History of Vision 2020
Today, we've evolved our Vision 2020 strategy to form its successor Vision 2030. Where Vision 2020 focused on creating a movement, Vision 2030 will focus on action.
In 2010, the Regional Partnership launched the Vision 2020 initiative to bring the region together around five key areas (pillars) for economic growth: 21st Century Talent, Competitive Business Climate, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life. Vision 2020 was a key strategy as we work to build a globally competitive region and to support our mission to increase business investment.
All of this was accomplished through the work of the Regional Partnership staff, Vision 2020 funders, the Regional Opportunities Council (ROC), the investor board for the Regional Partnership, and other community partners who supported this regional initiative.
The Five Pillars
After benchmarking successful regions, we found there was a need for a diverse and comprehensive approach in our economic and community development. We knew that no one focus area—or pillar, if you will—can effectively transform the economy of Northeast Indiana. It’s all about balance. By recognizing the importance of each individual pillar and seeing how the pillars work together, real progressive changes can occur.
Each Vision 2020 pillar was supported by regional priorities. These priorities were actionable strategies to support the five pillars and our mission to increase business investment in Northeast Indiana.
The five pillars and their respective regional priorities listed below were identified as key focus areas that could produce the most significant economic impact on the region.
21st Century Talent
This pillar focused on workforce skills for a knowledge-based economy, an excellent education system, workforce retraining, a strong regional work ethic, and collaboration among businesses and educational institutions.
Priority
Competitive Business Climate
This pillar encompassed globally competitive industry clusters, a diversified economy with a strong manufacturing base, a business-friendly tax and regulatory climate, and a strong regional brand.
Priorities
Entrepreneurship
Our third pillar’s focused on access to venture capital; a strong regional innovation center; formalized entrepreneurship training opportunities; and support services, including research, product development, and marketing.
Priority
- An ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurialism
Infrastructure
The infrastructure pillar zeroed in on regional planning that connects land use, transportation, and infrastructure investments. It also includes affordable energy, enhanced freight, public transit, increased shovel-ready development sites, and expanded broadband service.
Priorities
Quality of Life
Our final pillar embraced vibrant downtowns, the unique character of communities in the region, the stewardship of natural resources, enhanced arts and culture, and development.
