MERRILLVILLE – The Indiana Economic Development Association meets Thursday and Friday at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza for its summer conference. It will focus on best practices in business.

The 200 expected attendees may participate in a golf outing at Lost Marsh and a dinner cruise reception by Horseshoe Casino.

“This is not just a conference for people to come and attend. It’s getting all the various industries engaged. We want them to leave with the impression that Northwest Indiana works and knows how to work,” said Karen Lauerman, director of marking and communication at Northwest Indiana Forum.

The IEDA holds its meetings in various places around Indiana, but this is the third time in the last five years it has been held in Northwest Indiana.