Roads, rail and bridges help drive the region’s economy. by Rick A. Richards Indiana’s motto, Crossroads of America, makes it clear transportation isn’t taken lightly in the Hoosier state. Thanks to eight interstate highways–more than any other state–the idea of Indiana being the nation’s crossroads has been expanded by making Indiana a business destination. But […]
Credit unions offer alternatives to traditional banking. by Michael Puente When the great recession hit in 2008 and lasted through much of 2009, securing a loan through a traditional bank became more difficult, with stricter income guidelines and tougher collateral requirements as a way to reduce the risk of loans going unpaid. That meant some
The region’s manufacturers bring innovation to market. by Rick A. Richards Northwest Indiana and manufacturing fit together like hand in glove. The region is known for steel, automobiles, refining and railroads. Generations of region residents have worked in traditional manufacturing and many will likely work there in the future. But new, cutting-edge manufacturers are finding
Protecting your device and your data, too. by Allyson Kazmucha Almost every business user carries a smartphone these days. As technology progresses, so does the amount of data that’s stored on your iPhone, iPad, or any other smartphone or tablet. While everyone always hopes to never face a day his or her device is stolen,
Overall costs are down and convenience for employees is up. by Rick A. Richards So far, there isn’t any data to support the idea that healthy workers are happy workers, but employers have discovered one thing about healthy workers–they’re more productive. And that has been enough to entice some Northwest Indiana business to embrace the
Taking care of yourself is also healthy for your work. by Bob Kronemyer Christopher Jones, owner of Schoop’s Hamburgers in Hammond, celebrated in November the heart attack he suffered last April, by eating the restaurant’s signature Mickey burger: a half-pound of ground beef with two pieces of cheese. “My doctors told me that eating an
Clients seek value, convenience, technology and green sensibilities. by Lauren Caggiano Like many aspects of life and business, the economic viability of downtowns across the area has a profound impact on the event and meeting planning industries. Meeting planners from Northern Indiana venues weigh in on trends in customer service, food and beverage service, technology
New tools help job recruiters connect with the right candidates. By Steve Kaelble Where do you hear about a great new restaurant in town? Increasingly, through social media. Where do you share that goofy, captioned photo of a cat playing a piano? A social media site, of course. What’s the verdict on the new episode
by Shari Held It’s too soon to tell if 2013 will be a breakout year, but there’s a lot going on in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area for 2013. “We are optimistic about 2013, with convention and sports bookings ahead of this time last year for the upcoming year,” says Carolyne Wallace, director of
Not-for-profit manufacturer serves those with special needs. by Kathy McKimmie The coveralls worn by the sailor cleaning the deck of the Navy’s USS Enterprise are likely made at Gary’s TradeWinds Services, a regional not-for-profit serving children and adults with special needs for 45 years. For 25 of those years it has carved a niche in
