The LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce, the LaPorte Economic Advancement Foundation, the City of LaPorte and the Urban Enterprise Association have formed a partnership to hire a downtown development manager.
The manager will serve as the liaison between downtown businesses and the above-mentioned agencies, according to a press release. The position will be funded by those entities.
Mike Seitz, chamber president, said a connection is needed between the revitalization of downtown LaPorte and the participating agencies. “That is what this position will be designed to do: assist the downtown and its businesses with marketing, providing background information on the programs offered by the Urban Enterprise Association and linking with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote LaPorte tourism and shopping. The chamber will develop a CVB satellite office providing local tourism information.”
“There are many activities taking place throughout the year in the downtown area that need promotion. These activities help bring attention to the downtown. The downtown development manager will assist these activities by providing marketing and coordinating any assistance that can be provided by the sponsoring agencies. All of the participating organizations bring valuable resources to the table that can assist the businesses in the downtown and surrounding areas. This person will be the ombudsman for these local businesses,” Seitz said.
LaPorte Mayor Kathy Chroback said, “We have been actively working toward the formation of the position for some time. Our downtown has the potential to be a real tourist destination; charming buildings, landscaped streets, quaint shops and eateries. What we need is someone who can promote all that we have to offer. This will truly revitalize the area.”
Jack Arnett of the visitors bureau said, “We felt that there has been a need in the LaPorte community and the (bureau) needs to take a more active role in and proving a presence in LaPorte. We have been discussing and planning for this position for the last six months. It has taken time to ensure the funding was in place and a job description developed.
Seitz also added that the groups have received the green light for the move from LaPorte Mayor-elect Blair Milo.
