The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership recently celebrated 10 years of community building through the Regional Cities Initiative during its annual Rally the Region event.
“Tonight is about more than updates or metrics – it’s about momentum,” said Bethany Hartley, South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership president and CEO, in a press release. “And this year, we have a special milestone to reflect on: ten years since the launch of the Regional Cities Initiative. Ten years ago, this region came together and said, ‘We can do more, together.’ And we’ve been proving it ever since.”
In 2015, the South Bend – Elkhart region received $42 million through the Indiana Economic Development Corp.’s Regional Cities Initiative. The initiative supported projects such as South Bend’s Howard Park, Hotel Elkhart, Plymouth’s REES Theatre and Mishawaka’s Ironworks. It also led to the creation of the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority, which drives progress through funding initiatives like READI 1.0 and 2.0.
At this year’s Rally the Region event, it was announced that the Region has distributed 72% of its READI 1.0 funds, totaling over $34 million in investment to date. The event also highlighted that the Region’s arts and culture planning process is underway.
The Regional Partnership also announced the creation of a new award. Named for the inaugural winner, Regina Emberton, ChoiceLight CEO, the Ember Award celebrates champions of collaboration and regionalism. Emberton, previously president and CEO of the Regional Partnership, led the process for the Regional Cities Initiative and READI 1.0.
“We know that regionalism isn’t automatic. It doesn’t happen because of luck,” Hartley said. “It happens because people decide to show up, build bridges and keep the fire going – even when it's hard. Regina was there at the beginning of the Regional Cities journey. She helped build a foundation of trust, of shared vision and of action.”
The event also included a welcome from City of Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson, where he announced the upcoming Celebration Under the Stars free concert featuring Kool & the Gang and the Commodores. Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Levon Johnson closed out the event celebrating what makes the Region unique.
