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NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE CONTENTS FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021

TOP STORY ON THE COVER TRANSPORTATION 12 Track pursuits pay off Start of construction on rail project catalyst for new development

17 VIEWPOINT: Also hear from Michael 40 u 30th anniversary cover Noland about the project’s progress. design by Heather Pfundstein FEATURES

HEALTH CARE HR / STAFFING COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGRIBUSINESS 18 22 26 30 Telemedicine Putting human Region’s building Boost for movement resources first boom buying local Industry finds virtual Leaders say focus on Expansion of logistics, Crisis sparked consumer visits more than just employee safety and manufacturing paints movement to seek food pandemic trend, along satisfaction essential to bright future for commercial and other products made with other new approaches coping, moving past crisis development close to home

2 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM FranciscanVirtualVisit.org VIRTUAL URGENT CARE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Speak with a Franciscan provider via video chat for minor illnesses and injuries.

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LEADER PROFILE LEADER PROFILE BUSINESS PROFILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE 34 36 38 39 Workforce Ready for next Launched It takes champion challenge out of need an army Linda Woloshansky’s Mrvan says role as township National competition The Salvation Army of dedication to nonprofit trustee prepared him shines spotlight Lake County overcomes raised bar on employee to follow in Visclosky’s on Region resident’s hurdles to aid community training footsteps haircare product line during pandemic

EVERY EDITION ADVERTISING INDEX

Burke Costanza & Carberry ...... 21 Centier Bank ...... C4 Edward Jones - Crown Point ...... 29 Fifth Third Bank ...... 25 1st Source Bank ...... 32 Franciscan Health ...... 3 Goodwill Industries of Michiana ...... 8 BEST OF BUSINESS AWARDS Hoeppner Wagner & Evans ...... 28 Readers have until Feb. 12 to BUSINESS NEWS VIEWPOINT Indiana University Northwest ...... 20 Kruggel Lawton CPAs ...... 34 vote in our 2021 Best of Business Larson-Danielson Construction ...... 14 Awards. Go to page 37 for details McMahon & Associates CPAs ... C3, 15 or nwindianabusiness.com/bestof 6 40 MTA / Midwest Telecom ...... 33 Peoples Bank ...... 1 Around the Region Anniversary year Pulse Technology...... 10 ADVERTISE WITH US Learn about people, Publisher Troy Linker Purdue Research Foundation ...... C2 Purdue University Northwest ...... 36 Find our media kit companies making Swartz Retson ...... 9 shares his perspective on our website at difference at work and on the magazine that has Tech Credit Union...... 35 U.S. Business Systems ...... 24 nwindianabusiness. in their communities served NWI for 30 years Valparaiso University...... 11 com/about/partner_with_us/

ON THE WEB: Find QR codes with each of our stories. Scan the QR code using your smartphone’s camera. No app is required on most phones. Your phone will then take you to our website’s version of the story.

4 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM GOOD BIT The amount of the Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration for rail $945M expansion projects in Northwest Indiana. PAGE 17 FEB-MAR 2021 IN THIS ISSUE LEADER PROFILE lobal pandemic aside, observers of business activity in Publisher/Executive Editor Northwest Indiana may say the Region was void of any Troy Linker crisis the past year. After years of planning and discus- Managing Editor sions, the West Lake Corridor project, the first of two Larry Avila Gmajor rail expansion efforts in Northwest Indiana broke ground Design/Production Manager in late fall. Health care professionals used technology to improve Heather Pfundstein care delivery and reduce costs. The necessity to work remotely Contributing Writers saw employers adapt operations to adhere to social distancing Christopher Adam ▪ Larry Avila rules and innovate to keep employees engaged and productive. ANTHONY B. Lauren Caggiano ▪ Troy Linker SINDONE Catherine McCoy ▪ Carrie Napoleon Business growth continued as numerous company expansion Michael Noland ▪ Philip Potempa plans were announced across Northwest Indiana. Proponents Who he is: Clinical Hannah Reed ▪ Doug Ross of growing Indiana’s agribusiness sector developed strategies to associate professor of Editorial Advisory Committee push the buy-local movement. As one trailblazing leader who finance and economic Jessica Cantarelli ▪ Erika Dahl ▪ Lorri Feldt announced intentions to step aside, in another arena, a local development, Purdue Barbara Grimsgard ▪ Keith Kirkpatrick University Northwest Leigh Morris ▪ Raeann Trakas entrepreneur gained attention that could catapult her business Anthony Sindone ▪ Linda Woloshansky to the national stage, while another Region native prepared to Where he calls home: La Porte (New Photography make his mark as a first-term congressman. The pandemic won’t Jersey native) Michelle Hamstra be forgotten nor will the efforts of The Salvation Army of Lake email: [email protected] County, which provided aid to those in need. We hope you enjoy Education: California web: nwindianabusiness.com this edition of the magazine, the first in our 30th year of opera- State University, San visit: facebook.com/nwindiananbiz Bernardino, and The visit: twitter.com/nwindianabiz tion. Thank you for reading! — Larry Avila, managing editor visit: linkedin.com/company/ nwindianabiz What’s best about Northwest Indiana Business Magazine PICTURE PERFECT NWI: The people, friends 905 Joliet St #237, Dyer IN 46311 and colleagues 219-230-3777 is owned and published by What he’s reading: Linker Media Group, Inc., “The Deficit Myth,” by Troy Linker, President and CEO. Stephanie Kelton; “Rage,” by Bob Woodward Favorite music: Many contributing writers are experts from various fields and provide advice to Eclectic tastes, jazz/ our readers on their individual specialties. blues and Billy Joel Experts provide general information, for Favorite movie: educational purposes, regarding legal, accounting, insurance and other professional NICTD by provided Photo “The Godfather” issues. This information is not a substitute for (From left) Michael Noland, and NICTD; Favorite food: Italian specific professional advice given by qualified U.S. Sen. , R-Indiana; Elaine Chao, former trans- professionals who are aware of an individual’s portation secretary; and Bill Hanna, NWI RDA, attend the Favorite saying: “It’s all particular circumstances. West Lake Corridor groundbreaking in October. PAGE 12 part of the experience.”

© Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. QUOTE TO REMEMBER Reproduction without permission is prohibited. If anything, the COVID-19 pandemic is helping to make us even Visit NWIndianaBusiness.com/subscribe stronger and capable of meeting human needs.” Two-year subscription rate is $19.95. ­— Capt. Brian Clark, coordinator for The Salvation Army of Lake County. PAGE 39 One-year subscription rate is $14.95. “ NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 5 BUSINESS NEWS AROUND THE REGION SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE Learn about people, companies making difference at work and in their communities

Larry Avila Sarah Ferrara-Hartnett was Indiana University Northwest promoted to sales manager of the Chancellor Ken Iwama recently Banking furniture division of Office Interiors was named to the executive commit- South Bend-based Teachers Credit in Granger. tee of the Coalition of Urban and Union recently appointed Jacquelyn Linda Brooks recently was named Metropolitan Universities. Rucker, director of diversity, equity, CEO of Baptist Children’s Home Inc. Michael Chikeleze joined and inclusion; and announced Jennifer in Valparaiso. Valparaiso University’s faculty as the Wagnerowski of TCU Investment Richard C. and Francelia A. Gozon Services, recently became a Certified Economic development University Chair in Values-Based Divorce Financial Analyst through Judith Cardenas joined the Leadership, and the Rev. Katherine the Institute for Divorce Financial Northwest Indiana Small Business Museus Dabay recently was named Analysts. Development Center as a business university pastor. Simon Coleman, an investment adviser. Tékeidra Masters, a student at executive with Merrillville-based Sarah Kovich joined the South Bend Valparaiso University, was named Centier Bank, was promoted to offi- — Elkhart Regional Partnership as Midwest Regional Youth of the Year cer of the bank. executive assistant and office manager. by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Munster-based NorthWest Indiana The Economic Development Ivy Tech Community College, which Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary Corporation Michigan City, Indiana has campuses in East Chicago, Gary, Peoples Bank recently named three new announced Jalen Boney as business Goshen, La Porte, Michigan City, South senior executives as part of a change to development manager, and Clarence Bend and Valparaiso, recently named Jo its leadership structure. Robert Lowry Hulse, executive director, was elected Nahod-Carlin vice president of recruit- was appointed to executive vice presi- to the Mid-America Economic ment and enrollment management, and dent, chief operating officer;Peymon Development Council board. Bradley Watts, chief data officer. Torabi was appointed the executive Raymond Cales and Eileen Peden, vice president, CFO, and treasurer; and Education both students at Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso Leane Cerven, executive vice president, Jose Padilla was named new presi- campus, finished second in the2020 general counsel and corporate secretary dent of Valparaiso University on Dec. U.S. Cyber Challenge National of the parent company and bank, was 2. His most recent role was vice presi- Cyber Bowl, hosted by the Center for appointed chief risk officer. dent, university counsel and secretary Internet Security and one of many of the University of Colorado System. events held in October for National Business He also spent 15 years in several senior- Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Deanna Grimes joined Chester Inc. level administrator positions at DePaul Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy in Valparaiso as a purchasing assistant. University in Chicago. Tech Community College, recently

