Launched in 2011, the Stellar Communities Designation Program is a multi-agency partnership designed to recognize Indiana’s smaller communities that have identified comprehensive community and economic development projects and activities as well as next steps and key partnerships.
Stellar Communities has been recognized nationally as a premier community development program when it received the 2012 President’s Award for Innovation from the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA).
Since 2010, over 60 Hoosier communities have expressed interest in the program and 21 strategic investment plans have been created.
The Stellar Communities Designation Program is a multi-agency partnership designed to recognize Indiana’s smaller communities that have identified comprehensive community and economic development projects and activities as well as next steps and key partnerships. Through annual designation the Stellar Partners work to provide state resources to stimulate local economic activity and to promote sustainability throughout Indiana. Stellar Communities is also a planning program that provides clear direction and action steps for communities with or without Stellar designation. Each of the selected finalists will receive funding for a strategic investment plan (SIP) and a three- to five-year vision of specific projects designed to meet the unique needs of the community. Communities not selected as finalists benefit by increased collaboration between stakeholders that may lead to future projects independent of the program
As you read earlier in my column, Union City is a finalist and Wednesday was the day the committee was to be visiting Union City. The town has been busy preparing for the visit, planning, developing and much more behind the scenes work for this visit. Please show your support and appreciation to the local officials who have worked so diligently to get us into the finalist group. Mayor Bryan Conklin, Frank Miller Lumber, Preservation Society of Union City, Indiana-Ohio, The Art Hub, Carol Strock Wasson Studio, city council, fire department, police department, park department, Uniflex Relay Systems, Ghyslain Chocolatier, Art Association of Randolph County, Wesley United Methodist Church, and all city employees and many more who worked on this project. The winner will be announced in August.
Strock Wasson painting: In August, weekly classes will start again, every Wednesday and Thursday, 12-3. Call for more information and to sign up.
“Union City Painters Group” will continue the Monday morning Plein air sessions Aug. 1, 9 a.m. We are a dedicated group that meets to paint and have fun doing it. We welcome anyone to join us.
Call, text or email for locations. Strock Wasson Studio, 324 W Oak, Union City, IN 47390, 937-459-6492, [email protected]
Stateline Heritage Days Aug. 3-6: The annual Stateline Heritage Days in downtown Union City will carry on the tradition of family and friends getting together for fun, food and entertainment. Performers include the Bulldogs, Mix Factory, St. Right, Spittin Image, Ticket to Ride and the traditional melodrama.
As Union City has become a community of volunteers, together you can make a difference. What have you done for your community this week?
