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 …
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 …
Setting an example with perseverance and hard work. by Rick A. Richards The 2012 Entrepreneurial Excellence Award recipients have one thing in common: Not one of them expected to be where they are today and none anticipated they would be held up as a mentor for others. But when the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development …
After a solid 2012, prepare for an eventful 2013 in the region. by Mark Maassel 2012 was another great year and we are already building on those successes as we enter 2013. With a focus on boosting jobs and the quality of life, Northwest Indiana continues to make great strides toward our future. And the …
Since our last issue in the fall, a lot has happened in Northwest Indiana’s business community. Here are a few bits of information from around the region on what has taken place: BANKING Michael J. Purcell has been appointed to the board of directors of American Savings, FSB in Munster. Purcell is president and owner …
New Year, New Leadership Here’s to more growth, more prosperity and a little less drama. As I reflect on this past year, 2012 had some significant events that have impacted our state economy. The Super Bowl was a huge image boost for Indiana, though Indianapolis businesses were the biggest beneficiaries. The passage of the right-to-work …