BANKING BANKING BANKING BANKING Jacquelyn Rucker Jennifer Wagnerowski Simon Coleman Robert Lowry

6 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM BANKING BANKING BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Peymon Torabi Leane Cerven Sarah Ferrara-Hartnett Judith Cardenas joined the Presidents Forum completed semiannual training with Ed Northwest Health recently Governing Board, an organization Slott and Co. LLC by participating in a welcomed the following physicians and composed of presidents of higher virtual workshop Nov. 5-6. The workshop medical personnel: Dr. Reuel Uy, inter- education institutions, foundations and provided technical training on advanced nal medicine; Dr. Kalid Adab, oncol- academic support organizations dedi- retirement account planning strategies, ogist; Dr. Daniel De Gala, internal cated to the continuous reinvention of estate planning techniques as well as medicine; Dr. Ramla Khan, family higher education. an exploration of recent retirement and medicine. Christopher Waller, the former tax law changes under both the SECURE Franciscan Health recently Gilbert F. Schaefer Professor of and CARES Acts and how it will impact welcomed the following physicians and Economics at the University of Notre financial planning in 2021 and beyond. medical personnel: Dr. Majd Kanbour, Dame, was confirmed to theFederal cardiologist; Dr. Luis Lora, internal Reserve’s Board of Governors on Dec. 3. Government medicine; Dr. Jace Varkey, family Dave Cunningham recently was medicine; Dr. Sueyi Lai, hematology Finance appointed fire chief for thecity of and oncology; Sarah Jones, chief nurs- Indiana Trust Wealth Whiting. ing officer, Michigan City;Dr. Jessica Management in Mishawaka recently Gov. Eric Holcomb recently appointed Siegler, obstetrics and gynecology; Dr. promoted Katie Hammond and two new cabinet positions. Karrah Emmett Robinson, internal medicine. Barbara Fox to vice president and Herring was appointed Indiana’s first Lynn Kowert, a registered nurse John DiMarzio to information tech- chief equity, inclusion and opportunity with Northwest Health — Porter, nology manager; and hired Melinda officer, andKatie Jenner was appointed recently was presented the 2020 Brown to its fiduciary tax staff. as Indiana’s first secretary of education. Nursing Excellence Award. The Regional Development Co. Several Northwest and North Central Nina Stur was named chief nursing recently elected its board officers for Indiana representatives recently were officer and vice president of patient care 2021. Mike Riehle, president of the named to the 30-member 211 Advisory services at St. Catherine Hospital La Porte Economic Advancement Board for the Indiana Family and in East Chicago, which is operated by Partnership, was named to the RDC’s Social Services Administration. They Community Healthcare System. board of directors. The RDC’s board are: Kimberly Green Reeves, Beacon officers for 2021 include:Michael Health System, South Bend; Brian Logistics Schneider, First Financial Bank, chair; Harvey, Franciscan Health, Dyer; ThePorts of Indiana, which operates Matt Saltanovitz, Indiana Economic Velshonna Luckey, United Way of St. the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor, Development Corp., vice chair; Scott Joseph County, South Bend; and Gary promoted Andrea Hermer to chief Casbon, First Merchants Bank, secre- Olund, Northwest Indiana Community operating officer and hiredJames Hall tary; John Matthiesen, retired from Action, Crown Point. as general counsel. CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, treasurer; and Rex Richards, Valparaiso Chamber Health Care Manufacturing of Commerce / Valparaiso Economic Community Healthcare System Chip Cable recently was named Development Corp., past chair. The RDC in Munster welcomed the following national sales manager for Steel Cities administers the U.S. Small Business physicians and personnel: Dr. Thomas Steels Inc. in Burns Harbor. Administration’s 504 Loan Program Wilkins, family medicine; Dr. Alaa in Indiana and the greater Chicago Atieh, gastroenterologist; Dr. Kumar Technology metropolitan area. Venkatachalam, gastroenterologist; Mike Hecht was promoted to Greg Hammer, president of Hammer Courtney Schuiteman, medical geneti- vice president of operations at E Financial Group in Schererville, cist; Dr. Sean Swearingen, cardiologist. Technologies in Portage.

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 7 > BUSINESS NEWS

EDUCATION EDUCATION FINANCE FINANCE Jose Padilla Michael Chikeleze Katie Hammond Barbara Fox Keith Thomason was named News the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor director of information security at US Business Systems Inc. in Elkhart convert a vacant gravel yard into a Cardinal Point Technologies in was named a 2020 Elite Dealer by ENX multimodal storage facility. The grant Valparaiso. Magazine. The company specializes in will cover construction costs of an Brent Streetman recently joined print management and IT services. Elite 84,000-square-foot warehouse and a the Digital Crossroads data center Dealer winners are selected on several 1.65-acre storage pad in the east harbor in Hammond as senior vice president, criteria, including technical service excel- arm. Public bidding is tentatively set for and John Greenwood joined as chief lence, marketing proficiency, growth early 2022 with construction expected strategy officer. initiatives, technology leadership, indus- to start by spring of that year. Amy Lowery was named vice pres- try accolades and philanthropy. The Society of Innovators at ident of marketing at APL nextED, a A $4 million grant from the U.S. Purdue University Northwest Valparaiso-based provider of technology Department of Transportation’s recently named its 2020 Innovators. services for the education sector. Maritime Administration will help Individual inductees are: Ken Barry,

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Goodwill NWIBM half page - Rosaelin Excel.indd 1 12/17/20 1:57 PM 8 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM FINANCE FINANCE GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT John DiMarzio Melinda Brown Dave Cunningham Karrah Herring executive director, City Life Center, Riddle, professor of English, depart- City; and Top Flight Hockey, team lead Gary; Magesh Chandramouli, asso- ment chair, Ivy Tech Community College, by Quinton Oster and Dan Mikrut, ciate professor of computer graph- East Chicago; Daniel Schultz, teacher, St. John. ics technology, Purdue University Hobart High School, Hobart. Team Midwest Truck & Auto Parts Northwest, Hammond and Westville; inductees are: ArcelorMittal, team of Chicago, a supplier of aftermar- Emily Edwards, founder, Emily’s Foods led by Richard Clausius, East Chicago; ket automotive and truck compo- / Paradise Icing, Schererville; Jamie Centier Bank, team led by Chris nents, on Oct. 29 broke ground on its Fankenhauser, owner, Bun’s Soapbox, Campbell, Merrillville; Economic new 125,000-square-foot facility at Valparaiso; Matt Hanson, clinical assis- Development Corp. Michigan City, the AmeriPlex at the Crossroads tant professor of marketing, Purdue Ind. with Michigan City Area Schools, Business Park in Merrillville. The University Northwest, Hammond and team led by Clarence Hulse, Michigan Indiana Economic Development Westville; Jake Miller, owner, JEM City; Tonn and Blank Construction, Corp. said the company could create Custom Shoes, Michigan City; Jared team led by Jon Gilmore, Michigan up to 150 jobs by 2024.

