Step 1
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The Letter of Intent
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Rushville has built great momentum for revitalization in recent years. A vision for Rushville's future was realized through ideas formed by leaders and residents of the community through development of a comprehensive plan, as well as through Rushville's participation in the Indiana Hometown Collaboration Initiative (HCI). Collaboration with residents and partners, both public and private, became an important theme as Rushville began to envision its future. Stellar designation in particular became of great interest to the community for the potential partnerships with nine state agencies, an opportunity to gain invaluable advice and support, and to identify feasible methods for reaching intended goals and meeting Rushville's maximum potential.
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Step 2
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The Strategic Community Investment Plan
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As a finalist, Rushville began putting together a Strategic Investment Plan to be finalized by July. The process involved resident ideas and feedback and outlined the necessary steps to move forward with the community's transformation. The theme, "Re-Imagine, Re-Invest, Re-Discover," reveals a plan designed and intended to counter the decline that Rushville has faced in the previous decades. In the SIP are details of individual projects and partnerships, proposed funding, as well as identification of Rushville's needs, goals, and financial capabilities to accomplish these plans.
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Step 3
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The Site Visit
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Later in July 2016 Rushville hosted the state Stellar team, a delegation of staff representing partner agencies along with the Lieutenant Governor, for a site visit. As part of the visit, local community leaders gave a tour of the local projects, demonstrating what in the town has been done already and what work is planned. The group also discussed details about the SIP, including feedback on the feasibility of individual projects, their available funding, timeframes for completion, and partner participation. |
Step 4
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The Announcement
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On August 11 Rushville Mayor, Michael Pavey, received a phone call with news that Rushville had been chosen for Division One Stelar Designation. Soon after, on August 18 at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, Designees were officially announced and a Stellarbration was held, hosted by the Lt. Governor and the state Stellar team. Included was an award ceremony and a look back on the successes of the first five years of the Stellar Communities program, as well as presentations from both Rushville and Corydon on their revitalization plans.
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