Powered by
Newsvine:
Log In | Register

Existing users log in below. New users please register for a free account.

New Users:

Existing Users:

E-Mail:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Please enter the e-mail address or domain name you registered with:

E-Mail/Domain:

Back to Login

The Elkhart Project

Stories of struggle and recovery in an American city

Stories of struggle and recovery in America: Msnbc.com is focusing long-term coverage on the city of Elkhart, Ind. to provide perspective on the national recession. Follow our ongoing coverage on msnbc.com. Want to share your thoughts on the how the recession is playing out in Elkhart or in your community? Comment on any of the blog posts below or become a blog contributor. Learn how

Full coverage | Why Elkhart? | More about our team

Ongoing features

Slideshow: Faces of Elkhart

Interactive map: Adversity Index

Follow this project via ...

{"contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"elkhartprojectblog"}

Elkhart plays the downtown card

News Type: Event — Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:15 AM EDT

us-news, business

Mike Brunker

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

'Make Your Mark,' a promotional video commissioned by Elkhart's downtown association, aims to counter negative media coverage of the city's economic woes by highlighting the city center's attributes.

In a move aimed at countering "the recent barrage of local and national media coverage concerning Elkhart's economic dire straits," the city's downtown association on Thursday unveiled an eight-minute promotional video aimed at highlighting the city's je ne sais quoi.

The video, titled "Make Your Mark," artfully showcases the city's historic downtown district as well as its restaurants, retailers and nearby parks.
Steve Gruber, executive director of Downtown Elkhart Inc., said the purpose of the video is to bust stereotypes promoted by "soundbite reporting" on Elkhart's economic troubles and to highlight the ongoing redevelopment of the city center, include the 2.3 mile Riverwalk, and the ongoing $17 million renovation of the Lerner Performing Arts Center, formerly the Elco Theater.

"What we really try to talk about is quality of life," he said of the video, produced by Elkhart's own Explore Media . "It's attractive, it's safe and it's very affordable. If you're looking to move your business or looking for retail space, it's doable here. You don't need an enormous bankroll."
He said the video also is aimed at countering media attention that Elkhart has received as a result of two visits by President Barack Obama, which he said has left many people with the impression that the city is a wasteland.

"We're a capitalistic nation that loves winners," he said. "Casting Elkhart in the light of having lost a tremendous number of jobs will get sympathy, but because of our culture, it's also going to get a certain amount of derision. "When Allentown (Pa.) lost thousands and thousands of jobs in the steel industry, nobody here said let's go to that depressed market because there's more opportunity."

{"contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"elkhartprojectblog"}

Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
Share

Published to:

Groups: The Elkhart Project
Regions: South Bend/Elkhart

Public Discussion (26)

{"commentId":9566098,"authorDomain":"juju011"}

jholderread

WOW! Thank you.

{"commentId":9566098,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"juju011"}

1 vote

#1 - Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:17 AM EDT

{"commentId":9566165,"authorDomain":"jbdaad"}

jbdaad

Beautiful job on the video.

{"commentId":9566165,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"jbdaad"}

1 vote

#2 - Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:33 AM EDT

{"commentId":9573546,"authorDomain":"vlincoln"}

v. lincoln

I lived in Elkhart, 22907 State Road (SR) 120 on the river.

I can attest that the city is a REALLY neat place. The

area is really nice, the people are friendly, and prices are

still low. Another place that I own property and is really

a bargain is SW michigan,Baroda Michigan in specific.

Low prices, great living on the inexpensive side. Great

Lake Michigan restaurants as well. Elkhart however stays

in my heart as my kind of town.

1982-1986

{"commentId":9573546,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"vlincoln"}

1 vote

#3 - Fri Sep 18, 2009 1:36 PM EDT

{"commentId":9589645,"authorDomain":"hollerchild"}

TK-1353914

I was raised and educated in Indiana---this video made me want to move to Elkhart! Great informative and inspiring piece of work!

{"commentId":9589645,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"hollerchild"}

#4 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:37 AM EDT

{"commentId":9589672,"authorDomain":"rcruse"}

r. cruse

Spitting time between LA and Cincinnati for working and living, I can say this production easily meets LA standards. Too bad Cincinnati can't do something on this level. I think I'm going to visit Elkhart.

{"commentId":9589672,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"rcruse"}

#5 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:39 AM EDT

{"commentId":9590806,"authorDomain":"vantastico"}

Vic-555019

When somebody gives you shelter in his home, for days after meting in a show in Vegas for a few minutes, you have to be a trust person and a realy frindly one. [ He was a son of a Mennonite with a couple of daughters and I took pictures of them with the stove and refrigerator that he built for them out of wood and I will like him to contact me thru you if posible as I lost his address years ago] And that is Elkhart a great place to live with great persons living in there and also great friends and sales persons [buying in Elkhart for more than 30 years]. Thanks Elkhart and your great people from a humble puertorican, my kind of town.

