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Kohl's Moves Toward Store in Michigan City Kohl's moves toward store in Michigan City. Commission approves request to subdivide former Kmart spot. The door has opened for a Kohl's to go up in Michigan City. The city's planning commission this week approved a request from Kohl's to subdivide land where Kmart and Hobby Lobby used to be at the Dunes Plaza. With little discussion, the petition for a minor subdivision to create a four-acre lot in Dunes Plaza – presented by Steve Panko, who represented Key Development Partners, Chicago – was passed by the five commissioners present: Wallace Hook, Michael Gresham, Fred Klinder, Richard Murphy and Al Whitlow. For several years, Dunes Plaza along U.S. 20 has lacked a major anchor since Kmart then Hobby Lobby left and the Cinema was driven out of business by the nearby Showplace 14. Prospects of a major department store chain like Kohl's going in there have raised hopes about filling other empty storefronts at Dunes Plaza. And, with the extra traffic Kohl's can bring, some people speculate it can help reinvigorate the struggling Marquette Mall directly across from Dunes Plaza. ''It's another crucial piece down on the south end area to bring back some economic life over there,'' said Ron Meer, who will become mayor Jan.1. Planning Commission member Al Whitlow said support to subdivide the property allows Kohl's to purchase instead of lease the parcel. Plans call for the building that used to hold Kmart and Hobby Lobby to be torn down and a new building housing Kohl's to be go up in its place. “What they want to do is own the property so they can move forward,” Whitlow said. Michigan City Companies to Participate in Disaster Expo When the International Disaster Conference and Expo begins its three-day run in New Orleans on Jan. 17, Damon Gasaway, president of Winn Machine will be there. Gasaway will be there to show off a state-of-the-art model of the SolaRover electric generator his company and MCTD, Inc. of Michigan City have built, and demonstrate to disaster experts from around the globe how SolaRover fits into relief efforts in areas affected by war, hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters. Gasaway and Tim Johnson, the president of MCTD, are optimistic SolaRover will be a part of those recovery efforts in the future. “We believe that smart decision makers will readily recognize its benefits,” says Gasaway. “We expect to get a lot of publicity there and generate interest and buzz.” With the engineering and design expertise of MCTD and the production capabilities of Winn Machine, the two companies have taken an idea conceived by SolaRover and turned it into a viable commercial product. Solar-powered portable generators can replace and slash the costs of using diesel powered generators, not to mention the enormous environmental benefits. “It is extremely rare that you can bring an environmentally friendly product to market and actually save money by doing it,” said Gasaway. Initially designed with the military and foreign off-grid applications in mind, SolaRover units are also being adapted for use in disaster areas following hurricanes and tornadoes. “They can be used anywhere people are off the grid,” says Johnson. “While a comparable sized diesel generator costs tens of thousands of dollars in fossil fuels and maintenance to operate on a continuous basis annually, a SolaRover generator only has the initial investment for a product that has a 20-year life. Conservatively, it is only a four- to five-year payback on the initial investment at today’s fuel prices. That means at current fuel costs, a SolaRover generator could provide a savings in excess of at least a quarter of a million dollars over the life of the unit.” Gasaway explains that the two Michigan City companies connected with SolaRover because long past association with the president and engineer at the Denver company. “I have an interest in the company that started four years ago. Things were moving slow so we took their ideas and blueprints and brought it to life. It’s a great feeling to bring an idea like this to life. It puts a smile on my face,” says Gasaway. Johnson agrees, saying the upcoming show in New Orleans is an important way to get the word out about SolaRover. “It’s a win-win-win,” he said. “Not only are the units able to operate without the use of diesel fuel, SolaRover will create jobs and do so without requiring any kind of government subsidy.” “We’re not asking for subsidies,” says Gasaway. “We don’t need them to be competitive.” Even though the original prototype has barely been reviewed by potential buyers, it was a smashing success in powering a late summer festival in Colorado – the first of its kind. Johnson says design work on the next generation of solar-powered generators is underway. He said those designs will work in conjunction with diesel generators, improving their fuel efficiency by as much as 40 percent. “It’s a full hybrid,” says Johnson. “This one will tell the generator when to turn on, operate for a couple of hours until the batteries in the solar unit are charged, and then the diesel unit will turn off.” One model recently purchased by a university in Georgia comes equipped with an integrated wind turbine. Johnson and Gasaway say there is nothing unusual about the cooperation between the two companies. “The project is bigger than both of us personally,” says Gasaway. “We both have different skill sets. Tim has the engineering side and we’re more of a manufacturing shop.” “I would agree with that,” says Johnson. “Going for ultimate success, we need both of us because we both bring a different vantage point to the table. That’s why we’re going to be successful.” The SolaRover project was among a dozen innovative projects from Northwest Indiana that in October 2011 was nominated for the Chanute Prize by the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana. The award recognizes the most unique innovation in manufacturing or specialty product in the region. It is sponsored by Ivy Tech State College Northwest. Gasaway says U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Indianapolis, has support this project. Mayor Blair Milo of LaPorte has also offered some valuable input. The SolaRover team has met with Defense Department officials at various military bases to put SolaRover though some grueling tests. Impressed military representatives have made several suggestions to Gasaway and Johnson on how to improve SolaRover so it could be used by the military. Even though development of SolaRover is being done in Denver, key engineering and fabrication is taking place in Michigan City. If SolaRover takes off, Gasaway and Johnson say it could create up to 200 new jobs in the county. “Part of my long-term vision for my company is to use the skill sets we have and leverage it for future business,” says Johnson. “The potential of this project is beyond anything I could have imagined. This is part of the reason for the partnership between Winn and MCTD. I think this is beyond everything either one of us ever imagined.” On December 21, 2011 the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved a collaborative settlement reached in July by NIPSCO, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), NIPSCO’s industrial customers and a coalition of eight northern Indiana Municipalities regarding new rates for its more than 457,000 electric customers across northern Indiana. The outcome eases the burden on residential customers while allowing us to continue investing in service, reliability and system improvements to support Indiana’s economic growth. These new rates will help us continue to improve customer service and make investments in system reliability and environmental technology – such as our recent $330 million purchase of the highly efficient Sugar Creek natural gas-fired power plant in West Terre Haute, IN Based on the IURC’s decision, average residential bills would increase by $3.33 per month, or 4.5 percent over what customers currently pay. The impact on individual commercial and industrial customers will vary. Many factors determine commercial and industrial customers’ rates. On average, rates for commercial and industrial customers would increase approximately 4.8 to 11 percent per month compared with current bills. These new rates will help
Every leap forward in technology comes from an idea. But where do the ideas comes from?
They come from a moment of inspiration, like that which inspired Dean Kamen to come up with the Segway. The personal transportation device has evolved from a novelty item into an urban substitute for the bicycle and it’s now being used by the Veterans Administration as a substitute for a wheelchair for some disabled veterans. Kamen is the brains behind FIRST, an organization he founded in 1989 that now is in schools across the country. The organization’s goal is to encourage the study of technology and robotics. FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Today, more than 240,000 students belong to more than 22,000 teams across the country and take part in local, state, regional and national robotics competitions that this past year awarded more than $15 million in scholarships to students. This year, there is a team from LaPorte County set to compete. Called Firehawk (officially it’s known as Team 3936 by FIRST), the team of 16 students comes from Michigan City High School, Marquette Catholic High School, Westville High School and home-schooled students.
Walus said Higgin thought a robotics program would help students learn science, mathematics and technology while being fun at the same time. Along with robot design, Firehawk team members also take part in 3D animation projects and learn Web site design. “I’ve worked with Herb over the years and I knew this was a good program when he proposed it,” says Walus. “The core element is community mentors. We have a lot of assistance from people with scientific and engineering backgrounds who are interested. Herb got in touch with Purdue North Central and they got interested. We’ve assembled quite a team.” Higgin says he’s pleased with the response the students have had to the program. During the Made in LaPorte County event, he says he encouraged the students to interact with as many people as they could. “We try to mimic the work place. We want them to know how they have to present themselves and market themselves in order to get a job,” says Higgin. “This also is something that kids can point to and show that you don’t have to be a football start or a basketball star in order to accomplish something in school.” Trent Laughlin, a senior at Michigan City High School, was into technology, robots and computers long before Firehawk was organized. When the club was formed, Laughlin jumped at the chance to be a member. “I have an interest in a bit of everything,” says Laughlin. “I’ve been interest in this since sixth grade.” He has narrowed his future choice down to Web design (Laughlin designed Firehawk’s Web page) or computer science. David Dobben, a freshman at Marquette Catholic High School, said he became interested in robotic when he got involved with a computerize Lego set. “I really like robots and 3-D design,” says Dobben. Justin Szaday of Michigan City, a sophomore home-schooler, described Firehawk as “the perfect opportunity.” “It really helps build teamwork. It’s nice to work with other and it gives you a chance to work with the hardware,” says Szaday, who said his interest in robots and computers goes back to fifth grade. “I’m interested in computer hardware and software. I want to find out how they work and how I can make them work better,” says Szaday. Dean Price, a senior technician with Tim Haas & Associates of Michigan City, says working with the students has been a lot of fun. “We’re housed at the old Mullen School right now. They’re only using the building for storage, but they’ve cleared out a classroom for use so we have plenty of room to work.” Nolin Bruns, a freshman at Westville High School, says his parents were looking for someplace like Firehawk when they found out the Robotics Club was being formed at Michigan City High School. “They really welcomed me,” says Bruns, who someday wants to be a mechanical engineer. “I really like the thought of making things move without having to move them yourself.” Companies Attending Made in LaPorte County Alcoa Howmet, LaPorte; B&B Manufacturing Inc., LaPorte; Blocksom & Co., Michigan City; Dage MTI, Michigan City; Dekker Vacuum, Michigan City; Environmental Safety Products, Michigan City; Fiberbond Corp., Michigan City; Filter Specialists, Michigan City; Foster Printing Service, Michigan City; GAF, Michigan City; Hearthside Food Solutions, Michigan City; Ideal Metal Works, Michigan City; Integrative Flavors, Pines; Josam Company, Michigan City; KTR Corp., Michigan City; Master Roll Manufacturing, LaPorte; MCTD, Michigan City; Michiana Impreglon Center, Michigan City; Michiana Resources, Michigan City; New York Blower Co., LaPorte; Packaging Logic, Inc., LaPorte; Peters & Marske, Michigan City; Sager Metal Strip Co., Michigan City; Sandusky-Chicago Abrasive Wheel Co., Michigan City; Sprague Devices/Commercial Vehicle Group, Michigan City; St. Andrews Products, Michigan City; Stranco, Michigan City; USALCO, Michigan City; Vanair, Michigan City; Winn Machine, Michigan City; WorkOne, Valparaiso. By Rick A. Richards It was show and tell for LaPorte County. At least that’s what it looked like when three dozen LaPorte County manufacturers came together at Marquette Mall on Friday, Dec. 2, for the “Made in LaPorte County” event. Bob Schaefer of Community Dynamics and a board member of the Michigan City Economic Development Corp. said the event is held every other year and is an opportunity for manufacturers to show off what they make and do. The event is sponsored jointly by the LaPorte County Economic Development Alliance, the Michigan City Economic Development Corp. and the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corp.
