Six organizations help drive growth across Region

Across the Region, economic development organizations are cultivating vibrant hubs for business, culture and residential living.

Organizations like the Economic Development Corp. Michigan City keep the entrepreneurial community humming. Catalysts for prosperity, economic development organizations help businesses launch, grow and remain in their communities. They spark the revitalization of distressed neighborhoods, creating thriving communities residents are proud to call home.

Economic development organizations, such as the Lake County Economic Alliance, are strengthening the backbone of communities across Northwest Indiana by advocating for improved infrastructure. They are working to build safe, inclusive and equitable spaces where people feel connected.

“Economic development is an involved process that touches on all aspects of a region, including local government, businesses, nonprofits and residents,” said Micah Pollak, associate dean of the IU Northwest School of Business & Economics.

In 2024, Pollak helped launch the university’s Economic Development Academy. Anthony Sindone, associate economics professor, leads the program.

“Unfortunately, individuals often only experience the pieces of economic development affecting them directly,” Pollak said.

The academy broadens participants’ understanding of the economic development process.

“Northwest Indiana has long encouraged economic development and growth through traditional methods such as tax incentives and business-friendly policies,” Pollak said.

But, he said, other concerns need to be addressed, too.

“Until recently, we have not given sufficient attention to other important elements such as building and retaining a strong workforce,” he said. “To attract and retain the workforce we need for the future, we need to encourage improvements in housing affordability and quality of place for workers and their families.”

The six economic development organizations profiled here are part of the solution to complex problems and growth initiatives in their communities. These organizations are not only attracting businesses, they are fostering diverse economies, building sustainable growth and ensuring that development is inclusive. They are shaping the future of the Region.

“None of our communities operate independently,” said Bert Cook, executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership. “What’s good for Valparaiso and Michigan City is good for La Porte. We’re all connected.”

Economic Development Corp. Michigan City

The vitality of a community is rooted in the ability of economic development organizations to create opportunities for every resident, Clarence Hulse said.

Hulse is executive director of the Economic Development Corp. Michigan City. Founded more than 25 years ago, the EDCMC was built on a foundational partnership between the city of Michigan City and businesses and community leaders. That collaboration set the stage for economic growth and access to resources.

“Our community is seeing sparks of development through monumental projects such as The Franklin at 11th Street Station project, which blends housing, retail and access to the South Shore, as well as the SoLa mixed-use development,” Hulse said. “Community development is also vital with the Vibrant Michigan City initiative playbook paving the way for the future of our core neighborhoods.”

The EDCMC recently refreshed its strategic action plan. It contains actionable steps for economic inclusion, workforce development, placemaking, storytelling and modernization. The Vibrant Michigan City Playbook steers the EDCMC’s socioeconomic goals.

Hulse was drawn to Northwest Indiana more than 10 years ago. He recognized the vibrancy of the lakeside location, amenities and opportunities for growth.

“Being able to help the community and leaders explore, enhance and develop what was already rooted has been a professional and personal challenge and goal as we work together to turn possibilities into reality,” he said.

According to Hulse, strong connections and a shared sense of momentum are keys to success.

“It takes partnerships across private, public and nonprofit sectors to spark a space for inclusivity so everyone can work toward a joint objective: a community that thrives and shines as a beacon for prosperity on all levels,” Hulse said.

Lake County Economic Alliance

Ten years ago, Lake County lacked a unified economic development organization.

Identifying the need, community members founded the Lake County Economic Alliance. Today, Chris Salatas, president and CEO, leads the organization.

Founded in 2013, the Alliance promotes stability, growth and development across Lake County.

“We work jointly with municipalities to understand the goals and aspirations of the community and the type of projects that they would like to see come to their community,” Salatas said. “We also maintain a list of available properties in Lake County that we use in the site selection process to align incoming business needs with zoned and available sites.”

The organization is identifying locations throughout Lake County for transformational economic projects. They are determining site needs, such as utilities or access, and building a collaborative pathway to overcome obstacles to development.

“A few of our more recent projects can be seen while driving along Interstate 65,” Salatas said.

The organization’s highlights last year included new housing and business parks. They also assisted with the US Cold Storage project in Lowell, two cold storage projects in Crown Point and Amazon warehouses in Merrillville.

Prior to joining the Lake County Economic Alliance, Salatas collaborated with the organization as a Lowell Town Council member. The partnership helped Lowell land a $24 million development project.

“The LCEA’s commitment to Lake County and its communities is exceptional, and I want to help continue the LCEA’s focus on quality economic development projects,” Salatas said. “Their collaboration and experience made them a valuable partner for the community.”

Valparaiso Economic Development Corp.

Three states, seven communities and more than 35 years leading economic development entities, Rex Richards brings lots of experience to the table.

He serves as the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp. and Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. Dale Clapp is the board chair.

The chamber is one of 40 investors backing the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp.’s mission to grow Valparaiso’s economy.

