First, A Refresher

If you’re unfamiliar with Forward Wayne County or how its work is connected to the Wayne County Foundation, here’s a quick refresher.

Established in 1979, the Wayne County Foundation works to foster private philanthropic giving, strengthen community spirit, and improve the quality of life in Wayne County now and for future generations. The Foundation serves as a catalyst for addressing critical community needs through grantmaking, donor stewardship, and collaboration among funders and service providers. It also provides donors with a flexible, lasting way to accomplish their philanthropic goals while championing private giving for the public good.

Forward Wayne County was created by the Wayne County Foundation in 2019 to align community resources, foster a vibrant economy, and promote prosperity across Wayne County. As a community development driver, Forward Wayne County uses a Collective Impact approach to convene stakeholders, connect ideas and resources, and evaluate outcomes to drive lasting change. Its work is focused on creating measurable progress in areas such as population growth, personal per capita income, assessed gross values, and other community development metrics.

Together, the Wayne County Foundation and Forward Wayne County bring different but complementary strengths to the work of building a stronger Wayne County.

Investing in Places and Spaces

Some of the most visible examples of community impact this year can be found in the places where community members gather.

Creitz Park Pavilion celebrated its grand opening in May and has quickly become a community favorite for concerts and entertainment. Through GIFT VIII, the Wayne County Foundation and Forward Wayne County helped secure Lilly Endowment funding to help bring this space to life.

Additionally, the Whitewater Gorge is undergoing a major transformation of its own. From a riverwalk to a bouldering garden to a nature playground and more, exciting changes are on the horizon. The Wayne County Foundation and Forward Wayne County, through GIFT VIII, are proud to be part of the coalition of partners bringing this community-driven vision to life.

Investing in Neighborhoods

Last November, the Wayne County Foundation announced its first impact investment: a $1 million commitment to support neighborhood revitalization efforts in Richmond’s Vaile neighborhood.

The investment, made in partnership with Intend Indiana, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County (EDCWC), advances our long-standing mission to strengthen local communities, enhance the spirit of community and to improve the quality of life in the Wayne County, Indiana, area now and for future generations.

Unlike traditional grantmaking, impact investing is designed to generate both a financial and a social return, allowing for reinvestment of those returns into future community projects for years to come.

Investing in Capacity

Big visions need funding behind them, and that’s where Lilly Endowment’s GIFT IX comes in. Through its Community Support Grant component, the Foundation received $1.5 million in flexible funding designed to meet compelling, near-term needs across the county. Through Forward Wayne County, that investment is going toward recreational amenities, downtown improvements, placemaking strategies, and stronger nonprofit Main Street organizations. The building blocks that help communities thrive at the local level.

Investing in Planning and Voice

Community impact doesn’t always have to look like individual projects. It’s also about making sure a community is prepared for what’s next. An example? Wayne County’s Countywide Strategic Investment Plan for 2026-2033, led by Forward Wayne County and Wayne County Government. The plan marks an important milestone for the county, positioning its communities as places of innovation, and hubs for recreational amenities and quality of life in East Central Indiana.

The Common Thread

Look closely at each of these projects, and you’ll notice the same partnership at work every time. The Wayne County Foundation providing resources and long-term vision, and Forward Wayne County driving that vision into action across our communities. A pavilion. A riverwalk. A neighborhood of new homes. A grant that strengthens nonprofits and downtowns. A plan that prepares us for the future. This is what community impact looks like. Not one single achievement, but many coordinated efforts, built on a shared mission and carried out together.

The post A Look at Community Impact in Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Board Members

The Wayne County Land Trust board wasn’t assembled by accident; it was assembled with intention. Members come from backgrounds in local banking and finance, investment, real estate law, mixed-use development, historic preservation, property management, community engagement, and more, bringing a well-rounded perspective to the work of preserving and revitalizing downtown Richmond.

