News release from the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership:
Regional Cities Initiative giant flag unveiled at Parkview Field
(August 1, 2015) – The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, through its Vision 2020 initiative, and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. celebrated Northeast Indiana’s potential to be a Regional Cities Initiative winner during the TinCaps game last night at Parkview Field.
After the game and before the fireworks, an oversized 30’x40′ flag proclaiming the Northeast Indiana Regional Cities proposal theme “The Road to One Million” was rolled out over the crowd, covering an entire section. The celebration even spilled over into adjacent sections with celebratory pompoms, balloons and signs boasting united regional pride. To add to the excitement, the resilient crowd chanted “Let’s go, Fort Wayne!” as a drone filmed the scene to be included in the region’s submission to the state for funding.
So what’s next for the region’s gargantuan flag? It’s going on a region-wide tour! The first stop is on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at Sweetwater Sound, 5501 US Highway 30 West, in Fort Wayne. From there, the flag will make an appearance at several other partner locations in the region through the end of the summer.
“The Road to One Million”, as proclaimed by the giant flag, is the rallying cry for Northeast Indiana to reach one million residents, the focus of Northeast Indiana’s Regional Cities proposal. Currently, Northeast Indiana’s population is growing at a rate of .7 percent, while benchmarked communities across the United States are growing around 2 percent.
“To be globally competitive, we must focus on quality of life in the region to attract the young talent our businesses need. Our proposal will fast track quality of place projects and help the region become a magnet for talent attraction and business investment,” said John Sampson, president and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. “The tenacity and progressive leadership in Northeast Indiana is growing and you could feel the momentum at Parkview Field last night.”
The Regional Cities Initiative is a public-private partnership proposed and led by Governor Mike Pence with support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). The goal of the Regional Cities Initiative is to make Indiana a magnet for talent by creating a national identity for Indiana cities. Regions have been invited to compete for up to $42 million in state matching funds by submitting proposals with a slate of game?changing, quality of life projects (amenities and attractions that will attract and retain young talent).
See pictures from the event on our Facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com/neindiana.
To find out more about the Regional Cities Initiative, go to www.neindiana.com/regionalcities.
About the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership was formed in 2006 to help build a globally competitive economy in Northeast Indiana. It is a public-private partnership creating business investment by generating business leads, developing product and fostering regional collaboration. In 2010, the Partnership launched Vision 2020 to bring the region together around five key areas for economic growth: 21st Century Talent, Competitive Business Climate, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure and Quality of Life. The 10 counties of Northeast Indiana include Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley. For more information, visit www.NEIndiana.com.About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc.’s main focus is on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. To learn more, visit https://www.greaterfortwayneinc.com/.
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