It’s official - Greensburg is the home of Honda Motor Company’s newest North American facility and those who fill the elected seats at the courthouse and City Hall could not be happier.

“I think it’s great for the community. I’m tickled pink. In fact, I’m wearing a pink shirt,” Greensburg Mayor Frank Manus joked with excitement in his voice. “Quite frankly, the impact of what has happened really hasn’t hit me yet. It’s so gigantic.”

Word of Honda’s big announcement spread like a wild fire Tuesday and by the time the hands on the clock tower reached the evening hours, television news crews and reporters from major media were scouring the courthouse lawn looking for any official word.

Elected officials were tight-lipped for the most part, apprehensive of spoiling this morning’s sudden press conference. Regardless, they alluded to the epic effect senior vice president of parts and procurement for Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. Larry Jutte’s words would have.

“It’s a big thing,” Decatur County Commissioner Jerome Buening said.

Officials were thinking big because procuring Honda, a global leader in the auto industry, means more than just being a home to a huge $550-million operation.

“I’m very, very excited. It’s going to have a big impact on the whole county and I mean everybody,” Commissioner Charles Buell stated.

His fellow Commissioner, John Richards, added to far-sweeping effects this announcement will have for the county as well as the state.

“It’s one of the things that will save Decatur County,” Richards said. “I feel them coming in is going to impact this part of the state. We’ll be drawing people from the surrounding counties. It’s not only Honda, but other businesses that will be effected.”

For the Commissioners and the Mayor alike, the announcement is a huge sign of relief and a triumphant end to months of hard work.

“We worked so hard to get different companies to come to town and we land something like this, it’s beyond words,” Manus said. “I feel good about the fact they did pick Greensburg. The best part for the community itself, Greensburg and Decatur County, is it’s going to mean great impact.”

Richards said he and other county officials have been working tirelessly to meet the demands and convince Honda reps to bring their business to Decatur County.

“Since they first mentioned it months ago, we have worked to make it happen. Now, it’s a like a big weight has been lifted of you,” Richards said.

Now that the word is out and the glimmering dream has become reality, government officials will work to make Honda’s transition to the county smooth and swift. However, Manus said people can take the time to appreciate where they live.

“I think we have a town we can all be proud of and Honda thinks so too,” Manus said.