When the task at hand is preserving and revitalizing the heart of a community, you need more than good intentions; you need people who understand land from every angle. So, we brought together bankers who know how capital moves, attorneys who understand the legal architecture of property, developers who’ve turned vacant corners into vibrant places, historians who know what’s worth saving and why, and community voices who hold the pulse of Richmond’s people.

This isn’t a board that reads reports about downtown; they walk its streets, run its businesses, and raise their families in its neighborhoods. That living, breathing connection to this place is exactly what makes their stewardship trustworthy, their vision credible, and their commitment unshakeable.

Brett Guiley is Managing Partner of Vista Investment Partners and CEO of Orange Horizon Wealth and represents the investment industry in Wayne County. He serves as Chair of the Wayne County Land Trust and is a member of the Wayne County Foundation Board of Directors. A certified financial planner, Guiley brings more than 26 years of expertise in portfolio management and market investments.

Paul Witte is President of First Bank Richmond and a representative voice for the financial industry in Wayne County. He serves as the Treasurer for the Wayne County Land Trust. He brings deep expertise in financing, capital stacking, local market dynamics, and industry standards. Witte also serves as President of the Wayne County Foundation Board of Directors.

Robin Henry is retired from 3Rivers Federal Credit Union and brings a strong background in customer relations, contract negotiations, facilities management, and local community engagement. She serves as Secretary of the Wayne County Land Trust and is a member of the Wayne County Foundation Board of Directors. Henry offers valuable insight and leadership grounded in her years of service and community involvement.

David Jetmore is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist and an active member of the Wayne County Land Trust. He brings expertise in historic renovations, preservation, and mixed-use development, with a strong commitment to revitalizing local neighborhoods. Jetmore is also co-founder of Richmond Neighborhood Restoration, advancing community-focused restoration efforts.

Jesse Merk is a partner at Merk Investments and an active member of the Wayne County Land Trust. He brings expertise in real estate law, mixed-use development, leasing, and property management. Merk contributes a strong understanding of land use and real estate strategy to community-focused initiatives.

Advisory Committee

If the board provides the strategic framework, the advisory committee provides the street-level truth. Advisors help the Land Trust stay connected to the community it serves. These are the people who swing hammers in historic homes, unlock storefronts on Monday mornings, navigate the maze of state and federal tax credits, and sit across the table from banks to make deals work for real communities. They don’t theorize about revitalization; they live it every day.

The advisory committee exists to make sure the Wayne County Land Trust never loses sight of what’s actually happening on the ground, keeping its decisions rooted in the realities of construction timelines, small business grit, and the kind of economic development that actually moves the needle for everyday people in Wayne County.

Matty Ledgerwood is the owner of Ledgerwood Home Restoration and serves as an advisory member of the Wayne County Land Trust. He brings expertise in construction, project management, and real estate management. A master craftsman, Ledgerwood is known for quality workmanship and thoughtful restoration.

Sharon Ontko is a local downtown building owner and represents the voice of the downtown business community. She serves as an advisory member of the Wayne County Land Trust and is an active community leader. Ontko brings expertise in entrepreneurship and nonprofit startup, supporting initiatives that strengthen local development.

Valerie Shaffer is President of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County and serves as an advisory member of the Wayne County Land Trust. She brings expertise in economic development, housing projects, business development and retention, and state and federal tax credits. Shaffer plays a key role in advancing strategic growth and investment across the county. She is a former board member of the Wayne County Foundation Board of Directors.

David Stidham is retired from U.S. Bank and represents the Economic Growth Group. He serves as an advisory member of the Wayne County Land Trust. Stidham brings expertise in banking, main street development, and local economic growth initiatives.

Staff

The Wayne County Land Trust is supported by a small but mighty team of dedicated staff that manages the day-to-day work of the organization. Wayne County Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Gilliam leads the Land Trust’s overall strategy and operations, bringing organizational leadership and a deep commitment to Wayne County’s philanthropic and community development ecosystem. Forward Wayne County Director Acacia St. John bridges the work of the Land Trust with the broader community development mission of Forward Wayne County and the Wayne County Foundation, ensuring alignment across all organizations. Property Manager Addyson Johnson oversees the Land Trust’s growing property portfolio, keeping operations running smoothly across its downtown Richmond and Depot holdings.

