Jasper moves forward with the Indiana HomeTown Competitiveness Initiative; seeking volunteers
Jasper has been selected as a participant in the Indiana Hometown Competitiveness Program (IHTC) for the 2011 class. This is not just a one year program. It is an initiative that will provide the future leadership in Jasper for many years to come.
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As a community that has always prided itself on its entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic and high quality standard of living, this is a perfect time to capitalize on those strengths and make Jasper, Indiana an even better place to live and work. The HTC process will help us tap into the potential of our community, focus our efforts and create a vibrant future for all of our citizens.
As Community Catalyst, Mona Hoffman has been asked to lead the HTC initiative. Supporting Mona in her role is Nancy Eckerle as Community Coordinator. Mona and Nancy will serve on the the Steering Committee along with Alan Johnson, Rick Stradtner, Terry Seitz, Jim Skillman and Diane Schwenk. Also serving on the Steering Committee are the six pillar chairs: Allison Baer – Youth Pillar; Brent Sternberg – Philanthropy Pillar; Andrea Hedinger – Leadership Pillar; Ann Recker – Entrepreneurship Pillar; Donna Oeding – Families Pillar and Jake Bower – Inclusiveness Pillar.
The Indiana Resource Team supporting the IHTC program has appointed Sue Ellspermann, Director, Center for Applied Research at USI. We are pleased to have Sue’s expertise to guide us and also the fine example and support of our neighboring community of Ferdinand.
The Pillar Chairs are seeking volunteers to assist in Phase One which will last through December of 2011. Phase One consists of the community creating a management structure (which we have done already by appointing the steering committee and pillar chairs) in order to conduct local assessments and surverys of history, context, issues and available assets. Following the completion of Phase One, stratetic opportunities and goals will be established for each pillar.
Our pillar chairs just completed a training session on August 15th. We are also in the process of recruiting team members for each of the committees. On September 19th we will be holding a community kick-off event to share more about the JasperHTC as well as generate excitement and support for this fantastic opportunity! This Community Celebration will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and be part of this celebration and opportunity to be involved in the future of Jasper.
