Oct. 11--As the new Honda Manufacturing of Indiana plant starts churning out Civics and prepares to reach full capacity, members of the local government seek to continue forging ahead into the future.

"It's fitting pretty well," City Councilor Bill Wenning said of the new business.

With Honda at their side, city and county leaders expect the city to grow and flourish while still holding the small town atmosphere most residents of Greensburg have come to enjoy.

Mayor Gary Herbert was also pleased that Honda was finally up and running, and he was sure the plant would always be a good corporate neighbor.

"I'm glad they're here," he said. "It's another source. Every little bit helps when times are tough."

And with a struggling worldwide economic climate that threatens all, an influx of jobs is the best thing for any community. According to Herbert, there is an approximate 7 percent unemployment rate in Decatur County. And though that seems high, some surrounding counties have it much worse. A large portion of the employees who will be getting their paychecks from Honda are ones who call Greensburg home. As the new plant continues to expand, more job opportunities will be available. But Herbert cautioned that the government cannot only look at the short-term gains. He explained that he tries to look 20, 30 even 40 years down the road for the city of Greensburg.

Wenning held the same sentiments, and noted that he is always looking at the long-term issues regarding the city.

"But I'm always for growth and progress," he added.

Wenning noted that he looks forward to the return of investment the city will reap, and his goal is to continue to work to put things in places where they will grow for Greensburg.

Deactur County Commissioners president John Richards was glad to see the plant had started production and was sure the manufacturer was going to bring in large amounts of money to the area. Richards, however, was concerned about the number of Greensburg and Decatur County residents that are employed by Honda. He said his primary focus and concerns are the people of the county and hopes that as full capacity production nears for the factory, more local employees will call Honda their workplace.

Despite his concerns, Richards was ultimately optimistic about the plant and the county's future. The long term opportunities should be good for the area, he added.

"My biggest thing is to see the people of Decatur County taken care of," Richards said. "It takes a lot from the community, and it should be a two-way street. Time will tell."

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