The Indiana Humanities Council and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University will convene the workshop.

Press Release

November 3, 2009

GOSHEN, Ind.—Elkhart County invites local movers and shakers to gather for the inaugural kick-off of HORIZON 2.0 on Nov. 11. This dynamic workshop and networking event will feature innovative national, state, and local leaders who have transformed their communities and invite workshop participants to respond with insights on reshaping the educational and entrepreneurial future of Elkhart County.

“We stand at the forefront of a historic transformation of our economic and social landscape,” said Bill Johnson, chair of the Horizon Project from 2002-2006. “We’re using the HORIZON 2.0 workshop to take a fresh look at our strengths and hear stories from innovative leaders. We’ll use that information to chart a sustainable, creative course for our future.”

Elkhart County was one of four Indiana communities selected to host workshops on issues vital to their communities. The workshop will focus on two key areas of the original Horizon Project plan: education and entrepreneurial innovation. Gerry Dick, president and managing editor, Grow Indiana Ventures; and creator and host of Inside INdiana Business, will serve as the moderator for the event.

Morning session 1: “Horizon Project and HORIZON 2.0, The Next Phase of the Plan”

Featured speakers: Bill Johnson, Horizon Project chair 2002 – 2006, and Dan Boecher, HORIZON 2.0 incoming chair

From 2002 to the present, Bill Johnson has been leading the charge of the Horizon Project, a comprehensive strategy for developing a successful economic formula Elkhart County. Johnson will review the original plan and offer thoughts on the drivers of the future. Boecher will launch the official kick-off of HORIZON 2.0, expanding from the foundation of the original plan.

Morning session 2: “Exploring Twenty-First Century Education Strategies”

Featured speakers: Bart Peterson, senior vice president of corporate affairs and communication at Eli Lilly and Company; former mayor of Indianapolis; and founder and board president of the Mind Trust; and Bob Jorth, executive administrator, Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship

Peterson was the first mayor in the country to be given the authority to issue new charters for public schools. The Kalamazoo Promise scholarship covers four years of tuition and fees for Kalamazoo Public Schools students who attend college in Michigan.

Afternoon session: “Entrepreneurial Innovation for Community Revitalization”

Featured speaker: John Fetterman, Mayor of Braddock, Penn.

Fetterman’s innovative approach to rebuilding Braddock—from the development of urban farms and community orchards to the production of public art and reclamation of abandoned buildings—attracted the attention of Rolling Stone, The New York Times and “The Colbert Report.” Braddock was recently named one of 27 brave thinkers by The Atlantic, and graces this month’s cover.

“Bringing this many leaders together for one day will generate a lot of innovative ideas,” said Dan Boecher, incoming chair of Horizon 2.0, “But the conversation can’t end there. The goal of this initial workshop is to lay the groundwork for implementation. At the end of the day, we’ll figure out ways to gather the necessary resources and make it happen.”

The Indiana Humanities Council and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University will convene the workshop. Local support to launch Horizon 2.0 has been given by Elkhart County Government, the cities of Goshen, Elkhart, and Nappanee, the Elkhart County Community Foundation, and the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

WHAT: HORIZON 2.0: Innovation. Education. Implementation.

WHEN: Wed., Nov. 11, 2009

7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bread and Chocolate Conference Center, 1401 Lincolnway East, Goshen, Ind.

WHO: Bill Johnson, Horizon Project chair 2002 - 2006

Dan Boecher, HORIZON 2.0 incoming chair

Gerry Dick, president and managing editor, Grow Indiana Ventures; and creator and host of Inside INdiana Business

Bart Peterson, senior vice president of corporate affairs and communication at Eli Lilly and Company; former mayor of Indianapolis; and founder and board president of the Mind Trust

Bob Jorth, executive administrator, Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship

John Fetterman, Mayor of Braddock, Penn.

Also participating in the workshops will be the Bowen Center for Public Affairs Co-Directors Sally Jo Vasicko and Ray Scheele, and Indiana Humanities Council President and CEO Keira Amstutz.

Following the workshop, the Bowen Center for Public Affairs will continue to help the region by providing access to resources and ongoing consultation. Several organizations already have joined the Bowen Center for Public Affairs and the Indiana Humanities Council in offering statewide expertise and resources:

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

Additional workshop information, including an agenda and registration can be found at www.elkhartcountyhorizonproject.org.

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 and talk. 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 Elkhart County Horizon Project / HORIZON 2.0

Horizon 2.0 pulls key business, community, civic, and media leaders together to transform Elkhart County by reshaping the educational and entrepreneurial future of our community. Learn more at www.ElkhartCountyHorizonProject.org

Source: Horizon 2.0 Steering Committee and Indiana Humanities Council