There are a number of aspects of society that help make up the fabric of a sustaining community. Business - both large and small - is a major one, and Ideas in Motion Media has the right idea when it comes to forming partnerships and working to promote all business in the areas they serve. Highlighting the people of the area who help make things run smoothly and being out in the public whenever tens or hundreds of people gather behind a common goal is what gives a community pride, and Ideas in Motion is all over that as well.
So after five and a half years of working in "traditional" journalism, I am more than a bit excited to step into something more and be a part of something not only unique in the media field, but an idea that has great potential and makes a positive impact on the community.
As a lifelong member of La Porte County (I spent many summer weeks at my parents' cottage in Michiana Shores and recently worked in Michigan City for nearly three years), I had not heared of Ideas in Motion Media until 2011 when they opened the LaPorteCountyLife.com site. I was first introduced to the site by someone who told me "they only cover good news." At first, I was skeptical as to how that would work. Covering more traditional news in Michigan City showed me that the general public is usually more captivated by a story about a corrupt politician, an armed robbery, court proceedings or how a city is going to combat crime in the neighborhoods. But while there will always be a need for that type of information, Ideas in Motion has turned to what people need to be reminded of now more than ever: the overall good-will and friendliness of humankind.
On October 15, I came to Ideas in Motion Media from The News-Dispatch in Michigan City, where I spent two-and-a-half years as a reporter and news editor. While I covered many of the traditional newspaper beats such as city government, politics and crime - I always felt the greatest sense of accomplishment compiling a good human interest feature or telling a story of a community event that had a positive impact on everyone involved. At Ideas in Motion, I also look forward to having an opportunity to make appearances at high school athletic events, which I did regularly while serving as a sports editor for a twice-a-week newspaper in Central Illinois from 2008 to 2010.
In less than five years, Ideas in Motion has already turned into a tremendous asset to the cities they serve. If there was a ever a problem of lack of pride in the area, they are certainly part of the solution. I am honored to be part of that solution, to offer my expertise when it comes to making relationships with members of the community and to use my background in feature writing and event coverage to help Ideas in Motion continue in their mission to provide positive online communities for every resident of the region. I look forward to continue working closely with La Porte county residents and officials while giving LaPorteCountyLife.com a stronger "at home" presence by being out in the community promoting our message. I'd also like to provide the hard-working and dedicated Ideas in Motion team with some insight on creating positive stories that have a more "meaty" angle such as sidewalk and street improvements, business expansion and grassroots community efforts to promote an undisputed good cause. I also relish the opportunity to learn more about the Portage, Valparaiso and Lake County communities. I want to find out who is making a difference in those areas, how the communities perceive quality of life and sharing their message through PortageLife.com, ValpoLife.com and NWIndianaLife.com.
'Community' is a term that encompasses all aspects of life, and improving the quality of life for yourself and the people around you should always be someone's ultimate goal. Journalism has always provided that sense of community, and that's why I chose to seek a career in the industry. Journalists usually aren't the ones making the news or performing the good deed, but they are vital in informing the public.
Ideas in Motion seems to have taken that notion and brought it to another level. Their mission is not only to inform the public, but to serve the public and help pump up the fabric of these communities. Residents of Northwest Indiana sometimes take for granted the true greatness of the area. We have great cities and towns and a breathtaking National Park. We are only an hour-long, scenic train ride away from the best city in the world and we are the only section of the Hoosier State with the benefit of having the blue waters of Lake Michigan in our backyard. From Hammond to La Porte, venues for entertainment, natural beauty and historical significance are plentiful.
What better place for Ideas in Motion to begin their mission to tell the good news. Northwest Indiana has always been about good news and positive change. And please, allow us to be a constant reminder.