Rebecca Gilliam

Acacia St. John

Addyson Johnson

The Wayne County Land Trust is more than an organization, it’s a public declaration that this community believes in itself. Every board member who walks Richmond’s streets, every advisor who has swung a hammer or opened a storefront downtown, every staff member who shows up every day to manage the details and drive the vision are all making the same bet: that downtown Richmond and the Depot are worth fighting for.

The buildings they preserve and the properties they revitalize aren’t just bricks and mortar; they are the physical expression of a community’s identity, its memory, and its future. Wayne County has always had the bones. Now it has the team to bring them back to life.

The post Local Stewards: The Leadership Behind the Wayne County Land Trust appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Blue and Green What?

If you’ve never heard of blue or green spaces before, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Blue space refers to visible water features; much the same way green space refers to visible greenery. Both natural and man-made water features count; the sea, rivers and streams, lakes, ponds, waterfalls, pools, and more. (Source: Scenic America)
• Green space is an umbrella term for maintaining or unmaintained environmental areas. Think about nature reserves, wilderness environments, and parks. Green spaces are often purposefully designated for their recreational or aesthetic value. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

How these Spaces Impact Mental Health

Research shows that both blue and green spaces have a meaningful positive impact on mental health, and their importance only grows as populations continue to expand.

Blue spaces can have a calming effect on our mental state and have several health benefits. According Scripps Health, benefits include increased feelings of calm, faster healing, increased physical activity, and better sleep.

Green spaces carry similar benefits. People living in areas with more green space tend to experience less mental distress, lower rates of anxiety and depression, greater overall well-being, and healthier cortisol profiles. Exposure to natural environments is also psychologically restorative, supporting emotional health and our ability to reflect on life’s challenges. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Importance of Social Connection

It’s well known that the COVID-19 pandemic had an incredibly negative effect on social connection. While some people may prefer to stay inside and keep to themselves, that isolation isn’t necessarily good for physical or mental health. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by loneliness, with significant impacts on health and well-being.

Social connection is the structure, function, and quality of our relationships with others. In a 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, it’s noted that social connection is a critical and underappreciated contributor to individual and population health, community safety, resilience, and prosperity. Additionally, the report highlights the risks associated with the lack of social connection. It can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

While it may seem easy to view social connection as a personal choice, the report notes that connectedness is also shaped by the social infrastructure of the community where one lives, including physical assets of a community, programs, and local policies. The report further states, “In sum, social connection is more than a personal issue. The structural and social characteristics of the community produce the settings in which people build, maintain, and grow their social networks.”

Understanding this is part of what drives the investments we’ve made to create positive, connected spaces right here in Wayne County.

Creating These Spaces in Wayne County

Wayne County is fortunate to have beautiful green and blue spaces woven throughout our communities, and we look forward to expanding and improving what’s available. A recent example: the Wayne County Foundation, through Forward Wayne County, was awarded $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative.

Those funds are hard at work: supporting a riverwalk, bouldering garden, and adventure playground in the Whitewater Gorge, as well as an outdoor venue space in Cambridge City, known as Creitz Park Pavilion. Want to learn more about the full GIFT VIII plan? Read it here.

The HELP (Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program) provided significant investment in green spaces in Milton, Dublin, Economy, East Germantown, and Cambridge City. In addition, the program provided funding for projects in the Whitewater Gorge blue space.

And communities are prioritizing green spaces in the countywide strategic investment plan. GIFT IX will look to improve or add additional green spaces across Wayne County.

There’s something quietly powerful about a community that invests in spaces where people can simply be. As Wayne County continues to grow its parks, waterways, and gathering places, we know that building a healthy community means more than infrastructure. It means creating the conditions where people can truly thrive.

