WINAMAC — With Pulaski County’s selection as one of the six Indiana communities to be part of the new Hometown Collaboration Initiative, the county’s economic development leaders are hoping local residents will be willing to say what they think about the county’s key strengths and challenges.
The county’s community development commission is conducting a survey that will help leaders figure out which direction to take their efforts.
“The questions primarily cover residents’, or people who work here, perspectives on leadership in the county, both elected and civic, economic development growth progress, that sort of thing, and quality of life, quality of place,” Nathan P. Origer explained. “The whole purpose of having it set up like that is to help us discern which of the three building blocks to pursue.”
Origer, executive director of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission, referred to the three areas HCI communities may choose to focus on developing: economy, leadership and “placemaking,” or emphasis on a hometown’s natural and built resources.
Residents are encouraged to weigh in on those three major topics.
“Input from residents is critical,” Origer said. “The future of this community cannot be left to the hands of the HCI coordinating committee alone, but must be the fruit of a truly inclusive process.”
The survey may be completed online or on paper and takes about 7 to 8 minutes of rating statements on a scale from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” Space is also available for residents who wish to make other comments.
The online HCI survey is available at www.indianaHCI.org/Pulaski, or complete a paper version of the survey available at the following locations: Pulaski County Courthouse (Auditor’s Office), Pulaski County Public Library (Winamac and Medaryville branchs), Francesville-Salem Township Public Library, and Monterey-Tippecanoe Township Public Library.
Organizers ask that each resident complete only one survey before Friday, April 24.
“It is important that we continue to invest in our county’s growth, retention, and overall prosperity, but we can’t do this effectively without understanding the needs of those who have a vested interest in Pulaski County,” Ryan Harrison, one of HCI’s 15 committee members, added.
Pulaski County residents will also have the opportunity to learn more about survey results and to share their opinions at the upcoming community forum at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7.