Terre Haute receives 2010 Community of the Year award

On Wednesday morning, Terre Haute was announced as Indiana's Community of the Year for 2010, an annual award given out by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

"Terre Haute has submitted several times in the past and wasn't selected," said Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett. "This year it seems like the package that was submitted on behalf of the city obviously had an impact."

Bennett said he feels there are some new aspects of Terre Haute that contributed to the award such as the planning that is going on with the Wabash River, the renaissance of the downtown area and things the different higher education institutions are doing. 

"All of those things came together to put us in a position to do things that many other communities do not," Bennett said. "It's really been a combination of things that put us in a position to be named the winner." 

He said the renaissance of the downtown area was important because it seems like every community is struggling with its downtown area.

"We have been able to put in two new hotels, the Children's Museum is coming, Barnes and Noble bookstore, the new courthouse and the things ISU is doing with the old courthouse [are all important]," Bennett said. 

With the river planning, there is a new fish and wildlife area on the west side and planning is in the beginning stages for the east side of the river, which Bennett said has really set Terre Haute apart from other communities.

Bennett said Community of the Year confirms that Terre Haute is on the right track and that its peers are recognizing the city. 

Most importantly, Bennett said, is what is done with the title in the long-run.

"I'm hoping it will open some doors to businesses that want to come be a part of the Terre Haute business community and that would bring more jobs," he said. "If you are looking and find three comparable cities, what sets them apart may be this designation. I'm hoping it opens some more doors."