The post Blue and Green Spaces: Positive Boosts for Mental Health appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

The environment is one of the core focus areas here at Forward Wayne County, and you might be asking yourself why. The answer is pretty simple: environmentally-friendly communities are vibrant, thriving communities. Investing in the health of our local spaces is essential to attracting talent, supporting residents, and building long-term prosperity here in Wayne County. Learn more about our environmental focus and local organizations leading the way here.

Get Outside and Clean Up

A simple yet visible way to care for your community is to help keep it clean. Organized cleanup days are a great way to make a real impact while connecting with your neighbors and fellow community members. Several community cleanup days took place this month, and a couple are still ongoing or happening early next month.

Cleanup for the Town of Hagerstown is happening now through May 2, and Richmond Parks and Recreation is hosting Park Clean-Up and Invasive Removal at Middlefork Cove on May 2. Find more information about local cleanup days in our recent Facebook post. And, while organized cleanup days are great, you don’t have to wait for them to clean up around you. Simply picking up litter on your daily walk makes a difference!

Utilize Local Recycling

Some communities offer recycling programs for residents. If this is something your community offers, take advantage of it! It’s important to keep in mind what’s actually accepted as part of the recycling program, so be sure to only include items that are allowed.

If recycling isn’t something offered in your community, Cope Environmental Center has a great resource page with information on local recycling.  If you’re into gardening, consider composting your food scraps at home rather than throwing them away. It’s a win-win: fertilizer for your garden and reducing what goes to the landfill.

Share Your Stewardship Experience

Environmental stewardship can be contagious. Invite a friend or neighbor to participate in your local community cleanup day or visit your local park and take a few minutes to pick up any litter. These small actions can inspire them to start doing the same thing.

Being an environmental steward in your community doesn’t mean you have to do it all. It’s about actually doing something, consistently, and with care. Pick one idea mentioned above and give it a try! Then, invite someone to join you. These simple actions are how communities change for the better, one small action at a time.

The post Small Actions, Big Impact: Being an Environmental Steward in Your Community appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

A Vision for the Region: East Central Indiana’s Arts & Culture Plan

As a key partner in East Central Indiana’s regional arts and culture plan, our county is helping to shape a shared vision for how the arts can strengthen communities, drive economic vitality, and enrich everyday life across the region. That plan now serves as the framework for an exciting funding opportunity. The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is a $65 million statewide program funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. It is administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana Arts Commission. Through this initiative, grant funding is awarded on a project-by-project basis and will be provided as reimbursement grants.

If you have a project in mind, don’t wait as the application deadline is April 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. For questions or to learn more, reach out to Acacia St. John at acacia@forwardwaynecounty.org or 765-259-3327.

The Arts are Expanding into Western Wayne County

One of the most exciting developments in the county’s arts landscape is the new outdoor venue in Cambridge City. Creitz Park Pavilion is a beautiful new space that represents a meaningful shift. Bringing arts and culture programming to the western part of Wayne County ensures that residents throughout the entire county have access to world-class experiences close to home.

Be sure to mark your calendars! The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be on Friday, May 8. The ribbon cutting kicks things off at 4 PM, and it promises to be a wonderful evening. There will be live music performances from Western Wayne artists, a fitting tribute to the talent and creativity that have always called this part of the county home.

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Looking ahead, Creitz Park Pavilion is already attracting some of the county’s most beloved arts organizations. The Richmond Symphony Orchestra plans to bring the magic of live orchestral music to the pavilion. Additionally, the Richmond Shakespeare Festival has plans for a theatrical performance under the open sky. These are the kinds of experiences that bring communities together, and Cambridge City will soon have a front-row seat.

A County Rich in Arts and Culture

Wayne County is home to a remarkable collection of arts and culture organizations. Each contributes something unique to the cultural fabric of our community. We are fortunate to count among our assets:

• Civic Hall Performing Arts Center: a vibrant performing arts venue that hosts a wide range of concerts, events, and cultural programming throughout the year.
• Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site: a national historic landmark in Fountain City, preserving the powerful story of one of the Underground Railroad’s most important safe havens.
• Richmond Art Museum: one of Indiana’s premier regional art museums, offering exhibitions, education, and a deep connection to visual arts.
• Richmond Civic Theatre: a beloved community theatre with decades of history, producing outstanding live performances for all ages.
• The Reid Center: a beautiful historic staple known for creativity and connection, supporting arts programming and cultural engagement for the broader community.
• Wayne County Historical Museum: Spreading across eight buildings, the museum is dedicated to educating and preserving the rich heritage of Wayne County and its role in American history.

