Vision Corner was conceived with three primary objectives: Downtown Revitalization, Economic Development and Educational Excellence.
Discussed below.
Scroll south:
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.
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:
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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.
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:
A symbol of earlier, difficult times.
Union City's role as a leader in public school telecommunications is confirmed by an ongoing mentorship collaboration with Ball State's Letterman Center
Union City students have these opportunities:
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.
The John Jay Center in downtown Portland is proof of concept, a partner in adult education, and a powerful addition to the concept of building regional economic power
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
Union City is often described as the Hub of Two Great States.
Vision Corner provides a focal point for serious commerce on the Ohio side.
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.