The Power of Advocacy: Why Speaking Up for Our Community Matters
By Kristin Craig, President/CEO
Advocating for our community is one of the most important responsibilities we share as business and civic leaders. Terre Haute and West Central Indiana are at a pivotal moment — growing, changing and redefining what comes next. Whether we’re supporting local businesses, championing infrastructure investments or ensuring access to quality healthcare and education, our collective voice has the power to shape the future of this region.
Advocacy isn’t just about politics or policy; it’s about people. It’s about making sure that decisions made in boardrooms, in local council chambers, in Indianapolis or Washington, D.C. reflect the needs and priorities of those who live and work here. When the Chamber speaks on behalf of our members, we are really speaking for the thousands of employees, families and small business owners who depend on a strong, stable local economy.
On Sunday, Governor Mike Braun announced approval of the certificate of public advantage (COPA), which allows Union Hospital to purchase Terre Haute Regional Hospital. This merger represents far more than a consolidation of healthcare entities — it is a vital step toward protecting and advancing the Terre Haute, Vigo County and West Central Indiana economy. Specifically, this merger safeguards more than 500 high-paying healthcare jobs, ensuring that families, careers and livelihoods remain rooted in Terre Haute, fueling local businesses, schools and essential services.
This announcement has taken over five years of work to achieve. First discussed in 2021 with the state legislature, the Chamber has stood alongside Union Hospital from the beginning. We’ve gathered countless letters of support from local businesses and their leadership, met with state and federal officials to explain our local perspective and made many, many trips to the Statehouse to continually voice our support. Now, four years later, we finally have a decision that makes sense for our community and, most importantly, allows us to retain critical healthcare employees in our communities.
And just yesterday, the Vigo County Council approved the creation of the School Facilities Oversight Board after months of discussion and feedback. In making this decision, those who voted favorably have demonstrated a clear commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency and collaboration. This represents a major step toward addressing our community’s school facility needs in a way that strengthens education, supports economic growth and protects taxpayers. On behalf of the Chamber membership, who strongly supported this step, we are grateful for your partnership and vision for Vigo County’s future and look forward to working together through the next steps in the process.
The progress we’ve made as a community — from revitalizing Downtown Terre Haute to attracting new employers and supporting local entrepreneurs — hasn’t happened by chance. It’s the result of years of intentional collaboration, persistent communication and a shared belief that Terre Haute’s best days are ahead. That’s why we engage in advocacy at every level — local, state and federal — to ensure our region’s voice is heard and our momentum continues.
At its core, advocacy is an act of care. It’s how we demonstrate pride in our community and a commitment to its long-term success. By speaking up, staying informed and working together, we can continue building a Terre Haute that attracts talent, supports innovation and offers opportunity for all.
Our future depends on the strength of our collective voice. Let’s make sure it continues to be heard.