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GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY Katie Jenner Sarah Jones Mike Hecht John Greenwood Window + Wall LLC of Chicago is Unity Foundation of La Porte jet business. U.S. Customs and Border opening a 120,000-square-foot facility County, Northwest Indiana Small Protection recently announced the in Porter County, which is expected to Business Development Center and required clearing period for interna- create up to 112 jobs during the next the Center of Workforce Innovations. tional flights was reduced to 24 hours few years. The website offers a free network of from the previous 48- to 72-hour notifi- Michigan-based Three Rivers almost 60 resources and tools to help cation period. The reduction was sought Health will join Beacon Health businesses find answers to resolve prob- by the Gary/Chicago International System of South Bend. The process is lems as well as steps to help startups get Airport Authority to pursue additional expected to be completed by the spring. operational. international corporate and private NWI BizHub, an online resource for Operators of the Gary/Chicago aviation business. business owners, recently launched in International Airport are hopeful South Bend-based Elkhart Plastics partnership with Legacy Foundation, reduced customs clearing times will Inc. was purchased by Myers Industries Crown Point Community Foundation, lead to more international and private Inc. of Akron, Ohio. ▪

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10 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM INTRODUCING José D. Padilla, J.D. VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY’S 19TH PRESIDENT TRANSPORTATION

TRACK PURSUITS

Michael Noland is the South Shore Line president PAY OFF and general manager. Photo by Michelle Hamstra Michelle by Photo 12 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM Start of construction on West Lake Corridor rail project catalyst for new development SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE

Doug Ross development in the health care field at the area near the train stations, along he initial promise of expand- the site of the Lansing Country Club, Avenue and Ridge Road. ing commuter rail service in most of which is in Munster. “They’re going to have to meet our Northwest Indiana was simple Karen Lauerman, president and community’s expectation for what we — transport Hoosier talent to CEO of the Lake County IN Economic want to see,” he said. Chicago,T where jobs pay an average of Alliance, and Don Koliboski, LCEA vice “It’s boring as dust to somebody who 39% more, and bring back that dispos- president of economic development, are isn’t interested in land use,” Anderson able income to the Region. excited about the planned development, said, but the result of the planning will be As it turns out, that original promise is which abuts the new rail line. the kind of town everyone has asked for. just one of the benefits of the twin proj- “You’re taking a former golf course The train line will complement what’s ects to expand South Shore Line service. and turning it into a business park,” already to come. The two rail projects underway now Lauerman said. “They want that sort Ridge Road is “probably as wide as an are the long-awaited West Lake Corridor of collegial campus academic setting aircraft carrier with curb cuts,” he said, project extending passenger rail service but in a business park setting.” so expect some streetscape improve- south to Dyer and the construction of It is a $164 million investment, ments there. a second set of tracks between Gary Koliboski said, drawn to Munster in part The train’s impact on the town “is and Michigan City. Trains won’t have because of the rail expansion project. potentially a big deal for a community,” to wait on each other when traveling And that’s just the beginning. Anderson said. east to west. The double-track project promises to cut the travel time between Chicago and Michigan City to 70 minutes. Michigan City would be about the same commute from downtown Chicago as Naperville, Illinois, but with the advantages of lower taxes and easy access to . “People don’t really measure by distance, (instead) they measure by time,” said Bill Hanna, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. Both projects involve laying new tracks for the Region’s future and adding new stations along the way. The West On Oct. 28, Gov. Eric Holcomb was joined Lake project will see four new stations in by federal and Region officials for a areas previously unserved by the South ceremonial groundbreaking in Dyer of the long-awaited West Lake Corridor project. Shore Line. Photo provided by NICTD

Improved access “Everyone is working together to make Part of the reason is that laying mproving transit connections to this development come to fruition,” tracks shows a permanent commitment IChicago is a no-brainer. Chicago is the Lauerman said. to public transportation that buying hub of the nation’s third-largest econ- It isn’t the first time a proposal has buses doesn’t. omy and the eighth largest in the world, surfaced for the country club grounds, Bringing the train to Munster is “a said Michael Noland, South Shore Line 90% of which are in Munster. But this very powerful potential economic president and general manager. one fits in with Munster’s vision for what engine,” Anderson said. Doing so will draw Northwest Indiana development in the area should be like. “There’s a heightened awareness of closer to Chicago’s orbit, raising aware- “The town of Munster has worked Northwest Indiana for something other ness of all the Region has to offer. very diligently over the past 2.5 years than logistics,” he said. Residents don’t “We’re already seeing the fruits of that to achieve what the residents want,” want more trucks on Calumet Avenue. effort,” Noland said. Town Manager Dustin Anderson said. “We’ve done a lot of hard work Those efforts are easiest to see in The town worked with the community, as a community,” Anderson said. Munster, where a developer is planning including residents, business leaders “Development around the stations will a business park focused on research and and stakeholders, to build a vision for have to comply with those expectations.”

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 13 > TRANSPORTATION

Koliboski said the Saxon Partners Spark for development in places that haven’t seen this scale development at the Lansing Country hat’s the promise of what are referred of development. Club is intended to draw high-end, high- Tto as transit development districts, “That’s sent a huge message to the tech, newer-tech research and develop- the area surrounding train stations investment community,” Hanna said. ment firms and health care specialists. along the South Shore Line route. If the initial development surround- Lauerman said name a service that Hanna said these districts are unique ing the train stations is done well, there is the cutting edge of health care, for Indiana. will be economic ripples outside that that is what this big park is looking “It’s essentially a TIF (tax-increment tight radius. “It’s going to make real to become. financing district) plus income tax,” estate more attractive,” Hanna said. The business park will be within walk- Hanna said. TIF districts are common Different stations along the two ing distance of a South Shore Line train in Indiana. They leverage the increase in routes will have different needs. station. A patient could fly to O’Hare property taxes that development brings International Airport, ride a train to to pay for infrastructure within those What’s to come downtown and hop a South Shore Line districts — roads, sewers, streetlights n Michigan City, a new station and train to Munster. Or doctors who live and more. The transit development Iparking garage are being developed at in Chicago could easily travel by train districts get the additional income tax the northeast corner of Franklin and between Northwestern University and inside the district as well. 11th streets. That requires acquiring Munster to conduct research. This money can be used for parking, property on that corner, including exist- The more they get to know Northwest lighting, streetscapes, façade improve- ing businesses. Indiana, the more likely they will be to ments for local businesses and more, The Portage/Ogden Dunes station will relocate here, experts say. Hanna said. have a parking lot on the south side of “It grows the rooftops; it grows the The RDA, as a quasi-state agency, gets U.S. 12, requiring an upgraded pedes- quality of life,” Lauerman said. “When to use Indiana’s stellar credit rating trian crossing to safely go between the the Regional Development Authority instead of the local government borrow- parking lot and the station. put transit development district fund- ing the money and having it count “A road can sometimes act like a wall,” ing into place, this is exactly what against the municipality’s debt limit. Hanna said, so that must be considered. they’re looking for, (because) invest- TDD funding helps attract develop- Development surrounding the station ment in public infrastructure drives ers to the area. “You have to de-risk will have to account for environmental private investment.” these projects,” Hanna said, especially concerns as well. Innovative Building Solutions

