By Amy Van Arsdol Madden—
MUNCIE, IN— Forge ECI welcomed business leaders, elected officials, community stakeholders to its annual luncheon on Thursday, June 4, featuring a dynamic mayors panel discussion focused on the growth, opportunities, and future of communities across East Central Indiana.
Representing municipalities from across the region, participating mayors (Mayor Dan Eckstein of Hartford City, Mayor Ronald Morrell of Marion, Mayor Bill Rock, Jr. of Gas City, Mayor Greg York of New Castle, Mayor Chad Spence of Union City, Mayor Mike Pavey of Rushville, Mayor Ron Oler of Richmond) shared updates on economic development, workforce initiatives, housing, infrastructure investments, and quality-of-life enhancements taking place in their communities. The discussion highlighted both the unique strengths of individual cities and towns and the collective opportunities that emerge through regional collaboration.
“The conversation reinforced what we know to be true: East Central Indiana is strongest when our communities work together,” said Union City Mayor, Chad Spence. “This is not a solo sport. It’s all hands-on deck, and each community needs to shine brightly to make the region vibrant.”
Throughout the discussion, mayors addressed current challenges and opportunities facing local governments while sharing success stories and future plans designed to attract investment, support businesses, and improve quality of life for residents. The mayors also emphasized the importance of partnerships among communities, organizations, and employers in building a vibrant and prosperous regional economy.
The event also highlighted the transformative impact of Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) programs across East Central Indiana. Through strategic investments in housing, quality-of-place amenities, workforce development, and economic growth projects, READI funding has accelerated opportunities throughout the region and strengthened local communities. East Central currently ranks among the state’s top five READI 1.0 regions for fund disbursement, with more than 90% of awarded funds already invested in transformative projects that are strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life.
“That’s a reflection of the hard work happening across our communities, the strength of our project partners, and our region’s ability to move projects from concept to reality,” said Caitlin Hancock, President & CEO of Forge ECI. “Just as importantly, we’re demonstrating to the state that our region is ready to put investment to work. We have the partnerships, the capacity, and the diligence to take ambitious projects and turn them into meaningful outcomes for our communities.”
East Central Indiana is proving what is possible when communities unite around a shared vision. Through strategic investment, innovative partnerships, and committed leadership, the region is transforming opportunity into action and laying the groundwork for a stronger, more prosperous future.
About Forge ECI
Forge ECI is dedicated to fostering economic growth in the East Central Indiana nine-county region as the lead economic development marketing and business attraction organization. Through collaboration with local economic development organizations and the state’s lead agency – the Indiana Economic Development Corporation – Forge works to attract new investment, support existing industries, and enhance the quality of life, place, and opportunity for all residents.
Amy Madden is Marketing Director at Forge ECI.
