Elkhart Chamber Creates New Positions

The Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce has selected Andy Jones for the newly-created director of downtown development position. Jones, who most recently served as director of the Elkhart Municipal Airport, will being his new role July 11.

In his new role, the chamber says Jones will work as an advocate for existing downtown businesses and reach out to new businesses to fill vacant storefronts in downtown Elkhart. Chamber President Kyle Hannon says the position fills a missing piece in the chamber’s SoMa initiative, which aims to develop downtown by improving the live, work and play aspects of the area.

"Downtown Elkhart is enjoying improvements in both appearance and businesses," said Hannon. "With Andy joining the team to focus on the downtown business climate, it is really going to take off."

Jones will also work with existing businesses to help them overcome business obstacles and identify incentives for improvement.