Posted by Eric Garton on Mar 09, 2020
Welcome to the Elkhart Rotary Club Meeting on March 9, 2020; We welcome Terry Mark, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau, who discussed the CVB's work over the past several years leading to Elkhart County's new 'destination brand', "Well Crafted", launched in January.

Announcements and continuing club reminders for March 9:

  • Jim Rieckhoff provided a brief status update re: the Morning Club's 'merger' relationship with our club beginning July 1; discussions are still moving along, more info coming soon. If you'd like to be involved, join us next Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m. immediately following our regular club meeting.
  • If you'd like to attend one of the Elkhart Morning Rotary meetings, the next meeting is Thursday, March 12 at 7 a.m. at Elkhart Health & Aquatics, enter through the east door. There will be a program this week (2nd Thursday). No breakfast, no charge.
  • Peter Norton for the Grant Committee: This spring's COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS will be accepted through this Friday, March 13. Please share this with not-for-profit leaders you know. This is what we raise funds through weekly fines for!
  • Eric Garton announced our March, 5th Monday Dinner event at the Matterhorn; for details CLICK HERE, RSVP with Eric directly.
  • REMINDERS: 
    • The Marketing Committee is looking for events and volunteer opportunities among our NPO members! Are you a Rotarian who works at a not for profit who needs volunteers or help promoting your events that have volunteer opportunities? Let Erin Wagler know, the committee will help spread the word through our Rotary Facebook page.
    • The Marketing Committee is also looking for help managing the club's Facebook page (and seeks others to help out with the Marketing Committee); have some skills and interested in helping?... let Erin know! 
    • Please consider attending an Elkhart Morning Rotary Club meeting, see Eric Garton or Jim Rieckhoff for that schedule (it varies through the month, but is always held on a Thursday at either 0700 [no breakfast] at Elkhart Health & Aquatics or at an offsite location at 5:30 p.m. - stay tuned for more information!)
  • Meeting Reminders: 
    • An upcoming Caring Committee Meeting on Monday, March 16 (third Monday) at 11:15 at the Matterhorn before our Club Meeting.
Today's speaker was introduced by Eric Garton: Terry Mark, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau, who discussed the CVB's work over the past several years leading to Elkhart County's new 'destination brand', "Well Crafted", launched in January. 
 
About Vibrant Communities:
The Vibrant Communities movement has brought together residents from all walks of life and leaders from across Elkhart County to unite around advocating for quality-of-place, how it engages people to love where they live, and the community and economic benefits that brings. Elkhart County prides itself as a community of makers. It’s a vital part of our past, present and future. Whether it’s RVs or musical instruments or boats, motorcycles and vehicle components or hand-made furniture, craft beer or soap and bath products, being creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial is in our DNA. 
 
Vibrant Communities launched in 2016 to inspire residents to advocate for quality of place as a critical component of improving Elkhart County. Discussions organized by Vibrant Communities in community conversations helped create a 77-item Action Agenda of priority projects, programs and policies to improve downtowns, parks and trails, arts and cultural activities, and resident engagement.
 
By 2019, more than 50 items on the Action Agenda have been completed or started. Progress is ongoing throughout Elkhart County in the area of arts, youth engagement, neighborhoods and communications. The momentum created by investments in quality of place are unmistakable. From the Elkhart River District to Goshen Theatre to Wa-Nee Vision 2020 to growth of arts and cultural programs in Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol to parks and trail development, Elkhart County residents, leaders and investors believe Elkhart County is a place to live, work, play and invest.
Sign up for our monthly email to stay informed on Vibrant Communities (please use the sign up form at the bottom of the page), sign up to be a Vibrant Champion, or get information on how to be more involved in any of our initiatives.
 
Vibrant Communities is an initiative to strengthen Elkhart County’s great communities. The movement is guided by three core beliefs:
  1. Economic growth depends on “quality of place.” Vibrant Communities is a movement focused on the connection between economic vitality and quality of place. We champion initiatives that enhance quality of place and engage residents, businesses and community leaders to celebrate and communicate the attributes that make Elkhart County an exceptional place.
  2. Successful places clearly understand who they are and what they offer. Elkhart County is a community of makers. We are known for being innovative, collaborative and authentic in creating and building our contributions to the world. 
  3. Creativity and collaboration are key to shaping our future. Every person in Elkhart County contributes to our vibrant community, attracting and retaining talent, and sustaining our prosperity and well-being. We contribute to our vibrant community by giving our time and energy to what we are passionate about, by going to a play or concert, by advocating for a park or a school, and by volunteering for community activities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Check out the Well Crafted Destination Brand Launch Video: CLICK HERE TO WATCH
 
Thanks, Terry, for a very informative presentation! If you'd like to learn more about the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau - - or more about great things TO DO in Elkhart County, visit their website.
 
About Rotary:
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, community leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and act to create lasting change – across the globe, in our local communities, and in ourselves. The Elkhart Rotary Club was founded in 1917 and serves its community through volunteerism, providing grants to not-for-profit organizations, sponsoring, and participating in service projects such as ringing bells for the Salvation Army, twice-yearly roadside trash collection, and are the originators and continuing supporters of Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Elkhart Rotary Club’s membership consists of approximately 150 dedicated individuals from various professional backgrounds and diverse interests. Membership in the Elkhart Rotary Club is by invitation. We welcome guests to attend any of our meetings and hear from our great lineup of weekly presenters.
For more information on the Elkhart Rotary Club, visit elkhartrotary.org or email elkhartnoonrotary@gmail.com. Like and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook/ElkhartRotaryClub to stay current on meetings, upcoming events or speakers, and initiatives in the community.
 
Upcoming Meetings and Programs:
Join us for our next meeting:
All meetings are at noon on Mondays at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St. in Elkhart IN, 46514. In months that include a FIFTH Monday, the Elkhart Rotary Club holds an alternative meeting or activity TBD.