Schaefer said the event was not only for businesses to showcase what they make for the general public, he said there were opportunities for businesses to network with each other. “Two years ago, we had a couple of companies get together and start working with each other,” said Schaefer. “We would like to see more of that.” But one of the goals of the effort was aimed at high school students. It was as much about letting students know what is manufactured in LaPorte County as it was for business to get a glimpse of its future work force. For much of the morning, some 300 students from every high school in the county visit businesses to ask questions and learn what kind of skills they need in order to get a job in LaPorte County. Schaefer said he hoped the students learned about the variety of companies in LaPorte County and that there is potential for growth. “I also hope they found out what kind of learning they’re going to have to pursue.” Audra Peterson, director of career and technical education at the A.K. Smith Career Center, said she was excited about the interaction taking place between students and business executives. “Our goal is to make students aware of what’s available in LaPorte County,” said Peterson. “Hopefully, if they see what’s here, they’ll stay in LaPorte County. The goal of any community is to breed its own future.” As Peterson walked through the mall, looking in on students, she said she was looking for that “ah-ha moment” when things clicked for students. “We want them to realize that they can do the jobs that are available here, and that they’re exciting jobs,” said Peterson. “It’s more than just getting students aware of what’s here. There is a feeling that manufacturing is dying in the county, but as you can see, that’s not the case. There may not be one big manufacturer, but there are lots of small manufacturers looking for skilled workers.” The roster of local business bore out Peterson’s observation. Packaging Logic of LaPorte showed off how it made corrugated boxes. St. Andrew’s Products of Michigan City explained how they provide the logos that go on university-branded clothing. Winn Machine of Michigan City told students that it’s not only a machine shop, but is involved in producing high-tech solar generators. Sandusky-Chicago Abrasive Wheel Co. of Michigan City showed off its specialty grinding discs used by dentists. Dage-MTI of Michigan City displayed its cutting-edge cameras and microscopes used around the world. Fiberbond Corp. of Michigan City explained how it made its specialized filters. As students walked through the displays, each carried a sheet on which they were to collect information from five businesses, finding out what the company made and what skills were needed to get a job there. “What I hope to hear from the kids is how we at A.K. Smith can partner with some of these employers to help them and at the same time help manufacturers,” said Peterson. Michael Lester, a junior at Michigan City High School, said he had no idea that the kinds of products on display were made in LaPorte County. After talking to a representative at the GAF display, Lester said he was fascinated at the process needed to make a roofing shingle. “This is a good opportunity for everyone,” said Lester. Luke Hatley, a junior at South Central High School, hopes to become an engineer. “This is great for us. You can learn a lot. I saw some things I know I can do.” Jose Vega, a senior at Michigan City High School, hopes to be a chef someday. “I’m really surprised. I didn’t really know any of this was made here until I saw it today.” Zack O’Neil, a junior at Michigan City High School, said he’d never heard of many of the companies. “But now I know what I want to study,” he said. Ethan Bush, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, was especially interested in the high-tech cameras, lenses and microscopes at Dage-MTI. The company is one of the world’s leaders in providing cameras for research and medical uses. “This really helps you get an idea of the different kinds of jobs that are available here,” said Bush. “It’s really eye opening.” Rob Smith, a government and economics teacher at Marquette, nodded appreciatively. “I think this is a great experience for all of the students here today. It’s a chance to see what’s here in LaPorte and Michigan City, to network and meet some people. This event has really grown over the years.” Erica Lewalski, a supervisor at GAF, a Michigan City roofing shingle manufacturer, said she enjoys interacting with the students. “I want them to see there is opportunity here. Many of them don’t know what’s in their own backyard,” said Lewalski. “I tell them that if they stay in school and get their diploma, they can have an opportunity to learn how to make this,” she said, pointing to samples of various shingles. “At lot of them are asking more than just the questions on the sheet. We’ve had a lot of students ask us about the science behind making shingles.” Conrad Baugh, a project manager at Sager, a Michigan City conveyor manufacturer, said the day was about showing students opportunity. “There is a lot more technology in the jobs here in LaPorte County than they realize. There is a future here,” said Baugh. “The students are eager to find out. They’re asking me what they need to know and about the different kind of jobs there are. Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools, mingled among the students and stopped at the various displays asking her own questions. “What’s exciting about this is to know how many opportunities there are in Michigan City. There is significant opportunity here,” said Eason-Watkins. “There is a broader effort, too. This gives students something to look forward to. It helps them develop an interest in the future and it helps bring all of the communities and schools in LaPorte County together,” said Eason-Watkins. “The students learn the importance of creating relationships so they know who to reconnect with in the future.” Schaefer was all smiles as the students talked about what they had seen and learned. “The real purpose of this is to showcase LaPorte County and that we’re still making things here.” Even though there were just 36 companies at the Made in LaPorte County event, Schaefer said there are 150 manufacturers in the county. “We’ve encouraged all the companies here today to interact with each other and see if there are opportunities to partner or to become a supplier. Showcase highlights products made in La Porte County MICHIGAN CITY — A "Made in La Porte County" Products Showcase will bring some 33 manufacturers and 400 visitors to Marquette Mall in Michigan City on Friday. Local educators apparently agree. Regetz said all A. K. Smith Area Careers Center students will attend the showcase. Source: The News-Dispatch - November 30, 2011 - By Deborah Sederberg, Staff Writer Click here to view photos from this event. St. Andrews’ growth fueled by ‘family’ approach MICHIGAN CITY — It’s a long way from providing plastic bags for the PGA of America to providing merchandise for major golf tournaments and corporations. Source: The News Dispatch Manufacturing and Logistics Employers Urged to Attend Roundtable Discussions On Thursday, November 10th the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board (NWIWB) will be conducting Manufacturing Summit Roundtables in partnership with Conexus Indiana. The purpose of the employer roundtables will be to discuss the workforce needs and hiring practices and procedures of Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics employers, and to specifically explore the use and the interest in national, portable, industry-recognized certifications. The Manufacturing Institute, the education arm of the National Manufacturers Association has created a Skills Certification System that currently involves five industry recognized certifications with additional ones to be added by the end of the year. Currently there are 26 states participating in the Skills Certification Project, including Indiana. Leading the project for Indiana is Conexus Indiana. The project will involve educating employers about these certifications, learning how to make them more available and easier to access, while increasing the number of training programs available to workers who want to prepare for the certification tests. As part of this initiative, the NWIWB has been asked to assist Conexus in hosting the regional roundtables. If your company would like to be represented on November 10th—please RSVP yourself and/or another company representative for this no-cost event by calling Linda Burrus at 219-462-2940, ext. 22 or email lburrus@innovativeworkforce.com. The November 10th event will take place at Sand Creek Country Club, located at 1001 Sand Creek Drive in Chesterton, Indiana from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Registration deadline is November 3rd and space is limited. Above Board Construction Grand Opening LA PORTE- On Wednesday, August 31st, the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Above Board Construction. Above Board Construction was also celebrating the Grand Opening of their new La Porte office on the same day. Their new office is located on 910 Michigan Avenue, La Porte. Many local community businesses attended. Above Board Construction provides24 Hr./7 day Disaster Recovery Servicerelated toFire, Water, Wind, Restoration services. Above Board Construction, works directly with your insurance company to provide a turnkey service to restore your home or business back to its original condition before the occurrence happened. Above Board Construction are also very active philanthropists in the Power of Pink Breast Cancer Awareness and Fund Raising Campaign. By inviting friends to "Like" the Power of Pink page on Facebook and "Follow" them on Twitter, Above Board Construction will donate $1 for each new "Like" or "Follower"! They will also donate $2 for every pink truck sighting reported. Simply report your sighting, when and where you spot the pink truck via Twitter or Facebook. Include a photo of your sighting along with the location and time on your post and Above Board Construction will donate $5 to the campaign. The goal of this campaign is to raise $10,000. About above Board Construction: Above Board Construction was founded in Oakland County, Michigan in 1983 and started repairing fire damaged homes and have expanded to become a Premier Service Contractor for many of the largest insurance companies, handling both Residential and Commercial claims. Above Board Construction has three locations: Northwest Indiana, Metro Detroit and Grand Traverse Bay. Aero Metals celebrates 50 years What started out in the basement of her parent’s home 50 years ago has expanded into an internationally recognized business with around 350 employees. “It would be a proud moment for him [Jim Fleming],” said company President and CEO Bob Stowell. “It was very important for him to provide employment to the community and keep jobs here instead of letting them go off shore.” Counties Selected For Economic Development Effort InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report Two areas of the state have been chosen to participate in a U.S. Department of Agriculture economic development program. A group of counties in northwest Indiana and the Southern Indiana Growth Alliance will develop new approaches to strengthen their development efforts through the Stronger Economies Together initiative. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Two multicounty regions in Indiana will create economic development plans under a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that Purdue Extension will support. The regional teams selected for the Stronger Economies Together program, administered by USDA Rural Development, are Rural Communities of LaPorte, Jasper, Starke and Southern Porter Counties in northwest Indiana and Southern Indiana Growth Alliance, encompassing Ripley, Dearborn, Ohio, Franklin and Switzerland counties. Stronger Economies Together is designed to help multicounty, rural groups develop new approaches to strengthen and enhance economic development efforts by identifying a region's strengths and needs, said Scott Hutcheson, assistant director of economic and community development for Purdue Extension. "We will walk them through this process," Hutcheson said. "By creating a strategy, they will be in better position to attract resources they need. Banding together with other communities on a regional basis makes a lot of sense." The northwest Indiana group will focus its development on tourism and manufacturing. The southern Indiana group will concentrate on attracting and retaining college graduates for its workforce. No grant funding is involved in the yearlong program, to begin this fall, but the groups will receive training and technical assistance to help them take advantage of opportunities that lead to growth and improve quality of life. The teams will receive: * Training in strategic planning. * Database tools to help them examine key assets of their region and identify emerging growth sectors and regional competitive advantages. * Technical assistance and educational support from Purdue Extension staff; Extension's North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, based at Michigan State University; USDA Rural Development staff in Indiana; and other educational and information-sharing opportunities with program participants across the country. Indiana is among about a dozen states selected to participate in this second round of the program. Thirteen states were chosen in the first round last year. Other organizations providing support for the program are the Association of Indiana Counties, Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Indiana Association of Regional Councils, Indiana Economic Development Association, Indiana Grantmakers Alliance, Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs and Indiana Planning Association. USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal agency for rural development needs by offering financial and technical assistance to individuals, businesses and communities. Its programs include funding for day care centers, fire trucks and other community projects; the purchase, construction or repair of homes; loans and guarantees to rural businesses to save or create jobs and renewable energy; and loans and grants for water and sewer utility projects. Information on programs offered by USDA Rural Development is available by contacting the Indiana office at 317-290-3100, ext. 4, or by visiting its website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/in Source: NWI Times Sullair investing $12.7M in city plant In four years, Sullair Corp. will have invested$12.7 million in its global headquarters here and created as many as 113 new jobs through expansion efforts. The investment in the 410,000 square-foot site site includes buying new equipment and making energy efficient