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14 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM Hammond will get the grand prize, Distillery, who are converting the guidelines, so service to Valparaiso will a gateway station that connects the former Anco plant into a new restau- have to wait. existing east-west route with the new rant and distillery. The ChicaGo Dash The rail extension has been talked north-south line. and V-Line bus services will be based about in earnest for almost three Former City Engineer Stan Dostatni, there as well. The ChicaGo Dash offers decades. Former U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, who died in 2018, persuaded the RDA an express bus to Chicago and to the representing Indiana’s 1st District, was and the South Shore Line to change their South Shore Line station at Dune Park a driving force in bringing it to fruition. plans for a gateway station in Hegewisch in Porter. The roots of the expansion, however, and bring it across the state line into Early plans for the South Shore Line go back even further. Indiana, Hanna said. expansion included a route to Valparaiso. Innovator and investor Samuel Insull Africa Tarver, Hammond’s executive But it didn’t meet federal funding talked about the double-track idea a director of planning and development, sees the rail expansion as “huge in the sense that we will see the benefits of this project for years to come.” “We haven’t had a major infrastructure project like this in the Region for years,” she said. Hanna believes this is one of Indiana’s biggest infrastructure investments ever. Take the leap with us! Northwest Indiana already has qual- As your partner for growth, CPAs and EAs at McMahon & Associates offer over 40 years ity-of-life attractions that include good of experience. Our tax professionals will help you create a tax plan that will save you time beaches, parks and trails. Once the rail and money. As the Region’s #1 Accounting Firm for the past 15 years, our clients know expansion is completed, more people they can count on our professionals in the short and long term. will come to the Region, she believes. “The trains run both ways,” she said. Hammond is still mulling options for EXPERIENCE development around stations. + creativity “You want a development that various groups of people can enjoy,” she said. Residents will see benefits even if they don’t ride the train, Tarver said. Some new retailers will be drawn to an area with higher population density, and the train service will be a boost for economic development. Signs of construction hris Beck, chief infrastructure devel- Copment officer for the South Shore Line, said the railroad already is working with developers, including relocating a retention pond near the Munster/Dyer 219-924-3450 station. MCMAHONPC.COM “We are in lockstep with the oppor- tunity to see residential growth and development,” Noland said. Areas with train stations will benefit CPA FIRM but so will other communities. as selected by the readers of the “Valparaiso is a model for communities BUSINESS MAGAZINE an express bus away,” Noland said. That IN NORTHWEST INDIANA connection will bring commuter rail to #1 communities like Valparaiso, La Porte, Hobart and Schererville, he said. Valparaiso is building a transit-ori- ented district downtown in coopera- 15 years running tion with the owners of Journeyman

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 15 > TRANSPORTATION

need to have steps lowered to board WEST LAKE CORRIDOR the trains. That makes the trains more PROJECT MAP accessible and safer while reducing the Hammond, Indiana, to Dyer, Indiana commute times by speeding the board- ing process. CHICAGO WHITING Lake 90 Noland’s goal is to make the service Calumet Wolf Lake 12 faster. 41 “The infrastructure, the bones of the 912 railroad, are solid,” Noland said. 94 Little Calumet River HEGEWISCH (EXISTING) Developing plans for the rail expan- Pulaski Park 20 Powder EAST sions entailed extensive partnerships Horn Lake CHICAGO Burnham and input from communities. BURNHAM Elementary St Casimir School Hermit School HAMMOND (EXISTING, TO BE DEMOLISHED) DOLTON Park “The result is the project you see today BEGIN IMPROVEMENT EMPLOYEE ADMINISTRATION & LIGHT MAINTENANCE (NEW) 312 is not the same as it was before, when (NEW) Washington Irving we started,” Noland said. 83 Elementary School 90 Hanna said the rail project is moving 41 Calumet River Grand quickly, with a five-year completion CALUMET CITY Henry W Harrison Park Eggers School expected. Dr MLK Park EAST CHICAGO (EXISTING) Oak Hill Hammond Memorial Park “I think relatively speaking, it’s pretty Cemetery High School 6 Maywood Elementary School quick,” he said. HAMMOND

94 Greenway Burnham Concordia 152 Cemetery State officials announced in early SOUTH HOLLAND Veterans Park Edison Park January that $173 million in federal fund- Monon Trail Monon STATION (NEW) Reavis Elementary Thomas Edison ing was approved for the South Shore Line School Elementary School 294 80 double-track project. Representatives for THORNTON Bock Park Lions Park Riverside Park 94 80 NICTD said bidding for the double-track Pennsy Greenway Little Calumet River Trail project could start by April with construc- LANSING (NEW)

LAKE COUNTY MUNSTER RIDGE ROAD STATION

COOK COUNTY tion the following summer. Oakwood Munster Park Community Park This year, the RDA also will be Nathan Hale HIGHLAND working with communities to set up Elementary School MUNSTER GLENWOOD Heritage boundaries for the transit development Middle School 394 Rotary Hammond Park School districts. That process will tell the

Centennial development community what areas Park LYNWOOD ILLINOIS

INDIANA are committed. Briar Creek Lansing Park GRIFFITH Redevelopment commissions might Municipal Airport MUNSTER/DYER MAIN STREET STATION (NEW) already hold title to some of the prop- END IMPROVEMENT Northgate Community erties needed for developments around Liberty Park CHICAGO Memorial 41 HEIGHTS FORD Park Protsman the stations. In December, Michigan HEIGHTS Elementary 30 School City’s City Council authorized the use of SAUK DYER VILLAGE SCHERERVILLE eminent domain, if necessary, to speed 0 Miles 1½

Illustration provided by NICTD by provided Illustration acquisition of properties for the new South Shore Line (SSL) Existing SSL Station Existing Railroad Track station and parking garage. Businesses Project Alignment (At-Grade) New WL Station State Line and residents are being offered reloca- Project Alignment (Elevated New Employee Administration Major Roadway Stream Open Underpass Structure) and Light Maintenance and Water Body tion assistance when their properties are purchased for the rail projects. Aggregating properties for redevel- century ago at a board meeting when reliability and maintainability, Beck opment can be tricky, Hanna said, so he owned the railroad, Noland said. said. Hanas said, “Guys we need to redevelopment commissions should see get busy. We need to fix these bridges.” what they can get control of to make it Becoming reality Many were replaced. happen. hen the Northern Indiana Then attention was paid to train Even as the rail expansion projects WCommuter Transportation District stations. deliver on their promises of making it was formed to take over the South Shore Beck said when NICTD formed in easier to commute to Chicago and to Line and continue passenger rail service 1997, the was a bring development to the Region, the between Chicago and the Region, the plywood box built in 1955 as a tempo- major players are excited. rail line was in rough shape. rary station. Since then, new stations “There’s been so many plans around NICTD’s first general manager, have been built — many of them offer- here shelved somewhere,” Hanna said. Gerald Hanas, worked to improve ing high-level boarding so riders don’t “These are going to turn dirt.”▪ 16 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM VIEWPOINT Victory for mass transit SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE Passenger rail investment in Region marks largest ever for state of Indiana

Michael Noland FH Paschen & Ragnar Benson is in public outreach to make sure it ct. 28, 2020, was a historic day for completing the project’s engineer- communicates construction plans to the Northern Indiana Commuter ing design plans and expects to start all stakeholders. The project should Transportation District. It construction this fall. As part of the be almost finished by summer 2024, marked the culmination of three design/build construction process, allowing NICTD to do all the necessary Odecades of planning, behind-the-scenes NICTD provided the technical require- commissioning and testing of the new work and community support for the ments for the project, including 30% rail line for a planned start of service Region’s first new passenger rail line in engineering design plans. Utility relo- in early 2025. It is projected that more more than 100 years. cation will be a big part of this proj- 1,000 construction jobs will be created Gov. Eric Holcomb led this cele- ect. Whether it is NIPSCO, AT&T or by this project, and bration where INDOT Commissioner municipal infrastructure, much utility NICTD will provide Joe McGuinness, and NICTD’s board relocation will be required. The utility more than 7,000 daily chairman, signed a $945 million Full companies and municipalities have passenger trips when Funding Grant Agreement with the been preparing for this project and will service commences. Federal Transit Administration for the continue to work closely with NICTD The Double Track project. With $355 million of federal and its partners to ensure all relocations Northwest Indiana funds in place, coupled with funding are executed smoothly. project will be a commitments from the state of Indiana, The corridor might not look like a traditional design- the Northwest Indiana Regional railroad now, but by late summer, it will bid-build project, Development Authority, Lake County begin its transformation to move thou- with construction and 15 other Lake County municipal- sands of passengers boarding at four new expected to begin u Michael Noland ities, construction can train stations. FH Paschen this summer. NICTD is president of begin on this new rail line. The West Lake & Ragnar Benson’s plan anticipates construc- the South Shore The day after the Corridor and the is to start construction tion of the double- Line and Northern groundbreaking, NICTD double-track on the north segment of track project taking Indiana Commuter issued a Notice to Proceed “ the project in the upland two years to complete, projects were the Transportation District. to the FH Paschen & areas in , with service expected Ragnar Benson Joint cornerstones of while they continue to to begin by fall 2023. Venture team to finish NICTD’s 20-year work through the Section As with the West Lake project, property the engineering design strategic plan. ... 401/404 permitting process acquisition is well underway with demo- and construct the West These visionary with the U.S. Army Corps lition and utility relocation commenc- Lake Corridor rail proj- plans that offered of Engineers. North ing as well. NICTD expects more than ect using a design/build Hammond is the most 16,000 daily passenger trips on the construction process. transformative complex portion of the South Shore Line when the double-track The real work begins growth and project with more than improvements are completed. now. NICTD has spent investment one mile of aerial structure. The West Lake Corridor and the the past year acquiring opportunities are Once the north section is double-track projects were the corner- more than 150 prop- now realities.” finished, work will begin on stones of NICTD’s 20-year strategic erties for the West the south end of the project, plan that was adopted in 2014. These Lake project. By early with the last phase of the visionary plans that offered transform- December, NICTD had title on more construction at the end of the line at the ative growth and investment opportu- than 95% of the required properties, Munster/Dyer border. nities are now realities. Both projects and many have already been razed. At each step, NICTD and FH Paschen are the largest transit infrastructure NICTD hired Indianapolis-based BLN & Ragnar Benson are committed to investments in the history of the state to handle the real estate acquisitions, working with each municipality to coor- of Indiana, and it is our hope it will and all acquired property owners were dinate construction activity. Detailed bring additional dollars in the future to protected by the Federal Uniform maintenance of traffic plans will be further enhance commuter rail service Relocation Act. executed, and NICTD will engage in the Region. ▪ NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 17 HEALTH CARE Telemedicine movement Industry finds virtual visits more than just pandemic trend, along with other new approaches

