Governor Eric Holcomb joined The NWI Forum and over 600 guests at the IGNITE the Region Luncheon in Michigan City to celebrate the continued success of Northwest Indiana’s first regional economic development plan titled IGNITE (Northwest Indiana’s Strategy for Economic Transformation). This plan fueled the $50 Million READI 1 award that is now translating to well over $700 million worth of total investment throughout Northwest Indiana.
Heather Ennis, President & CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum discussed major accomplishments over the past five years through the IGNITE plan, unveiled a new regional marketing plan coined “GO NWI”, and discussed key initiatives that will continue to drive Northwest Indiana’s economy forward and create unique and exciting opportunities within Northwest Indiana. These initiatives are as follows:
Opportunity Campuses: Create multi-partner opportunity campuses to drive workforce
readiness, access to resources and hubs of entrepreneurship across the region.
Advanced Energy Sector: Advancing Alternative Energy technologies that are sustainable
and affordable. Building out the infrastructure to fully leverage assets to cultivate investment and innovation in NWI.
Sustainable Destination Development: Refine, develop, and enhance assets that improve accessibility for visitors and residents to our natural assets. Create a convention center in Northwest Indiana and an inn near the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Economic Investment Ready Assets: Assemble land and revolving loan fund to identify and remediate land for target industry sectors and residential development.
Industry Innovation & Creative Culture: Grow NWI’s creative cultural experiences and
resources needed to increase industry innovation and business startups.
“Our regional partners are doing much of the heavy lifting. Our business community continues to support and drive change. I am beyond amazed at Northwest Indiana’s ability to outperform itself, and the best is yet to come. Greater opportunities truly exist here.” said Heather Ennis, President & CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum.
Additionally, during a special segment of the luncheon, Gov. Holcomb presented Ennis with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award. The Sagamore of the Wabash is one of the highest distinctions in the State of Indiana, reserved for individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts on the state and its communities.
This honor is a testament to Mrs. Ennis’ unwavering dedication to Northwest Indiana, focus on key economic development initiatives, and her remarkable leadership throughout the Region and State.
