INDIANAPOLIS (July 19, 2006) ? Representatives from the Indiana Hardwood Lumberman?s Association (IHLA) presented Governor Mitch Daniels and Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman with handmade podiums crafted from Indiana hardwoods this week. Both were donated by Cole Hardwoods of Logansport.

The governor?s podium is made from Indiana walnut. It was designed and built by Ray Renstschler of Indianapolis and Keith Cole of Logansport. Some of the wood in the governor?s podium came from Senator Richard Lugar?s tree farm. The state seal on the front was engraved by Embroidery & Laser Design of Monticello.

The lieutenant governor?s podium is made of cherry and was also designed and built by Rentschler and Cole.

The podium will remain in the governor?s office to be used by future governors.

Cole Hardwoods and the IHLA also presented the governor with a matching plaque engraved with the state seal and his signature.

Moistner, Jeff Wooley, and Bramlage recently accompanied the governor on his trade mission to Japan and South Korea. The IHLA unveiled a branding campaign for ?Premium Indiana Forest Products,? part of an overall economic development strategy aimed at expanding the market for Hoosier hardwood products.

Photos of the podium are available at http://www.in.gov/gov/photo/index.html.