Investments of time, dollars starting to yield dividends both foreign and domestic

When it comes to opportunities, Northwest Indiana’s entrepreneurs have shown there’s no shortage of good ideas. In fact, some concepts developed in the Region have evolved into successful business ventures and mechanisms that could help other organizations prosper in the future.

Region residents are familiar with the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana and the many people as well as unique ideas the organization has recognized through the years. Jerry Davich writes about the organization and its affiliation with Purdue University Northwest, and how the new partnership will use the Region’s rich history of innovation as catalyst for economic development.

There has been no shortage of new development coming into the Region and state in recent years. Lauren Caggiano writes about how, between 2012 and 2015, foreign-owed companies have announced plans to invest $6 billion into Indiana and create 20,000 new jobs for Hoosiers. More good news is on the way as Indiana’s investment in infrastructure and reclaiming prime parcels for redevelopment is getting noticed.

The state and local economy aren’t solely dependent on outside investment. As Bob Moulesong writes, Indiana’s agriculture sales reached $31.2 billion in 2017, with an additional $4.6 billion in exports. With global demand strong for Indiana agricultural products, state and local leaders are examining ways to get more of them to the world.

While plenty of activity surrounds business attraction and retention, efforts also are underway to preserve successful ventures, so they continue well into the future. Lesly Bailey talks to several Region companies and what they’ve done to prepare for the future to ensure successful ownership transition to preserve jobs and continued prosperity.

Proximity to its customer base was what helped lure a California company to Northwest Indiana. Jerry Davich talks with Blue Dot Safes and why it made sense for the company to locate in the Region.

Entertainment also is showing promise in the Region. Carrie Napoleon writes about how some Region entrepreneurs have found that providing fun venues and activities for children and adults can lead to successful businesses.

When Region professionals aren’t on the clock, they take the time to pursue hobbies or check out what’s happening in the area’s entertainment scene. John Cain writes about happenings from artistic photography to live performances in Northwest Indiana, and Jack Walton highlights things to see and do in the Greater South Bend area.

Writer Philip Potempa catches up with Craig Dwight, CEO and chairman of Horizon Bank, whose pursuit of outdoor fun has taken him on adventures around the world.

And, last but not least, Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger talks about how businesses, both from afar and locally, demonstrate a “commitment to making Indiana the very best place to live, work and play.”

Thank you for reading this issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.

Click here to read more from the Dec-Jan-2019 issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.