Our readers' picks, plus the region's rising stars.
The ballots have been cast and counted. Our cover story reveals our readers' views about the best in business in Northwest Indiana and Greater South Bend/Michiana. We think all winners and runners-up really represent what's great about our region, and we offer our congratulations! We hope you visit these businesses and check out the excellent products and services they provide.
Inside this issue, we have great stories to share, including our young entrepreneur picks. Meet Nate Biancardi, a high school senior who discovered a gift in creating caricatures; Jackson Troxel, who was raised on a dairy farm and got the idea during his agriculture class to launch a dairy-themed restaurant; Olga Pecanac, a 23-year-old working through school in the family restaurant she will eventually own and bears her name; and Peter Woo, who says he has had an entrepreneurial streak for as long as he can remember.
Our economic-development focus this issue is on South Bend/Mishawaka, poised for growth and very engaged as a community. Mishawaka has roads and infrastructure on the radar as a cornerstone of its economic-development plan. Read more inside as mayors Pete Buttigieg and Dave Wood share their initiatives and discuss how they are overcoming challenges.
For our small-business section, our editorial advisors suggested a refreshing topic: the region's microbreweries! It's a booming business–find out why this industry is so popular and growing so quickly.
For our small-business owners, health-care writer Bob Kronemyer interviews experts for their take on Obamacare and health-care reforms. What will the future hold? Employer-sponsored plans or a move to health-insurance exchanges?
Look inside this issue for these stories and more, including LaPorte's inaugural boat race, biking to get fit, and the business of sports recruitment. We want to thank you, our readers, for your interest in our magazines, and we're grateful for our loyal advertisers. It is our 22nd year publishing Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly. Because we value our readers, we want to hear from you about what you like best about our publication, and how we can do better. Please email your comments to gleefmay@3.15.25.69. Enjoy our current issue!
–Glee Renick-May, Publisher
