Understanding Vision Corner
Vision Corner was conceived with three primary objectives: Downtown Revitalization, Economic Development and Educational Excellence.
Discussed below.
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Downtown Revitalization
Union City revitalization is happening in many ways. An appealing downtown is a crucial element. The eyesore at Columbia and Pearl, was not an acceptable first impression for those considering relocation to Union City.
Economic Development
The city sought proven usages that could directly impact economic development including jobs creation. The "learning center" aims at career-related skills is an ideal fit. Available education categories include:
- High school students seeking specific skills and career guidance
- Adults seeking greater careeer success in the workplace:
- Companies seeking new employees, improved workplace readiness for existing employees or leadership skills for their managers.
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking improved effectiveness and financial success.
MORE: The IN-OH state line as opportunity, not barrier
MORE: A Success Model: Meet the John Jay Learning Center in Jay County
A Dynamic Role for Education
Union City has a well-established reputation for innovation in education. Vision Corner supports another leap forward, ideally suited for changing career requirements in the 21st Century.
Jumpstart! Open for Business NOW
The mission of Vision Corner is education that has begun now, including collaborations with Ball State and the John Jay Learning Center. We have arranged temporary classroom space in the community center and high school. We are actively developing adult education course content and are implementing a program to assist business start-ups, Bottom line:
- Dynamic launch in 2021
- Full operation in the Vision Corner facility in 2022
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Great for Our Students... and for our Town
Union City students have these opportunities:
- Greater breadth and depth of technology-based communication, both on campus and by direct mentorship by BSU students at Vision Corner.
- Campus visitation and opportunity to meet and interact with college students; helpful in comfort level about moving on to higher education.
As part of Union City economic development, this kind of high-level collaboration with a leading university is an affirmation of ability to play in the big league of career-focused education -- all part of worthiness to attract new employers and jobs.
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The John Jay Learning Center Story
The JJLC was created in 2001 by concerned citizens and business owners who realized that prosperity in their small town depended on aggressive steps to combat the economic forces that cause plant closing and related economic decline.
Like Vision Corner, the Center occupies a high visibility downtown location. The initial focus was preparation of employees for area manufacturing jobs, with students coming from both Jay County High School and from residents seeking new career opportunity.
The Center has gradually expanded scope of education by providing a remote teaching location for institutions including Ivy Tech, Indiana Tech, Vincennes University, and Indiana Wesleyan.
The learning Center also serves as a community center for a broad range of civic activities.
RELEVANCE TO UNION CITY'S VISION CORNER
- The 20 year success of a career-focused learning center in a small Indiana town is a statement of possibilities for those who commit to a brighter future.
- Vision Corner has already reached collaboration agreement that will welcome "exchange students" seeking specific programs available at the partner Center.
- In terms of eventual relocations to Union City, the evidence of a regional cluster of energy and expertise is attractive to prospective employers.
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Larger Opportunity is Right Next Door
This seven-county "regional marketplace" includes population of 360,000+, larger than Evansville which is Indiana's 3rd largest market. Vision Corner will earn an educational role in Ohio and will serve as an Indiana gateway to the Ohio market.
Note that Jay County is part of this regional market, strengthening the educated workforce value story.