Governor hopes to score Hoosier jobs at Super Bowl

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels said he's looking forward to seeing the Indianapolis Colts crowned NFL champions on Sunday, but he has a second reason for traveling to Miami for the Super Bowl.

"We learned the last time that it's a really good opportunity to do a little business," Daniels said.

The two-term Republican governor said that while he's in Florida he hopes to score some jobs for Hoosier workers during meetings today and Sunday with business leaders also attending the big game. Daniels traveled with the Colts to Miami in 2007 when the Colts beat the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

"As we see it, any meeting with a business that has already brought jobs here, or one that might be thinking about it, is well worth doing," Daniels said. "We'll go anywhere to do that."

The Indiana Economic Development Corp., the Indianapolis Super Bowl 2012 host committee and several Indiana companies are sponsoring a reception this afternoon to promote opportunities for business and tourism in Indiana. More than 300 people are expected to attend the event at Coconut Grove's Villa Woodbine, a Mediterranean-style estate overlooking Biscane Bay.

But the governor's four-day trip from snowy Indianapolis to sunny Miami, featuring high temperatures in the 70s this weekend, won't be all work.

"We will try to be productive, but I hope to squeeze in some fun," Daniels said.