TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana and Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce leaders from across the region say they are reflecting on the past in order to build towards the future in key areas.
Progress has been made on the high school and collegiate levels recently as far as graduation numbers but members said the problem has become retaining those graduates. Indiana Chamber president and CEO Kevin Brinegar said it is not only about retaining residents, but attracting new ones as well.
“Quality of place of being able to retain and attract talented people that you have in your region and that’s kind of the whole underlying principle,” Brinegar said. “I think that will be important and then efforts to hold on to those graduates.”
Marketing is an area local and regional leaders are focusing on as well. One chamber official said a main goal is to make Indiana more attractive.
“When someone hears the name of your region, they want to associate with the brand in a sort of feeling and you can do that by highlighting all the strengths in the region,” Adam Berry, VP of Economic Development & Technology for Indiana Chamber of Commerce, said. “In the county, and not just focusing on one particular city or municipality.”
Marketing has been a key element in growing Terre Haute economically, but there are other areas officials have identified to build upon as well.
“Big steps we’re working on is that ‘(Workforce) Ready Grant’ process and identifying some key projects that can help move our region forward in terms of some of those areas,” Kristin Craig, president of Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, said. “Workforce, housing, quality of life, arts and culture.”
The Terre Haute Chamber announced this summer it will launch its first team Vigo Leadership initiative. It will engage 100 high school students in dynamic leadership training.
