#NEIpride Instagram Contest results show regional pride among Millennials

#NEIpride Instagram Contest results show regional pride among Millennials

By Jaclyn Goldsborough of The News-Sentinel

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 - 9:15 am

The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, through its Millennial 2020 initiative, and Wunderkammer Company announced the winners of the #NEIpride Instagram photo contest.

Area Millennials, roughly ages 17-29, submitted 121 photos on Instagram showcasing why they are proud to call Northeast Indiana their home.

"I was in awe at the quantity and quality of the photos submitted. We have some ingenious young talent here and their creativity and pride have been an inspiration,” said Sonya Snellenberger, Millennial 2020 specialist at the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, in a press release.

Of the photos submitted, 10 were chosen as winners-a top nine plus a People's Choice Winner who received the most likes on Instagram.

First place went to Allyson Lepley of LaGrange County. The photo depicted a quintessential Indiana.

"I submitted a photo from our wedding when we snuck off from the 600 guests at the ceremony to have a moment together. The pickup truck was my grandpa's and my wedding dress was my late grandmother Susan's, who I unfortunately never met,” said Lepley in a press release.

Courtney Tritch, ‎Vice President of Marketing at Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, said the contest engaged young people in the region.

“We want Millennials to take a moment and think about what Northeast Indiana is offering. There's a lot going on and a lot momentum happening and we want them to share that with their peers and others on social media. We can generate momentum as result of that,” she said,

Tritch said the contest connects with the Regional Cities Initiative when it comes to sharing local passion for quality of life.

All of the winners won great prize packages from around the region. First prize included a 3-month YMCA Pass; 2 passes to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary; 1 $20 Gas Card; and 2 passes for a Debrands Tour.

To view all the winning photos, visit http://www.millennial2020.com/blog/neipride-winners.