Page 217 - New Allen Alliance Digital Book

August 30, 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

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

Dear Lieutenant Governor Crouch:

On behalf of Grabill’s Main Street Group, Growing Grabill, I would like to express my support of East Allen’s
application to receive designation as an Indiana Regional Stellar Community. We are excited about the potential
opportunities this program can bring to East Allen County and our local small communities.

Our team started about a year ago, and we continue to work in collaboration with Grabill’s Town Council and the
Grabill Chamber of Commerce to enhance our downtown and community. We have had a few successful fund raisers,
mainly popping and selling caramel corn during town events. The events have allowed us to promote our group,
inviting others to join, as well as, raising funds to get our group established and apply for a 501(c)(3) non-profit status.

We are working with the town and designers to define a new streetscape for downtown. Growing Grabill’s main
mission is to preserve our past, focus on our community and to spark movement for our future. Our Main Street
Team envisions our downtown as a gathering place for community where we see a perfect blend of heritage, present
prosperity, and future improvements. This will create a welcoming environment and a sense of belonging. Grabill’s
natural Amish charm and quaint shopping venues and eateries make our town one that most want to be a part of and
come back to.

Being a part of the East Allen’s Rural Revival Regional Development Plan couldn’t have come at a better time for us to
spark movement for the future. Our Main Street Team is looking forward to working with all the rural communities
to leverage the funds and knowledge that will make an impact in our little towns, which in turn, supports Fort Wayne
and all Northeast Indiana. We know we are stronger together.

The Town of Grabill has committed to financially support plans for our revitalization streetscape and the efforts for
sidewalks connecting communities.

Sincerely,

Carrie M. Harhigh
Carrie M. Harhigh
Vice-President
Growing Grabill Main Street
PO Box 465
Grabill, IN 46741
260-627-1110

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