I had the privilege to join a group of budding entrepreneurs at Indiana University Northwest this fall.
The Start UP Business Success Program is a partnership between the university and the city of Gary to help small businesses get a jump start after the last few difficult years.
The energy in the room of eager entrepreneurs seemed a little magical. That same feeling of anticipation also was prevalent at the Society of Innovators induction, Ignite the Region luncheon and E-Day awards ceremony this fall.
At the Society of Innovators event, videos showed highlights of the five innovations that landed creators the honors.
Don Babcock of the Northwest Indiana Forum team, which was an inductee, said “Without passion, nothing better happens.”
That passion could also be felt during the Forum's luncheon. The room was buzzing as the crowd waited for Gov. Eric Holcomb to speak. He did not disappoint when he surprised Forum CEO Heather Ennis with a Sagamore of Wabash Award. She reminded the audience that “You can't grow alone.”
That sentiment carried over into the E-Day ceremony. Ten awards honored people and businesses that show collaboration is key to success.
“Northwest Indiana is lucky to have all of you,” said Linda Hough, the Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
We feature the stories of the Society of Innovators inductees and E-Day winners.
As for the rest of our issue, we find out why CPAs are “fun,” and how the industry is trying to overcome the stereotypes that accounting is “boring.”
We were glad to find so many daughters taking over their family businesses, including our cover subject Jeanne Robbins of Munster Steel. (She also was an E-Day winner!)
In our “Future of” series, hope abounds for the city of Gary. Micah Pollak, of IUN, said “Of all the cities in Northwest Indiana, Gary has the most potential for positive change.”
We also feature stories on sailors, the Legacy Foundation and the United Way's Level Up Program. And we made space for professional advice on mergers and acquisitions.
Finally, I was promoted to publisher and executive editor of the magazine. I am honored to serve the Region's business community. Enjoy this issue!
Read more stories from the current issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