upgrades. Ind. workplace deaths decline in 2010 Fatal workplace accidents in Indiana dropped 6.5 percent in 2010 from a year earlier, according to a preliminary report released Thursday by the Indiana Department of Labor. The agency said there were 115 deaths from workplace injuries in the state last year, which was the lowest number of incidents reported in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The census was introduced in 1991. "While a record low is good statistically speaking, for 115 families their tragic loss defies any statistic," said Lori Torres, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor. "That is why there is no higher priority in our agency than safeguarding the lives of working Hoosiers through safety and health initiatives and enforcement programs." The agency reported 123 deaths from workplace injuries in 2009. The agriculture industry reported the highest number of work-related deaths in 2010 with 22. Most of those deaths involved accidents with crop production. The leading cause of all workplace fatalities was transportation incidents, with 54 out of 115 reported. This includes vehicular accidents and people being struck by a vehicle. Construction continued to have the highest rate of fatalities, but for the fifth straight year there was a decline in fatal accidents. The manufacturing industry had 13 fatalities in 2010, according to the report, which is up from 12 in 2009. The report noted manufacturing, particularly the manufacture of motor vehicle parts, was one of the leading industries for workplace deaths for Hoosiers. On a national level, U.S. workplace fatalities remained relatively flat year over year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said in a preliminary report. In 2010, there were 4,547 fatal work injuries nationwide, compared to 4,551 in 2009. For more information, visit www.in.gov/dol/2439.htm. Tax caps cut '11 bills by $566M; Study says homeowners' gain is loss for local governments, schools FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Indiana property tax payers saved 32 percent this year, compared with a year ago, thanks to statewide tax caps on their 2011 bills, according to a state report. The Department of Local Government Finance study found that the caps cut this year's property tax bills by $566 million, which was $136 million more in savings from 2010 bills. But that also means less money for local governments and schools. The large savings is largely from a decrease in property values around the state, Purdue University tax expert Larry DeBoer told The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette for a story Tuesday. When assessed value drops, that means tax rates rise in order for a government unit to collect the same amount of money. DeBoer said that puts more taxpayers at the caps, which are 1 percent of assessed value for residential property, 2 percent for rental properties and farmland, and 3 percent for businesses. DeBoer said the caps and accompanying property tax changes are generally doing what legislators intended. "In terms of tax relief, it's working right on the nose," he said. "Homeowners statewide have seen about a 30 percent reduction since 2007." The smaller bills, however, mean less state tax revenue is available for local governments and school districts. The state report shows that school districts saw a $200 million decline, while cities and towns received $192 million less. The losses have caused significant tax revenue drops in some areas of the state. Fort Wayne City Controller Pat Roller said the city expected to lose $10 million to tax caps this year but will instead lose $13 million. "We have been doing everything we can to keep our budgets low and build up a reserve so we could handle it. That's where we are right now," she said. "We will be able to tolerate the $3 million loss to our reserves, but it is tough." The savings aren't equal among the various tax-cap categories. The latest report shows that those in the 1 percent category received about $164 million in relief and properties under the 2 percent cap saw nearly $245 million in savings. Those in the 3 percent category were billed $154 million less than what they would have been without the caps. DeBoer said rental houses don't receive the same deductions or credits that owner-occupied homes do, pushing their tax bills higher and closer to the tax cap. "This is the inevitable result," he said. "They receive relief well beyond their proportional share of assessed value." State Rep. Win Moses, D-Fort Wayne, said lawmakers couldn't have planned for the assessed value drop, which means local government is getting even less money than expected. "That is a lot for local governments to absorb. They either have to reduce services or raise income elsewhere through income taxes or fees," he said. "This might be causing more pain than expected." PNC to Unveil Piece of World Trade Center Steel Westville – Purdue University North Central has become the permanent home of a section of a steel beam that was recovered from the World Trade Center in New York, after its collapse on Sept. 11, 2001. In remembrance of the 10th anniversary of that day, PNC will place the steel on permanent display in the Library-Student-Faculty Building Cybercafé, Room 114, off the first floor foyer. It will be unveiled during a brief ceremony on Sept. 11. The public is invited to attend. The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. A moment of silence will be observed at 7:45 a.m. – the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center - and again, 18 minutes later at 8:03 a.m., the time when the second building was struck. A violinist will offer two works prior to the second moment of silence. There will be time for questions, answers and discussion. The formal event will end at 8:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. The public will have the opportunity to view the piece until 2 p.m. that day. The CybercCafé is equipped with comfortable chairs and couches, so that the guests who come to view the I-beam may stay to think and reflect. “We are honored to have received this priceless artifact that was part of one of the most meaningful events in our nation's history,” said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. “It is simply breathtaking to have this on our campus.” PNC filed a request in November, 2009 with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to receive a piece of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center buildings, explained Judy Jacobi, PNC assistant vice chancellor of Marketing and Campus Relations. After conferring with Chancellor Dworkin, Jacobi was inspired sent a letter and completed an application through the Port Authority to receive an artifact from the Word Trade Center. It did not take long to hear that the PNC request was approved. It was another 18 months before the beam arrived on campus. The beam itself measures 36 inches long, by 18 inches wide, by 11 inches deep and weighs 176 pounds. The Port Authority, owners of the World Trade Center steel, accepted applications from cities, towns, museums, fire and police departments, schools and similar organizations to submit applications for pieces of steel to be used as lasting memorials to the 2,973 innocent victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Requests were received from across the country and around the world. Port Authority Executive Director Christopher O. Ward explained, “The best way we can honor the memory of those we lost on 9/11 is to find homes in cities and towns around the nation for the hundreds of artifacts we've carefully preserved over the years.” PNC will keep the steel I-beam on permanent display. The public may visit at any time the building is open - Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Library-Student-Faculty Building is closed on Sundays. The steel will be displayed near the series of oil paintings named, “New York, New York” that were created in tribute to the victims of Sept. 11, the rescue workers and the residents of New York City. They were created by Jason Poteet, a graduate of Marquette High School in Michigan City. Poteet had been scheduled to attend a Morgan Stanley Investments training program in New York City in September, 2001, in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. On Sept. 6, 2001 his training session was postponed, thus ensuring he was not in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. He volunteered his time at Ground Zero and returned home with new inspiration for his paintings. Parking is free on the PNC campus, but guests are asked to please not park in the “A” or reserved spaces. Parking during the academic year may find parking more available on Thursdays, Fridays and weekends. Further information may be obtained by contact in Jacobi at 785-5200, ext. 5593. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Jacobi. Source: Purdue North Central website at www.pnc.edu Fas-Pak now owns former Jaymar Ruby site Known to the community as the home of Jaymar Ruby, the property at 5000 Ohio St. has been sold to a local company through a $2 million deal. Kieft said several parties have been interested in the real estate since Jaymar vacated the site in 2009, but most were interested only in a portion of the property. Source: La Porte Herald Argus Sullair Corporation to Invest in Global Headquarters
The company manufactures stationary and portable air compressors, compressed air treatment equipment, vacuum systems and air tools for the mining, construction, industrial, manufacturing and energy sectors. Sullair expects to invest up to $12.7 million to purchase new equipment and make energy efficiency upgrades at its 410,000 square-foot LaPorte County facility. "Sullair has called Indiana home for decades and we are pleased that they are continuing to invest in our state," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "By maintaining one of the best business climates in the nation, Indiana is able to attract and retain companies like Sullair and we look forward to many more years of success from this global leader." Established in 1965, Sullair is headquartered in Michigan City with manufacturing facilities in China, Australia and the United States. The company has already begun hiring new production associates. "We expect to see increasing demand in our developed markets as the worldwide economy shakes off the lingering effects of the recent recession," said Henry Brooks, president of Sullair. "Investing in our U.S. sites will help us meet that demand while providing resources for technological research." Sullair's parent company, United Technologies, employs thousands of Indiana workers at its operations in Huntington, Bloomington, Indianapolis and Michigan City. The company's Employee Scholar Program has helped 1,175 Indiana employees, including 144 local Sullair associates, earn college degrees. "Sullair is one of Michigan City's premier employers so we are proud they have selected their headquarters in our community in which to make this investment," said Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Sullair Corporation up to $800,000 in performance-based tax credits and $75,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Michigan City is providing enterprise zone investment deductions through the Urban Enterprise Association and developing training programs. "We are thrilled to support Sullair with this critical expansion of its headquarters, which encourages employment opportunities into the future," said John Regetz, Executive Director, Michigan City Economic Development Corporation. Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation Vanair Considers Expansion La Porte – The La Porte County Council on Monday approved a resolution for Vanair’s tax abatement request. Jerrold Winski, attorney for Vanair Manufacturing, Inc. and Kokot Brothers Development, LLC, requested the approval of a tax abatement for further building expansion. “This is a request for a 10 year tax abatement for the building of an expansion from the existing building,” said Winski. “It’s a 30,000 square foot expansion, and the purpose of it is to provide additional manufacturing and assembly space and storage capacity.” Winski said the estimated cost of the real estate improvement building expansion is $1 million. Its addition to that request was estimated for manufacturing equipment, assembly space and storage capacity. The total investment was $1.3 million. Vanair would also support economic development efforts as parts of the tax phase-in. “Vanair will contribute about $5,000 to the La Porte County Economic Development Fund for use by the County Council and Redevelopment Commission on economic development projects, “said John Regetz, Co-Director, La Porte County Economic Development Alliance. “We all know there are companies and manufacturers who are sitting back and not going forward with expansion because we’ve got some uncertain times here, but Vanair said lets go for it, and that’s what they are doing,” said Winski. The members of the board were impressed by Vanair’s recent progress and growth. “This is one of the reasons I got into this line of work, to see improvement in the county, and putting people to work and making things better for us so thank you very much,” said Rich Mrozinski. Earl Cunningham complimented Vanair as he said, “It’s a very nice addition to our county.” Vanair applied for a tax abatement in 2007, when they arrived in La Porte. At that time, they projected 57 jobs. Winski said that they presently have 77 employees. “This is a perfect example of how tax abatement works,” said Winski. “It brings economic development to our county, but most importantly, it brings jobs.” This is one-step in Vanair’s decision making process. When other programs are finalized in the next couple of weeks, the final decisions on the expansion will be made. “The county would receive about $77,000 of new tax revenue over the course of this tax phase-in, should it be accepted,” said Regetz. Source: Herald Argus and La Porte County Economic Development Alliance Staff Michigan City Predicting Faster Recovery InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report Another Indiana city is taking exception to the U.S. Conference of Mayors report predicting when metro areas will return to pre-recession job levels. Michigan City Economic Development Corporation Executive Director John Regetz says the day the report came out, city and county officials approved a series of initiatives he believes will speed up economic recovery. The day after the US Council of Mayors decreed that Northern Indiana communities would not recover from the recession until after 2020 major investment decisions were made in La Porte County that will ultimately prove the report wrong. The Council’s study presents lists of past unemployment statistics, but no methodology by which IHS Global Insight, Inc. arrived at its recovery