Important Announcement

PRESS RELEASE

ONE REGION, QUALITY OF LIFE MERGE

Two civic organizations devoted to improving life in Northwest Indiana announced Saturday they have merged.

The Quality of Life Council, founded 20 years ago by leaders of the region’s institutions of higher learning, and the One Region: One Vision initiative, launched five years ago by The Times Media Co., have become One Region: One Vision for Northwest Indiana’s Quality of Life.

J. Guadalupe Valtierra, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College, and Bill Masterson Jr., publisher of The Times, will serve as co-chairmen of the newly formed group.

”There are many great and necessary initiatives that have evolved from these two movements, and having the opportunity to join efforts is a bold statement to the growing ideal of regionalism that will continue to propel us forward,” Valtierra said.

The action oriented group will continue 13 programs developed by the One Region initiative. These range from a regional healthcare council to a mayors’ roundtable to revitalization of the region’s urban core.

The quarterly discussion of issues impacting Northwest Indiana held by the Quality of Life Council will continue under the guidance of a program committee.

“As a board member of the Quality of Life Council and founder of the One Region: One Vision movement, I have had the opportunity to see how a combined effort could be a powerful force to move the region forward in a positive manner,” Masterson said. “I am very excited about the collaborative effort and ready to get to work.”

Leigh Morris, chairman of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and a member of the organizing committee, said the goal of the new group is “to build alliances, set direction, press for action and forge inroads binding communities together to assure Northwest Indiana has a healthy environment, thriving economy and social equity to achieve an unequaled quality of life.”

The organization will be governed by a 15 member executive committee. Those who served on boards of the former groups will also make up an advisory council.

Officers include Masterson, Valtierra, Barb Young, secretary; David Bochnowski, treasurer; Leigh Morris, research committee chairman and Kris Krouse, program committee chairman.

Other executive committee members are Mike Finissi, Mark Maassel, Danita Johnson Hughes, Lou Martinez, Mayor John Costas, Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson, Bill Joiner, Barbara Eason Watkins and Bill Nangle.

Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler presided over the nearly year-long discussions leading to the merger.

Valtierra, speaking on behalf of the area’s higher education leaders, summed up the resultant merger saying “This is an exciting time for northwest Indiana; our future holds bright promise and unbridled potential.”

For added information contact:

J. Guadalupe Valtierra, Chancellor

Ivy Tech Community College Northwest

219-981-4404

Bill Masterson, Publisher

The Times Media Co.

219-933-3330

Last Updated on Saturday, 05 May 2012 17:45

About the QLC Community Online

The QLC Community online is an opportunity for you to engage in dialog about the key quality of life indicators more than ever before.

The Quality of Life Council has been compiling data and insights on the key quality of life indicators for years.

Non-profits, community associations, municipalities, and business have been using this information to make a difference in the region.

Join with others to learn more about the key quality of life indicators, engage in dialog about them, and collaborate with other people in Northwest Indiana.

Inside the QLC Community online you will find groups focusing on each of the key 11 indicators of the Quality of Life Indicators Report, user profiles for people participating in the discussions, and an opportunity for you to join in the discussion.

• View Key Features of the QLC Community Online
• Register or Login to the QLC Community Now

March 2nd Quarterly Thought Provoking

The March 2nd Quarterly meeting of the Quality of Life Council held at Bethel Church in Crown Point proved to be a valuable and thought provoking experience for all those who attended.  We would first like to thank all of the presenters including Ric Frattacia, Mike Berta, Dr. William Washington and Vanessa Ronketto.  Each provided a perspective on education issues facing the Region.  Of significant importance is the need to address parental engagement and involvement especially for the growth of youngsters up through the Third Grade.  By that time the core values of the child have formed and will impact the future of their education.  Of course, parental support through sharing expectations for the pursuit of educational excellence should be an on-going part of life.

Two articles describe the details of the meeting very well.  Just click on the links to read them from the Times and the Post Tribune

Last Updated on Sunday, 04 March 2012 13:23

QLC awarded major Grant

The Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council, Inc. has received a special grant from the John S. And James L. Knight Foundation at Legacy Foundation in the amount of $55,000 to support the production and distribution of the 4th edition report of the quality of life indicators in Northwest Indiana. The report will be used as a widely distributed platform to engage residents and leadership in public discourse.

The Quality of Life Council incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2000 and is chaired on a rotating basis by the Presidents and Chancellors of Northwest Indiana’s six colleges and universities: Calumet College of St. Joseph, Indiana University Northwest, Ivy Tech, Purdue University Calumet, Purdue University North Central, and Valparaiso University.

The Quality of Life Council is a public/private partnership dedicated to promoting economic development, environmental protection, and social equity in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. The Council has evolved into an influential catalyst for positive decision making in Northwest Indiana.

Last Updated on Monday, 09 January 2012 21:21