Merrillville has adopted a new town slogan and it's "The Heart of the Region."
It bested the finalists "Merrillville is not a Place, It's a People," "Community, Progress, Possibilities," "Unity in Diversity" and "Rooted in Tradition, Growing in Unity."
“Our Town is a dynamic blend of economic vitality, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality,” Town Council President Rick Bella said. “The adoption of 'The Heart of the Region' as our slogan reflects our commitment to embracing this identity and welcoming all who come to experience the unique energy of Merrillville."
The town of about 36,500 residents in central Lake County sought a new slogan for months, taking suggestions from residents.
“We wanted to see what the community thought about our Town,” Town Council Vice President Rhonda Neal said.
People are also reading…
Residents submitted more than 40 entries, which were narrowed down to five finalists. The community then got to vote on its favorite.
Townspeople heavily favored "The Heart of the Region," which captured nearly 70% of the vote in a crowded five-way race.
“It was highly recognized by our community,” Neal said.
Candi Colvin came up with "The Heart of the Region," which she said popped into her mind when she heard about the contest. She said it emphasizes how Merrillville is located in the middle of Lake County and helps drive the Region's economy and growth. Merrillville is home to one of the greatest concentrations of offices in Northwest Indiana and also makes up part of the largest commercial trade districts along U.S. 30 near the Southlake Mall in neighboring Hobart.
“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.”
The town council voted to adopt the slogan and recognize Colvin for her contribution at its meeting this week.
“I really appreciate that she participated in our slogan program because she’s making history in the Town of Merrillville,” Neal said.
Merrillville's new slogan will be incorporated into welcome signs and promotional materials.
A look back at Northwest Indiana businesses that closed in 2023
A look back at Region businesses that closed in 2023
Beer Geeks, one of the Region's first, most beloved and most influential craft beer bars, closed after more than a decade and is being reimagined as a new concept.
The landmark 88-year-old castle-shaped White Castle in Whiting is coming down to be replaced with a newer, larger, more modern White Castle restaurant.
A longtime staple in downtown Crown Point poured its last drink.
The longtime Westforth Sports gun shop is closing.
The Silver Line Building Products plant at 16801 Exchange Ave. will be shuttered permanently.
Brewfest in Highland will close in what's been called "an end of an era."
David's Bridal filed for bankruptcy and could close all stores if no buyer emerges to save it.
The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle will be remembered with displays at museums in two different states.
For years, the "millionaire's club" met every morning in the corner booth of the historic 88-year-old White Castle at Indianapolis Boulevard and 119th Street in downtown Whiting. The landmark restaurant served its final slider Tuesday.
One of Northwest Indiana's most popular and enduring hobby shops is looking for a buyer after the longtime owner died.
J&L This N That Consignment Shop, a popular thrift store, closed in downtown Whiting after a run of several years.
A Calumet Region institution, Calumet Fisheries on the far South Side of Chicago, is temporarily closed after failing a city health inspection.
Just days after reopening after city health inspectors shut it down, Calumet Fisheries suffered a major fire.
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is no mas in Valparaiso.
Beer Geeks in Highland rebranded as B-Side Bar & Lounge and then closed within a few months.
Troubled retailer Bed Bath and Beyond will permanently close its Valparaiso location as it shutters more stores nationwide as it looks to restructure and shrink its footprint to save the struggling business.
Peoples Bank has shuttered its branch in downtown Hammond.
Viking Artisan Ales will soon pour its last craft beer at its Merrillville taproom.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is closing after 15 years at one of Northwest Indiana's most prominent highway interchanges.
The Chicago Auto Show, the nation's largest auto show, returns to McCormick Place Saturday, running through Feb. 19.
