Merrillville residents took one woman’s submission to heart and made it the town’s new slogan.
The Merrillville Town Council unanimously accepted the slogan,”The Heart of the Region,” as its theme after honoring its coiner, Candi Colvin, during its Feb. 27 meeting, spokesman Chas Reilly said in a release Thursday. “The Heart of the Region” came to mind because of its locale within Lake County and its role as an economic driver in Northwest Indiana, according to Colvin.
“We’re building new places to live, we’re building new places for people to work, we’re building new places for people to come and see us, and making it beautiful,” Colvin said. “We want people to come here and live and enjoy our Town.”
Adopting “The Heart of the Region” as its slogan reflects the town’s commitment to being a welcoming locale, Town Council President Rick Bella, D-5, said.
“Our town is a dynamic blend of economic vitality, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality,” he said. “The adoption of ‘The Heart of the Region’ as our slogan reflects our commitment to embracing this identity.”
Colvin’s slogan was chosen as one of the top five entries from more than 40 submitted over a months-long campaign, Council Vice President Rhonda Neal said in the release. From there, town leaders picked their favorites and posted them on the town’s website.
Colvin’s was the clear favorite, garnering close to 70% of the votes, according to the release.
“(The Heart of the Region”) was highly recognized by our community,” Neal said. “I really appreciate that she participated in our slogan program because she’s making history in the Town of Merrillville.”
The new slogan is already featured on the town’s website — merrillville.in.gov — and on the Town’s social media pages. The slogan also is expected to be included in new welcoming signage and other promotional materials, Reilly said.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.