About NEISDC
The Commission is mandated by the Legislature to prepare a five-year strategic plan (with the initial plan spanning 2023–2028) that aligns regional and state resources to accomplish these objectives. It serves as the conduit for at least $15 million in state funding to be deployed in the region annually. In addition to the funding allocated by the Indiana legislature, public money serves as an opportunity to acquire matching dollars from private industry.
The Commission acts as an advocate for the funding and policies that support the recommendations in the five-year strategic plan. Existing regional organizations—from the Partnership and the RDA to the Chamber and the LEDO Council—act as the primary entities responsible for leading and facilitating the implementation of their respective portions of the strategic plan.
Northeast Indiana Five-Year Plan (2023–2028)
The Northeast Indiana Five-Year Plan provides targeted recommendations designed to maximize the Commission’s impact on the Northeast Indiana economy. There are three overarching goals of Talent Attraction and Retention, Talent Development and Housing that are facilitated by the NEISDC's foundational role of Planning, Advocacy, Funding and Oversight. Together, these goals represent the most pressing strategic priorities for the region to pursue over the next five years, supported by the fiscal resources distributed by the state legislature.
Our Goals
Expand the regional labor pool by positioning Northeast Indiana as a premier location to live in the Midwest.
Strengthen the existing quantity and quality of the regional labor force.
Meet growing residential demand by optimizing land use, building out infrastructure and increasing density.
Explore Northeast Indiana's Plan
Next Steps
Although the Commission was formed in September 2021, its real work begins at the delivery of this plan to the Indiana legislature. Equipped with the framework above and the specific strategies and actions that follow, the Commission seeks $15 million in annual funding to implement the projects, programs and initiatives. This process requires ongoing, active collaboration between the Commission (as the overseeing body) and regional and local economic development organizations (as the executing bodies).
In its new role as the conduit between the state and Northeast Indiana, the Commission advocates for and defends that annual funding stream, providing the region’s stakeholders with
Though not an easy task, the region, and its leadership are well-positioned to translate this strategic plan into a brighter, more prosperous economic future for Northeast Indiana.
Members
- Ron Turpin, Chairman & CFO, Ambassador Enterprises
- Travis Holdman, Indiana State Senator, District 19
- Michael Vanover, CEO, Clean Fuels National
- Andrew Briggs, Director, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp.
- Richard Strick, Mayor of the City of Huntington
- Sharon Tucker, Fort Wayne City Councilwoman, 6th District
- Keith Thornton, City of Fort Wayne, Community Development Manager
- Steven McMichael, Mayor of the City of New Haven
- Cary Groninger, Kosciusko County Commissioner
- Bill Konyha, President & CEO, Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana
- Stéphane Frijia, President & CEO, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
The Northeast Indiana Five-Year Plan provides targeted recommendations designed to maximize the Commission’s impact on the Northeast Indiana economy.
