The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City team is ushering in 2022 with new members to its Board of Directors as well as changes to its leadership roles.
Bill Hackney, publisher of The Herald-Dispatch, has switched to vice chair, and Brenda Temple, general manager at Blue Chip Hotel, Casino & Spa, has moved into the role of secretary.
Joining the board are: Dalia Zygas, Councilperson At-Large for the Michigan City Common Council, Don Babcock, director of Economic Development and Community Relations for Purdue University Northwest, and Scott Newcomb, director of Plant Operations at Sullivan-Palatek.
The new board members are replacing John Beutner, manager at Captain Ed’s; Angie Nelson-Deuitch, Councilperson At-Large for the Michigan City Common Council; and Tim Haas, president at Haas & Associates Consulting Engineers.
“We thank our outgoing board members for their service and dedication to our mission here in Michigan City,” said EDCMC Board Chair Linda G. Simmons, director of marketing at Visit Michigan City La Porte. “We are honored that John, Angie and Tim chose to make an impact through the EDCMC as board members.
“We appreciate Dalia, Don and Scott coming on board to add their perspectives to how we can continue to propel the energy we are seeing in our economic development arenas as we build our downtown and beyond.”
EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse said 2022 is an especially vital year for the EDCMC.
“We are in the process of putting together a gala to celebrate not only our organization but also the synergy and opportunities here in Michigan City,” Hulse said. “It is our 25th anniversary and we are looking back as we build on our foundation that we have created through strong partnerships with public and private entities as well as city and community leaders.
“We will be announcing more information soon on how we are marking our 25 years of community and economic development in Michigan City.”
Other board members continuing to serve include: Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry; Katie Eaton, president of Michigan City Chamber of Commerce; John Hendricks, leader, gas field engineering at NIPSCO; Dean Mazzoni, president and CEO of Franciscan Health-Michigan City; Brian Tylisz, vice-president, sales of Sullair – A Hitachi Group Company; and Dr. Barbara Eason Watkins, superintendent at Michigan City Area Schools.
The EDCMC Board of Directors aims to uphold the mission and objectives of the organization. The members bring one-of-a-kind backgrounds and experiences to best guide the EDCMC team on policy decisions, strategy and resources.