Pulaski County hopes new program improves quality of life

WINAMAC, Ind. (AP) - A northern Indiana county hopes a new state program aimed at smaller communities will help it improve its quality of life and attract and retain residents.

Pulaski County was one of several communities chosen to participate in the Hometown Collaboration Initiative. The program is administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs in partnership with Ball State and Purdue universities. It targets communities of fewer than 25,000 residents that want to expand their pipeline of local leaders, improve their economies and increase their appeal to residents.

Nathan Origer, executive director of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission, said the county chose to focus on making the area appealing so people, especially the younger generation, will remain in and move to the community.

"We're not going to get these people if we don't have the attractive community first," Origer told the Pharos-Tribune (http://bit.ly/1C0SisT ).

The program will assign a community coach to a committee of Pulaski County representatives made up of elected officials, teachers, manufacturer representatives and members of nonprofit organizations.

"We really strove to have a very inclusive organization," Origer said.

Origer said he hopes the program will enhance elements that already contribute to Pulaski County's quality of life, such as its parks, trails and fish and wildlife areas, and create opportunities to develop lodging so visitors can enjoy more than a one-day trip.

Other Hometown Collaboration Initiative finalists were Corydon, Lebanon, Perry County, Rush County/Rushville and Seymour.

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Information from: Pharos-Tribune, http://www.pharostribune.com