Founded in 1986, the corporation was formed as a partnership between the local business community and city government. It promotes job creation, economic growth and quality of life in Valparaiso. The organization is a member of the Porter County Economic Development Alliance, a forum for community leaders and economic development organizations to work together to spur progress in Porter County.

The Valparaiso Economic Development Corp. acts on the needs of the community, such as bolstering high-paying job opportunities, increasing housing and advocating for existing businesses.

“It identifies needs in the community based on resources that impact quality of life,” Richards said. “These needs currently are workforce housing and additional business and industrial sites for current local business growth and expansion.”

The Valparaiso Economic Development Corp. is assisting several firms researching the Valparaiso market with an eye toward growth. The organization also champions tax abatement for firms seeking to extend their footprint in Valparaiso.

“Economic development organizations are important to advocate for and market the area for high-paying job growth and to work with existing business to expand and grow in the community,” Richards said.

Portage Economic Development Corp.

“There is something very special happening in Portage right now that we like to call ‘Portage energy,’” Andy Maletta said.

To Maletta, Portage Economic Development Corp. executive director, it’s an exciting time to live in Portage.

“We currently have multiple projects in all areas of Portage — our Northside Development area, downtown and in the southern part of the city Route 6,” Maletta said. “These projects represent various things from manufacturing, tourism, retail development and mixed-use retail and residential.”

The organization is promoting workforce development and education through its Manufacturing 360 and Healthcare 360 programs. Businesses, Portage Township schools, Ivy Tech and the Center of Workforce Innovations are partnering to bring students to health care and manufacturing companies so students can learn about available jobs and training.

The Portage Economic Development Corp. has been around in various forms for years. Funded by the city’s redevelopment commission and community business partners, it works with businesses to identify needs and challenges. The organization is an integral part of the community.

“We are usually the first stop for larger companies and manufacturers that are looking to locate or expand in Portage,” Maletta said. “We help them work through incentives and city processes.”

The organization’s future goals include business attraction, expansion and retention. It is also launching Construction 360, a partnership between trade and construction companies, Portage Township schools and the Construction Advancement Foundation.

Maletta is invested in the community. He left his 30-year business career to be the city’s economic development director before joining the Portage Economic Development Corp.

“As a lifelong Portage resident, I enjoy seeing our community grow and creating opportunities to make Portage better,” Maletta said.

Jasper County Economic Development Organization

What makes one community thrive and another wither and die?

An Indiana native, Sara DeYoung asked herself this question as she traveled throughout Northwest Indiana for various jobs. The question sparked her interest in community development and led her to the Jasper County Economic Development Organization in 2023.

“Economic development organizations are vital to community planning, especially in rural areas where there are fewer resources dedicated to long-term planning and development,” DeYoung said.

The Jasper County Economic Development Organization was founded in 1986 to bridge the gaps between industry, local government and business development. It also manages the Jasper County Tourism Commission.

The organization is focusing on streamlining site information for new businesses by working with property owners and utility providers. It is collaborating with the county and municipalities regarding ordinances for trails and incentives for housing. The organization built a partnership with employers and Jasper County’s three school corporations to promote workforce readiness and career fairs.

In 2024, the Jasper County Economic Development Organization helped Rensselaer create the façade grant program in its downtown. It assisted the city with establishing guidelines and administering the grant.

“The city provides the funding, but we make it happen,” DeYoung said. “They would not have had the capacity to do that on their own.”

The organization functions as a guide for current and potential businesses. It delivers information about infrastructure, workforce, permitting, community engagement, utilities and the community.

“As a rural area, we have a lot to offer,” DeYoung said. “We are truly a blank page for development, but if we do not guide development or define ourselves and plan for what we want to be, then our future will be dictated by everyone else.”

La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership

Six years ago, two organizations with the same vision for La Porte united.

The Greater La Porte Economic Development Corp. and the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce merged to become the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership.

“It made more sense to work cooperatively than in our own silos,” said Bert Cook of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership. “This is a trend across the nation and in Indiana with these types of organizations.”

The organization is working on a variety of industrial and residential projects in La Porte, along with revitalizing its historic downtown.

“That’s a drop in the bucket though,” Cook said.

The organization aspires to have 30,000 residents in La Porte by 2030. They are also working to attract engineers to La Porte.

“Population growth is a significant issue. It’s a barrier or opportunity, depending on how you look at it,” Cook said. “The pipeline is less than full, so we’re figuring out how to draw more people into the community.”

According to Cook, economic development organizations have evolved. In the 1980s, job creation was at the heart of their mission. Placemaking is now an important component of their work. Today, many people choose where they want to live before looking at jobs.

“Economic development organizations are also working to create places where people want to live,” Cook said. “It’s about quality of life, quality of place and taking a holistic approach to make your place more attractive.” •

Resources

Many organizations promote economic development in the Region. They connect businesses with resources, offer networking opportunities and provide education. Here is the short list:

Tell us about your organization by emailing press releases to news@nwindianabusiness.com

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