Carrie Napoleon Dr. Mustafa Nakawa, a Methodist the pandemic, Nakawa said his office orthwest Indiana health care Physician Group family medicine prac- was asking patients to move to telemed- professionals are embracing the titioner, said telemedicine is the big icine. Today many of his patients are increased use of telemedicine movement now even though the concept requesting it. and the benefits it offers both is not new. Nakawa said, as a physician, he recog- Nconsumers and providers. Nakawa said the increased usage of tele- nizes the difficulty some of his patients While around for years, the use of medicine during the pandemic emerged have, especially senior citizens and the telemedicine has grown exponentially as the insurance industry elected to pay disabled, just to get into his office for during the pandemic caused by the for those visits the same way it would for a traditional visit. Once at the office, novel coronavirus. Region health care regular in-office doctors’ visits. patients can spend an hour or two in the providers and insurers say telemedicine Before the pandemic, use of telemedi- office for the visit, time spent waiting is here to stay. cine was primarily by younger and more their turn, filling out paperwork and checking out. Telemedicine creates a simpler more efficient and convenient way to see patients and get them the care they need. “It’s a win-win for everybody,” Nakawa said. He expects telemedicine’s use to grow even after the pandemic subsides. Nakawa said the future of health care will involve telemedicine and some sort of new “concierge”-type medical care. “In five years, the hope with tele- medicine is getting more connectiv- ity between patients and physicians,” Nakawa said. Evolving care delivery r. Joseen Bryant has found the Dconcierge approach to providing health care services to her patients is the way to go. Bryant said the model reduces costs for both her and her patients while improving client services and access. Dr. Joseen Bryant recently opened her Bryant, who does not accept insur- Valparaiso concierge practice. She charges a ance, charges a monthly fee for member- monthly fee for a membership to her practice. ship in her practice. That fee allows the Photo provided by Dr. Joseen Bryant member unlimited health care visits, The Centers for Disease Control tech-savvy people. Conventional patients virtually, in person or, if necessary, in in February advised consumers and were more concerned they would not their homes. Any necessary testing not health care providers to adopt social receive adequate care virtually. included in the membership is provided distancing practices, recommending “When the pandemic hit, they didn’t at cost, Bryant said. virtual clinical services. have any other option,” Nakawa said. She started her new Valparaiso During the first 13-week period of Patients reluctant to use telemedicine practice before the initial wave of the 2020, telehealth visits increased by 50% overall are now embracing the option. pandemic and also increasingly has used over the same period in 2019. By the end “I’m getting from the patient that telemedicine, which already was a part of March, that rate increased to 154%, it makes their life and care much of her practice, instead of in-person according to the CDC. easier,” he said. At the beginning of member visits.

18 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM “I’m doing a lot more virtual visits, not need to hire. Those savings are people at the center. telemedicine and teleconferencing,” passed on directly to patients. Telemedicine will be Bryant said. “It’s just a simpler model,” Bryant said. part of the system’s SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE The doctor said patients can text her The model also stops those “surprise future. or call and employs teleconferencing bills” to patients for costs or services “This is where we’re heading at tools and video calling. She said the that may not be covered by their insur- Franciscan,” Moore said. The onset of pandemic has helped patients see the ance, or that were once covered at a the pandemic was a significant accel- value of the ability to virtually meet certain rate and that rate has been erator to what the organization wants with a health care provider. reduced. She said it is difficult to walk to happen anyway: a complete system “They’ve been very receptive,” Bryant into a traditional doctor’s office and find transformation. A month into the said. “I think the convenience of it a lot of out up front what your portion of the pandemic, Franciscan went from a people appreciate, (and) there hasn’t really fees will be because it depends on how handful of virtual visits a day to 3,000 been a downside with this pandemic.” the doctor codes your case. telemedicine visits a day systemwide. Bryant compares herself to the “I was part of that system, (and) I was “We are going from a provider hospi- “old-school family physician.” Each of trained to up-code everything as much tal-centric model to a full patient-cen- her patient members have her direct as possible to squeeze the most out of tric care health continuum,” Moore said. line and can call or text with questions each patient (visit),” Bryant said. “I just Experts say navigating the current or concerns. love direct primary care, (because) it just health care model is complex because “You have that familiarity,” she said. eliminates that.” there is a lack of real coordination of “You see your physician go that extra mile.” If the practice were more of a tradi- THE EXPERTS tional insurance fee-for-service-type practice, it would have a huge impact We don’t think about virtual banking, it’s just on the bottom line and keep the clinic banking. That’s how we are approaching virtual from embracing new technologies like medicine, (and) many believe the success will telemedicine, Bryant said. Being a cash- “ based direct service provider represents come when we make it disappear into the a significant cost savings to members. It comprehensive health system.” also means patients no longer wait days — Dr. Randall Moore or weeks for appointments. Senior vice president and COO “A lot of folks come to like the member- Franciscan Health and Care Solutions ship model when they understand what it is,” Bryant said. While some of her clients do have Virtual care is going to be part of how we interact traditional health insurance, she advises with patients going forward. ... We could be two those who do not to consider a cata- strophic insurance plan that would cover “or three years out from uses of virtual care we costs associated with an unexpected haven’t even thought of yet.” illness or accident. — Tom Kunst “I can’t take care of a heart attack CEO in the clinic,” Bryant said. She can, UnitedHealthcare of Illinois and Northwest Indiana however, perform cutting-edge ultra- sound-guided injections used often in sports medicine. Bryant describes the direct-service what occurs. Moore said the question Bryant said people can expect to see model as a “breath of fresh air.” As a is “how do we make it so it’s a seamless more options for concierge medicine as doctor, she believes she can build rela- care experience?” time goes on. tionships with her clientele. During his 30 years as a physician “This is definitely the way health care “I get to treat people and practice medi- before joining Franciscan 18 months ago, is going to turn eventually,” Bryant cine the way I thought I was going to do Moore said the effort to focus on health said. “The winds of change are definitely when I left medical school,” she said. began involving more telemedicine. coming.” “It’s not that I was a techie, but I saw By cutting out insurance, the practice Rethinking processes telemedicine as part of the effort to put cuts out the overhead and complexities r. Randall Moore, senior vice presi- the consumer at the center,” Moore said. that go along with billing and coding for Ddent and COO for Franciscan Health Interdisciplinary teams can collabo- insurance purposes. and Care Solutions with the Franciscan rate to consult with a patient without Bryant said that alone is the equiva- Alliance, said he has a passion for rede- being in the same geographic locations. lent of three employees her clinic does signing models of care and putting Before telemedicine, if a patient wanted

