Leadership Institute at Purdue University Northwest here to share resources to drive change in Region Leadership. We know it when we see it, but more importantly, we are adrift when it is missing. That’s why the Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest, formerly known as the South Shore Leadership Center, is committed to developing, mentoring and […]
Anatomy of buy-sell agreement
Owners usually have two choices when considering how companies will go on without them Succession planning is vital to the continuation of any business. And when there are multiple owners—partners, members, shareholders—no single document is more important than a comprehensive, up-to-date buy-sell agreement. Failure to have such an agreement adds confusion and stress at the […]
Rounding up donations
Store checkout charity campaign makes million-dollar impact When it comes to charitable donations, several Region organizations can say every cent given does matter. Just ask Steve Beekman, executive director of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. In a decade’s time, more than $899,448 has been raised for his organization through Strack & Van Til’s Round […]
Dream becomes reality
Former nurse turning soap-making hobby into so much more with line of goat’s milk products Jamie Fankhauser never thought about starting her own business. But in 2017 while fighting a life-threatening illness, she started to think about life’s possibilities. Now the Valparaiso entrepreneur looks to the future, which could include additional store fronts and a […]
Executive leads healthy life
Cline Avenue Bridge project manager says staying active helps social life too During the day, Terry Velligan oversees the $140 million rebuilding of the Cline Avenue Bridge in East Chicago. United Bridge Partners and Cline Avenue Bridge LLC will own the new toll bridge. “We’re about halfway complete,” said Velligan, general manager of operations on […]
Out & about in greater South Bend: April-May 2019
Jazz jam session at Merrimans’ Merrimans’ Playhouse in South Bend recently transitioned into a 501c(3) organization. It operates as a nonprofit, but the day-to-day operations aren’t affected. Owners Stephen and Mary Merriman host an open jazz jam session every Tuesday night. They also regularly host national and international touring jazz ensembles. On April 17, it’s […]
Out & about in Northwest Indiana: April-May 2019
One small step, one giant leap The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with a space-themed concert in May. It will feature the Symphony Chorus and retired astronaut and Crown Point-native Col. Jerry Ross. Cinema and symphony meet as videos and photos from the historic 1969 moon landing accompany […]
Region’s theater community thriving
Industry leaders offer innovative programs to keep local audiences flocking to area venues The magic of live theater continues to mesmerize audiences—from large to small—across the Region. Whether it’s in a more intimate venue or in an almost 100-year-old historic landmark, community members are falling under the spell of stages filled with music, comedy or […]
Firms display best work online
Construction and engineering companies say website portfolios useful tool for attracting future business Building projects frequently present unique challenges on the long road to completion. When success is achieved, Region construction and engineering firms highlight their best projects on their websites. There they describe the specific challenges presented and the innovative solutions they developed. The […]
Be smart, plan for what’s next
Experts say best succession plans prepared in advance, not out of last-minute necessity or tragedy Mylese Tucker never considered having a succession plan for her business, Nature’s Cupboard, until she served on the board of the Independent Natural Foods Retailer Association. One of the group’s first strategic goals was to implement a succession plan. “We […]