Together, these organizations represent something we should all be proud of. They educate, inspire, and unite us. They attract visitors, support local artists, and give our communities a sense of identity and purpose. With new venues like Creitz Park Pavilion expanding the reach of the arts, the future is looking bright.

We hope to see you on May 8 and at many more performances and events throughout this year. We are still writing Wayne County’s creative story, and every one of us has a part to play.

The post Wayne County’s Creative Spirit is Growing appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

For too long, our narrative has focused on what we’ve lost: the factories that closed, the storefronts that emptied, downtowns in disarray, the neighborhoods that dimmed. Time has not served us well. Is this really what we want to cling to?

What if we shift the focus? Not on what we don’t have, but on everything we do?

Wayne County is rich with possibilities. We have the bones of beautiful historic buildings, walkable streets, hardworking people, entrepreneurs in abundance, and a deep well of local pride. Our Main Street and the Depot District are full of potential and opportunity.

The Heart

At the heart of it all and leading the way is the Wayne County Land Trust. The Trust builds on more than a decade of preparation and aligns with successful local and regional initiatives to amplify rural impact; all while being led by local decision-makers who understand Wayne County’s unique communities and challenges.

Decision-makers who live here, work here, raise families here, and who have expertise in real estate, construction, law, finance, and economic investment. Decision-makers that care about preservation, purpose, and passion, rather than tearing down.

It started with the purchase of Main Street and Depot District buildings. Some from out-of-state owners, but most from local owners who wanted to focus on their businesses and not their building, or who wanted to retire. They saw the Wayne County Land Trust as a trusted partner in the preservation and redevelopment of their buildings.

It takes a lot to give up something you love, and we are grateful these owners believe in the Trust’s ability to revitalize these spaces.

Local Accountability

Local ownership means local input and local accountability. It means we get to decide what goes into those storefronts, how the spaces look, and who benefits. It means keeping wealth in our communities, creating more housing options, and building intergenerational business opportunities for everyone.

And at no cost to taxpayers. The Trust is funded through philanthropic and investment capital. Although the trust is a 501c3, its properties will remain on the tax rolls and continue to contribute to local tax revenues. Our aim is to always reinvest back into the community.

All of Us

We are working in tandem with  Revitalize Richmond, AP Development, Flaherty & Collins, the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, and others to take sections of the downtown and Depot and make the buildings mixed-use.

This revitalization effort is about broadening our economic vision and welcoming a diverse set of businesses that reflect our people. Imagine with us. Coffee shops and tech startups. Event venues and design firms. Local markets, restaurants, music venues, makerspaces, and everything in between.

New businesses that complement our current Main Street and Depot businesses. Businesses that welcome and attract our residents and visitors alike. Businesses that are thriving and can stay open later into the evening, that are open on the weekends, and maybe, just maybe, a few brunch spots on Sunday.

Intention

We’re going to renovate the spaces with intention. We’re restoring buildings not only to their former beauty, but to future functionality. Places where businesses thrive, people live, families gather, and life happens.

It won’t happen in a year, but Main Street and the Depot will look different in the next five to ten years.

We’re creating a new future. One where community drives development, where inclusion is the foundation, where private and public investment intersect, and where hope is built into every brick and beam.

Can you imagine this? If not, what’s holding you back? This is your invitation. Look forward and see the potential and support the new future of Wayne County.

Together, we’re not just rebuilding the Main Street and Depot District. We’re reclaiming it. And we’re building it to last.