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 19 > HEALTH CARE

By the end of March 2020, telehealth Telemedicine takes the burden off the visits were up 154% over the same hospital stay. period in 2019, according to the CDC. “The hospital itself doesn’t have to be ↑154% used as much as it used to be,” Moore to access team care, they had to come to more direct. The different physicians can said. Staying out of the hospital then physical sites and hope the specialists work together to set a patient’s care plan. negates the high costs while improving were present at the same time. Having that type of continuum of care value and improving safety. While Franciscan was planning for and the access to telemedicine also helps “Forget COVID, this is going to increased use of telemedicine, COVID-19 patients get out of the hospital a day or continue and focus on the most common expedited the move. Now various inter- two earlier and remain fully connected causes of hospitalization: COPD and disciplinary doctors and pharmacists with hospital caregivers. For example, congestive heart failure, which in can come together in the same meeting COVID-19 patients can be sent home non-COVID years trade places (as) the and be connected to the hospitalist and with a tablet and a pulse oximeter to No. 1 and No. 2 reasons for hospital- nurses tending to a patient bedside. finish their last few days of recovery izations,” Moore said. “Both conditions “They are all seeing the patient at the and remain connected to hospital staff. don’t deteriorate in minutes or hours, same time,” Moore said. During the Telemedicine also improves the care (because) it’s usually a day or more.” pandemic when patients are not allowed patients need after a hospital visit. Historically, insurers have not paid visitors, a family member overseeing Moore said providers can never guar- for telemedicine but will pay for hospi- the care of their loved one also could antee a patient released from the hospi- talizations. With the coronavirus, they be looped into the call. tal will make the appropriate follow-up are seeing the value of change. During a traditional hospital stay, appointments. Keeping them connected “I would say again, all of us wish (the patients could have five different doctors through telemedicine helps them get the coronavirus) never came,” he said. “But coming into their rooms at five different necessary care. you look for the silver linings. It has times, sharing what could be perceived “We can quickly escalate their care if forced us to move into models that are as five different messages. By having all the need is there, and 99 times out of actually more valuable.” the disciplines needed together at the 100, they won’t end up in the hospital Moore said, because of the pandemic same time, the message to the patient is (again),” Moore said. as part of the CARES Act, Medicare

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20 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM created parity in payment for telemed- Consumers and the health care industry but can turn to virtual health providers icine visits, which helped to fuel its overall are slowly embracing virtual care. for minor conditions such as pink eye. acceptance among health care providers. “United’s view on this is we believe this Employees are going to begin demanding Early on in telemedicine, those reim- will be part of those benefit packages this type of care. bursements were not there for health going forward,” Kunst said. “My prediction (is the) entire industry care providers. Some terms regarding reimburse- is going to embrace it,” Kunst said. “I At some point, Moore said the thought ments may require revisions, but Kunst view this as industry moving (because) of telemedicine will simply become medi- said there is an opportunity for telemed- COVID to me really has been an accel- cine, like how virtual banking progressed. icine to expand. erant, (so) it’s not going away, (and) it “We don’t think about virtual banking, Consumers still want that personal will be a mainstream part of the system it’s just banking,” Moore said. “That’s relationship with their local physician going forward.” how we are approaching virtual medi- ▪ cine, (and) many believe the success will R ecognized by N o rth w est In d ia n a BMa u siness ga z in e 1 1 Y e a r s In A R o w ! come when we make it disappear into the comprehensive health system.” Industry changing om Kunst, CEO for UnitedHealthcare of BCC TIllinois and Northwest Indiana, agreed virtual care has been around for a while, but the utilization has been very small. LLP “COVID really has been an accelerant,” BURKE COSTANZA & CARBERRY Kunst said. Kunst said telemedicine visits ATTORNEYS AT LAW reached their peak during the pandemic around April, but demand for virtual care remains high. “Virtual care is going to be part of how we interact with patients going forward,” Kunst said While most people still might want to go to a traditional provider, some national telemedicine providers can fit the bill for many telemedicine needs. A d v iso rs y o u w a n t. Kunst said one of the bigger positives of COVID-19’s impact on telemedicine is the increase in tele-behavioral services. Kunst said often people do not feel A dvocates you need. comfortable going to the office of a mental health provider. That reluctance can mean conditions are left untreated, potentially leading to greater problems. “We really have a suite of solutions to meet consumers where they are at,” he said. W hat You N eed. What W e D o. Kunst said there is a perception that younger people feel more comfortable B usiness Law E s ta te P la n n in g with telehealth. But UHC has learned during the pandemic that telehealth B u s in e s s L itig a tio n Im m ig r a tio n utilization has been across all age groups. Personal Injury Fam ily Law “Consumers are pleased,” Kunst said. Collections Com m ercial Real Estate Telemedicine can expand access, manage chronic conditions and improve outcomes, C o n s tru c tio n L a w a n d m u c h m o re ... which benefits patients, providers and insurers. “We could be two or three years Broadw9191 ay | M errillville, | INt. 219.769.1313 46410 bcclegal.com out from uses of virtual care we haven’t Washington156 St. | Valparaiso, | INt. 219.531.0134 46383 even thought of yet,” Kunst said.

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 21 HR/STAFFING PUTTING HUMAN RESOURCES FIRST Leaders say focus on employee safety and satisfaction essential to coping, moving past crisis

Christopher Adam mployees matter — especially during a pandemic. This lesson was quickly learned by organizations and companies Eas the crisis forced major changes for businesses and their employees. A focus on employee well-being is one of the predicted workplace trends listed by the Forbes Human Resources Council. Organizations across Northwest Indiana also are making that a priority as more emphasis is expected to be placed on the human element as the pandemic subsides. Plan priority f you own a home or a business along Ithe coasts in Florida, it’s wise to have a hurricane plan. Knowing what to do during that kind of crisis is common sense there. And while it is unlikely the Region will ever face that type of weather, experts say crisis planning is and positions, including those in manu- been cautious because of the uncer- essential in a world of uncertainty. facturing sites and office locations. tainty with the pandemic,” said Pete That goes for having a plan for employ- “The pandemic has shown that Owsianowski, business development ees when crisis strikes, too. communication and trust are imper- director at Integritas. “I think this is much like the pandemic, ative across all industries,” said Mike where a large number of organizations Niedbalski, founder and president of First things first and businesses did not have a clear Integritas. “In manufacturing, customer o facilitate social distancing and plan in place when it came to prepar- service and offices, employers had to Tminimize exposure during the ing for a public health crisis,” said Erika set up protocols to ensure employees pandemic, new employees at Munster- Staszewski, an executive recruiter with were safe and kept informed during an based Peoples Bank have been complet- Integritas Search LLC, a recruiting orga- evolving situation.” ing their onboarding virtually. Each nization in South Bend. “Those that Niedbalski said they have seen an employee is provided personal space seem to have thrived are the ones that increase in employee satisfaction for in a private area within each of his quickly created a plan for operations their clients with more team members or her respective training locations and staff, and then made adjustments working from home. where they can login and work inde- as the pandemic progressed.” “This has clearly shown a pent-up pendently. This way, they can interact Staszewski said businesses that demand for remote work,” Niedbalski said. with others in the same onboarding learned about available government Another theme they have noticed session while still maintaining safe assistance weathered the pandemic during the pandemic: caution. The social distancing practices. more successfully. She said dollars recruiting team at Integritas said fewer “Our dedicated team has continued to provided through the CARES Act people have been applying for posted provide great service throughout the supported salaries during tough times jobs during the crisis. pandemic,” said Ben Bochnowski, pres- and kept employees on the payroll. “Instead, we have been helping our ident and CEO of Peoples Bank. “Our The employees at Integritas work on clients find passive talent, who may You First Banking brand is a promise to staffing support for a variety of industries be looking for other work but have always put customers first, and we knew

22 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM PUTTING HUMAN RESOURCES FIRST SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE Leaders say focus on employee safety and satisfaction essential to coping, moving past crisis

