Muncie, IN The Regional Leadership Forum will present the latest insights into how to develop competitive economic and community development strategies through collaboration, open dialogue, leveraging human capital and cultural assets, and fostering a shared vision for the East Central Indiana region across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. This year’s Regional Leadership Forum has the overarching theme of helping regions connect to resources at the State level. The discussions and actions taken during the Regional Forum will act as catalysts to create a vision for the East Central Indiana’s future economic development and quality of life.

The East Central Indiana Leadership Forum will be held July 18th, from 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, at the Ball State University Alumni Center, 2800 W. Bethel Ave., Muncie. The Forum is organized by the Indiana Humanities Council and being hosted by Energize-ECI. Additional supporting sponsors include the National Endowment For the Humanities and the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs. Presenting speakers include: a representative for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation giving a presentation on "Accelerating Growth" and Marty Morrow, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Technology Officer from Indiana’s Department of Workforce Development will give a presentation on workforce initiatives. Following the presentations will be a facilitated. open discussion of community and economic development topics. The objective is to create commitment and encourage collaboration among local organizations to tackle the key challenges of the region.

For online registrations to participate in the July 18th Forum, please go to www.indianahumanities.org, or phone Andrew Lee at the Indiana Humanities Council - 317.638.1500. Breakfast will be served for those registering in advance to attend.

Energize-ECI is a public/private partnership advancing economic development activities for a nine-county area of East Central Indiana, including: Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush and Wayne counties; plus the City of Anderson.