{"commentId":9590806,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"vantastico"}

1 vote

#6 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:49 AM EDT

{"commentId":9596587,"authorDomain":"juju011"}

jholderread

I would need more info on who it was. Do you have a name or anything? Send me a private email so we don't post any of his information and I would be happy to see what I can come up with for you!

{"commentId":9596587,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"juju011"}

#6.1 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 4:16 PM EDT

{"commentId":9596192,"authorDomain":"heavenreach"}

dot-881896

perhaps this is a town where retirees would like to settle. they do not need jobs, housing and cost of living would be affordable. With good people in the town sounds like a great place to move.

{"commentId":9596192,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"heavenreach"}

#7 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:50 PM EDT

{"commentId":9596559,"authorDomain":"juju011"}

jholderread

This is a town for everybody! Non-judgemental, hardworking, friendly, fun and yes, even educated. This really is a great town to live in if you want your kids to grow up with great morals and values. hardworking people built this town and they will be the ones to bring it back! Thankyou guys for reading!

{"commentId":9596559,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"juju011"}

1 vote

#8 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 4:14 PM EDT

{"commentId":9597254,"authorDomain":"leroon"}

LeRoone

Yes! An article about something positive that people are doing to make their community better! Such things are happening all over the country. I, for one, would like to see more articles like this. You go, Elkhart!

{"commentId":9597254,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"leroon"}

1 vote

#9 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 4:53 PM EDT

{"commentId":9598375,"authorDomain":"monkeyrama"}

bob-1042815

This is very, very cool. I agree, we need more articles like this!

{"commentId":9598375,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"monkeyrama"}

1 vote

#10 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":9598430,"authorDomain":"woofa"}

Woofa

Elkhart isn't unique. This isn't saying anything against Elkhart, coming from Michigan and having dealt with many in the RV industry years ago I'm very familiar with Elkhart and it's a great city. The point is that this part of the country is FILLED with towns/citys like this. v. lincoln you talk about one specific Michigan town you're also promoting (you own property there) yet Michigan is filled with towns like this as is Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota... it's common throughout the mid-West. I wish I could move back to where I grew up but my wife has never been there and is reluctant (putting it mildly) to visit and no possibility of a move because god forbid it gets cold and snows. She insists that if we move it will be to the SW sunbelt because she can't handle a little cold weather regardless of the community it gets you or how much further our money would go for a home. For what we paid here on the West coast we could have one hell of a property in the mid-West. And yet we could live anywhere we want to because our work doesn't dictate our location.

{"commentId":9598430,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"woofa"}

#11 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:16 PM EDT

{"commentId":9604639,"authorDomain":"juju011"}

jholderread

Tell your wife we have wonderful skiing just north of us in Michigan and she can get some great deals over is South Bend and downtown Elkhart at Stephensons on some fine winter clothing and coats. I hate the cold weather too. But it really is beautiful to wake up to. To see the frist snow on the gound or to go out with the kids and catch snowflakes on your tounge. Frostbite or no, I wouldn't trade it. (well maybe for a week or two) ;)

{"commentId":9604639,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"juju011"}

#11.1 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 7:47 AM EDT

{"commentId":9600947,"authorDomain":"rcwillis"}

rcwillis

Woofa, are you saying you're Whupped??

{"commentId":9600947,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"rcwillis"}

#12 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":9603958,"authorDomain":"nascar42"}

RickyBobby

Restaurants and retailers. Wow. It sure is nice to find a place that actually has restaurants and retailers.

And nice people. Where else could you find nice people?

This infomercial is like damning with faint praise.

{"commentId":9603958,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"nascar42"}

#13 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 3:56 AM EDT

{"commentId":9607894,"authorDomain":"logoart"}

Jerry-721946

Visited Elkhart in June for their annual jazz festival. Wonderful city, great river infrastructure (very pedestrian-friendly). Was impressed with their downtown and "the people". They were glad to see visitors and as accomodating as could be imagined. My vote goes to Elkhart and a coming revival. RV's and trailers will make a comeback -- for sure!!!

Jerry/Cincinnati

{"commentId":9607894,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"logoart"}

#14 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 12:40 PM EDT

{"commentId":9608050,"authorDomain":"lynn-1175734"}

lynn-1175734

Call first - our current mayor hasn't seen the Jazz Festival as something that the city needs to support so it, along with the Great Race, Showcase of Art and other festivals and events that brought many people to elkhart and boosted our local merchants' sales. He's revised the budget for these things to favor far less merchant friendly events in favor of politically correct organizations. And, if you happen to like to have a cigarette with your cocktail - forget about it. Smoking's banned even in the bars which of course has cause about 30% of them to close up. Have lived in elkhart my whole life but this recession coupled with a control greedy local government has made for the perfect storm to make Elkhart a very depressing place to live AND visit. We've weathered these storms before but.... call first.