projections. Selected metro areas in “Rustbelt States” were included in the delayed recovery category due to high levels of manufacturing in their economies. On June 21 the La Porte County Commission, Redevelopment and Economic Development Commissions signed resolutions finalizing commitments to loan $6 million for a rail spur project connecting CSX Railroad to the Kingsbury Industrial Park. This connection to targeted logistics development property will create the Inland Logistics Port at Kingsbury where transload and warehouse facilities are considering locations. Later that day the Michigan City Common Council voted to commit $750,000 to an agreement with Artspace, for development on an estimated $8 million artist community project. Indiana University Health Care Systems and Holliday Properties are developing 30 acres of professional, health care and support facilities at the junction of I-94 and US-421. These types of projects have been catalysts for economic resurgence in multiple communities. “I realize that the Council of Mayors and Global Insight only have the past to review for data, but our communities will decide their own futures,” said John Regetz, Executive Director, Michigan City Economic Development Corporation and Co-Director of the La Porte County Economic Development Alliance (Alliance). Regetz pointed to accomplishments in other Northern Indiana communities that contradict the Council of Mayors report such as: South Bend’s Nano Tech and Ignition Park projects; Elkhart’s R/V company locations and Kokomo’s Chrysler and Delphi plant investments. Unemployment rates have dropped since the first quarter data used by Global Insight and an April 12, Purdue North Central report indicates La Porte County’s manufacturing sector is recovering. The Alliance reported in April it had attracted 280 jobs and $38 million in investment during recessionary year of 2010, demonstrating the positive economic impact community economic development initiatives have. La Porte County’s Area Vocational District 6 is also collaborating with the Alliance to improve worker skills, which is critical to increased employment according to Subaru of Indiana’s Vice President. “The efforts to rejuvenate and diversify La Porte County’s and Northern Indiana’s economy will bring the region to recovery much faster than the pundits’ predictions,” said Regetz. Source: Michigan City Economic Development Corp. City's Economic Development Corporation Supports Artspace Funding By John Regetz With continued funding of the Artspace project being considered by the Michigan City Common Council, the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation decided to research the economic impact of such projects. The Artspace concept has years of evidence that shows it is a worthwhile endeavor for increasing property values and revitalizing neighborhoods. The MCEDC reviewed a study done by Metris Arts on projects completed by Artspace and looked at statistical and survey data contained therein. Artist communities also attract more visitors to the North End which would generate customer traffic for existing and new retail businesses and tenants for real estate investors. Metris states that in the Twin Cities, “artists and other community members also credited the artist spaces with bolstering area businesses. Seventy-eight percent of arts tenant respondents felt more people have come to the neighborhood to experience cultural events because of the artist spaces.” Other interviewees indicated resident artists stimulated demand for services by increasing population in the project neighborhoods. By John Regetz MICHIGAN CITY — Not a lot of people have heard about Sound Technologies, and that’s a good thing. “I was in a similar business in Chicago and recognized a market need for tuned fan silencers that was not being met,” said Dominic Crnkovich, the company’s founder and president. “I’m the only one left of the original partners.” Their shop happens to be across from the NIPSCO generating plant, which they have provided equipment to in the past. Dage-MTI wins innovation honor The News-Dispatch MICHIGAN CITY — At Dage-MTI, the expert engineers and other electrical engineering specialists can produce high-definition microscope cameras that, with the RealView Magic Box, make it possible for physicians to examine single cells on high-definition monitors. Chancellor J. Guadalupe Valtierra of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest gave an overview of the award, which is presented by The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana, an organization founded by Ivy Tech Northwest in 2005. Exporting Isn't Just For Large Corporations The perception is that exporting is only for large corporations, but the reality, says Mark A. Cooper, director of the U.S. Department Commerce office in Indiana, is that any size company can benefit from international sales. Cooper brought his message about the benefits of exporting to Michigan City on April 1, when he addressed some 50 local business representatives brought together by the Michigan City Economic Development Corp. at Pottawattomie Country Club. But before taking the plunge into the international market, Cooper said business owners need to do their homework. “That is very important. You have to make sure everyone in the company is on board and you have to make sure your product is something that is going to sell overseas. Is there a market for it?” said Cooper. The latest U.S. Commerce Department numbers show Indiana is 13th in the nation in exporting with $28.6 billion worth of sales in 2010. That is up from $23.6 billion in 2009. Cooper said the top 10 markets for Indiana products are Canada, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, China, Spain, Brazil and Australia. Of those, he said Canada and Mexico make up more than 45 percent of all Hoosier exports. “It’s also important to remember that Japan is the largest foreign direct investor in Indiana,” said Cooper, mentioning that country’s major investments in auto plants in the state. In order to be successful in the international market, Cooper said companies need to have a focused approach. “Go after the markets with the biggest bang for the buck. Don’t try to market your product everywhere. Concentrate on one or two markets,” he said. “Not every market will be a good one.” If the decision is made to begin exporting products, Cooper said businesses need to be prepared to travel. “Are you willing to travel to get the business? You have to be involved and be engaged with your customers,” he said. “You need to have a Web site, too. The world has changed and you need to keep up with it.” At the same time, Cooper said businesses need to be aware that just because a product sells well in the United States, doesn’t mean that success will transfer overseas. “You have to be willing to adapt your product to the market. You have to be willing to change production runs,” said Cooper. “And through all that, you have to be aware of how you treat foreign distributors.” On the financial end, businesses need to be aware of the differences between currencies and know how to set up accounting procedures to handle those differences. Cooper said it can be a daunting task, but his office can answer those questions. “We can assist you in developing an export plan and we can help locate the best markets for your product. “We can also identify the most qualified buyers and partners to work with you,” said Cooper. “We have people on staff to recommend financing options and answer questions about payment issues and export licensing.” Cooper, who has been involved in trade missions and promotional activities in Europe, Egypt, Singapore, Vietnam, India, South Africa, Peru, the Pacific, Asia and Russia, said the economy truly is global today. “We all have heard that business is going global, so how can your business compete and win in this new economy? That’s what we’re here to do for you,” said Cooper. For more information, visit www.export.gov and www.buyusa.gov/indiana. Indiana Campaign Woos Illinois Businesses HAMMOND -- The Indiana Economic Development Corp. and Northwest Indiana Forum today formed a marketing-campaign partnership aimed at attracting business from Illinois to Indiana. The slogans "Illinnoyed by Higher Taxes?" and "Feeling Squeezed by Taxes?" are being advertised with websites promoting the advantages of doing business in Indiana. The campaign follows one announced earlier by Indianapolis, and comes after an Illinois tax hike caused some business operators to look for alternatives. State and city officials have said the tax hike and promotional campaigns have generated inquiries. The campaign isn't a surprise. State officials, including Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob, hinted as much in early January after Illinois' Democrat-controlled legislature and Gov. Pat Quinn signed off on controversial income tax increases to help overcome a $15 billion deficit. The "Illinoyed" campaign debuted in the Chicago market at the end of January and has generated more than 2,700 visits to www.solutionindiana.com. Develop Indy, the chief business recruiting arm of the city of Indianapolis, already sought to make inroads by spending thousands for a full-page ad in the Jan. 18 edition of the Chicago Tribune and two other downstate newspapers that extolled our city’s friendlier business climate. Illinois’ personal income taxes will increase from 3 percent to 5 percent. The corporate rate will go from 7.3 percent to 9.5 percent. Indiana’s personal income tax rate is 3.4 percent, while corporations pay 8.5 percent. "With recent and significant tax hikes, Illinois businesses are interested in moving to a lower cost location," today's news release said. Observers have speculated that while some Illinois companies will threaten to leave the state to escape the tax increase, an exodus appears extremely unlikely, the Chicago Tribune has reported. But economic recovery may be slowed and the state's appeal as a place to expand a business or build a new one may be diminished — a possibility that has Indiana and Wisconsin sharpening their knives and corporate relocation marketing campaigns, the Tribune reported. State, Region to Announce Campaign to Lure Illinois Business The Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Northwest Indiana Forum (regional economic development organization) are working together to attract business from Illinois to Indiana. The organizations will kick-off a three-month campaign to highlight Indiana’s favorable business climate in comparison to that in Illinois and the ideal location of Northwest Indiana, only minutes from the heart of Chicago. With recent and significant tax hikes, Illinois businesses are interested in moving to a lower cost location. Indiana Secretary of Commerce and CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Mitch Roob and Mark Maassel, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum will discuss the marketing effort, Indiana’s advantages and cost comparison between the two states. SPEAKERS:
WHEN: 2:00pm (CST) WHERE: Hammond Marina Signage will be posted to guide you to the Marina. The Marina is part of the Port Authority, have your ID ready to show at the checkpoint. REGISTRATION: There is no cost to attend this event. RSVP is not necessary to attend We request that news media planning to attend contact Karen Lauerman at 219-763-6303, ext. 181, or by email at klauerman@nwiforum.org. MCTD Is A Leading Maker of Custom Machines, Fixtures, Tooling and Gauges MICHIGAN CITY – If you make a superior product, the world will find you. And that’s a good thing for MCTD, Inc. because no one is going to find the company’s front door simply by driving down the highway. MCTD is a precision tool and die manufacturer whose parts are used by the aerospace, automotive and general manufacturing industries. The 10,400-square-foot company is hidden behind a massive brick building in the Winski Industrial Park on Michigan City’s west side. President and owner Timothy J. Johnson has owned the 28-year-old company for the past six years. Acquiring the business was the realization of a dream for him. “I had always wanted to run a business and I saw an opportunity,” said Johnson. In his brightly lit but cluttered office decorated with South Shore posters and Green Bay Packer memorabilia, Johnson views the world as his customer base. Immediately before he acquired MCTD six years ago, Johnson was working for another Michigan City company. He was content there and hoped one day to be general manager, but the opportunity wasn’t there. That’s when he decided to take the plunge and move out on his own. Today, MCTD (the company was originally known as Michigan City Tool and Die) has 19 employees, many of them with decades of machining and tool and die experience. Johnson says what makes MCTD unique is the ability of its mechanical and electronic control designers to work directly with customers to deliver the precise product a customer requires. MCTD is not a general production machine company that produces the same fixture over and over. Instead, it’s a specialty machine company that focuses on one-of-a-kind and limited run products. “We have excellent employees here. There are not many other people who do what we do,” says Johnson. “Michigan City is a good location for us. We’re close to Chicago and southwestern Michigan and South Bend. Going forward, this community presents possibilities for manufacturing.” Since Johnson took over at MCTD, he has recorded a steady growth, although the recent economic slump caused a 40 percent dip in sales last year. Before that, growth had been about 30 percent, says Johnson. “I was wondering what I’d had gotten myself into for awhile, but I learned a long time ago either you grow or you die in the job shop business that we’re in. Growth has to come from new customers. You’re looking for new customers all the time.” Johnson said 40 percent of the business he did in 2009 wasn’t on his books in 2004. “Our customer base is growing. We’re much more solid,” says Johnson. “When I bought the company, three customers made up 80 percent of my business. Last year, 12 customers made up 80 percent of my business.” Johnson says he’s much more comfortable with that number because if one client runs into trouble, he has 11 others to fall back on. And because the company’s customer base is constantly changing, Johnson says he has to be nimble in order to maintain growth. “The business is still fun, although 2009 was not fun. That was an aberration. I definitely enjoy this”, says Johnson. He says he knew he always wanted to be an engineer, and in fact, got a degree in mechanical engineering from Valparaiso University. Among the products made by MCTD, says Johnson, are parts and assemblies for motion control, assembly lines, materials handling, custom control panels as well as various specialty parts for a broad spectrum of customers from California to Massachusetts to Mexico.