The post Reclaiming Revitalization in Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Workforce Talent

One of the most meaningful areas of progress in 2025 was workforce and talent development. Forward Wayne County facilitated the organization and alignment of five public school systems and one parochial school system. The focus was on preparedness for work-based learning and the State’s new graduation requirements. This work ensured that students, schools and employers are aligned around shared expectations.

Complementing this effort, we hosted a second round of internship education training for employers. This helped local businesses strengthen their capacity to provide meaningful, high-quality learning experiences for students. These efforts are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected talent pipeline—right here in Wayne County.

To ensure residents clearly see opportunity at home, Forward Wayne County’s Employability Coalition launched the “Right Here in Wayne County” career campaign. This initiative highlighted the diverse and growing career options available locally, reinforcing the message that meaningful, fulfilling jobs and careers don’t require leaving the county. By elevating local employers, the campaign supports talent retention and attraction, two key ingredients for long-term prosperity.

Investing in Ourselves

Housing and neighborhood revitalization also took a significant step forward with the launch of the Wayne County Land Trust. This new entity represents a commitment to additional housing options, neighborhood stability, and reclaiming our downtowns, while supporting reinvestment into historic buildings.

In tandem, the Wayne County Foundation, through Forward Wayne County, made its first-ever impact investment in the Vaile neighborhood, demonstrating a new approach to community development that blends financial stewardship with measurable social impact. This milestone underscores our commitment to innovative housing solutions that are affordable and attainable for our residents.

GIFTS

2025 also marked the beginning of implementation for GIFT VIII projects, moving from vision to action. These catalytic projects in Cambridge City and Richmond are now advancing toward tangible outcomes that will strengthen quality of place, economic vitality, and community pride across the county.

We capped the year with a $1.5 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. through GIFT IX. This investment affirms both the strength of our partnerships and the readiness of Wayne County to steward resources effectively.

The SIP

A cornerstone of 2025 was a year-long planning process to develop a countywide Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). This effort brought together leaders, residents, and stakeholders from across Wayne County to align priorities and identify catalytic projects in five areas: housing, infrastructure, parks and recreation, revitalization/beautification, and tourism.

Ten of the county’s fourteen incorporated communities actively participated, demonstrating a shared commitment to collaboration and collective impact. The SIP reflects local voice, data-driven decision-making, and a clear roadmap for strategic investment in the next seven years. You can read it here.

2026

That momentum carries directly into 2026. In the year ahead, Forward Wayne County will begin implementing projects identified in the SIP, deploy asset-based community development training across the county through our Main Street organizations, and celebrate the opening of the Cambridge City Outdoor Venue Space.

We will also begin work on Phase 3 of the Whitewater Gorge and launch two new coalitions focused on Government and Arts & Culture, further strengthening collaboration across sectors.

Preparedness made 2025 a success. This progress belongs to all of us. In 2026, that preparation becomes action. Together, we will continue turning shared vision into lasting impact—right here in Wayne County.

The post Preparing for Generational Impact: Forward Wayne County’s 2025 Year in Review appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Well, that was me this past August, shopping for last-minute details for my September wedding, when I spotted some Christmas décor. Little did I know that in the blink of an eye, the holiday season would be upon us. While Hobby Lobby may push the holiday décor a little ahead of schedule (in my opinion), I can’t fault them for trying to spark a little early holiday magic.

A Different Kind of Magic

Experiencing Christmas as an adult is undeniably different than experiencing it as a child. But that doesn’t mean there’s no magic to see or experience; it just looks a little different.

Today, the magic looks like folks coming together and providing gifts so all children can have an enjoyable holiday. It looks like communities hosting holiday events that bring people together, year after year. It’s local businesses stepping up and supporting nonprofits so they can make an even bigger impact during one of the most important seasons of the year.

While the end of the year is quickly approaching, there’s still a handful of family-friendly events you can attend! Even better, most of these events are free or have a low cost.

