Campaign invests in collaboration, communities MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - The Michigan City and La Porte economic development organizations and city leadership continue to create collaborative connections as the teams kicked off their Economic Development Community Investment Campaign for 2023-2025 at Shady Creek Winery. The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City and the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership have worked together for more than 20 years to combine efforts to boost programs through a commitment by a Circle of Investors. “The Economic Development Investment Fund unites our cities all for the betterment of our entire county,” said Clarence Hulse, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation. “Our investor social has set the stage as we further solidify the economic momentum that we are seeing in all corners of La Porte County.” “For the last 22 years, we have had a strong relationship here in La Porte County and Northwest Indiana,” added LEAP Executive Director Bert Cook. “This is our seventh campaign, and our goal is $600,000, which will be split evenly between our cities.” The Unity Foundation of La Porte County has once again established the fund as a way to support the tax deductible fund-raising campaign. Economic Development Investment Campaign Coordinator Laura Francesconi is leading the joint effort. “This kickoff reception is a monumental step for the prosperous and successful future for the city of La Porte and Michigan City,” said Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry. “Economic development achieved by one community is good for the other. We are working in cooperation, not conflict and in full support of each other, not in competition.” “With the whole economic development team here - what a great opportunity. We work extremely well together,” added La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. “There is a lot of development and a lot of reasons for our families and children to come back home. We have to continue that progress. What is good for Michigan City is good for La Porte - let’s not stop the momentum we have.” Companies or organizations interested in supporting the 2023-2025 Economic Development Investment Fund can contact Economic Development Investment Campaign Coordinator Laura Francesconi at lauraf@laportepartnership.com or 219-363-5234. ### Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana, is committed to growing and attracting new industry and business to the community as well as strengthening existing business. EDCMC concentrates on services, programs, partnerships and one-on-one assistance to provide the optimum business environment for commerce and industry to prosper and grow. As a private nonprofit, EDCMC merges the right mix of resources by uniting key leaders in government, business, schools and the community. For more information, call (219) 873-1211 or visit www.edcmc.com . The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership champions issues facing businesses, focuses on the improvement of the quality of life in the community and works to be a team consisting of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteer members who all provide a catalyst for prosperity and growth. For more information, visit www.laportepartnership.com . Photo: La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody highlights the economic partnership at the kickoff social event at Shady Creek Winery in Michigan City. Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry, from left, EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse and LEAP Executive Director Bert Cook also spotlighted the collaboration.