INDIANAPOLIS – Today at the Indiana Statehouse, Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann joined the Office of Community and Rural Affairs awards to recognize over 100 rural communities who partnered with the agency throughout 2015 to cooperatively shape and execute their vision for local community and economic development opportunities.

“It is important to determine where we want our state to be in the future,” said Lt. Governor Ellspermann in her address to the crowd. “Part of that vision must be a renewal of rural Indiana communities as great places for businesses to locate and Hoosiers to live, work and raise a family. OCRA has the unique opportunity and tools to impact rural Indiana and assure that our great success stories reach the small towns and rural communities throughout the state.”

The 2015 awards ceremony marks OCRA’s 10th anniversary since the agency’s creation in 2005 under the leadership of former Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. A highlight of this afternoon’s ceremony was Skillman recalling OCRA’s early years and sharing stories about the decade of successes that have helped transform the agency and ultimately rural communities throughout Indiana. State legislators, mayors, local elected officials, grant administrators, community development organizations, community partners and businesses were present at the awards ceremony and anniversary celebration.

“As we celebrate our current successes and look forward to the future, it’s also important to celebrate OCRA’s past 10 years that have led us here today,” said OCRA Executive Director Bill Konyha. “I’m grateful to both Lt. Governor Ellspermann and former Lt. Governor Skillman for being champions of our rural communities to ensure our hometowns are thriving and relevant in the 21st century.”

To view a full listing of the communities recognized at the event, go to www.in.gov/ocra.