September 12, 2014
The last five years have been quiet for Elkhart’s Urban Enterprise Association (“EUEA”) but no longer. After dormancy for several years, the public-private partnership once again is taking decisive action to enhance Elkhart’s city center.
The organization will focus on capital investment to stimulate job growth and quality of life initiatives in the local downtown/southwest enterprise zone. The organization intends to address both residential and commercial development in this region.
Mayor Dick Moore shared much optimism for the potential of the Enterprise Zone combined with other recent downtown initiatives. Moore pointed to SoMa, the Gateway Mile campaign, Downtown Elkhart, Young Professionals, the Pillars of Elkhart, Pillars, ArtWalk, and the Lerner Theatre as promising indicators of an emergent Elkhart community.
“Having the EUEA come alongside these other groups and activities would be a positive (for Elkhart). The EUEA will not attempt to duplicate the efforts of other organizations but it will attempt to support the efforts of these other organizations and fill gaps where needed.
Moore went on to explain that the EUEA provides important tax relief to businesses and residents and ultimately encourages people to live and work in the downtown area. Some tangible incentives already in process include state property and income tax credits.
LOCAL LEADERSHIP
Warrick & Boyn, a full-service law firm located in downtown Elkhart, Indiana, today announced the appointment of Partner, Tim Shelly, to the EUEA executive leadership board. Shelly, an appointee of Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore, will serve as Secretary for the Urban Enterprise Association.
“Tim is a shining example of the type of board member that we want representing this organization,” said Mayor Moore. “When I asked my staff and other community leaders who should serve on the EUEA board to help reinvigorate and reignite the excitement of the organization, Tim’s name was at the top of everyone’s list. I believe he will do an excellent job representing the community and interests of Zone businesses and residents.”
Shelly draws on expertise from his corporate law practice. Shelly presently serves as board chair for Indiana Landmarks, the country’s largest statewide historic preservation organization. He also serves on the National Trust Historic Preservation board of advisors, as well as the Downtown Elkhart board of directors.
“Serving on this Association provides an exciting opportunity to combine economic development incentives, law, and historic preservation,” says Shelly. “Reinvigorating Elkhart’s Urban Enterprise Association is a smart move in the right direction for the city.”
Warrick & Boyn, LLP, is a full-service law firm in Elkhart, Ind., that practices in all areas of business and corporate law. Areas of practice include commercial litigation, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy law, labor and employment law, defense litigation, securities law and regulation, worker’s compensation defense, education and school law, EEOC law, employee benefits law and pension plans, environmental law and regulation, tax and estate planning, municipal law, and property and real estate law. The firm’s clients are located primarily in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, and most of the attorneys are licensed to practice in both Indiana and Michigan.