LINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb was the keynote speaker at a Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce event on Thursday.

Gov. Holcomb spoke on various topics on the minds of Hoosiers during his remarks to the crowd and to the media.

He answered numerous questions regarding the topic of commerce. Holcomb said small communities like Linton are the fabric of what Indiana is.

He explained that Indiana is investing in its small communities and its bigger regional hubs as well. Community Crossing grants is example that the Governor mentioned during his remarks to the crowd.

“We need to invest in people and into the skill sets that are needed,” Holcomb explained.

Public education is a key topic for Holcomb and is a heavily discussed topic during this current legislative session.

Part of his two-year proposed budget is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program. All children would be mailed a free book once a month until the age of 5 under the program. Holcomb emphasized the importance of investing in Hoosier children.

He spoke highly of the program and said that they’re making the math work to provide this service statewide.

“There are areas in our state that are already doing this and it works,” Holcomb said. “I want it to be for every student.”

Holcomb briefly talked about tourism in the Hoosier state. He said that Indiana has a lot to offer and it needs to be talked about.

He said they’re raising the budget for the Department of Tourism and will add a sports bid fund. He stressed the importance of this as sports brings people into the state.

He mentioned the big sporting events that Indianapolis brings, but also the more local events in a place like Linton.

“It’s not just Indianapolis where you’ll host a Super Bowl or an NBA All-Star Game,” Holcomb explained. “It’s local sports all across the state of Indiana.”