CHESTERTON – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will be the keynote speaker FOR “The Rail Summit” Thursday, March 24, at Sand Creek Country Club. He will address the role of freight, commuter, passenger and high-speed rail transportation in the northern Indiana economy.

            Also taking part will be U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, and Dane Miller, founder of Biomet Inc.

            Community and business leaders can attend for $25 by contacting the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at info@valparaisochamber.org or calling (219) 462-1105.

            The summit is sponsored by the Valparaiso Economic Development Corp. and Northwest Indiana Forum in partnership with the Regional Development Authority and Mary Elisabeth Pitz & Associates.

            “We wanted to create a program of value, rich in information as well as thoughts for the future from the country’s top transportation person,” said Rex Richards, president of the Valparaiso chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Corp. “It’s this type presentation that highlights the advantages of and opportunities in Northwest Indiana and we’re pleased to be a part of it.”