“To create a solution, you must first fully understand the problems,” says a company brochure. “This is where MCTD’s experts really shine. We’ll listen and learn about your process, product and problem to really understand what is important to you.” Johnson explained that he and his staff at MCTD will work to integrate all of the equipment, talent and experience required of a job to deliver a solution to a client. The company offers expertise in machine, control, tooling and design solutions. Johnson explained that those are the real meaning of MCTD. While MCTD does work a few area customers, the majority are scattered across the country. “I look for companies looking for very precision work,” says Johnson. “One week I could be doing something for Federal Mogul and then I could be doing something for a company making braking systems. There is no similarity in the products we make. Our possibilities are endless, but we rarely build something twice.” Recently MCTD began working with a company that needed precision components to go inside the cockpit of an airplane. “We’re making the fixturing and tooling and helping with assembly,” says Johnson. Through that company, MCTD also began doing some precision work for NASA. A few years ago, making those kinds of contacts would have meant months on the road selling the company and its ability. Today, Johnson says many of those contacts are made on the Internet. While he still is the company’s biggest sales rep and is on the road a lot, it’s usually to seal a deal where the original contact was made over the Internet. Johnson is proud of the niche carved out by MCTD. In a world where there are some 30,000 machine shops and precision tool and die makers, Johnson’s company has made a name for itself across the country. Five years from now, Johnson says his hope is to buy another company that will complement what MCTD is doing. “I really expect that to happen. As for MCTD, the way we’re set up, it can be broken into multiple divisions – a short-run production facility, special machines, fixture and precision machining. Each has its own established operation. I expect to have a special machining business (where one or two unique parts are made at a time) and production machine business (where the same product is produced hundreds or thousands of times).” Port of Indiana Expanding Foreign-Trade Zone to Six-County Portage, IN—National Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) expert, Scott Taylor spoke today at special Business Development Seminar/Lunch from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Northwest Indiana Forum (6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN). The session focused on the expansion of the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor’s Foreign-Trade Zone #152 to cover Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Newton and Jasper Counties allowing businesses located anywhere in the six-county area to join an FTZ easier and faster—in as little as 30 days. Business and community leaders, elected officials and redevelopment commissions/councils attended the complimentary program to learn how the new FTZ expansion can impact their organizations and their bottom line. To view the presentation visit http://www.nwiforum.org/development/. Taylor said the new rules mean shorter application forms, the ability to designate one building or a whole industrial park as a foreign trade zone and an approval process that goes from six to eight months to 30 to 75 days. “The economic development professionals will have the tools to go back to their companies and discuss this new option, so I think that will start additional discussion. For individual companies it will be to see what the financial savings will be under the program and if it makes sense to look at it further." “The expansion of the FTZ to six counties is a great opportunity for attracting, retaining and growing businesses in Northwest Indiana. It gives Northwest Indiana an edge over our competition,” said Donald Koliboski, Forum Director of Economic Development. Mirko Marich, president of Contract Services Group in Hammond, said the streamlined option makes an FTZ designation achievable to a company like his. "As a business owner, you always have to be on the lookout for a competitive advantage and the modifications to the FTZ application process and the proactive work of the ports make this a huge economic benefit to our region," he said. Sponsored by the Ports of Indiana, NIPSCO and the Forum, the seminar featured: FTZ 101 (Overview of the FTZ program, understanding which companies could benefit, opportunities for financial savings) and FTZ Activation and Authority (the ins and outs of the new, expedited process and working with US Customs). The Northwest Indiana Forum is the regional voice for the business community and a significant catalyst for initiatives that promote economic development and create and retain quality jobs in Lake, Porter, La Porte and Starke Counties. Funded by membership contributions and grants, membership translates into a direct investment in the region. Its corporate members represent more than $40 Billion in commerce in Northwest Indiana. Background: Ports of Indiana NIPSCO NIPSCO, with headquarters in Merrillville, Ind., is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). With over 712,000 natural gas customers and 457,000 electric customers across the northern third of Indiana, NIPSCO is the largest natural gas distribution company, and the second largest electric distribution company, in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers primarily in seven states. More information about NIPSCO is available at www.nipsco.com. Current Midwest Moves Operations to Michigan City
Sanlo will keep plant in Michigan City By Dave Hawk Sanlo, located on Indiana 212, makes products such as wire rope, aircraft cable, vinyl and nylon coated cable and cable fittings. Indiana Economic Development Corporation Bob Quadrozzi Memorial Golf Outing Thursday, June 24, 2010 Click here for additional information and a registration form. Mayor Chuck Oberlie Honored as Afterschool Champion
Oberlie was instrumental in the development of the LaPorte County Coalition of Youth Service Agencies in 2003, which now includes 20 agencies. The Coalition provides activities and resources for local youth, with a focus on the summer hours. Under Mayor Oberlie’s leadership, the Michigan City City Council has made a significant investment in afterschool and summer programs. The “Breakfast of Champions” is part of the ninth annual Afterschool for All Challenge, sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance, which brings together hundreds of parents, educators, children, program directors and advocates from around the country for a series of events and meetings with Members of Congress. It is being held this year in conjunction with Be the Change, the National AfterSchool Association’s annual convention. At these events, afterschool advocates are urging Congress to safeguard federal funding for these programs and reject Administration proposals to cut funding by $13 million in Fiscal Year 2011 and to allow non-afterschool programs to compete for federal afterschool dollars. “This year, federal support for afterschool programs is in serious peril,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “The Obama Administration is proposing making non-afterschool programs eligible for the already limited federal dollars available through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, which is the principal federal funding stream for afterschool. It is more important than ever that advocates speak up and speak out to ensure that every child who needs afterschool has access to the programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families.” Other state champions honored at the Afterschool for All Challenge are: William Byars, State Director of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice; David Davison, President and CEO of the American Savings Foundation in New Britain, Connecticut; Jerry Ellis, Mayor of Farmington Hills, Michigan; Wendell Maddox, President and CEO of United Way of Wyandotte County, Kansas; Thierry Malley, State Director of the Pennsylvania Area Council of Boys & Girls Clubs; Rhode Island State Representative Edwin Pacheco; Renee L. Rider, Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Child Care Services, New York State Office of Children and Family Services; Carla Sanger, President and CEO of LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program, California; and Ronnie Steine, Councilmember-at-Large, Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. The 2010 “Breakfast of Champions” is sponsored by: United States Tennis Association, Bright House Networks, Quaker Chewy, Torani, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Open Society Institute, Peavey Electronics, NAMM, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, D.C. Children & Youth Investment Trust Corporation and Cable in the Classroom. Buy Michigan City Helps The City And Local Business
As it turned out, it wasn’t a problem at all, thanks to Vanair Manufacturing Inc. Based at 10896 W. County Road 300 North, just south of the city limits, Vanair specializes in outfitting trucks and specialty vehicles for municipalities, railroads and utilities. The company, said Dan Kokot, executive vice president, puts together kits that include generators, compressors, rotary screws, lifts, tool cabinets, or welding equipment – whatever is required by the customer. Normally, the kits are assembled in company’s 60,000-square-foot building and shipped to one of its 245 dealers around the world for assembly there. But for Michigan City, Vanair put the truck together at its plant. “When we went to Vanair, they told us, ‘Bring your mechanics to us to explain what they need and how they use it,’” said Walus. So Walus and crew members for the Sanitary District went to Vanair and met with the company’s designers. After a free-wheeling discussion, Vanair designers had a good idea of what the Sanitary District’s crews needed to do their job. Walus said crews are responsible for maintaining some 40 pump stations in the city. They routinely check each pump at each station to make sure it’s working properly. Previously, that meant some stations would need two trucks because the Sanitary District didn’t have lifts on all its trucks to pull a pump to fix it. “The old thinking was we’d have a welding truck and another would be a lift truck,” said Walus. Not anymore. Now, everything is on one truck, which has reduced the size of the Sanitary District’s fleet and made response time in case of an emergency quicker because the need for a second truck has been eliminated. “The guys told Vanair some of the little things they needed, like more space for tools and more room for air to operate pneumatic tools,” said Walus. All of that was incorporated into the truck. “By including the staff in the discussion, we got better trucks,” said Walus. For instance, a custom-built sewer maintenance truck that was added to the fleet in 2004, cost $60,174, but it replaced three trucks that cost a total of more than $64,000 new. And by operating this way, said Walus, it’s easier to include the needs of the Sanitary District’s crews in the bid process instead of trying to retrofit a standard truck. Kokot said he was thrilled that Vanair could be a part of the process. He said the truck chassis that Michigan City ordered was delivered to Vanair and some of the 80 employees there began outfitting it for the city. Besides Michigan City, Vanair has provided specialized equipment for fleets in Portage, East Chicago and Hammond in Indiana and in Chicago. “This is what we do,” said Kokot. “We do business globally – Australia, New Zealand, South Africa – but our biggest market is in North America in the United States and Canada.” Vanair equipment, said Kokot, has been installed on utility trucks, fire trucks, highway department trucks, and municipal trucks. “I personally called on Al Walus to explain what we do,” said Kokot. “They have some truck requirements and we came up with the solution. “Speaking on behalf of businesses in the community, if more people had the thought process to buy locally we wouldn’t be in the economic position we’re in,” said Kokot. But in spite of the health of the general economy, Kokot said business at Vanair has been great. Since the first of the year, the company has hired 30 employees. He said the business has grown so much that it may have to expand its one-year-old building. “The relationship we’ve had with Mayor Chuck Oberlie and the city has been fantastic,” said Kokot. “It is a wonderful relationship.” Walus said the relationship that has been built with Vanair has created a whole new way of thinking within the Sanitary District. “We really need to capture the knowledge of our workforce,” Walus said. “We need to give them the equipment with the best opportunity to succeed. We used to buy vehicles that were not designed to be multi-functional. But not only is Vanair local, they do good work to help us create multi-functional vehicles.” LaPorteCounty.biz Newsletter Click here for the latest issue of the LaPorteCounty.biz Newsletter. Michigan City: Bright Spot In Indiana Economy Find out why Michigan City is succeeding! Click here to read more, as reprinted from Site Selection, January, 2009. MCEDC Hosts Business Investment Awards The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) hosted its 2008 Business Investment Awards dinner on December 11, 2008 at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City. The dinner, which is held every two years, recognized local companies who have made substantial financial investments in their business during 2007 and 2008, as well as honored companies who are celebrating special anniversaries in 2008 and 2009.
Close to 200 people attended the celebration, representing city and county elected officials, educators, not for profit organizations and businesses. The MCEDC regularly partners with these local factions as it works toward the retention of existing business and the attraction of new investments in the community.
The keynote address was presented by Tim Feemster, Senior Vice President, Director of Global Logistics, Grubb & Ellis Company, Dallas, Texas.
City Company Celebrates New Home Michigan City - Ralph Kokot stood in Vanair Manufacturing Inc.'s warehouse Wednesday and looked up at the throng of fellow employees standing on the balcony above him. Real Estate Solutions for the Logistics Industry
Real Estate Solutions for the Logistics Industry Supporting Your Vision For The Future
Supporting Your Vision For The Future Rolling Out the Red Carpet
On July 18, participants enjoyed golf at Briar Leaf Golf Course or charter fishing, lunch at Briar Leaf followed by presentation and a tour of available properties. "Real estate brokers are the single best source for industrial location prospects," said John Regetz, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). “Events such as our Brokers Excursion are effective economic development tools that connect the right people with the right opportunities.” "La Porte County has wonderful recreational attractions, quality industrial sites and a great business tax climate," said Tim Gropp, Executive Director of the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC). “This event provides a great opportunity to showcase what La Porte County has to offer to new industrial prospects.” Local economic development officials assisted with guiding the participants during activities and were available to answer questions the participants may have had. La Porte County Commissioner Bill Hager acknowledged the value of the countywide participation as initiated by laportecounty.biz. “The county is working together with the cities to bring in and retain the right kind of businesses for our County. Cooperation is key to future economic development success.” Laportecounty.biz is the marketing collaboration between La Porte County Government, the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation. The La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad and the La Porte County Redevelopment Commission helped fund and organize the event. Trends in Global Logistics & Trade Lecture A reception at the Lubeznik Center on August 2nd provided networking opportunities for local industrial and commercial real estate agents. On August 3rd, participants enjoyed golf, charter fishing, lunch at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Conference Center, a presentation and tour of properties, and new marketing material. "Real estate brokers are the single best source for external industrial location prospects," said John Regetz, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). “Events such as our Brokers Excursion effectively generate economic development prospects by connecting the right people with the right opportunities.” "Our recreational attractions, quality industrial sites and great business climate drew these site selectors to our community," said Tim Gropp, Executive Director of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC). “We have already received several call-backs on properties and opportunities.” Local economic development officials assisted with guiding the participants during activities: Regetz, Gropp, La Porte Mayor Leigh Morris; Michigan City Mayor Charles Oberlie; La Porte County Council President, Jerry Cooley; Tom Edwards, Horizon Bank and Chairman of MCEDC; Jeff Jones, PNC and MCEDC Vice Chairman; Don Babcock, NIPSCO, MCEDC Board Member and Chair, Northwest Indiana Forum ED Committee; Tim Bietry, Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce and MCEDC Board Member; Mike Arnett, First Source Bank and Chairman Leaf; Steve Kring, La Porte Horizon Bank and La Porte Economic Development Commission; Matt Reardon, La Porte County Economic Development Consultant; Kevin Kieft, MCEDC Business Development Manager; Bert Cook, GLEDC Project Manager; and Diane Thalmann, NIPSCO Economic Development Manager. La Porte County Council President Jerry Cooley acknowledged the value of the countywide participation as initiated by LaPorteCounty.Biz. “The county is working together to bring in and retain the right kind of businesses,” he said. “We’re recognizing that what is good for the county is good for our cities.” LaPorteCounty.Biz is the marketing collaboration between La Porte County Government, the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation, the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Purdue North Central. The La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the La Porte County Redevelopment Commission helped fund and organize the event. Contact: Tim Gropp, Executive Director Archives Vanair Manufacturing Begins Construction Michigan City - August 17, 2007 - At a ground breaking ceremony today Vanair Manufacturing, Incorporated began construction of its new, 60,000 square foot, manufacturing plant. Greg and Ralph Kokot, Kokot Brothers Development owners were on hand with officials from La Porte County, Michigan City and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDA) to celebrate. Vanair will manufacture vehicle-mounted air compressors and generators in the facility. Greg Kokot President of Vanair said “We’re certainly very excited about the move to the Michigan City area, and this new direction and location will give Vanair the opportunity to grow and expand our business. Assistance from the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and the La Porte County Economic Development team made the move to Indiana a much easier one for our company.”
