MCEDC
Community Conversation Follow-up
Recap of Community Conversation in the Pilot News, November 18, 2010
I was pleased to see a diverse representation of our County at the Community Conversation last Wednesday. Unfortunately I had a prior commitment and was unable to participate in the entire program, but I was able to hear the keynote speaker, Richard Longworth, as he spoke about the challenges Marshall County faces. He also took questions from the audience, which were insightful as well as indicative of where those in attendance thought we were headed.
Second Page of Pilot News Article
I hope this is the first of many such “conversations” about Marshall County’s direction for the future. Plymouth has just completed a Wheels of Progress survey. Culver’s Second Century Committee is in the process of reexamining their goals. I’m sure the other communities in Marshall County have their own steering committees to plan for the future. If I took anything out of the conversation Wednesday, it was that we all need to shake off the boundaries imposed by towns, counties and states. We should allow ourselves to think regionally and market ourselves in the same manner. Otherwise we will continue to be left behind. Mr. Longworth indicated that the Midwest didn’t just enter a recession two years ago, but is 30-40 years into a recession that could last a century if we’re not careful. Something for all of us to think about!
Marshall County Community Conversation
Marshall County Economic Development Corp. (MCEDC) is co-sponsoring the Marshall County Community Conversation this Wednesday. If you haven’t yet RSVP’d, I believe they will still take your reservation. Please consider attending as this is an important meeting to determine the direction of Marshall County. There is a key-note speaker and there will be panel discussion and break-out sessions. This should be an educational experience for attendees as well as the co-sponsors. Make your voice heard!
I continue to represent Culver on the Marshall County Economic Development Board. If you are unable to attend, but have concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me and I will make sure your issues are considered.
Community Conversation on Economic Development
Marshall County residents are invited to a public conversation about a critical issue—building community and economic development strategies—on November 17 at Swan Lake Resort. The one-day event is part of the Community Conversations series, convened with support from the Indiana Humanities Council and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University. Marshall County was one of eight regions selected.
National, state and local experts in community and economic development will share emerging trends and opportunities to benefit rural counties. The event will feature a keynote address by Richard Longworth, author of Caught in the Middle: America’s Heartland in the Age of Globalism. A free copy of Longworth’s book will be provided to the first fifty (50) people who register to attend.
The morning session will be titled “Turn on the Lights,” and encourage Marshall County residents to think strategically about long-term opportunities for the region. The afternoon session, called, “Connecting the Grid,” will discuss connections to neighboring counties, states and the world. The event will feature several breakout sessions to maximize discussion among participants.
There is a $15 registration fee for the day, which includes program materials and lunch. To register, call the Marshall County Community Foundation at 574-935-5159, visit www.marshallcountycf.org or e-mail jgoepfrich@marshallcountycf.org by November 12. You can download an invitation here.
The cost of the speakers, planning and promotion will be covered by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs, the Indiana Humanities Council. After the meeting, the Bowen Center for Public Affairs will provide additional consultation as needed.
Local event planning partners include:
- Marshall County Community Foundation
- Marshall County Economic Development Corporation
- Bremen Chamber of Commerce
- United Way of Marshall County
Additional event sponsors include:
- NIPSCO
Several statewide partners have committed to lending their expertise and support to the Community Conversation series, including:
- Indiana Chamber of Commerce
- Association of Indiana Counties
- Indiana Association of Cities and Towns
- Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick
- Indiana Grantmakers Alliance
- Indiana Association for Community Economic Development
- Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs
- Indiana Office of Tourism Development
- Community Based Projects, Ball State University
- Indiana Farm Bureau
About the Indiana Humanities Council
The Indiana Humanities Council connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read, talk and listen. As a convener, leader and partner, the Council promotes the public humanities and engages Indiana’s community of minds to create stronger, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.
About the Bowen Center for Public Affairs
The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University advances the ideals of civic literacy, community involvement, and public service exemplified by the career of Dr. Otis R. Bowen. The Center leads the way in Indiana toward an energized citizenry and vital community life. Learn more at www.bsu.edu/bowencenter.
About the Marshall County Community Foundation
The mission of the Marshall County Community Foundation is to serve all of Marshall County, its people and its future through the growth and administration of endowment funding and philanthropy. Learn more at www.marshallcountycf.org.
About the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation
The mission of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation is to expand and diversify the economy of the county by fostering investment in new and existing facilities and creating entrepreneurial capacity. Learn more at www.marshallcountyedc.org.
About the Bremen Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Bremen Chamber of Commerce is to unite local businesses and support economic vitality, community prosperity and quality of life. Learn more at www.bremenchamberofcommerce.com
About the United Way of Marshall County
The United Way of Marshall County is creating lasting changes by advancing the common good. The community organization invests in the building blocks for a good life: Education, Income and Health. Learn more at www.marshallcountyuw.org
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