Press release from
Regional Visioning Gains Full Support from Northeast Indiana Economic Development Organizations
(February 14, 2009) Northeast Indiana’s regional visioning process, Vision 2020, reached a significant milestone in comprehensive regional collaboration. Under the leadership of the northeast Indiana’s Local Economic Development Organization Council, economic development corporation boards from Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley counties were presented with formal requests for support for Vision 2020. Organization boards in all ten counties approved the resolution.
“A clear regional vision, identity, and plan are in the best interest of Noble County,” said John English, board chair of the Noble County Economic Development Corporation. “It is only through strong collaboration throughout northeast Indiana that we will achieve long term economic vitality for our communities.”
This demonstration of comprehensive regional alignment is a significant milestone towards the overall outcome of Vision 2020. The success of this regional initiative will be measured in part on northeast Indiana’s ability to identify and collaborate on key strategies that affect the economy of the entire region.
“Every community of our region is unique and possesses distinct qualities and characteristics which contribute to the strength and diversity of the economy, culture and quality of life in northeast Indiana,” said Bill Konyha, President and CEO of the Economic Development Group of Wabash County. “However, it is only through strong cooperation and innovative regional strategies that we will be able to propel northeast Indiana into the national and international spotlight.”
The support and leadership of the local economic development organizations will be critical in the coming months as the regional visioning process expands into each of the 10 counties.
“Vision 2020 isn’t just about the strategies that are created,” said John Sampson, President and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. “It is about tapping into the enormous potential of the diverse leadership and assets of this region to take responsibility for achieving sustained progress in our regional economy. It is about building a strong base of support and engagement that is essential for long term success.”
About Vision 2020:
Vision 2020 is a process to develop a vision for the ten-county northeast Indiana region aimed at shaping the vitality of the regional economy. Immediate and long-term strategies will be focused on the following objectives: competitive business climate; 21st century talent; quality of place, infrastructure, and; entrepreneurship. Funding support for Vision 2020 is being provided by: the Northeast Indiana Corporate Council; the Northeast Indiana Foundation; the Cole Foundation; the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne; the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation; the Robert Goldstine Foundation; the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and; the Lincoln Financial Foundation.About the Northeast Indiana Foundation:
The Northeast Indiana Foundation’s mission is to support the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and its ten member counties through the funding and coordination of charitable activities which directly contribute to increasing the region’s capacity to support new business investment and the creation of high quality jobs for the region.
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