Indiana’s economy is “strong”, says the state’s Commerce Secretary David Rosenberg.

He spoke as benefit for the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.

He explained that the economy is in a good spot in Indiana because of moving to a “strategic organization.” Rosenberg said that means the state is being more proactive in convincing companies to invest in Hoosier talent rather than a “wait and see” approach.

He says because of that shift, Indiana now has 7 semi-conductor facilities. Indiana had zero EV battery facilities 18 months ago, he said. Now the state has four and is also closing in on a fifth. Rosenberg also added the average wage in Indiana is 20-percent higher than the rest of the U.S.

Finally, Rosenberg said the new approach is allowing Indiana to close deals with companies a lot quicker than in previous years. He said multi-million dollar deals are being closed in a span of months now instead of years.