CROWN POINT – Two Northwest Indiana projects were among 10 cited statewide by Area Development magazine in presenting a 2012 Silver Shovel Award for excellence in economic development.
The magazine named Canadian National’s planned expansion of the Kirk Yard in Gary and Fronius USA’s decision to locate its U.S. headquarters in Portage as two of the 10 “big projects” advancing the state’s economy. Combined, the projects represent $186 million in investment and will create 750 jobs.
The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority played a key role in bringing Canadian National to Gary, employing its Deal Closing Fund for the first time ever to provide a matching grant for the project.
The RDA also worked with local and state economic development officials last year to provide $2 million in assistance to Modern Forge in Merrillville, which moved from Blue Island, Ill.
