center, while also giving birth to pharmaceutical innovations like Alka-Seltzer at the former Miles Laboratories. “Elkhart is a wonderful community,” says Mayor Rod Roberson, reflecting on his hometown’s unique character. “It’s always been a city that was small enough to know most of the people if you were kind of an outgoing young lad, but large enough to have substantial commerce.”The mayor points out a fascinating demographic shift that occurs daily- the city’s population swells to eight times its size during working hours as people stream in for employment opportunities. The manufacturing prowess of Elkhart extends far beyond RVs, creating a rich combination of industrial innovation. “The supplier base is the industry that drives our diversity,” Mayor Roberson explains. “If you make a bed for the RV industry, you probably make a bed for multiple different types of industries throughout the United States.” This diversification has attracted major corporations, with 16 North American headquarters choosing Elkhart as their base of operations. Beyond its industrial achievements, Elkhart boasts a vibrant cultural scene rooted in its musical heritage. “One thing that has driven our relationship to the arts and entertainment is band instruments and music,” Mayor Roberson shares. The city’s crown jewel, the historic Lerner Theatre, celebrates its centennial this year, continuing to draw top-tier entertainment talent. Combined with a relatively low cost of living and easy access to major Midwestern cities, Elkhart offers an appealing blend of small-town charm and big-city opportunities. The city has successfully adapted to post-pandemic workforce trends through Indiana’s Make My Move initiative. “We’ve had approximately eight to ten people who have decided to come from all over the country to work remotely here and enjoy the benefits,” Mayor Roberson notes. This innovative approach aligns with Elkhart’s entrepreneurial spirit and focus on quality of life.“We want to capitalize on our unique strengths to make our community livable and create quality of place amenities so that people will be attracted to it.” 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 ELKHART, IN
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