In this issue

From Hammond to Merrillville to Michigan City to South Bend and towns in between, community leaders are building the infrastructure and planning support systems for workers and businesses to come.

They also are thinking about spaces where companies might like to build their dream facilities and the housing that will need to go with them. We discuss both topics in our cover story and in our economic development article on housing.

Those who sell commercial real estate say plenty of land is “shovel ready” in the Region, but they also point to the need for communities that offer the complete package: housing their workers can afford, entertainment options, good schools, access to transportation and placemaking.

Granger is one of them. While it is unincorporated, its residents are dedicated to creating outdoor spaces, schools and business opportunities in our “Future of” series.

Housing experts do say that affordability is one obstacle for attracting workers to companies. An Indiana University Northwest study reported that there is plenty of housing, just not the kind of housing that young people just starting their careers can afford. They also offer some unique ideas on how to create spaces so everyone has a place to call home.

Companies also are concerned about their employees' wellness. Not only are happy workers more productive, they also are more loyal to the companies they serve. HR departments are getting more creative in efforts to help workers with work-life balance, primary care and other ways to stay healthy. One expert prescribes a “digital detox” might help, too.

Helping others also contributes to wellbeing. Horizon Bank's John Freyek says serving on nonprofit boards is so fulfilling that he encourages his employees to do the same.

Of course, end-of-year tax implications are on our minds too, so we talked to regional experts about changes in the tax code as a result of President Donald Trump's sweeping bill signed last summer. The consensus is that the changes are good for businesses big and small.

We also have a special section celebrating the Society of Innovators at PNW's 20th anniversary this fall, and profiles on Integrated Body and Medicine, and Flourish Community Hub in Gary.

Enjoy this issue!

Read more stories from the current issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.

Ellen Szarleta

Next economy of NWI

Ellen Szarleta of Indiana University Northwest says economic redevelopment succeeds in places where people want to live, gather and invest.
Read More
Ahmad Sprouse

Natural healing

Highland chiropractor Ahmad Sprouse teaches patients how to care for themselves with non-drug approach first.
Read More
Tryon Meadow in Michigan City

A place to call home

Regional leaders consider housing options that will offer affordability and walkability as Northwest and North Central Indiana towns welcome new residents.
Read More
Amazon in Merrillville

Personality matters

The Region's commercial real estate landscape depends on business-friendly climate, land, cultural and building infrastructure, experts say.
Read More
John Gipson

Professional advancement

Businesses and organizations share good news about new hires, promotions, accolades, including John Gipson, who is the next chancellor of Ivy Tech Lake County.
Read More

Author

  • Heather Pfundstein 2024
    Publisher/Executive Editor - Linker Media Group
    Heather Pfundstein is the publisher and executive editor of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine and NWIndianaBusiness.com. She is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years of experience in Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois newsrooms. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She has been part of the magazine's team since 2018.
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