CivicLab is a nonprofit institute dedicated to advancing the practice of civic collaboration.CivicLab’s approach is to learn what makes community collaboration work at its best, document the discoveries, and teach and share the practices broadly. The purpose of the work is to help communities increase their collective capacity—which is their ability to get things done, together.CivicLab emerged from the Community Education Coalition in Columbus, Indiana, a nationally-recognized partnership of education, business, and community leaders focused on aligning and integrating the region’s learning system with economic growth and a high quality of life.Since its inception, CivicLab has partnered with over 260 communities and organizations across the U.S. including foundations, educational institutions, community government, corporations, and community development organizations.

Jack B. Hess graduated cum laude from Ball State University with a degree in the award-winning Entrepreneurship and Small Business Administration Program. He is currently President of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce where he has set in place an aggressive strategy of building on the power of place, increasing member engagement, and promoting the principles of entrepreneurship and innovation.Within two years of implementing its new strategic plan, the Columbus Chamber was named the Indiana Chamber of the Year in 2008. One year later, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) presented the Columbus Chamber with the National Chamber of the Year Award. The award recognizes excellence in operations, member services, and community leadership.

Prior to working at the Chamber, Mr. Hess was employed at Columbus Enterprise Development Corporation (CEDC) for thirteen years—first as Director of the Small Business Development Center Program (SBDC) and later as President of the Board of Directors.While at CEDC, Mr. Hess was awarded the Ernst & Young “Best New Venture Plan Award,” as well as, the “Outstanding Small Business Consultation Award.” He has also been presented with the Indiana SBDC Network Awards for Innovation, Achievement, and Network Advocacy, the “Mayor’s Achievement of Excellence Award,” and the “National Star Performer Award” from the Association of Small Business Development Centers. He has most recently been awarded the “Outstanding Community Partner Award” from the IU MBA Program, the “Entrepreneurial Award of Distinction for a Social Enterprise Program” by the IU Kelly School of Business, and the “Rotary Centennial Service Award for Professional Excellence.”