Institute prepares county leaders for change
By Theresa Replogle Contributing writer

Seven representatives from Carroll County are participating in a Regional Leadership Institute sponsored by Indiana University Kokomo.

The institute is funded by an Indiana Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant.

Leaders from a 14-county region of northwestern Indiana have joined. Representing Carroll County are: Justin Darling, Delphi Police Chief; John MacOwan, Business Consultant, Director of Adult Education for Tecumseh Area Partnership and North White School Corporation; Eric Flora, owner of Brenneco, Inc.; Anita Werling, Delphi Preservation Society member; Daryl Smith, Executive Director of Carroll County Economic Development Corporation; Sana Booker, Executive Director of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce; and Julia Leahy chamber assistant.

Candy Norman, Of IUK's Office of Business and Community Outreach, describes the nominees as citizens who are already leaders. The institute will not train them to be leaders. Norman said she worked through the community foundation and the EDC to find people who were active in the community.

The purpose of the institute is, "the development of a network of regional leaders who work on projects together across county boundaries," according to a press release from Norman. The 14 counties are Benton, Warren, Fountain, White, Tippecanoe, Montgomery, Carroll, Clinton, Tipton, Howard, Miami, Cass, Wabash and Fulton.

This region was chosen by the federal department of labor as an area in need of development, Norman said.

There has been one meeting of the new group. Their first assignment was to read a book called "Caught in The Middle: America's Heartland in the Age of Globalism," by Richard Longworth. The book is the story of challenges faced by the Midwest such as the future of agriculture, immigration, education, and efficient working of government. Norman said participants also spent the day, "analyzing the strengths and challenges of the region and outlining an identity for the region,"

The next meeting is scheduled for March. In the meantime, participants will meet in smaller groups in their immediate areas to "build coalitions and identify areas of common interest," she said. Participants will also visit areas of the country where the regional economy concept has already been successful.

Chief Darling said the Carroll, Clinton, White region has already held a good discussion about the region's global presence.

"I think it's going to be really good for the region. It helps us get connected with other counties. Getting connected opens up communication," he said.

Darling said he believes knowing other leaders will make it easier to reach out to them and will benefit emergency services.

Flora describes the institute as a chance for Carroll County to look outside. He used the example of attracting a factory. He said perhaps the region would be more likely to do so, and it could still benefit the economy of Carroll County.

"Everything continues to change. If you keep doing what you're doing, you're going to be left behind," Flora said.