From Hammond to Merrillville to Michigan City to South Bend and towns in between, community leaders are building the infrastructure and planning support systems for workers and businesses to come.
They also are thinking about spaces where companies might like to build their dream facilities and the housing that will need to go with them. We discuss both topics in our cover story and in our economic development article on housing.
Those who sell commercial real estate say plenty of land is “shovel ready” in the Region, but they also point to the need for communities that offer the complete package: housing their workers can afford, entertainment options, good schools, access to transportation and placemaking.
Granger is one of them. While it is unincorporated, its residents are dedicated to creating outdoor spaces, schools and business opportunities in our “Future of” series.
Housing experts do say that affordability is one obstacle for attracting workers to companies. An Indiana University Northwest study reported that there is plenty of housing, just not the kind of housing that young people just starting their careers can afford. They also offer some unique ideas on how to create spaces so everyone has a place to call home.
Companies also are concerned about their employees' wellness. Not only are happy workers more productive, they also are more loyal to the companies they serve. HR departments are getting more creative in efforts to help workers with work-life balance, primary care and other ways to stay healthy. One expert prescribes a “digital detox” might help, too.
Helping others also contributes to wellbeing. Horizon Bank's John Freyek says serving on nonprofit boards is so fulfilling that he encourages his employees to do the same.
Of course, end-of-year tax implications are on our minds too, so we talked to regional experts about changes in the tax code as a result of President Donald Trump's sweeping bill signed last summer. The consensus is that the changes are good for businesses big and small.
We also have a special section celebrating the Society of Innovators at PNW's 20th anniversary this fall, and profiles on Integrated Body and Medicine, and Flourish Community Hub in Gary.
Enjoy this issue!
Read more stories from the current issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
Common sense beats process
Great ownership transfer
Bridge for skills gap
Passion project
Curiosity at heart
Quality trade show strategy
Employee wealth plans
Inside mid-career learning
Betting on Northwest Indiana
Digital infrastructure
Professional advancement
