Summer Reading
Get comfortable and explore the region’s business communities.
The dog days of summer are upon us. This is the time of year when our thoughts run to a cool drink and a relaxing chair in the shade. I invite you to grab your favorite cool beverage, find a comfortable chair and spend some time exploring the region’s business with us.
In our cover article, Laurie Wink looks at local educational institutions. More and more of today’s jobs require some type of education after high school. In addition to educating a skilled workforce to support current business and attract new business investments, educational institutions employ local staff, purchase local goods and services, consult with local businesses and provide cultural opportunities for our communities.
This year is a year for celebrating not only Indiana’s past but also for celebrating the bright future of Indiana’s growing tourism industry. Lesly Bailey interviews local officials about celebrations planned for Indiana’s bicentennial and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s 50th birthday, to name a few.
Jerry Davich introduces us to four local businesswomen who have overcome many obstacles on their way up to, and through, the glass ceiling. Their stories reaffirm qualities such as hard work, job knowledge, calculated risk-taking and nonstop learning, which are important for every business leader’s success.
We know information technology is one of the biggest drivers of efficiency and productivity gains in many businesses. Jerry Davich solicits advice for business owners from several local IT firms. They explain how being proactive, security-conscious and plugged into new technologies helps businesses to minimize down-time, reduce unexpected expenses and increase productivity and efficiency.
How often have we heard about political or business officials displaying unethical behavior? How often have we seen someone being uncivil either online or in person? Laurie Wink has thoughts from local groups that present programs to help people become more ethical and civil in their business and public lives.
Northern Indiana is the RV capital of the country, making more than 80 percent of America’s RVs. Lauren Caggiano talks with local RV manufacturing and sales leaders, who share how they reinvented themselves to recover from the recession and return to growth in recent years.
Also in this issue, Barbara Eastman brings us another installment of our Made in Indiana series as she profiles local manufacturer BraunAbility. She also shares the story of Lakeshore Public Media’s CEO James Muhammad. John Cain and Jake Walton offer things to do and see in the region this summer. Ben Smith takes us to Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Jonathan Hildebrand explains online business borrowing options, Jackie Coover describes inbound marketing techniques and John Davies encourages us to innovate and think differently.
This issue is my first since taking over as publisher. I am honored and humbled by the support and good wishes I have received from our readers and advertisers. I am proud of the issue our team has put together, but there is always room for improvement. Please reach out if you have ideas or feedback to share. I wish each of you a happy, prosperous, safe and cool summer!
–Troy Linker, Publisher
