The 32-member Steering Committee for the Vibrant Communities initiative kicked off their effort in October and November with this initial planning meetings. The group will lead the process from start to finish, and represent a wide range of interests from across our county. The group is made up of community leaders, elected officials, and residents. It was formed to be a representative body to provide a voice to the county’s many diverse interests. The Steering Committee is charged with guiding the process and the substance of the recommendations. They’ll meet throughout the process and provide guidance and direction to each community as it puts together its plan.
The Vibrant Communities Steering Committee
Co-chairs:
Dallas Bergl, Inova FCU
Gina Leichty, Eyedart Creative Studio
Members:
Grace Bonewitz, Middlebury Chamber of Commerce
Mark Brinson, City of Goshen
Jeff Burbrink, Purdue Extension
David Daugherty, Goshen Chamber
Arvis Dawson, Resident
Mark Dobson, EDC of Elkhart County
Bruce Eldridge, Millersburg Water/Economic Development
David Foutz, Elkhart County Council
Chris Godlewski, Elkhart County Planning & Development
Lisa Guedea Carreno, Elkhart Public Library
Kyle Hannon, Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce
Robert Haworth, Elkhart Community Schools
Curtis Hill, Elkhart County Prosecutor
Mike Huber, ECCVB
Phil Jenkins, City of Nappanee
Allan Kauffman, Mayor – City of Goshen
Eric Kanagy, RedPost
Faiz Khoja, STIFEL – The Elkhart Group
Levi King, King Corporation
Bill Lavery, Whisler & Lavery
Diana Lawson, ECCVB
John Leavitt, Salem Insurance
Launa Leftwich, Goshen College
Mary Ann Lienhart-Cross, Purdue Extension
Phil Metzler, Goshen
Tim Neese, Mayor of Elkhart
Shannon Oakes, The Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Amish Shah, Kem Krest
Jill Sigsbee, The Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Jeremy Stutsman, Mayor of Goshen
James Turnwald, MACOG
Suzanne Weirick, Resident
Crystal Welsh, City of Elkhart
Mike Yoder, Elkhart County Commissioner
John Yoder, Friends of the Pumpkinvine
Rick Zeeff, Blue Zones Project
Looks like the Steering Committee is missing an essential driving force in the development, health, and appeal of communities everywhere – A leading member of the real estate profession. It’s difficult to imagine how your work can be well-focused or practical without the input of someone involved in the marketing of residential real estate.