Newton County will conduct the first “convening” across the seven counties to encourage greater dialogue among leaders in this northwest geographic region of Indiana. Billed as a “Conversation for our Future,” it will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.
This meeting of local leaders will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (CST) at the Newton County Government Center, 4117 South 240 West, Morocco, IN. Reservations must be made by calling Jennifer Whaley, economic development director, at (219) 285-0653.
Up to 10 community meetings could be held as part of the “Dare to Dream: One Vision/One Region” initiative launched by Ivy Tech Northwest and the region’s partners, including the six other colleges and universities.
“We congratulate the leaders of Newton County, and especially the Newton County Economic Development agency for kicking off this series,” said J. Guadalupe Valtierra, Chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest.
At this convening, local leaders will engage in a “conversation” about the future of the county, plus explore opportunities to work together with leaders of surrounding counties. Vince Galbiati, president, Northwest Indiana Forum, will address “Economic Development in a Global Economy.” Breakout sessions will be conducted on key areas to focus on opportunities.
Leaders will be asked to address: 1) what are the strengths of each county; 2) what is “great” about each county that could be communicated with other counties; and 3) how could the “greatness” be enhanced through cooperation and collaboration.
“Our aim is to encourage a broader view of leaders beyond their respective county,” said O’Merrial Butchee, director, Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, based at the Gary campus. The center is spearheading the initiative funded with a $400,000 grant from Knight Foundation.
The goal is to encourage communication, cooperation and collaboration among leaders by conducting community-based convenings in all seven counties. The counties are: Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke Counties. Convenings will be held through October 27, 2009 across the seven counties. The next convening will be for residents of LaPorte County on July 14, 2009, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. hosted by Purdue University North Central.
The other sponsors of this 7-county initiative are: Calumet College of St. Joseph; The Center of Workforce Innovations; Indiana University Northwest; Purdue University Calumet; Purdue University North Central; Saint Joseph’s College; The Times Media Company; and Valparaiso University.
“Dare to Dream…” was launched by almost 100 leaders representing all seven counties at Fair Oaks Farms on April 30. For information, contact O’Merrial Butchee or John Davies, managing director, Society of Innovators, (219) 981-4942.
