It’s not good business to cause financial hardship for schools. If economic development is in any way related to the quality of public education, then business leaders must demand a shift in public education policy that places public schools as the top priority. The ability of any community to attract new economic development is dependent […]
Extend the South Shore Line
Thousands of jobs and new prosperity will ride into the region. by Bill Hanna Expanding the South Shore Line will give us the opportunity to increase connectivity to Chicago, one of the world’s largest economies. Since 1970, Lake County has experienced a decline in population and median income. In order to reverse these trends we […]
The Region’s Priorities
Summit brings leaders together to reach public-policy consensus. On October 3, the One Region organization sponsored a session attended by 70 leaders from throughout the region. The event was designed to tap the wisdom of the participants concerning the public-policy choices we face as an extended community. The assembly included representatives from the business community, […]
Daring to Dream
Bring diverse communities together to build a brighter future. When NIPSCO’s Eddie Melton stepped to the podium at Strongbow’s Inn, he had no small task. He was asked along with others to answer this question: “How does a diverse region learn to work together to build a great region in a global economy? He was […]
The Year Ahead
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 […]
Don’t Go It Alone
Business success depends on collective wisdom. A few years ago, I received a phone call from a small-business banker. He explained how a client of his recently acquired the business he worked at for 10 years. His client, who we will call Joe, has since depleted a bank loan, maxed out his personal credit cards, […]
Busy Year for the Forum
Bringing jobs and investment to Northwest Indiana. 2011 has been an exciting year for Northwest Indiana and the Northwest Indiana Forum. We continue to market and promote the region, build and foster key relationships, and work to bring quality, higher-paying jobs and capital investment to the region while protecting and respecting the environment. In its […]
A New Mindset
Living up to our region’s incredible potential. “We have met the enemy and he is us” is a quote from the old comic strip, Pogo. As we strive to integrate sustainable development in Northwest Indiana, the perception of us as “Region Rats” impedes the initiative. The 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall caused an economic […]
Buy American
And while you’re at it, Buy Northwest Indiana. The recent Great Recession has revealed the strong impact the global economy has on the United States, and more specifically our region’s economy. Within the past five years, many companies within the office-products industry have increased their private-label brand items that are primarily manufactured outside the United […]
Meeting Small Business Challenges
By Marianne Markowitz Throughout my travels in Indiana and the Midwest, I see the challenges that small businesses face — finding ways and resources to meet the day-to-day operations. I can assure you that many of these challenges are being met thanks to the small business provisions in the Jobs Act, which was signed […]