Region Seeks ‘Unified’ Front

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The chancellor of Purdue University Calumet is taking a leadership role in a quality of life initiative in northwest Indiana. Tom Keon will serve as co-chair of the “One Region Initiative,” which is designed to bring community leaders together to promote and improve the region's assets. He says one of the biggest challenges is that communities have “almost taken on an adversarial role” instead of working together to attract resources and investment. Keon will serve a two-year term and co-chair with Times Media Co. Publisher Chris White.

Hammond, Ind. — Purdue University Calumet Chancellor Thomas L. Keon has joined Chris White, publisher of The Times Media Company, as co-chair of the One Region initiative.

“I am eager to serve with Chris and other community and business leaders committed to making a difference in our region,” Keon said. “Through collaboration, One Region allows examination and strategic response to key region issues. It is exciting to be part of an effort that looks at so many components to bring positive change to Northwest Indiana.”

Improving NW Indiana quality of life

Keon's term as co-chair is for two years. He succeeds Indiana University Northwest Chancellor William J. Lowe.

Initiated by The Times, One Region serves to improve Northwest Indiana’s quality of life by uniting the region’s varied interests.

'Working together . . . for a thriving future'

“Ours is a unique and diverse region, comprised of distinctive communities with their own opportunities, challenges and concerns,” White said. “Together, we have greater opportunities for advancement than any of us would have on our own. By working together, we will be best positioned for a thriving future.”

Dennis Rittenmeyer, retired president of Calumet College of St. Joseph, serves as executive director of One Region.

Established in 2012, One Region is a consolidation of the former One Region One Vision initiative and Quality of Life Council, both of which were introduced by The Times in 2008. The coalition identified 16 topical areas of region impact for attention and action plan development.

Source: Purdue University Calumet

Editor's Note: Inside INdiana Business is a newsgathering partners with The Times of Northwest Indiana, a publication of The Times Media Co.