• DEC 18: 3-5 PM | Holiday Survival Grab & Go at Family Resource Center of Wayne County
• DEC 18-21: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Richmond Civic Theatre *cost
• DEC 20: 9 AM-12 PM | Richmond Farmers Market Holiday Market at Starr-Gennett
• DEC 20: 10-11 AM | Legacy in the Pines at Cope Environmental Center *cost
• DEC 20: 1-6 PM | Christmas Box Giveaway at Townsend Community Center
• DEC 20: 3-7 PM | Santa at Two Sisters Bookstore in the Depot District

Where Community Shines Brightest

Wayne County is fortunate to have some incredible people and businesses that make our communities so special, especially during the holidays. From doing something as simple as eating at a local restaurant or shopping at a local boutique to making a generous donation to your favorite nonprofit, when we come together and do good, incredible things happen.

The Depot Festival of Trees is a perfect example of supporting local nonprofits during the holiday season. Local nonprofits decorate and display one-of-a-kind Christmas trees that are auctioned off to attendees. Proceeds from each tree directly support the nonprofit. This incredible event made quite the impact this year, raising over $45,000 for local nonprofits!

Let’s not forget the work that goes on behind the scenes to make the holiday season magical for all of Wayne County. Community volunteers who help organize parades, residents who go all out with their Christmas lights, town employees and volunteers who decorate downtowns with festive displays, and so much more that’s easy to overlook. Without this work, there’s no doubt the holiday season wouldn’t feel the same.

Cambridge City exemplifies volunteers making the holiday season magical. The Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department transforms Creitz Park into a festive Christmas light display, open every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 PM through Christmas. Between Christmas and New Year’s, the light display will take place every evening. Admission is free, with donations welcomed to support the department’s equipment and building needs throughout the year.

Carrying the Spirit Forward

Next time you get to experience some of the Christmas magic in Wayne County, take a moment to say thank you. Whether that looks like dropping off some homemade cookies or writing a simple note of appreciation, acknowledging those who make the season special goes a long way.

As we celebrate this time of year, we’re also carrying its momentum forward. The spirit of generosity, connection, and community pride that defines Christmas in Wayne County doesn’t just end in December.

We’re excited to build on it in 2026 as new initiatives come to life, and we’re grateful to be part of a community where the magic lasts far beyond the holidays. 

The post The Magic of Christmas in Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Whether through social media, radio, or online ads, these businesses know how to get the word out. So, as we focus on small businesses for the month of November, we figured, why not give them some love and get the word out about them?

While each of these businesses has its own unique identity and target audience, they both share one important purpose: keeping Wayne County residents informed. From sharing community events to promoting new business openings to reporting on the latest news, Wayne County is fortunate to have Brewer Broadcasting and Duncan Media. Here’s how each one contributes to a more connected and informed community.

Brewer Broadcasting: Connecting Communities for 65+ years

Brewer Broadcasting is home to three radio stations: KICKS 96, 101.7 The Point, and 95.3 The Legend. 96.1FM was the very first FM signal in Wayne County and recently celebrated 65 years on the air. Brewer Broadcasting also recently launched Hometown Headlines, a free online local news outlet that highlights positive stories in Wayne County and surrounding areas in Indiana and Ohio.

When asked about Hometown Headlines, Brewer Broadcasting General Manager Amy Dillon told us, “Sharing positive, local news helps uplift our community by highlighting its successes, resilience, and unique stories. It fosters a sense of pride and unity among residents, encouraging a more engaged and supportive environment. Our mission for TheHometownHeadlines.com is specifically to serve as a positive voice that promotes growth, optimism, and connections within the community, ultimately contributing to a thriving local economy and a stronger sense of belonging.”

Brewer Broadcasting offers advertising packages for businesses of all sizes, and you can learn more about those options here.

Duncan Media: Continuing a Tradition of Regional News

The newly formed Duncan Media family of stations includes five stations covering eastern Indiana and western Ohio. Established earlier this year, Duncan Media builds on the work of Whitewater Broadcasting and includes G101-3, WKBV 1490 AM/100.9 FM, 94.3 WIFE-FM, Star 98.3 WZZY, and Kmix 106.9 FM. With stations located in Richmond, Winchester, Connersville, and Rushville, they offer a wide-reaching platform for local businesses.

