Small-bank values and a five-star rating. by Rick A. Richards LaPorte Savings Bank’s roots run deep in LaPorte County and Northwest Indiana. As far as Chairman and CEO Lee Brady can tell, the bank’s roots are deeper than any other bank in the region still doing business under its original name. Brady, who has been […]
Majestic Star emerges from bankruptcy
GARY – The owner of Majestic Star Casino in Gary has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Majestic Star’s largest shareholder, Wayzata Partners LLC of Minnesota, now owns the casino. It also owns Fitzgeralds casinos in Mississippi and Colorado. The reorganization and transfer of ownership was recently approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Majestic Star filed […]
Estate Tax Uncertainty
Tax law changes have made it a moving target. When President Barack Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 last December, it changed the federal estate tax. The estate tax dates back 1916, when it was imposed at a rate of 10 percent on the portion of estates […]
From Baby to Boomer
Retirement years catch up fast, so start saving now. by Michael Puente Brenda Castro says she feels like “just yesterday” when she graduated from high school. In reality, her graduation day was more than a decade ago. “Time sure does fly,” the 30-year-old Castro says. “I’ve saved some money, but not nearly enough as I […]
Know Your Non-Profit
Do your due-diligence, then be generous in your support. Most of us are involved at some level with a non-profit organization. Perhaps you donate money to support their cause or volunteer your time. Maybe you serve on their board of directors. There are many worthy causes to support. Is your favorite non-profit worthy? The Internal […]
Business Law Q&A
Insights from some of the area’s leading business attorneys. by Michael Puente How can a small business handle delinquent customers? What are the pitfalls of obtaining legal advice online? What issues are overlooked by entrepreneurs when starting a new business? These are some of these questions on the minds of Northwest Indiana business owners. Each […]
BP posts $5.6 billion 2nd quarter profit
LONDON – BP, which operates a massive refinery in Whiting, has announced a net second quarter profit of $5.6 billion, down 11 percent from pre-Gulf oil spill levels. One year ago, BP announced a loss of $17.2 billion. Earnings one year ago also included a $32 billion charge associated with clean up in the Gulf […]
SERVICE WITH A SMILE
Don’t assume good service will just happen; it takes training. So many exciting things are happening in Northwest Indiana, with new bike trails connecting our communities, the addition of sports arenas, pavilions and great parks, along with the many improvements happening along our lakeshore. Those organizations working to assure that we are considered a destination […]
Focus: Small Business
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Northwest Indiana. Small business incubators dot the region’s landscape – from Valparaiso to Hammond, from Merrillville to South Bend. As the landscape for small business changes from traditional pursuits in manufacturing to high-tech ventures, new questions arise among entrepreneurs on how to ensure success. To help answer […]
High-Speed Impact
Indianapolis Motor Speedway celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500. by Rick A. Richards If there is any doubt about the impact the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has had on Indiana, look no further than the state’s commemorative quarter. While other states featured the face of a famous person or their state bird, or some other […]