TV campaign promotes what Elkhart has to offer

ELKHART — The city launched a TV campaign promoting the good things the downtown has to offer. It's designed to bring new business to the area as the economy begins to turn around. The ads showcase new restaurants, attractions, entertainment and apartment space. "What we wanted to do is remind people what we've got here and now," said Steve Gruber of Downtown Elkhart, Inc. The non-profit group created the spots. "We've got the Lerner Theater, the former Elco that is being restored. We have a world class collection of American art. The river walk is complete. We've got a new ice skating rink, a water park. Upstairs, on a lot of second floors of these commercial buildings, are great apartments," Gruber said. He says in the past 12 months, six new restaurants have opened downtown. "I think people have understood for a while that the health of our downtown really reflects the health of your community. It does reflect on the overall economic climate of the area," said Kyle Hannon of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce. Some community leaders say the area may have turned the corner economically and now is the time to put its best foot forward to attract new business. "I think in some respects it is turning around. There is a lot more resilience, there is a lot of hope. People are looking at some of the recent news items about electric cars companies expanding to this area," Gruber said. "I think that people understand that businesses are starting to say, 'We really think this next year is going to be a lot better'," Hannon said. Part of the ad campaign was aimed at people under 40. It's goal is to promote living downtown and operating a business there.