Council President Jerry Cooley said Vanair is committed to retaining and creating some 60 new jobs paying above average wages over the next three years. "It's a great opportunity for the county to get more jobs," Cooley said. "The property tax for the parcel is currently $250 a year. When you figure the gain in the county income tax, we'll make up in one week what we get in property tax for one year." The start of construction marks an investment of 2.6 million dollars in building and machinery in the county. The new plant will increase production by doubling its current space and reconfiguring process flow. Michigan City Mayor Charles Oberlie said, “The Vanair project is an example of what can happen when we work together as a county. As any good prospect should do, Vanair representatives considered several options, some in our city and some in the county. Everyone involved can be proud of the coordinated effort that resulted in this new industrial development.” Ralph Kokot, CEO of Vanair Manufacturing, said the economic incentives offered to move his company from Michigan to LaPorte County made the project possible. LaPorte County is assisting Vanair with its expansion with tax abatement, industrial development bond financing and a loan. The IEDC is assisting with tax credits and training funds. Kokot said the company plans to actively recruit new employees from LaPorte County. "We will be looking for a myriad of employees, from professional engineers to assembly-line laborers - a cross-section of skill sets," he said. "Creating an environment that encourages growth is essential to Indiana’s economic success,” said Nathan Feltman, Indiana Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Vanair's commitment to Indiana is yet another indication that Indiana is becoming one of the locations of choice for businesses around the world." Vanair Manufacturing has been at its present location on U.S. 12 just west of New Buffalo since it was founded in 1972. Kokot bought the company in 1997. He said the 48-employee company manufactures vehicle-mounted air compressors and its major market is utility companies. Vanair Moving To Michigan City, Bringing Jobs After an extensive search, Vanair Manufacturing Inc., which is currently located in Michigan, will move to a new site and plans to construct a building twice as large in the Michigan City area of LaPorte County, bringing with it new jobs. Greg Kokot of Vanair said “We’re certainly very excited about the move to the Michigan City area, and this new direction and location will give Vanair the opportunity to grow and expand our business. Working with the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and the LaPorte County Economic Development team to put together an attractive incentive package made the decision to move to Indiana a much easier one for our company.” The LaPorte County Council approved a request from Kokot Brothers Development LLC for an economic revitalization area and tax abatement to develop a 60,000-square-foot building on a former farm on County Road 300 North in Coolspring Township, just south of Michigan City. Council President Jerry Cooley said Vanair is committed to retaining and creating some 60 new jobs paying $21 an hour over the next three years. "It's a great opportunity for the county to get more jobs," Cooley said. "The property tax (for the parcel) is $250 a year. When you figure the gain in the county income tax, we'll make up in one week what we get in property tax for one year." Michigan City Mayor Charles Oberlie said, “The Vanair project is an example of what can happen when we work together as a county. As any good prospect should do, Vanair representatives considered several options, some in our city and some in the county. John Regetz and Matt Reardon were able to provide the proper answers that resulted in the Vanair commitment to build in LaPorte County. Everyone involved can be proud of the coordinated effort that resulted in this new industrial development.” Ralph Kokot, owner and chief executive officer of Vanair Manufacturing, said he appreciates the economic incentives offered to move his company from Michigan to LaPorte County. He said the company plans to actively recruit new employees from LaPorte County. "We will be looking for a myriad of employees, from professional engineers to assembly-line laborers - a cross-section of skill sets," Kokot said. The economic revitalization area, and the tax abatement were approved on March 26th at the County Council meeting, Kokot said he plans to break ground sometime between mid-April and May 1. He said he has talked with three LaPorte County contractors about constructing the new building and expects to make a decision within a month. Vanair Manufacturing has been at its present location on U.S. 12 just west of New Buffalo since it was founded in 1972. Kokot bought the company in 1997. He said the 44-employee company manufactures vehicle-mounted air compressors and its major market is utility companies. For more information, contact Kevin Kieft at 219-873-1211. Hotel Plans Unveiled An artist's rendering of its new 22-story hotel was unveiled by Blue Chip Casino on Tuesday. The $130 million project was announced last October during Boyd Gaming's third quarter financial conference with investors. The hotel will connect to the pavilion with a new entrance, and it will dramatically change not only the appearance of the Blue Chip property, but the skyline of Michigan City as well. The hotel will be positioned north of the rest of the casino complex. Rob Stillwell, vice president of corporate communications for Boyd Gaming, Blue Chip's parent company, said construction on the hotel is expected to begin in the first quarter of this year. The hotel will include 300 guest rooms, a spa and fitness center, additional meeting and event space, restaurants and night clubs. “A key element of the expansion will be a dramatic 22-story hotel tower that will be among the most visible structures in the area,” said Stillwell. Blue Chip currently operates an eight-story, 184-room hotel on its property. At 22 stories, the hotel will be one of the tallest buildings in northern Indiana. It will be twice as tall as the 11-story Dunescape condominiums on the city's lakefront, which is now the city's tallest occupied building. The next tallest buildings in the city are the Warren Building and the Marquette Mall Office Building, both seven stories tall. The only structures in the city taller than the planned hotel is the 356-foot NIPSCO cooling tower and the power plant's 500-foot smokestack. The only building in the area that is taller than the planned hotel is the 25-story City Centre Chase Tower in downtown South Bend. That building includes 10 floors of office space, a 176-room Holiday Inn and a 227-space enclosed parking garage. “The opening of Blue Chip's new casino and pavilion ... created significant new demand and the company believes that additional hotel rooms and attractions will continue to broaden the property's appeal,” said Stillwell on Tuesday. Last January, Blue Chip opened a new, $170 million casino boat that more than doubled the amount of gaming space from the company's original riverboat that had operated for nearly a decade. He said the hotel is scheduled to open in late 2008. Last week, Boyd Gaming reported that its central region, which includes Blue Chip, posted $220.9 million in net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2006, up from $212.2 million in 2005. “In Michigan City, where we have successfully elevated the Blue Chip brand with last year's expansion, our new project will help us take this property to the next level,” said Bill Boyd, chairman and chief executive officer during last week's financial report. The News Dispatch - Staff Reports February 28, 2007
PARTNERSHIP
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY INVESTMENT CAMPAIGN Diamond Manufacturing Announces Expansion Project Michigan City, IN (March 2, 2006) - Diamond Manufacturing Company - North America’s largest perforator of sheet, coil and tubular steel used throughout the automotive industry, announced today the expansion of its Michigan City, Indiana, manufacturing facility. DAGE-MTI RECEIVES AWARD FROM GOVERNOR Michigan City, IN (November 9, 2005) - Governor Mitch Daniels honored a long standing Michigan City company today at the Capitol. John and Peggy Moore, Owners of Dage-MTI received the Governor’s Half Century Business Award in recognition of the company’s 50 successful years of operation and deep involvement in this community. Dage-MTI is a leader in manufacturing analog and digital video cameras and monitors for microscopy applications by science, industry and government. Teaching and research universities attach the cameras to microscopes to aid in cell analysis, including brain tissue testing. Soeka attends Techpoint Technology Summit Michigan City, Indiana (November 8, 2005) - Ted A. Soeka, Business Development Manager for the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, recently attended Techpoint Technology Summit #8- the largest gathering of our state’s diverse technology community in Indianapolis, on November 1, 2005. Michigan City Economic Development Corporation Announces New Executive Director Michigan City, Indiana (September 14, 2005) –
The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has completed its search for an Executive Director.
John G. Regetz of Champaign, Illinois has been selected to fill the vacancy of former Director, Tony Rodriguez, who left the position in June. Regetz was most recently Economic Development Director for the City of Urbana, Illinois. He will begin his duties with the MCEDC on
September 19th. County Wide Officials Announce Launch of Hi Tech Company LaPorte County, Indiana (April 4, 2005) - Marlow Harmon, President of the County Commissioners and John Jones, President of the County Council, were joined today by Mayor Charles Oberlie, City of Michigan City, Mayor Leigh Morris, City of LaPorte, Purdue North Central Chancellor James Dworkin and representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation and the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation in announcing the start up of Indiana Melting & Manufacturing LLC (IMM) in LaPorte County. RELATED NEWS - The Show - 4/10/2005 - Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick Mayor Oberlie and Local Officials Announce Major Expansion of Local Business and 100 New Jobs Michigan City, Indiana (October 14, 2004) – Mayor Chuck Oberlie was joined today by the Indiana Department of Commerce and several local governmental officials to announce the major facility expansion and the creation of 100 new jobs at Geberit Manufacturing. Mayor Chuck Oberlie said: "Through the cooperation and combined efforts of five local governmental entities and the Indiana Department of Commerce, Geberit will not only be staying in Michigan City, but Geberit will be investing over $5 million to expand their current facility to four times its current size and triple its current workforce. As successful companies grow their business and become involved in mergers with other businesses, significant decisions often face the company’s leaders. And that was the case with one of our most successful local companies: Geberit Manufacturing. Geberit’s recent sustained success has led to continued growth and expansion, leading to a final decision on significant expansion in Michigan City. While other cities and sites competed extremely hard to attract Geberit, our local officials and Economic Development team never wavered in our commitment to retain Geberit Manufacturing in Michigan City. We are grateful and appreciative that the leadership team at Geberit Manufacturing shares our vision of Michigan City as a strong, vibrant community with the type of skilled, hard working and dedicated citizenry that is essential for success in today’s globally competitive marketplace.” Michigan City Economic Development Director Tony Rodriguez said: "I would like to applaud the vision and commitment of all of the critical stakeholders that have assisted our economic development team in Geberit Chicago Faucets’ expansion in making Michigan City and LaPorte County the best place to do business in the Midwest. This expansion goes along way in continuing the diversification of the tax and living wage job base during these times of global competition.” LaPorte County Commission President Bill Hager said: "I am pleased to be here representing the citizens of LaPorte County to congratulate Geberit Manufacturing on their decision to stay in the best place to do business: LaPorte County, Indiana. We have the finest workforce around and the strong work ethic and dedication of LaPorte County residents can only lead to continued success for Geberit.” Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association President Kevin Kieft said: "In order for residents of the Urban Enterprise Zone to be able to find decent paying jobs to support their families, we must have companies like Geberit Manufacturing who are both willing and able to invest in their facilities and create more job opportunities for local residents. To ensure that our UEA residents can share in the prosperity created by Geberit’s success, the UEA Employment Rebate Program provides a direct incentive to Geberit for UEA residents to be included in this significant workforce expansion.” LaPorte County Solid Waste District Executive Director Lynn Waters said: We applaud Geberit Manufacturing’s commitment to help reduce the amount material entering the solid waste stream by using recycled material products in its facility expansion. The Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Fund grant awarded to Geberit has a two-fold benefit: increase the use of recycled materials in new construction and support significant job creation.” Geberit Announces Expansion Michigan City, Indiana (October 14, 2004) - The Geberit Manufacturing Division of The Chicago Faucet Company is pleased to announce its plans to expand the current manufacturing facility in Michigan City by 88,000 square feet. Geberit is a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products such as bath drains, kitchen strainers, decorative lavatory traps, and pressure vessels for both in wall and floor mounted toilets, as well as, commercial plumbing products such as electronic flush valves and electronic faucets. The Chicago Faucet Company is the largest manufacturer of commercial faucets in the United States. The company is a member of Geberit International AG headquartered in Jona Switzerland. Geberit has been an active member of the Michigan City community for 28 years and currently employs approximately 45 people at this location. The expansion will allow the company to consolidate multiple leased facilities located in Michigan City into one building, relocate sub assembly production from a contract manufacture in Kentucky to Michigan City, and allow for cross docking and distribution of the company’s diverse product line. Geberit is hopeful; the expansion will increase employment by at least 100 new positions over the next 4 years. More information on the company can be found at its web site, www.chicagofaucets.com. KTR Unveils New Machine Shop Michigan City, Indiana (August 4, 2004) – KTR Corporation at 122 Anchor Road, Michigan City announces the unveiling of a new machine shop in their program of expansion to handle significant growth. KTR is a major global supplier of mechanical couplings and other power transmission components for machinery. The new machine shop, relocated in a second building acquired in 1999, will include new CNC machine tools and provide space for more state-of-the-art machining and quality inspection equipment planned for installation later this year. The shop move will increase warehouse as well as office space in the original facility. "The tax abatement provided by Michigan City has assisted KTR in justifying the expansion of our USA manufacturing capacity during a time when manufacturing has been leaving the US due to competitive pressure. Our excellent work force, working with state of the art machinery, is providing high quality and technically superior products, which has allowed us to gain market share. The support of Mayor Chuck Oberlie, Tony Rodriguez, Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, Tim Bietry, Chamber President and the City Council has been a strong positive for us to expand our commitment to the local community,” said Bob Garrelts, Controller of the KTR Corporation. As a result of the corporation’s growth and capital investment during the last 6 months KTR has increased employment over 20% and expect to continue that trend. "Small Business is truly the backbone of the new American economy and we are elated that KTR has reiterated its commitment to Michigan City through this major reinvestment,” stated Tony Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation. Michigan City Economic Development Corporation Names New Business Development Manager Michigan City, Indiana (August 9, 2004) – The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) announces the staffing addition of Ted A. Soeka as Business Development Manager. Soeka of Munster, Indiana, will begin his duties effective September 1, 2004, and will report to MCEDC Executive Director Tony Rodriguez. Soeka graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University’s School of Engineering and Technology. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from Purdue University Calumet. Soeka most recently served as director of the Manufacturing Engineering Technology Services (METS) Resource Center at Purdue University Calumet. He spent three years as regional director of manufacturing and technology services for the Indiana Business Modernization and Technology Corporation providing consulting services to various manufacturing companies in Northwest Indiana. Prior to that, Soeka spent 6 years with the Hughes Aircraft Company as a manufacturing specialist and manufacturing project manager. "The addition of Ted to our MCEDC staff is the second major accomplishment of the operational goals set by the board in our 2003 strategic plan. The first was relocating our offices in November 2003 from the basement of City Hall to our present location at Two Cadence Park Plaza,” stated Tony Rodriguez. As Business Development Manager, Soeka will be responsible for the development and implementation of the MCEDC marketing plan, coordination of new business inquiries, organization of the various databases including the new state of the art Geographic Information System (GIS) program, and management of the existing business retention program. "On behalf of the MCEDC board of directors, we are thrilled to have Ted on board with his extensive business experience and economic development background,” stated MCEDC chairman Terry Hearst. "After reviewing over 70 resumes, Ted was the obvious choice. With his addition, the MCEDC is better positioned to address and handle the ever increasing amount of economic development initiatives, activities and programs with which it is involved,” said Rodriguez. Michigan City Economic Development Announces the Graduation of NxLevel Small Business Entrepreneurship Training Program Participants Michigan City, Indiana (July 29, 2004) – Recently the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation is proudly announced the graduation of participants in the 2004 NxLevel Small Business Entrepreneurship Training Program. The Western Entrepreneurial Network at the University of Colorado at Denver developed the Nxlevel Entrepreneurial Training Program under a grant from the UIS West Foundation. The training materials and curriculum are based on the feedback from over 4,000 entrepreneurs in 12 states who have taken entrepreneurial courses over the past two years. NxLevel is a not-for-profit training network whose mission is to help entrepreneurs reach the next level of success. "The NxLevel course is one that improved the success rate of small business start-ups and fledgling small businesses by 80 percent, substantially increasing the odds that the company will become a thriving sustainable small business,” said Tony Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation. The NxLevel Entrepreneurial Program consists of 12 sessions designed to help entrepreneurs learn the skills needed to create, develop, and strengthen successful business ventures. The course includes hands-on training in business planning, organization and management, marketing, identifying opportunities, understanding finances, budgeting, objectives, and funding. Experienced business educators, networking opportunities with local business leaders, comprehensive textbook and resource guides, as well as one-on-one business counseling and support brought the participants to the finish line where they left NxLevel with a clear business plan and strategy blueprint. "NxLevel was a good program that gave me a general overview of business concepts to enhance my understanding of the business world,” said Jill Grabowski, a 2004 NxLevel graduate. The tuition cost $150 and the participants attended sessions given every Thursday night from six to nine at the Blue Chip Casino for 12 weeks. The spring 2004 graduates are: Alan Barth, Cheryl A. Bryant, Mark Burton, Tremayne Cobb, Ann Dahm, Judy Dodge, Mary Dombkowski, Sel Dunlap, Ionie Fly, Ryan Fly, Ronald Gaston, Jill Grabowski, Howard Jones, Brett A. Kelley Sr., Brandon Lee, Keith Lemmer, Karen Lemons, Randy Radke, Ruth Radke, Lynnette Smith, and Angela K. Starks. NxLevel was sponsored by the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, Mayor Chuck Oberlie, the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan City News-Dispatch, the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, Pubco Printing, and the Blue Chip Casino and Hotel. If you are interested in signing up for the fall session of NxLevel please contact: The Small Business Development Office 1.219.762.1696 Michigan City’s Technology Taskforce Kicks off Broadband Deployment Strategy in Conjunction with InfoComm Systems of Lafayette, IN Michigan City, Indiana (July 8, 2004) – The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation’s Technology Taskforce today announced that they will accept and move forward with the MetroMorphosis proposal, effective July 9, 2004. MetroMorphosis, an InfoComm Systems service, provides communities throughout the Midwest with the tools to promote investment in the neighboring telecommunications market as well as influence telecommunications to endorse and support economic development opportunities. "MetroMorphosis is a great enhancement for Michigan City, and offers immense opportunity for community competitiveness, as well as ultimate success in economic development ventures,” said Chuck Oberlie, Mayor of Michigan City. InfoComm Systems submitted the proposal of the Municipal Telecommunications Strategic Plan to the Michigan City Economic Development’s Technology Taskforce on March 11, 2004. The strategic plan consists of 4 key components. MetroMorphosis will give a current state assessment, process a desired state assessment/development, analyze gaps and provide recommendations, as well as prepare a migration plan. The current state component of MetroMorphosis will provide a plane for both consultants and coordinators of municipal telecommunications projects. The information gathered will allow project coordinators to recognize the impact of telecommunications on the City of Michigan City, as well as assess current processes to generate economic development opportunities. For consultants, the information obtained will characterize the current telecommunications environment in Michigan City and its ability to support on-going initiatives and opportunities. The desired state element of MetroMorphosis will portray an optimal telecommunications environment in Michigan City. A baseline will be set to define the principal telecommunications, administrative support, and regulatory environment. "The school district has much to offer as a partner in this important and necessary endeavor. Collaborating with business and government, the school district is in position to share its fiber optic infrastructure with the greater community. The fact that the Michigan City Area Schools can share its network, to promote a connected community with telecommunications that will be an asset for the economic development and vitality of our city gives us a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Fred LaBorn, Michigan City Area Schools. The gap analysis constituent of MetroMorphosis will serve as a forum for analyzing the current state versus the optimized desired states of the telecommunications, administrative support, and regulatory environments. The outcome of this analysis will then contrast the similarities and differences between the current desired environments as well as provide insight into subsequent recommendations for future endeavors. The migration plan component of MetroMorphosis will consolidate all recommendations for optimizing the desired states of the telecommunications, administrative support and regulatory environments into a concise plan of attack that charts a critical path toward the deployment of a municipal telecommunications platform. MetroMorphosis also stresses the importance of Telecommunications in Economic Development, the rationale and benefits of pursuing a Municipal Telecommunications Platform, and also defining and optimizing a Municipal Telecommunications Platform, a means for encouraging the deployment of telecommunications and services within a given region. "The Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a partner in this endeavor as we explore broad-based and affordable wireless connectivity for both business and the public at large. We see this as an effective tool for economic development and believe it will ultimately improve the quality of life in our area,” said Tim Bietry, President of the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce. The BBK Group, a professional Telecommunications Management and Cost Control firm, will execute all current state assessment tasks related to carrier and service provider networks, and also provide case analysis and cost analysis in the formation of the gap analysis, and recommendation sections of the final deliverable. "The product of this effort - a strategic plan for technology in Michigan City - is a critical element for both economic development and education. In today's world, a community that is not effectively linked through technology is faced with competitive obstacles,” said J. Jeffrey Jones, Chair of the MCEDC Technology Taskforce and Michigan City Area Chamber as well as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at Purdue University North Central. The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation’s Technology Taskforce consists of Chuck Oberlie, Mayor of Michigan City; Tony Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation; Dr. James Dworkin, Chancellor of Purdue University North Central; Tim Bietry, President of the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce; Diane Thalmann, Manager of NIPSCO-Economic Development; Dr. Robert Raisor, Citizen; Linda Woloshansky, Director of the Center for Workforce Innovations; Fred LaBorn, Michigan City Area Schools; Mike Harding, Superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools; Vince Taylor, Michigan City Area Schools; Kevin McGuire, Michigan City Area Schools; John and Peggy Moore, Dage-MTI Inc.; Jeff Jones, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management of Purdue University North Central; James Reagan, eVision, Inc.; William Ritchie, President of Automated Data. Rodriguez Accepts New Position Michigan City, Indiana (May 6, 2004) – Tony Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), tendered his resignation from the MCEDC effective May 31st. He has accepted the position as President of the Portage, Indiana based Regional Development Company (RDC) and will be responsible for delivering the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program in Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan and Illinois. He will continue to reside in Long Beach. Rodriguez has been the MCEDC Executive Director since 1996, when the organization was formed. Since that time, he has managed the overall daily economic development activities focusing on business attraction and business retention and expansion efforts in the greater Michigan City area. "Tony has been leading our economic development program since we (MCEDC) began operations,” stated Mayor Oberlie, MCEDC Chairman. The Mayor continued, "Throughout his almost ten years of service, he has been an invaluable asset to our economic development team and has been responsible for many successes despite the downturn in the national economy these past few years. On behalf of the MCEDC board of directors, we will miss him and wish him well in his new position.” The MCEDC Executive Committee has begun the process of finding a replacement for the position and has engaged the services of Bob Schaefer of Community Dynamics, Inc. to assist the organization during this transition period. "Business as usual”, the Mayor stated. "Bob is a seasoned economic development veteran. He will be extremely helpful during this transition, in continuing to address and implement the day to day activities of the MCEDC, including the continued interaction with the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) and the County.” Schaefer will be working with MCEDC Development Director, Kevin Kieft and Office Administrator, Nancy Heald. Business Investment Awards Recognize Local Companies Michigan City, Indiana (April 29, 2004) - The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation hosted the "Taking Care of Business” 2004 Business Investment Awards dinner on April 29th, 2004 in the Grand Ballroom of the Blue Chip Casino. The event honored businesses that have made significant manufacturing