In December 2011, former Governor Mitch Daniels appointed a 15-member bicentennial commission to oversee the planning and execution of a statewide celebration for Indiana’s 200th birthday. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and former Congressman Lee Hamilton served as the co-chairs. The Bicentennial Visioning Project (Project) is an endorsed project of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission engaging more than one hundred Hoosier thought leaders and experts to offer their “big ideas” for Indiana’s future.
The Project is an effort to consider Indiana’s next century and ways to make a positive impact on the state by implementing fifty big ideas. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton and former Lieutenant Governor and current Ivy Tech President Dr. Sue Ellspermann serve as co-chairs of the Project. It is designed to encourage Hoosiers (particularly decision-makers) to improve the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the state in order to make Indiana’s third century its best.
More than three hundred visionaries and experts gathered in Indianapolis on September 8th to participate in focus groups on eleven topics: Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Arts, Leisure, and Entertainment; Business, Industry, and Economy; Children; Civic Engagement and Philanthropy; Education and Career Development; Environment and Conservation; Governance and Infrastructure; Health and Welfare; Public Safety and Homeland Security; and Religion.
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush served as a thought leader on children’s issues. As a former juvenile court judge and leader of the Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children, she encouraged discussion on ways to ensure the health and safety of Indiana’s children.
Each focus group developed specific recommendations to be included in one report. Diverse representatives from across the state, including the courts, attended the one-day conference to discuss and decide which ideas should be implemented.
Along with Chief Justice Rush, Office of Judicial Administration staff in attendance included Erica Costello, Kathryn Dolan, Dawn Hay, Aaron Hood, Jim Maguire, Brenda Rodeheffer, Ashley Rozier, and Chief Administrative Officer Mary Willis. Former Justices Ted Boehm, Brent Dickson, Randall Shepard and current LaPorte Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos also attended.
Congressman Hamilton asked those attending to “Make your corner of the world a little better.” He described the importance of the report and said: “Our citizens working together in a common endeavor for a common good is the heart of our representative democracy.”
The discussion continues on how to implement the recommendations that capitalize on technology, improving quality of life, emphasizing education, and improving Indiana’s brand as an attractive place to live, work, and play.
Full report online: in.gov/ibc/indianafuture.htm