Bank created an employee-led diversity, equity and inclusion team. “This team’s goals are to develop a framework of diversity, further diver- sify our workforce, identify potential internal barriers to success, and enhance current policies to better embrace the diversity already present at the bank,” Bochnowski said. Recently, the committee achieved the first of its successes by presenting to their executive committee a proposal to eliminate credit checks from the bank’s hiring process. This is even more important now, since the pandemic is expected to bring an increased number of talented, qualified applicants who are experiencing its residual effects. The protocol change allows for a more inclusive process that will benefit both the bank and candidates applying for positions within the bank for many years to come. we had to keep our employees safe with- protocols to address pandemic-related “This pandemic has affected our econ- out sacrificing the customer experience. issues affecting their workforce. omy in a number of ways, and the DEI “With regard to new employees, we “These protocols included policies that team has done a great job jumping in always followed safety guidelines and all employees were expected to acknowl- and addressing these issues head on were able to shift to virtual onboarding edge and abide by,” Bochnowski said. at a time when our communities need in many cases.” “We had three guiding principles at the it most,” Bochnowski said. “Economic In lieu of their normal in-person forefront of every decision, in this order: recovery from the pandemic will require orientation, the Peoples Bank human ensure the health and safety of employ- all of us working together, (and) the resources team created an onboard- ees, customers and communities; ensure more we include people in the recovery, ing slide presentation that helped the stability of operations; and manage the more prosperous we will all be.” communicate important information risk for future stability.” and guide new employees through the Bochnowski said the goal was to Communication lines process. To limit fatigue that is some- incorporate safe practices, avoid service ccording to Mirko Marich, presi- times caused by remote learning, they disruption and continue to provide the Adent of Staff Source in Hammond, also reduced the overall duration of the best banking experience possible. The communication has been key during program and have been providing more task force continues meeting weekly to the pandemic. He said his leadership frequent, individualized follow-ups for discuss the status of the pandemic and checked in with team members via employees to address any lingering sends out regular communications to all phone and video. questions or concerns. employees informing them of protocol “This went a long way with our employ- When leadership first learned about changes and related issues. ees,” Marich said. “Communication has the pandemic and shelter-in-place One of the core values for Peoples always been vital to successful produc- orders were enacted, Peoples Bank Bank is community. tivity in our office.” organized an internal task force that, in When the pandemic struck the Providing feedback and celebrating accordance with the CDC’s recommen- Region, and amid the nationwide move- successes has a strong effect on perfor- dations, immediately began creating ment calling for social change, Peoples mance,” he said.

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 23 > HR/STAFFING The pandemic has shown that communication experts say those issues are amplified and trust are imperative across all industries. during the pandemic because of remote- In manufacturing, customer service and offices, work situations. “ For South Bend-based 1st Source employers had to set up protocols to ensure Bank, the answer has been an increased employees were safe and kept informed during emphasis on outreach. They have made an evolving situation.” a concentrated effort to touch base — Mike Niedbalski more frequently with new hires via Founder and president of Integritas Search phone, video chat and mailing infor- mation packets. “It has been important to maintain “During this pandemic, employees video interviews via a variety of plat- close contact, using technology, to need constructive criticism and posi- forms. “Internally, most of the best prac- increase support and decrease added tive feedback now more than ever,” he tices we would recommend are things anxiety due to being onboarded said. “Acknowledging the struggles and that should always be in place, but some in entirely different ways during a successes has helped our employees may not have been a top priority in the pandemic or working remotely,” said stay focused and motivated in these past,” Marich said. “Health and safety Dan Lifferth, senior vice president for stressful times.” of staff and visitors must be a priority. human resources at 1st Source Bank. When it comes to clients, many for “When employees don’t feel their Lifferth said those same processes Staff Source are essential businesses. safety is a priority, it can cause unneces- extend to established employees who So, while the organization slowed down sary stress, which in turn has a negative were forced to work remotely because at the onset of the pandemic during effect on productivity.” of the crisis. He said 1st Source lead- mandatory shutdowns, Staff Source ers have been frequently touching never stopped working, company exec- Optimizing outreach base with direct reports via video utives said. tarting a new job can cause some conferencing. Marich said Staff Source has been Sanxiety for a new hire because of the “We also build in team engagement conducting more phone screens and unfamiliarity with new processes, but events using video conferencing, get Core Values Provide superior customer service delivered with integrity.

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24 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM all team members on a video call, deliver box lunches to their home(s) or remote working location and conduct fun engagement events while enjoying a home-delivered box lunch,” Lifferth said. Local Experts. “Leaders also maintain a current list of all remote workers and schedule Tailored Solutions. reminders to consider the impact of decisions to them and how to ensure successful inclusion on all communi- cations and events.” Lifferth also said other tactics include: Fifth Third • Inviting all employees to regular town hall meetings conducted via video conference with senior leaders; ensure they are given Means opportunities to ask questions and get answers; and demon- strate a sincere interest in ™ them one-on-one and on Business group video calls. • Hosting fun video engagement events, where employees go Michael Martino around and have all remote team members answer an engaging Senior Vice President, personal question while on a Market Executive team video chat. • Celebrating and highlighting wins 9561 West 171st Street via video. Tinley Park, IL • Setting the expectation to have cameras on when in a call to 708-403-6325 achieve the full interpersonal experience. • Surveying employees and giving Fifth Third Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. them feedback on the survey and setting goals to improve engagement. Lifferth said 1st Source has used gamification to improve employee well-being during the pandemic. They have introduced games during video calls and meetings to create a better team environment and make the overall remote work experience more enjoyable and fun. Lifferth said, however, it is impera- tive not to lose sight of the company’s goals, mission, values and accountabil- ity principles. “However you built in two-way communication before, it is important to triple that when in a remote-work- ing experience,” Lifferth said. “We have done this through surveys, feed- back and setting goals to improve engagement.” ▪ NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 25 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Region’s building boom Expansion of logistics, manufacturing paints bright future for commercial development

Alliance Steel relocated its corporate headquarters and opened a new, state-of-the-art service center in Gary, which will employ up to 130 workers. Photo provided by Alliance Steel

Lauren Caggiano in point: The South Shore Line’s $764 “During a time of tremendous uncer- n recent months, vacant land in million West Lake Corridor project is tainty, Northwest Indiana continues Northwest Indiana near desir- expected to create a faster, more cost-ef- to secure positive economic momen- able commercial locations has not fective and more reliable form of trans- tum as businesses across the U.S. and remained that way very long. portation to Chicago. around the world leverage our state’s IDespite nationwide economic stagna- Economic development and commu- pro-growth business climate and our tion, the Region’s commercial real estate nity leaders agree the future looks bright Region’s skilled workforce and close boom appears poised to continue in for commercial real estate development proximity to major markets to fuel their the months ahead, experts say. Several in Northwest Indiana. success,” he said. mixed-use developments are under He cited specific examples of compa- construction in many communities, Major milestones nies driving growth. In 2020 alone, including Valparaiso, La Porte, Whiting att Saltanovitz, director of northwest firms, including Ekos Window + Wall, and Portage. Mregion business development at the Corsicana Mattress Co. and Mesa The anticipated growth is having a Indiana Economic Development Corp., Associates, chose Northwest Indiana ripple effect, driving investments in is not surprised by the recent spike in to locate or expand their operations, infrastructure, too, experts say. Case activity in the commercial market. while Midwest Truck & Auto Parts

