Community Civility Counts

The Public Policy Committee of the Gary, Indiana Chamber of Commerce spearheaded the Community Civility Counts (CCC) Initiative and partnered with The Times Media Company for the launch of a regional campaign on Wednesday April 22, 2015. The idea behind the initiative came together after the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee discussions centered on making a positive impact in Gary and surrounding communities.

Executive Director Chuck Hughes coined the phrase “Community Civility Counts” and provided T-Shirts with the new Community Civility Counts logo and slogan, “Together We Win,” which was formatted by Public Policy Committee Chair Dr. Gordon E. Bradshaw.

The Times Executive Editor Bob Heisse and Publisher Chris White offered the support of the Times Media Company, and gave the initiative even greater impact by printing posters and stickers and by offering a civility hashtag on the bottom of the logo. The Times launched a drawing and essay contest for everyone to have the chance to participate in going forward with this great initiative.

As we witness incidents of disrespect, discourtesy, intolerance, bullying and violence in all of our communities, we see the need to raise the conscious level of everyone and those from every walk of life. Whether in politics, business, education or our personal lives, we can be better. We must be better in order to live in a civil manner and in a civilized society. We are requesting your presence and your support as we unveil a logo and launch a campaign that is vital to the well -being of everyone.

In conclusion, we want to launch an awareness campaign that is essential and would remind everyone about civility, and about treating each other right. The logo design reflects the fact that if we connect and run the race together, we all win, no matter who comes in first place. We are offering everyone the chance to move forward on this initiative. Anyone can use the logo and slogan because “Together We Win!”

The Gary Chamber of Commerce has partnered with The Times of Northwest Indiana to promote a new movement we’re calling Community Civility Counts. This initiative is timely, powerful, and yet simple. Let’s change the dialogue. Let’s take charge of the message and promote civility in all our interactions.