investments in Michigan City since 2000, as well as recognized companies who are celebrating special anniversaries of operating in the community during 2004 and 2005. Dr. Martin C. Jischke, President of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, gave the keynote address. Dr. Jischke became Purdue’s 10th president in August 2000. A prominent American higher-education administrator and advocate, he has held numerous national leadership roles in services to colleges and universities. He is on the Boards of Directors of the Association of American Universities and the American Council on Competitiveness. He has served on numerous civic, state and corporate boards during his academic career. Additionally, he has been a science adviser and consultant to a range of state and federal agencies, government officials and corporations, including a term as a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Transportation. "Since the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) was formed in 1996, the organization has worked with local and new companies whose business investments have totaled over $200 million, while creating and retaining over 1500 jobs” stated Terry Hearst, Chairman of the MCEDC. "Tonight’s honorees are examples of companies who have made a commitment to this community, thus illustrating the benefits that the City and area have to offer as well as the excellent workforce available here” concluded Hearst. "In addition to sincere congratulations to all of the award recipients this evening, I would like to recognize and thank all of the stakeholders and partners that make the MCEDC what it is today. These include: the Mayor and Common Council, the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association, the Michigan City Area Schools, Purdue University-North Central, the Center of Workforce Innovations and the Indiana Departments of Commerce and Workforce Development” stated Tony Rodriguez, Executive Director. Businesses honored: Major Business Investment Awards Fi Tech,Inc., Division of Ashley Ward, Inc., Foster Printing Service, Inc., GAF Materials Corporation, Guardian Industries, Lighthouse Industries, Inc., NATIONWIDE Midwest, Northern Indiana Public Service Company, A NiSource Company, OnLine Packaging, SCA North America, Thermo Safe Brands, Sandusky-Chicago Abrasive Wheel Company, St. Andrews Products, Jaymar-Ruby, Division of Hartmarx Corporation, USALCO Entrepreneurial Business Investment Awards Abacus Print & Sign Solutions, Advanced Communications, Inc., MCTD, Inc., Onesource, Schultz Properties, Meyer Glass & Mirror Company, Yacht Brite Products Special Anniversaries: Michigan City Paper Box Company-100 years; St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers-100 years. Other anniversaries: (80) years: Foster Printing Service, Inc., Chicago SouthShore & South Bend Railroad; (50) years: Dage-MTI of Michigan City, Dwyer Instruments, Inc., Stranco, Inc.; (40) years: Sullair Corporation, Ronard Industries, Swiss Controls, Inc.;(30) years: Cadence Environmental Energy Inc.; (20) years: Crismar Graphics, Inc., Federal Mogul Wiper Products, Fi Tech, Inc., A Division of Ashley Ward, Inc., Sullivan-Palatek, The Beacher, Montgomery & Associates; (10) years: Midwest Custom Finishing, onesource. The event was underwritten by the following sponsors: Alliance Bank, Horizon Bank, Barry McDonnell, Attorney, O. Jerrold Winski, Attorney, Michael S. Bergerson, Attorney, NIPSCO, A NiSource Company, First National Bank of Valparaiso, Cender & Associates, City of Michigan City, Tonn & Blank, A Division of Alverno Construction Corporation, Chicago SouthShore & South Bend Railroad, Braje & Nelson, Attorneys, National City Bank, City Savings Bank, Haas & Associates. Swiss Controls Purchased Michigan City, Indiana (March 26, 2004) - Swiss Controls, Inc., a local manufacturing firm celebrating its 40th year in 2004, was purchased by two local businessmen, Bob Fryer and Tom Smith, on March 1, 2004 from the former owner Joe Vivoli, an Illinois businessman and former President of Swiss Controls, Inc. "At a time when maintaining local manufacturing jobs are more important than ever, we are extremely pleased this acquisition has been successfully completed by these two local businessmen” stated Mayor Charles Oberlie. Fryer is Chief Executive Officer with Allied Physicians of Michiana, LLC in South Bend, IN and is the new President of Swiss Controls. Smith continues as the corporation’s Vice President and General Manager, a position he has held for the past 13 years. Swiss Controls will not only maintain it’s presence in LaPorte County, but is likely to expand it’s operations within the next 12 months. Assisting with the overall acquisition and financing package were Kevin Beres and Dan Carroll, Vice-Presidents, Commercial Lending, Horizon Bank. Swiss Controls, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of vehicular lighting and controls for Military Tactical Vehicles, both Wheeled and Tracked. With the acquisition complete, the corporation’s Batavia, Illinois headquarters and secondary assembly plant will be re-located to the main facility located at 2603 E. Barker Avenue in Michigan City. This consolidation of operations may lead to as many as 10-12 new jobs for the area within the next 6-12 months. "On behalf of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, we are extremely pleased that Mr. Fryer and Mr. Smith were successful in the local acquisition of this long standing Michigan City company” commented Terry Hearst, Chairman of the MCEDC. Hearst continued, "Most importantly are the retention of the existing workforce at Swiss Controls and the potential of new job creation." Commercial Vehicle Systems Inc. Announces New Product Line Michigan City, Indiana (February 18, 2004) - Commercial Vehicle Systems,
Inc., home of Sprague Devices, joins with Mayor Charles Oberlie and
Michigan City Economic Development Corporation Executive Director,
Tony Rodriguez in announcing the addition of a new product line at
the company’s Michigan City facility located at 520 W. Hwy 20. This
expansion will create an additional 30-35 new jobs, bringing the
total employment at the local facility to 160. Sandusky-Chicago to stay in Michigan City Michigan City, Indiana (February 12, 2004) - The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is pleased to announce that Sandusky-Chicago Abrasive Wheel Company has completed a successful corporate restructuring and will remain in Michigan City. The company occupies 50,000 sq.ft. of manufacturing space at 1100 W. Barker Avenue and employs 30 people. The MCEDC assisted the company in helping to secure financing which enabled one of the limited partners to purchase the business and keep it here in the City, retaining all 30 quality jobs. Sandusky-Chicago can trace its origins back to 1889 and is a pioneer in the manufacturing of mounted points for the investment casting industry and a prime supplier to the aero space and related industries. They located to Michigan City in 1983, following a consolidation of their two companies from multiple floor locations in Chicago. MCEDC Executive Director Tony Rodriguez stated, "We are fortunate that Sandusky- Chicago has made the decision to remain here and invest in our community and its hard working people. The retention of the 30 jobs is critical to the local economy.” City pushes for economic growth By Amanda Haverstick The News-Dispatch The Michigan City Economic Development Corp. has invited four internationally recognized economic development site selector consultants to spend two days in Michigan City as part of an aggressive new approach to marketing the city. MCEDC Executive Director Tony Rodriguez said the hope is to boost business opportunities in Michigan City and fill manufacturing and distribution vacancies left by the last economic recession. "This is planting the seeds for tomorrow. This effort is solely for the people," he said. "The result of that is a more healthy economy, a declining tax rate ... and business to business job opportunities." Rodriguez said the goal is to attract technical manufacturing and keep highly trained workers in Michigan City. "This is going to be a different type of manufacturing," he said. "(It will take) a skilled workforce with a technical orientation." Northern Exposure-Site Selector Days begins at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, in the MCEDC office, where the consultants will have an overview of Michigan City and receive a guided tour of city sites, buildings, housing and recreational areas. The group then will have a "Meet the Consultants" dinner at Rodini Restaurant, hosted by Rodriguez and Mayor Chuck Oberlie. "We've invited company heads, business leaders, educators and legislators," Rodriguez said. On Thursday, Aug. 21, the consultants, along with executives of companies that recently located to Michigan City, will have breakfast at Pottawattomie Country Club. The executives will share with the site selectors why the chose Michigan City. The highlight of Northern Exposure will be an Economic Development Roundtable Discussion at 10 a.m. Thursday in the City Hall Common Council Chambers. Site selectors will be joined by those invited to the dinner, as well as school board members, city council members and county commissioners. There will be a discussion of economic development trends, site selection factors, target markets and emerging businesses. Site selectors will give their thoughts on Michigan City along with suggestions. Community Dynamics Inc. President Bob Schaefer, who will lead the roundtable, said the site selectors were more than willing to come to Michigan City. "We told them you don't have to prepare a speech," he said. "(We said) relax, learn about the community and tell us how to improve." Site selectors include Robert Ady, Deane C. Foote, Ivan Baker and Darin M. Buelow. Ady, former president of PHH Fantus Consulting and now president of Ady International, is known for identifying locations for more businesses in the United States than any other person. He has represented a number of relocating companies, including General Mills, AK Steel, Best Buy Co., Brady Corp., Budd Corp. and Cross Country Automotive. Foote is senior project manager for Economic Development and Real Estate Services with Carter & Burgess, Inc. He has assisted in site selection for companies such as Caterpillar, Northwest Airlines, Quaker Oats/Gatorade and Volvo. Baker, senior corporate services consultant of Pollina Corporate Consulting in Park Ridge, Ill., has coordinated business expansion projects for international, national and regional corporations, including Ticketmaster, Borden, Boeing, Champion Parts and International Multifoods. Buelow, senior manager of Deloitte & Touche in Chicago, has conducted community assessments and targeting strategies for Macon, Athens and Americus in Georgia and has evaluated the business attraction potential for Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. EDC Recipient of Community Grant Michigan City, IN (June 2, 2003) – The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation was named today by Lt. Governor Joe Kernan as one of 19 statewide recipients of a Community Development Action Grant. The MCEDC, which focuses on business recruitment and retention in Michigan City, will receive a grant for $20,000 to carry out local economic development efforts. The CDAG program provides aid to non-profit organizations which focus on community and economic development. Kernan, who serves as the director of the Indiana Department of Commerce, said, "The grants help these organizations improve and expand services, as well as become more efficient for their customers.” After competing with 59 organizations for the grants, MCEDC Executive Director Tony Rodriguez described the importance of the award. "At a time when every good paying job counts, we are pleased to have been chosen for this assistance,” he commented. Mayor Sheila Brillson , Chairman of the MCEDC, added, "Just as we fought to retain the Hartmarx Company and their distribution, this grant will allow the MCEDC to continue to pursue significant job creation and retention opportunities.” Hartmarx Corporation To Stay and Grow in Michigan City Michigan City , IN (January 9, 2003) --After months of confidential negotiations, Mayor Sheila Brillson , Chairman of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, is pleased to announce that Hartmarx Corporation has reversed its decision to close its Michigan City facility. Scheduled to completely shut down by May 2003, the company currently employs 86 people. "The shocking news more than a year ago to close this facility was an immediate call to action for our Economic Development Team”, stated Mayor Brillson. The Jaymar Ruby Company has been a backbone of Michigan City ’s manufacturing base since its inception in 1922. Jaymar was acquired by Hartmarx in the mid 1960’s and continued as a leading employer until global economic conditions forced restructuring and realignment of apparel production. Burton "Bud" Ruby, Chairman of Jaymar-Ruby, stated, "We’ve had staggered lay-offs because much of our manufacturing is now done over-seas. We’ve been gearing down to completely close our doors in the next 4-5 months. The city has gone to great lengths to keep the business in the community. The Mayor, Tony Rodriguez and their team are entitled to a lot of credit. It’s a matter of tremendous personal pleasure and gratification to me that my company will remain and grow in Michigan City . I will continue to work for the community and the company will be active part in it.” "The day of the announcement to close the facility, Mayor Brillson and I visited with corporate executives in a last ditch effort to have them reconsider. While the news in that particular meeting was grim, we refused to give up. A very important piece of state legislation was passed in May 2002; we saw this as an opportunity to try to reengage the corporate executives with an offer to analyze the financial impact of House Bill 1001 which includes the reduction of commercial and industrial property tax, the repeal of inventory tax, and other pro business tax modifications,” stated Tony Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation. Mayor Brillson commented, "This company has been too important to this community to let it go without a fight. We put forth our best effort as an economic development team and today we are here to celebrate the positive and successful results of our work. I commend the bargaining unit, employees, management from the company and all of our local partners." As a result of this decision the company has projected an additional 60 new jobs will be added over the coming year. For questions or comments Please contact:
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Sullair Corporation, a business unit of Hamilton Sundstrand, a United Technologies company (NYSE: UTX), announced today that it will invest in its global headquarters here, creating up to 113 new jobs by 2015.
