UNION CITY, Ind. — Union City’s Vision Corner project begins 2023 with a formal announcement of a corporate partnership with Citizens State Bank, signaling continuing momentum in the economic development portion of Vision Corner strategy.

Vision Corner began as a brainstorming session between Union City Mayor Chad Spence and Randolph Eastern School Corporation Superintendent Aaron Black. The topic: Could a constructive use be made of the long-abandoned Apothecary Shop at Columbia and Pearl? The visual goal was clear: to convert an eyesore symbolic of past economic hardship into a symbol of Union City revitalization. Original focus was inclusion, downtown, of Randolph Eastern School’s KISS-TV and DECA/Apache hands-on learning programs.

Union City Mayor Chad Spence explains the expanding scope: “As the Vision Corner concept has matured, the inclusion of career-focused adult education has become part of the vision, giving Vision Corner a direct role in Union City economic development and downtown revitalization. The announcement of corporate partnership by Citizens State Bank represents another important step forward.”

Citizens State Bank’s Chairman & CEO, Daniel Maddox, stated, “Our mission is to help our communities succeed, and 2023 is our 150th anniversary. As part of that celebration, we’ve pledged to increase participation in community projects focusing on the future, and Vision Corner checks every box. We’re thrilled to support this exciting opportunity for Union City and the surrounding areas.”

Although construction was slowed by Covid 19 and supply chain issues, Vision Corner has accomplished the goal of removing an eyesore and anchoring the downtown revitalization effort that is progressing steadily. Vision Corner has provided learning opportunities in business locations and in “borrowed” school facilities. Opening of the building is slated for late summer, and the entire facility is slated for late in the year.