Commission finalizes concise vision statement and readies ‘Shark Tank’ idea form

The Huber Heights Arts and Beautification Commission finalized a concise vision statement on June 19 and encouraged community members to bring project ideas to the commission’s July Shark Tank session.

After reviewing several drafts and discussing phrasing, commissioners agreed on the wording: “The Huber Heights Arts and Beautification Commission cultivates all forms of art in celebration of our uniquely beautiful and culturally diverse home.” Members said the statement is intended as a guiding “north star,” may appear on future agendas, and help commissioners and the public evaluate prospective projects for cultural fit.

Commissioners acknowledged the statement was drafted initially with the help of an AI tool to synthesize input and then edited in discussion to remove clumsy phrasing and emphasize diversity and “beautiful” to reflect the commission’s beautification work. Members debated alternatives (for example, using “representing” versus “celebration”), and discussed whether to use present tense wording such as “cultivates.” The final phrasing was accepted by consensus; no formal council-level bylaw change was required.

On programming, commissioners outlined the Shark Tank process for the July meeting and circulated a guidance form. Staff said community members may submit a short, 50-word description of a proposed project to come to Shark Tank; the paper form is intended as guidance and not a formal, binding submission. Commissioners encouraged volunteers and residents to share ideas, noting the commission can ask follow-up questions during the July session.

Commissioners said the Shark Tank form and a guidance packet will be available to help potential applicants describe scope, uniqueness and costs. The commission also said it will keep a separate list of policy and procedure items that may need more formal consideration later.