Rick Duncan, President/General Manager of Duncan Media, shared, “Marketing can be pretty confusing. Duncan Media is always excited to help businesses navigate their way through the clutter. We pride ourselves on helping them make a real difference in, not only the money they make, but the way they are perceived within the community through on-air radio, social media and more.”

If you’re interested in having Duncan Media help you with your marketing, learn more on their website.

If you’re looking to get the word out about your small business, connect with one (or both!) of these incredible local businesses. They know storytelling, and they’ll help your business shine.

The post Local Radio Behind Wayne County’s Small Businesses appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

The Wayne County Foundation has committed a $1 million impact investment to support transformative neighborhood revitalization efforts in Richmond’s Vaile neighborhood. The investment, made in partnership with Intend Indiana, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County (EDCWC), advances our long-standing mission to strengthen local communities, enhance the spirit of community and to improve the quality of life in the Wayne County, Indiana, area now and for future generations.

We adopted our local impact investment program in 2022. Different from grantmaking, impact investments yield both a financial and social return and are often part of a larger collaborative effort among stakeholders to achieve a goal. The financial return will allow us to reinvest back into projects that restore our communities, creating a social impact that will last well beyond our lifetimes.

Through our program, Forward Wayne County will review and recommend investments to the Wayne County Foundation board of directors from across Wayne County that advance countywide vitality and wellbeing that directly or indirectly serves diverse residents; revitalize existing assets to create vibrant city and town centers that offer community members hospitable and healthy spaces to live, work, commune, and incubate businesses; or that will improve Wayne County’s quality of life through investments in housing, entrepreneurship, and physical assets/built environment (not including basic infrastructure like roads, bridges, water systems, etc.).

First Impact Investment

The Foundation’s first housing impact investment allows us to put capital to work to drive positive community change, marking a powerful step forward in supporting the community outside of traditional grantmaking. We are being purposefully bold, listening to community feedback, imagining places of possibility, and realizing that big dreams start small. In this case, one place, one neighborhood at a time. Vaile.

“This project is a strong example of strategic impact investment at work,” said Acacia St. John, Director of Forward Wayne County. “By broadening the housing mix for our residents and advancing measurable goals for neighborhood revitalization, the Foundation is addressing both immediate community needs and long-term population growth objectives.”

At the heart of this work is a shared commitment to people, economic mobility, and inclusive growth. Our impact investment will help leverage state (IEDC) and local resources (EDCWC) to bring more attainable homes to market, ensuring that families across Wayne County, including local first-time homebuyers, have access to safe, modern, and affordable housing. It will also provide residential stability, increases in property tax revenue, and support a more diverse housing mix that aligns with community needs.

“We are pleased that we could be a part of a project that will catalyze redevelopment in our community,” said Rebecca Gilliam, Executive Director of the Wayne County Foundation.

“Strong neighborhoods are an integral part of a thriving Wayne County. Research tells us that homeownership provides a sense of security through a consistent place to live and ownership of the space and neighborhood in which someone lives. The affordable homes in this project are attainable for local residents and support our local economy. We applaud our partners at the EDCWC for sending Intend Indiana our way.”

Intend Indiana

Intend Indiana, an experienced statewide community development partner, will lead implementation, drawing from its proven track record in affordable housing, community revitalization, and innovative financing. They will aim to use local builders, contractors, and vendors to support our local economy. Their expertise, paired with local economic development leadership from EDCWC, positions the Vaile initiative to deliver meaningful, measurable impact.

The project also aligns with broader regional and state strategies to attract and retain talent by expanding housing choices and creating vibrant, livable neighborhoods with access to amenities, employment, and community networks.

As Wayne County works to grow its population and strengthen its economic position, investments like this help ensure that the county is prepared to meet demand and offer a range of attainable housing options. We are inviting others to join us.

If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you. You can reach Forward Wayne County at support@forwardwaynecounty.org or call at 765.259.3327.

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