Among those providing guidance at a recent Forward Thinking Leadership workday were Nathan Origer, Scott Rudd, Ryan Chasey and Linda Klink.

Seventeen members signed on as steering committee members in September, and in October the group defined the following key impact areas to actively pursue:

• Broadband
• Housing
• Downtown
• Recreation/Tourism

An intensive workday in November utilized guidance from topic experts such as Scott Rudd, first broadband director for the State of Indiana; Ryan Chasey of Housing Resource Hub, Linda Klink, National Main Street Leadership Council and former Wyoming Main Street Program Manager; and Shae Kmicikewycz, former head of the Indiana Main Street Office. This led to workplans for pursuing actions in each of the key areas of focus. The process also ensured the workplans aligned with the strategic plan of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission under the direction of Nathan Origer.

As the plans progress, and utilizing best practices, other community members will be asked to serve on task groups to assist in moving to successful outcomes for each area.

In other areas of the Forward Thinking Leadership Initiative, the seminar “So, You Want to Be an Elected Official?” was held in October, and the inaugural Leadership Pulaski County program through Purdue Extension concluded successfully in November. Another Leadership course is anticipated in 2022, and the Community Foundation will also assist elected officials with opportunities for training in the areas of basic economic development and government budgeting.

The Forward Thinking Leadership Initiative launched with support from Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. Other sponsors include BraunAbility, FRATCO, Good Oil, Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Wastequip, Alliance Bank, First Federal Savings Bank, First National Bank, the Pulaski County Council, the Francesville, Medaryville, Monterey and Winamac Town Councils, as well as individual donors.

For more information about the work of the Community Foundation, or to help support these efforts, view the website at www.cfopc.org, telephone 574.946.0906 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..