

(Photo supplied/Inside Indiana Business)

One of the most well-respected members of the state’s economic development team resigned back in February. Jim Schellinger, the now former secretary of Commerce, says it was just time to move one after helping add record numbers of jobs in the state over the past four years.

But, the former Democratic candidate for governor, said he’s leaving behind a solid legacy, with more than 13,000 jobs coming to Indiana.

“You have a shelf life. You’re not a twinkie,” Schellinger told Gerry Dick on Inside Indiana Business, Sunday. He appeared frequently on the program.

When asked why he was giving up a job where he’s well-respected and has been able to help Hoosiers, Schellinger paraphrased a mentor.

“He said, you go in. You go in with a splash, do the things you want to do, set out the vision for the group to get things achieved, which we did. Make your mark and leave with just barely a ripple,” he said. “We’ve proven ourselves. One could say we’re on fire. I think that’s a good time to bring in someone with a new vision, with new thoughts to take us to that next level.”

That next level includes jobs with companies that are already strong in the Hoosier State, like Alliance RV. Schellinger announced that the company, run by two brothers in Elkhart, is adding 650 jobs to the group of 350. That average was  over $42 per hour.

Phoenix Financial in Anderson is adding 300 jobs, with an average wage of over $38 per hour.

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