In January of 2024 Connect LaGrange County was formed to pursue a Stellar Pathways Designation from Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs and was selected as one of four finalists statewide to receive $50,000 to complete a Strategic Investment Plan. This effort, headed by Emilee and Sherri at LCEDC, brought together key players from every corner of the county and gave the residents a voice for change. With 1,060 responses to the Community Connections Survey, five Community Connections Meetings, 10 pop-up engagements, and a full year’s work, the team composed this robust document to guide Community Development efforts for several years to come. While the team was not selected as a final designee, Emilee is continuing work on this plan alongside the County’s Comprehensive Plan to ensure continued progress for the county with the residents’ voiced interests in mind.