The Starke County Economic Development Foundation hosted another informational session about the Regional Stellar Communities Designation Program.
Leaders from Hamlet, North Judson and Knox as well officials at the County level and individuals from other entities looking to get involved in the process gathered at the SCEDF office Wednesday night to receive more details about obtaining “Stellar” status.
OCRA’s Liaison for Northwest Indiana Gerry White returned and this time he was joined by Stellar Community Project Manager Michael Sinnet.
Sinnet went over some of the items that were covered during the first meeting held in June, including the requirement that every entity must have a comprehensive plan that is less than 7 years old. Knox already has a viable comprehensive plan and County officials noted that they have taken steps to get the process started.
He also reiterated that regardless of whether or not the region receives a Stellar designation, this process is beneficial since everyone walks away with solid partnerships in place, plans for the future, and access to resources through the various agencies involved.
Additionally, Sinnet brought some new ideas to the table while discussing how to prepare a letter of intent. For instance, he asked the group to consider who else should be involved in this process at the planning level. Attendees noted that school officials, hospital administrators and business owners would be good people to approach about getting involved.
On a similar note, Sinnet mentioned the importance of a cyclical collaboration versus a hierarchal one.
He explained that though there will be individuals who are more involved in the Stellar planning process, it’s important to include all community members, especially those who may often feel overlooked because their input is also valuable. Gathering as many perspectives as possible will provide a more accurate reflection of what is needed in the region.
Sinnet stressed the importance of assessing assets and mentioned that OCRA offers an asset mapping exercise that shows what beneficial resources already exist in a community and establishes how they can be capitalized on or improved. SCEDF Executive Director Larry Wickert said he would coordinate with Sinnet about hosting that type of exercise to allow local officials to better understand what they’re already working with.
The next step for this local cooperative is to establish a Stellar Committee consisting of individuals who will be able to invest a lot of time and energy into the effort. It is important that at least one representative from each of the involved partners is included.
One of the first responsibilities that these committee members will have is to attend an upcoming series of workshops being offered through OCRA. More information about that opportunity will be provided in the future.
