Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch visits Goshen, takes downtown walking tour

Oct. 17—GOSHEN — For the second time in less than a month, an Indiana state leader paid Goshen a visit.

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who is currently running for governor, went on a walking tour of downtown, along with city and community leaders. The event was sponsored by Downtown Goshen, Incorporated which since 2006 has worked to revitalize the downtown area, according to its website.

The event began shortly after 10 a.m. at the Goshen Brewing Company on West Washington Street. Several local officials spoke, followed in the end by Crouch, who wore a red jacket and red walking shoes to match.

Later, a few minutes before 11 a.m., the entourage headed downtown on foot, headed to visit establishments such as the Goshen Theater, the Electric Brew, Ignition Music Garage, Art Alley and the Olympia Candy Kitchen.

Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty expressed her gratitude to the Lt. Governor for her and larger state efforts to promote downtown revitalization efforts.

"Downtowns are the heart of our communities," Leichty said.

Amanda McMahon, director of Goshen First Fridays, said that downtown revitalization efforts have helped put Goshen "on the map."

"We're really activating our downtown businesses," McMahon said.

When it was her turn to speak, Crouch said that Indiana has a sound economic foundation.

"It used to be that people follow businesses, but now businesses follow people," Crouch said.

Specifically, she went on to praise Goshen's downtown efforts.

"If we don't have vibrant downtowns, we don't have vibrant communities," she added. "I'm so proud of what you have done here. What you have done here in Goshen should be celebrated."

Born and raised in Evansville, Suzanne served as Indiana's State Auditor since January 2014, according to her biography on the state's website.

Before becoming auditor, she served as the State Representative for House District 78 which encompasses parts of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. She was elected to the seat in 2005, and served as the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and on the Public Health Committee.

A graduate of Mater Dei High School in Evansville, she went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University, majoring in Political Science. She is married to Larry Downs and they have a grown daughter, Courtney.

On Sept. 20, Gov. Eric Holcomb visited the Goshen Theater as part of an Indiana Economic Development Corporation quarterly meeting.

Steve Wilson is news editor for The Goshen News. You can reach him at steve.wilson@goshennews.com.