Located in America’s Heartland, Indiana in the Midwestern United States remains one of the country’s leading manufacturing and industrial centers. In 2023, the state broke its FDI record for the seventh straight year, attracting around $28.7 billion in new investments from more than 200 foreign companies.

While the record-breaking numbers stand out, Indiana’s economic growth strategy sets itself apart because of a very welcoming investment climate attributed to Hoosier hospitality.

What is Hoosier hospitality?

“One of our goals is to make Indiana welcoming to everyone, and the state administration is always there for our foreign partners. Our office is open to everyone. This is the Hoosier hospitality,” Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales told GMI POST.

Meanwhile, Huntington City Mayor Richard Strick likens Hoosier hospitality to the Japanese term omotenashi,which describes how hosts wholeheartedly look after their guests.

“It’s about anticipating needs, stepping up, and collaborating to overcome challenges for our partners while they try to accomplish something. We never leave our partners to navigate on their own. They’re guided with a genuine desire to see them succeed,” Strick said.

At the core of Hoosier hospitality is the authenticity and genuineness that permeate every interaction, making visitors and investors alike feel they have found a true partner in their endeavors.

Once a concept with a limited scope, Hoosier hospitality has evolved into an indispensable part of Indiana’s business ecosystem and growth strategy to attract new investors and partners.