{"commentId":9608050,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"lynn-1175734"}

#14.1 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 12:52 PM EDT

{"commentId":9616420,"authorDomain":"jimar1"}

Sandra-1087874

So it sounds like a place Californians could be comfortable visiting. We don't have smoking in bars, either. I can't stand to being exposed to smoke on vacation. Here I come, Elkhart!

{"commentId":9616420,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"jimar1"}

#14.2 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:51 AM EDT

{"commentId":9616423,"authorDomain":"jimar1"}

Sandra-1087874

So it sounds like a place Californians could be comfortable visiting. We don't have smoking in bars, either. I can't stand to being exposed to smoke on vacation. Here I come, Elkhart!

{"commentId":9616423,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"jimar1"}

#14.3 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:52 AM EDT

{"commentId":9616967,"authorDomain":"screw-obama"}

CJ-SOTF

I love how someone can say "I don't want to get lung cancer while I destroy my liver!" Your Californian SMOG is worse than any cigarette. Breathe deep over there on the west coast. Do me a favor and stay the hell out of Indiana with that crap.

{"commentId":9616967,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"screw-obama"}

#14.4 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:50 AM EDT

{"commentId":9617251,"authorDomain":"juju011"}

jholderread

Sandra, feel free to visit Elkhart anytime. Whether you smoke or not. Cali smog can't be any worse than Gary air.

{"commentId":9617251,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"juju011"}

#14.5 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:27 AM EDT

{"commentId":9614004,"authorDomain":"m-dellinger"}

Handgunner

South Dakota - no state income tax, no state corporation tax, no state inheritance tax, and plenty of great places for families, entrepreneurs and growing businesses.

{"commentId":9614004,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"m-dellinger"}

#15 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:51 PM EDT

{"commentId":9616956,"authorDomain":"screw-obama"}

CJ-SOTF

Elkhart is nice despite an abundance of illegal immigrants. It also had one of the highest crime rates per capita. If you speak spanish, don't mind avoiding a lot of bad areas, and like being part of a manufacturing community the Elkhart is for you. In my opinion there are a lot of other small Indiana cities with a lot less baggage that are just as friendly and by far safer.

{"commentId":9616956,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"screw-obama"}

#16 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:46 AM EDT

{"commentId":9617272,"authorDomain":"juju011"}

jholderread

People and areas are only unsafe when you choose to make them that way. I know lots of people who don't speak English, they speak Russian, Portuguese, Chinese and yes, Spanish. Maybe if you try to understand them and the places they live you wouldn't have to be soo scared of them. I've lived here my whole life and I do not have one corner of Elkhart that I would be afraid of going in the dark or the light. People are just people and deserve to be treated that way.

{"commentId":9617272,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"juju011"}

#17 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:31 AM EDT

{"commentId":9632142,"authorDomain":"lynn-1175734"}

lynn-1175734

You are out of your mind if you go into several neighborhoods even in broad daylight ! Take the rose colored glasses off and look at the crime reports in the paper! We are in the top 5 of busted meth labs too - those folks are crazy. I'd challenge you on your statement that you'd go anywhere but I won't send a man into harm's way to prove a point.

{"commentId":9632142,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"lynn-1175734"}

#17.1 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":9635614,"authorDomain":"juju011"}

jholderread

No rose colored glasses here. I have lived and worked in some of the worst areas of this town. Maybe if people stop living in fear of others and start reaching out and educating and taking the time to get to the bottom of the problems, even you wouldn't be afraid. This is where we live no matter if it's good, bad or ugly.

{"commentId":9635614,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"juju011"}

#17.2 - Tue Sep 22, 2009 6:47 AM EDT

{"commentId":9632309,"authorDomain":"maximute"}

Susie-1358635

Totally awesome video. I liked the way the viewer is taken into the restaurants and shown the menu items and the atmosphere. I'll be making my first visit to the vine this week. And I've lived in downtown Elkhart for over 30 years! Hey, it was fun naming all the locations in the video as I watched it. Downtown Elkhart is really just like the video. I love the Riverwalk. I think I'm spoiled.

{"commentId":9632309,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"maximute"}

1 vote

#18 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:32 PM EDT

{"commentId":9680571,"authorDomain":"eyesjoy"}

eyesjoy

I lived in Elkhart for about 10 years and have to say it is one of the friendlist towns you can live in. There are many cultures here but all seem to get along. This is a good place for opening a business with lots of good workers. I think this would be the perfect retirement town because of the affordability of it. Put it on your list to check out and don't forget this is the home of Notre Dame.

{"commentId":9680571,"threadId":"679729","contentId":"3282826","authorDomain":"eyesjoy"}

1 vote

#19 - Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:43 AM EDT

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"679729","isPrivate":false}

New Users:

Existing Users:

The Elkhart Project

Stories of struggle and recovery in an American city

Elkhart plays the downtown card

Published to: