Dubois County to host series of Community Conversations

Three sessions will feature guest speakers, engaging discussions

Dubois County residents are invited to attend a series of Community Conversations this fall on the importance of place. Each session will feature guest speakers and breakout sessions for attendees to discuss ways to maximize Dubois County?s strengths and position it for the future. The three-part series, called ?The importance of place: Who we are, what we are and where we?re going,? will include a session in Jasper, Ferdinand and Huntingburg.

The series is part of the Community Conversations program, organized and facilitated by Indiana Humanities and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University. After an application period in early 2012, Dubois County was one of five communities in the state of Indiana to be selected for a Community Conversation. Vincennes University Jasper Campus led the application effort.

Sessions include:

Session 1: Who and what are we

Wed., Sept. 12, 7:30 ? 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast, Arnold F. Habig Community Center, $10

Professor Michael Hicks, director of the Ball State University Center for Business and Economic Research, will present his findings from the Community Asset Inventory, an analysis of data for all Indiana counties. He will highlight factors that include education, health, government impact, economy, arts and entertainment, recreation and public amenities. His report will illustrate how these factors affect quality of life and economic growth. Professor Hicks will provide an in-depth review of Dubois County.

Session 2: How do we engage our residents?

Wed., Oct. 17, 11 a.m. ? 1 p.m.,

Lunch, Ferdinand Community Center, $15

The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl was considered one of the most successful productions in NFL history because the organizers found ways to engage the entire state in the planning and production of all the related attractions. Mike Harmless and Amy Vaughan helped lead the statewide outreach efforts and will be here to tell us how they did it and how small communities can apply the principles they developed.

Session 3: Where do we go from here?

Wed., Nov. 14, 6:30 ? 8:30 p.m.

Dinner, Huntingburg Event Center, $25

This session will concentrate on what we have learned and how we can determine our future. The Ferdinand and Jasper Home Town Competitiveness teams will discuss what they learned from research surveys they conducted to learn about their communities? strengths and opportunities for improvement. We will review reports from the discussion groups held at the first two Community Conversation sessions and postulate some steps to move forward.

?We look forward to learning from authorities with deep and broad knowledge about what makes for effective, progressive communities,? said Dr. Alan Johnson, dean of Vincennes University Jasper Campus. ?We think those presentations will lead to engaging conversations about our people, our communities and our future.?

Local partners also include the City of Huntingburg, Huntingburg Chamber of Commerce, City of Jasper, Jasper Chamber of Commerce, Town of Ferdinand and Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce. Jasper was selected in 2009 to host a Community Conversation on local government reform.

?Dubois County has a rich history and a promising future. However, community leaders know that it takes a strong vision to be successful in the 21^st century,? said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. ?This type of conversation, which explores best practices, encourages critical thinking and fosters civil dialogue, allows the entire community to shape that vision.?

Registration is available online at http://duboiscountycc1.eventbrite.com or by contacting Jim McFaul, VUJC, at 812.481.5909 or jmcfaul@vinu.edu. Also visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dccommunityconversation.

About Indiana Humanities

Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. As a convener, leader and partner, Indiana Humanities promotes the public humanities and engages Indiana?s community of minds to create stronger, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

About the Bowen Center for Public Affairs

The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University advances the ideals of civic literacy, community involvement, and public service exemplified by the career of Dr. Otis R. Bowen.?The Center leads the way in Indiana toward an energized citizenry and vital community life. Learn more at www.bsu.edu/bowencenter.

Source: http://huntingburgchamberofcommerce.org/dubois-county-to-host-series-of-community-conversations/

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