LaPorte County Organizations Form Economic Development Alliance

WESTVILLE – A number of key LaPorte County organizations joined hands Friday, Feb. 20 to form the LaPorte County Economic Development Alliance, a partnership dedicated to countywide coordination, cooperation and collaboration of economic development-related efforts and activities.

The Alliance brings together the cities of LaPorte and Michigan City and the various LaPorte County towns and communities; the LaPorte County Commissioners and County Council; the Chambers of Commerce from Michigan City, LaPorte, Westville and Wanatah; the Michigan City Economic Development Corp.; the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corp. and Purdue University North Central.

Representatives agreed they are united in the goal of collaborating ideas, interests, personalities and personnel to enhance LaPorte County’s economic development efforts and opportunities.

Members of the new Alliance will work in areas that include transportation, air quality, infrastructure, land use, zoning, tax incentives, workforce development, funding, rural development, business attraction, business expansion and marketing – in all areas of LaPorte County.

“We are all interested in preserving the future of LaPorte County,” said PNC Chancellor James B. Dworkin. “We have more resources and a more powerful voice if we work together to accomplish our common goals.”

PNC will offer University personnel to support Alliance activities and research and will make its facilities available for Alliance meetings.

“This is a significant step forward for all of LaPorte County. It is our declaration that we are going to act together to secure the future of LaPorte County,” said LaPorte Mayor Leigh Morris. “I am confident this group will be incredibly successful in its mission.”

Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie also voiced optimism that the new Alliance will unite communities, businesses and organizations within LaPorte County.

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