New contract, additions to Fair benefit Hoosiers
DNR Director Kyle Hupfer and conservation officer
Lt. Colonel Mike Crider discuss the State Fair.
As we move into the height of fishing season, or summer as some call it, I’m pleased to say that Gov. Mitch Daniels and I recently finalized a deal beneficial to all Hoosiers. The DNR entered into a new contract with InfoSpherix, Inc. that brings jobs to Indiana and will certainly improve the customer service to those making reservations for cabins, shelter houses and campsites at all of our state properties.
Excluding rooms at inns, when someone calls to make a reservation for any type of lodging at one of our properties, he or she is calling into a centralized reservation system. This is an efficient and cost-effective system, as it allows one central location to handle all the calls, but under the prior contract the call center was located out of state. Now, however, due to the governor’s initiative to bring jobs to Indiana and my interest in having knowledgeable Hoosiers assisting in making reservations at our properties, we have a new contract. Along with this improved service comes a boost to our economy.
Defined in the contract is that InfoSpherix will open an operations center in central Indiana and be required to employ at least 34 people full-time. By the end of 2008, InfoSpherix projects that it will have 230 employees working at its Indianapolis operation handling both reservations and other governmental contracts. The total capital investment in our state by InfoSpherix through 2008 is estimated at $3,510,000—no small sum by any standard. In addition to bringing jobs into the state, it will also save the DNR money.
The new pricing structure included in the contract is a better deal for us. For fewer than 499,999 nights, the DNR is saving 25 cents per night. For more than 500,000 nights, the DNR is saving a dollar. We project that we’ll have between 450,000 and 525,000 night stays per year during the term of the new contract. That’s a savings of $50,000 to $90,000 per year.
And in addition to the revenue and savings, when you call to make a reservation at one of our state properties you’ll get a Hoosier on the line. Instead of someone with no connection to the state, you’ll be in contact with someone who has knowledge of Indiana—that’s a significant improvement in customer service.
Now on to another point of pride for the DNR and Indiana, the State Fair. This year is the fair’s 150th anniversary and the DNR is part of the celebration. We’re keeping all of our old traditions and adding two new ones. We built an enormous fishing pond on the south end of the DNR pavilion; it’s sure to be one of the biggest attractions at the fair. And we’re putting it to use; fishing experts will be at the pond providing kids with an opportunity to fish themselves.
Another first for this year is Butterfly Corner. Butterfly Corner is an enclosure that will host a variety of butterflies native to Indiana. Plants that are common habitat for the butterflies will also be included in the display.
As always, the Natural Resources Building is full of interesting and educational exhibits. You’ll be able to learn about Indiana’s history, wildlife and more from our interpreters and get a good, up-close look at the many fish that call our lakes and rivers home.
Conservation officers will be there to answer any nagging questions you have about Indiana’s hunting, fishing and boating laws. The divisions of parks, fish and wildlife, entomology and water will have displays providing a window to their daily operations.
Finally, the Wild Game Cookout will be Aug. 12 to satisfy the appetite you’ve worked up. So if you’ve never tasted rattlesnake or black bear, don’t miss your chance at this year’s State Fair.
