Contact: Kara Brooks, Governor's Office, 317-232-1622, kbrooks@gov.in.gov; Katelyn Hancock, Indiana Economic Development Corp., kahancock@iedc.in.gov

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 31, 2014 /Standard Newswire/ -- Governor Mike Pence closed his jobs and economic development mission to Israel today thanking Israeli companies with Indiana operations for their investments in the Hoosier State.

"The commitment to Indiana we witnessed today from Israeli companies was astounding," said Governor Pence. "Hoosiers have a deep connection with Israelis: we're both thriving through an entrepreneurial spirit underpinning the alliance between our nations. Out of a world of options, that's why these job creators say they're looking toward Indiana for their growth and their long-term futures. It's meetings like these that help foster the relationships between Indiana and business communities around the world, and it's something we can't wait to continue into 2015 and beyond."

On the final day of his three-day jobs mission, the Governor met with executives of plastic housewares maker Keter Holdings and automotive electronics designer Taditel to reaffirm the Hoosier State's commitment to remain an optimal location to grow and profit. Herzilya, Israel-based Keter Holdings maintains subsidiary Resin Products which has Indiana locations in Alexandria and Anderson, which serves as its U.S. headquarters. Tel Aviv, Israel-based Taditel has had operations in Anderson since 2003.

The Governor began his day touring an Iron Dome Weapon System launch site in Ashkelon, learning that this site has intercepted rockets aimed at civilian targets as recently as August. The Iron Dome is a mobile all-weather air defense system designed to intercept and destroy rockets and artillery shells. In September, Raytheon, which has a major presence in Indiana, received a contract valued at $149.3 million to provide products for the Tamir interceptor used in the Iron Dome.

The Governor also called upon U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and discussed how to diversify the Israeli-American economic relationship and encourage Israeli companies to invest in Indiana. Following a meeting with former Israeli Ambassador to U.S. Michael Oren, he visited the Ministry of Economy to meet with Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson. The Governor and Chief Scientist talked about strategies to promote research and development collaboration between Israeli and Hoosier companies, as well as leveraging existing research and development and technology assets for the benefit of both Indiana and Israel.

"Trips like this really remind us of the true international nature of our world," said Pence. "You can travel half a world away, but still discover a shared foundation. In Israel, that's a foundation of faith, family, democracy and liberty. It's these principles that will help guide Israel and Indiana into the future together, standing strong as partners in business and in a peaceful and prosperous future."

Today's meetings concluded the economic development portion of the Governor's mission to Israel. Highlights from the Governor's jobs trip included meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his office in Jerusalem and two events that promoted Indiana as a state that works for Israeli companies that drew more than 150 business and government leaders.

More information about the Governor's trade mission is posted here: www.in.gov/gov/Israel2014.htm.