As a region, we often reach into the past as we begin to discuss our future. But as we try to move ourselves forward, we need a new approach.
Northwest Indiana Forum President Heather Ennis said it well as One Region's Regional Priorities Summit began on Friday:
"Today, let's not think about our limitations. Let's not let them define us. Be bold today. Be brave when we're talking. Look at the opportunities in front of us.
"If we let our limitations define us, they will. They will be what sets the bar for our expectations. But if we let hope drive us for what our possibilities can be, the opportunities are limitless."
A positive approach is refreshing, and it's successful — which means our region can succeed.
A new video that debuted at the recent TEDx County Line Road event urges viewers to use the #REGIONPROUD hashtag on social media.
In fact, one of the recommendations at the Regional Priorities Summit was to create a marketing campaign for Northwest Indiana. We need to promote it well to others, as we did in the Regional Cities Initiative competition. That's where Northwest Indiana sought state funding to help pay for what's referred to as double tracking. The idea is to build additional South Shore Line tracks between Gary and Michigan City so tracks can pass each other going either direction without one of the trains having to wait on a siding.
The pitch went so well that even if we lose the Regional Cities Initiative competition, Indiana Economic Development Corp. President Jim Schellinger vowed to help Northwest Indiana get state funding for the project.
It worked because Northwest Indiana united behind the project as a benefit to the entire region.
State funding for the West Lake Corridor project to expand the South Shore to Dyer happened this year because the region's legislative delegation united behind the project.
Too often, we talk with others about the inability to work together on major issues, about how fractionalized the Region is. We’ve got to start thinking about the Region’s attributes and not focus as heavily on what’s wrong with it.