Courageous conversations can lead to change Sometimes we can feel that we are up against impossible odds. The challenges of racial and economic injustices, the difficulty many find moving forward on the path to equality and the resistance we see on a national level to policies leading to the “greater good” can leave us wondering […]
The Making of NWI’s Regional Economic Development Plan
Strategy will lead to sustained prosperity and opportunity From the beginning, this great country has looked to the west for expansion and economic opportunities as part of our Manifest Destiny. This contributed, in many ways, to the official adoption by the Indiana General Assembly in 1937 of Indiana’s motto, “The Crossroads of America,” because of […]
VW Settlement Plan
Mitigation fund will strengthen Indiana legacy Have you ever considered what your legacy might be? I have the privilege of serving as executive director of South Shore Clean Cities, a nonprofit, member-based coalition founded in 1999 and dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation and clean energy options in Indiana. South Shore Clean Cities is one of […]
Indiana Can Lead on Workforce Challenges
Systemic change requires team effort Across the US, and even the world, the changing nature of work is a critical challenge for workers, employers, educators, policy-makers and others. When I had the opportunity to serve as Mayor of La Porte, Indiana, and work with a community team growing investment and development in our city, our […]
State of Indiana Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the dominant industry in Indiana The Indiana Manufacturers Association recently concluded a series of regional manufacturing summits around Indiana that included the participation of hundreds of individuals involved in the manufacturing sector. Statistics concerning Indiana’s manufacturing dominance were presented and discussed. Many had a recurring comment after seeing the data. It went like […]
Putting the Pieces Together
Next Steps for the Northwest Indiana Lakeshore By assembling transformational projects, piece by piece, we can ensure a muscular new economy for Northwest Indiana. One important piece is the Marquette Plan. This project began over a generation ago with the purpose of preserving areas of our lakeshore for open, public use in order to improve […]
Choose Civility
Discourse should heal, not divide The Gary Chamber of Commerce had just concluded a very spirited meeting and immediately afterward the Chamber office received a contentious call regarding a matter that was clearly out of the authority of the Gary Chamber. That caused me to reflect upon the discord among our elected officials, within our […]
A Regional Report Card
Many indicators are improving, and some need more attention. Hello, Northwest Indiana! I say that with pride as a Northwest Indiana boy who grew up in Highland, where everyone worked in the steel mills or, like my mom, took the South Shore to Chicago for work. Those were the days when most people had fat […]
Shaping the Next Decade
Innovators will ensure a prosperous third century for Indiana. Governor Mike Pence and Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb sent a clear message on Indiana’s commitment to strengthening and accelerating Hoosier innovation earlier this summer. When they announced the state’s plan to invest $1 billion in Hoosier innovation and entrepreneurship over the next 10 years, they showcased […]
Thinking Differently
Innovation isn’t just an “out of the box” mindset. Thinking Differently! If you think differently, you will act differently. You will innovate. Leaders like George Douglas, Indiana Beverage, and Cindy Hedge, Center of Creative Solutions, are among those who embrace this Applesque concept when approaching challenges to the marketplace. Indeed, they helped shape it. This […]