Our annual readers poll recognizes regional businesses that server us and our economy

Each spring we ask our readers to help us identify and recognize the “Best of Business” in our region. Some of the names are the businesses you would expect to see on such a list. They appear year after year to remind us of their commitment to excellence. Others are newer names worthy of a visit. if you do not already know them.

Manufacturing is responsible for about 30% of the statewide economy, according to the Indiana Manufacturers Association with an even more significant impact on northern Indiana’s economy. Carrie Napoleon talks with several local manufacturers who share their recent challenges and successes.

Attend almost any local business meeting, and the topic of finding the right employees is sure to come up in the discussion. In this issue, Michael Puente makes us aware of various career center resources offered by our local higher ed institutions to help connect local students and businesses. Are you making the most them?

One hears a lot about the need for infrastructure improvements nationally, but what does that mean for us here in northern Indiana? Bob Moulesong spoke with several local groups, which include among their worthy goals to identify and promote logistics and infrastructure projects that bring the highest economic return on investment to our community.

The health of a region’s commercial real estate market is often a leading indicator for the future direction of its economy. In this issue, Jerry Davich updates us on commercial real estate projects currently underway and upcoming projects for the region.

Are you financially fit? As with health-related regimens in our lives, we must occasionally seek help in accessing our financial fitness and goals? With so many options how do we choose the right advisor? Phillip Britt asked several regional experts their advice on what to look for when selecting an advisor.

Also in this issue, Carrie Napoleon introduces us to local farmers in our new Grown in Indiana section. We get an update on things to do and see in the coming months from John Cain and Jack Walton. Lesley Bailey profiles the folks at Opportunity Enterprises who are making a difference in local lives every day. Ben Smith takes us out to the little league ballpark. Finally, Carl Lisek discusses South Shore Clean Cities and how the state is determining plans to invest the VM settlement funds.

The Best of Business awards season is always an exciting time of year for us. We enjoy learning who is selected and seeing their excitement when they are informed about the award. We thank those of you who voted, your voice is important to us. Please, congratulate the honorees you patronize and consider giving a new business from the list a try. We all need to do our part to shop local, when we can.

—Troy Linker

Click to read more from the Apr-May 2018 issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.