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For a third time since taking office as Indiana's 50^th top executive, Governor Mike Pence was back in the Region this afternoon to honor former Senator Richard Lugar and local business leaders at the Times Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame luncheon at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville. 

Governor Pence, Congressman Pete Visclosky and junior Congressman Todd Rokita all lavished praise on the former senator, who received a lifetime achievement award.

The governor said, “today we're paying one small deposit in a debt of gratitude to American statesman.” The governor acknowledge the former senator's lengthy career in public service including

serving on a school board and two terms as mayor of Indianapolis for which Lugar was cited for starting voluntary desegregation.

Senator Lugar expressed his appreciation to the mainly business audience, “I thank you especially for this opportunity to express the love I have for Northwest Indiana, for each of you who have done so much to bring new insight to me and to all who have counted upon you.”

Along with the former senator's award, area business leaders were honored at the luncheon for leaving an “indelible mark on the Region.” Those leaders acknowledged included Tom Collins Sr. of Luke Oil and County Line Orchard in Hobart, Dr. Danita Johnson Hughes of Edgewater Systems, Tom Sourlis, of Mortar Net, and Stephen Teibel of Teibel's Restaurant.

You can hear the award ceremony luncheon available On Demand at: http://www.regionnewsteam.com

Times, Bill Masterson Jr., Governor Mike Pence, Congressman Pete Visclosky, Jr. Congressman Todd Rokita

Times, Bill Masterson Jr., and former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar