Seeking Smaller Indiana "hotspots" (outside Indy)

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Permalink Reply by Betsey Merkel on May 22, 2008 at 8:38am

Pat,

This is a great idea to identify and connect activity that may not be obvious from the beltway, but exists loud and clear in every community. The idea of seeking out to better understand the role Smaller Indiana serves can only yield new opportunities 10 fold for everyone who participates. This is a wonderful example of Strategic Doing: building innovation networks to strengthen alignment of local assets and accelerate transformational activity. Let us know how the new practices and tools of Open Source Economic Development at I-Open can support your work.

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Permalink Reply by Betsey Merkel on May 22, 2008 at 9:26am

Linking and Leveraging Learning from Smaller Indiana in Northeast Ohio: I've posted the "hotspot" example to our local REALNEO community as a learning moment followed up with two questions:

What could the Smaller Indian "hotspot" example look like here in Northeast Ohio? and,
How could we connect Smaller Indiana and Northeast Ohio hotspots?

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Permalink Reply by Rae Kridel on May 22, 2008 at 8:39am

When I lived in Bloomington and worked on campus, the Usenet community there was thriving; a very dedicated bunch of people across campus and the town, who communicated in ongoing discussions. The university retired their Usenet server and groups a few years ago, and I'll bet that something like Smaller Indiana would really thrive there. I can still remember all the stuff I bought and sold on iu.forsale and some of the really funny conversations on iu.gripe.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Hartz on May 22, 2008 at 8:59am

I agree with the Bloomington sentiments. We're already on our way to creating a local online community. The biggest challenge Bloomington has is bridging the gap between the university and the community. Startup Weekend helped with that, and I think Smaller Indiana would further that goal.

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Permalink Reply by Nicki Laycoax on May 22, 2008 at 9:30am

Pat,

I tend to enjoy a challenge. I have selected Gary, Indiana for a few different reasons; one being that there is such negative feedback when anyone says Gary, Indiana... I will be in the region this weekend for a wedding and will keep this poll and discussion in mind and offer feedback. We will be going to the Marquette Pavilion. We'll also visit the shores of Lake Michigan-Indiana Dunes...

I have also been communicating with the Gary Chamber about any interest that they may have with the Community Days that Squish and Creo Quality are doing for Morgan County. In addition, I have begun trying to give Gary residents that have the skills that we need, an opportunity to help us with upcoming projects. I posted an ad on Craig's List asking for samples of their work, and requiring that they actually live in Gary, as I know that the economy is bad (median salary $25k), and anything I can do to help, especially if it's the youth, I'm going to...

I would love to be a part of the "Smaller Indiana Road Tour". Let me know if I can help!

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Permalink Reply by Phil Barcio on May 22, 2008 at 10:05am

I second Nicki's observations.

Gary is the municipal equivalent of a homeless family. It gets marginalized and generalized by the media, executives and politicians around the state. Many Gary residents feel disenfranchised.

Smaller Indiana has an opportunity in Gary to re-engage whoever there might be looking for ways for the city to start clawing its way back into the conversation.

That said, I admit I voted for Bloomington.

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Permalink Reply by Nicki Laycoax on May 22, 2008 at 10:39am

Phil..

Thank you for that! You are actually the first person, aside from my partner, that I have expressed my thoughts on Gary with, that hasn't called me crazy!

I also appreciate you admitting what city you voted for! :)

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Permalink Reply by Jason Williams on May 22, 2008 at 11:14am

Speaking of Purdue, where's West Lafayette (Greater Lafayette Area) on the list?

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Permalink Reply by Chris Flener on May 23, 2008 at 4:44pm

Sorry Rich, but I had to comment on this post.

First, "Southern Indiana" was not even represented by the three cities you mentioned. All three are in the same vicinity, and are further north than a much, much larger population in the actual southern Indiana, Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, Pike, and Spencer Counties.

Second, the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana is the second largest Chamber in the state at this time, and I would venture to say that the Fort Wayne and the Region have as big or bigger Chambers as well.

I type in jest though, I think getting Smaller Indiana outside of Indy is very important, and would love to see it in both of the "Southern Indianas".

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Permalink Reply by Steven Chase Spurgeon on May 22, 2008 at 2:58pm

Check out what is happening in Orange county. Paoli is the county seat.
We have an active volunteer driven community development organization that operates two outstanding farmer's markets and was the principle driving force behind The Lost River Co-op, doing business as Lost River Market and Deli. This is a natural foods grocery focusing on locally produced food along with the normal mix of nationally available products.

Visit www.lostrivercoop.com

Steven

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Permalink Reply by Rich Boling on May 23, 2008 at 6:39pm

Steven,

We're building a cabin in Orange County right now. The people I've met there have been terrific! And thanks for the link to Lost River. I'll be sure to stop in and check it out.

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Permalink Reply by Jon D. Speer on May 22, 2008 at 3:08pm

I voted for Muncie for a few reasons:
1. Has anyone been paying attention to Ball State lately? They are doing some fantastic work in entrepreneurship.
2. Energize ECI is a regional economic development organization that is trying to bring together east central Indiana--of which Muncie is a part.
3. There are many communities in east central Indiana that could use a boost (e.g. Richmond, Connersville, Muncie, Marion)

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