MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The EDCMC team is welcoming new board members and marking service as another member completes his term in the new year.

The EDCMC is steered by not only its staff and partner leaders, but also the community members who offer their time and talents to serve as Board of Director members, said Economic Development Corporation Michigan City Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse.

“We are honored to have a cross-section of our community take on the role to ensure that we are taking the best course for the future of our city,” Hulse said. “Board members have a mix of expertise and experience that is invaluable to plotting our best course forward.”

New board members include Dr. Vidya S. Kora and John C. Rieger Jr. Councilman Bryant Dabney wrapped up his service to the board.

Dr. Kora is an internal medicine physician who has almost four decades serving his communities. He has held leadership roles, including chairman of the Department of Medicine at Memorial Hospital of Michigan City, LaPorte County Commissioner and president of the Indiana State Medical Association. He is an At-Large member of the Michigan City’s Common Council.

Rieger is vice president and general manager at Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa where he oversees operations and propels strategic initiatives.

Bryant Dabney served on the board for two years and sought to educate the community on the mission and purpose of the EDCMC during his term.

“I hope I made an impact by making the connection of the projects and developments coming to Michigan City to how a council person must view them and relay relevant information to the public,” Dabney said. “I wanted to clear up some public confusion of what the EDCMC actually does and how their efforts play a very positive role in the advancement of Michigan City.”

The 2026 officers include: Seth Spencer of Sera Group as board chair, Stephanie Oberlie of Harbour Trust & Investment Management Company as vice chair, Steve Kring of Horizon Bank as treasurer, Jessica Bailey of Sullair – A Hitachi Group Company as secretary and Bill Hackney of the Herald Dispatch as past chair.

“We are looking forward to what 2026 brings as our economic development energy continues to surge to new levels,” Hulse said. “Our board members also ended the year by approving a clean audit opinion for 2024 after it was conducted and presented by CBIZ Advisors LLC. Over the past 12 years, the EDCMC continues to undergo both audit reviews and full audits as part of our organization’s operating process and has consistently received clean audit reports, which enhance our grant competitiveness.”