Page 214 - New Allen Alliance Digital Book

September 19, 2018

The Honorable Suzanne Crouch
Lieutenant Governor of Indiana
Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs
One North Capitol, Suite 600
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2027

Subject: East Allen County’s Application for Indiana Regional Stellar Communities Designation

Dear Lieutenant Governor Crouch:

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) supports the East Allen application for designation as an Indiana
Regional Stellar Community. We’re excited about this funding opportunity for the rural communities
of East Allen County.

I&M is the electric utility provider for many of the residents in the East Allen communities that are
part of the East Allen application. I currently serve as a member of the NewAllen Alliance Board and
as a member of the marketing team for this initiative.

Creating stronger communities by building excellent amenities is a key part of attracting new families
to our area but also in retaining those who live here now.

I&M believes the East Allen communities would benefit from being named an Indiana Regional
Stellar Community in the following ways:

• Greater connectivity for residents of the area with the expansion of the trail system which
would provide a safer way for community members to enjoy leisure activities such as biking,
walking, running, etc.
• Strengthen East Allen communities’ ability to attract new talent and expand the workforce by
providing enhancements to parks and downtowns.
• Create housing opportunities to meet the needs of various demographics in all of the
communities.
I&M supports the New Allen communities’ application for designation as an Indiana Regional Stellar
Community. We believe that the designation will lead to greater opportunities for population and job
growth for this rural area of Allen County but also for the entire Northeast Indiana region.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kim Sabrosky
External Affairs Manager

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