26 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM and Alliance Steel celebrated major eastern suburb of Chicago, which is Parcel delivery giant milestones. Lake County (Indiana) and adjacent UPS’s decision to set Midwest Truck broke ground in counties, so you’re looking at all of the up shop at the Gary/ SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE October on a new 125,000-square-foot benefits of being in the Chicagoland Chicago International facility in Merrillville at the AmeriPlex market, without being in Illinois.” Airport points to this, according to at the Crossroads business park. The Real estate developers are riding this the Northwestern Indiana Regional company plans to hire up to 100 people. wave, too, she said. They recognize desir- Planning Commission. Alliance Steel relocated its corporate able land for commercial development is “UPS is expanding its express headquarters and opened a new, state- in short supply and want to stay ahead air network to Gary/Chicago of-the-art service center in Gary, which of the curve. International Airport to help busi- will employ up to 130 workers. Lauerman said developers try to nesses in Northwest Indiana and the plan ahead. Chicago area successfully position Pro-business climate “So, we have more developers from themselves in the fast-paced e-com- his trend comes in the context of either national or Midwest firms work- merce market,” the agency said. “In Tbigger-picture growth, according ing in Lake County now than we’ve had addition, UPS is leasing 14,000 square to representatives at the Lake County probably in the last six years,” she said. feet of office space in the Gary-Chicago IN Economic Alliance. Established in “They’re taking a look at Lake County in airport’s passenger terminal.” 2013, LCEA is an independent 501c3 particular, because we are the closest Michael O’Connor, vice president of nonprofit, nonpartisan economic devel- to Chicago.” development and leasing with South opment organization for Lake County Bend-based Holladay Properties, said and its 18 communities. Distribution brings opportunity sectors such as logistics and distri- “The cost of doing business compared -commerce also is an essential part of bution and businesses seeking to to our neighbors is less when you look Ethe supply chain. Lauerman said no support those companies want to at the tax climate,” said Don Koliboski, doubt the pandemic changed the way cluster together. vice president of economic development. people shopped, and “The property tax cap means we have consumer numbers THE EXPERTS tax certainty, (and) for companies that reflect that trend. The cost of doing busi- are looking to do business (here), they “According to find that attractive, because you know the Department of ness compared to our what your tax bill is going to be from Commerce, online “ neighbors is less when year to year.” sales soared a record you look at the tax climate.” When comparing Indiana to Illinois, 44.4% in the second —Don Koliboski, vice president of which is experiencing a budget deficit quarter of 2020,” she economic development and revenue problems, elected offi- said. When you break Lake County IN Economic Alliance cials there likely will either explore it down, that means tax hikes or spending to address cash almost $1 of every $5 shortfalls. Indiana ranked ninth as a is spent online. best tax environment in the U.S. based But there is more to on the 2018 State Business Tax Index this statistic. Indications are economic by the Tax Foundation. “You’re talking conditions will strengthen Koliboski said an unpredictable tax about an e-com- in the second half of 2021 climate might be a deterrent to compa- merce supply chain, “ nies looking to locate or relocate oper- which is equally and continue to strengthen ations in a particular location. important when in 2022.” you’re talking about — Terry Larson, secretary/treasurer Location, location, location business-to-busi- Larson-Danielson Construction Co. Inc aren Lauerman, LCEA president and ness or traditional KCEO, described the commercial real retailers expanding estate market in the Chicagoland area their online presence,” Lauerman said. “I think a lot of the activity is driven as “tight.” “And it’s not just the e-commerce side, by changes or new activity, new volume “Now granted the south suburbs but other businesses and manufactur- in distribution, in both post-consumer like Joliet and areas like southeast ers are all becoming more confident products and business distribution,” Wisconsin have land availability, but in their outlook with vaccines on the he said. “This is really driving a lot of they don’t have the proximity that horizon and then, of course, you’ve got the activity that we’re seeing, (and) we do to Chicago,” she said. “And so, the suppliers of packaging and other there’s changes in how we are acquir- with land being tight, the next best services that support the e-commerce ing goods, and therefore, the way goods location would be what we call the retailers (added to the mix).” are distributed.”

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 2 7 > COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

BIG DEVELOPMENTS

Photo provided by Lake County IN Economic Alliance Photo provided by Larson Danielson Construction Photo provided by Corsicana

SULLAIR: In 2019, Sullair, an indus- BOSAK HONDA: In 2019 the Corsicana Mattress Co. FACTORY RENOVATION

© 2020 HWC ENgINEERINg try leader in innovative compressed air Michigan City Development Commission LAPORtE, INDIANA announced in August 2020 Augustit was17, 2020 solutions, announced it was making a approved a $3.8 million project for the investing $8.6 million in a 165,000-square- major capital investment to expand its demolition of the building at the Bosak foot facility at 755 S 500 West in North American operations and head- Honda dealership on Highway 20 and Pinola near La Porte. The site is on quarters campus in Michigan City. construction of a new building at that site. track for an early 2021 completion.

At a crossroads of activity O’Connor said wins like Midwest Truck O’Connor said an existing building ’Connor said his firm has benefited & Auto Parts are just the beginning. owned by the town of Merrillville (in Ofrom this momentum. For exam- “There’s additional activity at AmeriPlex the business park) is in the process of ple, AmeriPlex at the Crossroads in at the Crossroads for users acquiring land being sold. Merrillville is a hot commodity. Located sites,” he said. “We’ve got a 35-acre site “So, there’s just quite a bit of activity near Route 30 close to the Indiana- under contract for a distribution busi- in Merrillville,” he said. Illinois border, the complex spans about ness, (and) we’ve got a contract for about O’Connor is also bullish on the long- 350 acres. 50 acres for a pharmaceutical business.” term forecast for the Region, noting that

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28 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM the boom should last for some time. to make moves. He also cited projec- year,” he said. “We started off with a “I think that the investment being tions that bode well for his portfolio bang — one relocation and a hundred made in improving the South Shore Line of clients. jobs, more or less, and by the end of service to Chicago will have a big impact,” “Despite the economic impact of the the year, we had another relocation he said. “They’re going to add capacity pandemic and the uncertainties it has bringing 120 jobs.” so that the speed of the trains and the created with the economy in 2020, indi- Hulse said Michigan City saw several frequency would also increase, making cations are economic conditions will business expansions in 2020, and vari- it more viable for people to commute, strengthen in the second half of 2021 ous projects in the downtown area and and I think that’s going to be a real plus.” and continue to strengthen in 2022,” southern section of the city, including he said. “The financing and tax advan- “shops, restaurants, medical clinics, a A strong post-pandemic economy tages currently available are helping grocery store, etc.” erry Larson, secretary/treasurer with many companies position themselves “So, from that perspective, 2020 blew TLarson-Danielson Construction Co. for a strong post-pandemic economy our expectations in terms of invest- Inc. in La Porte said Northwest Indiana that is expected to develop starting ment,” he said. Breaking that down is gaining attention from outside the late next year.” into economic impact, Hulse said that state. translates to $40 million in deals and “We have seen more interest this year Michigan City flourishing more than 500 new jobs in Michigan than ever before from Illinois compa- f 2020 is any indication of the future, City in 2020. nies looking to move operations to IMichigan City may be in for another Capitalizing on existing assets Northwest Indiana,” he said. “Not only robust year. will help the city’s boom continue, is our tax and regulatory environment Clarence Hulse, executive director Hulse said. much friendlier to business, but many of the Economic Development Corp. of “We’ve always had great assets,” he point to the quality of life in Northwest Michigan City, Ind., reflected on 2020 — said. “We’ve got a great lakefront, casino Indiana as a draw as well.” and beyond. At the current rate, he said and hotel, and so I think by repackaging And much to the benefit of Larson’s the boom could continue well into 2023. and marketing those assets and getting firm, he said historically low inter- “In terms of projects, we’ve had a the word out to people, that’s going to est rates are motivating companies very good year, almost like a regular generate a lot of interest.” ▪

Michael P Dexter, AAMS® Logan M Dexter Financial Advisor Financial Advisor

420 Merrillville Road 420 Merrillville Road Crown Point, IN 46307 Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-1234 219-663-1234

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 29 AGRIBUSINESS BOOST FOR BUYING LOCAL

State officials say agricul- ture contributes $31.2 billion annually to Indiana’s economy. Photo provided by Indiana Grown Crisis sparked consumer movement to seek food and other products made close to home

Hannah Reed and owner of Grounded Earth Farm in an increase in appreciation for local nne Massie has something posi- Crown Point, has been a member of the purchases. tive to say about the pandemic. organization since it launched in 2015. “We saw grocery store shelves were When the COVID-19 virus put “As farms and small businesses were empty, meat packing workers couldn’t go the world on lockdown to slow able to pivot their business to be online into work because of unsafe conditions, Athe spread of the disease in early 2020, or to offer curbside pickup, they seem to and when that happened, we saw a lot of Massie said it sparked a buy-local move- have actually done better because of the small businesses and small farms step up ment. People wanted to know where pandemic and had increased business,” to try to fill that gap,” Massie said. their food and other items were coming Massie said. “A lot of farms and small from and sought to support businesses businesses that sell value-added food Buy local close to home during the crisis. products are definitely seeing contin- ndiana Grown is a program with more This sentiment was shared statewide, ued support and continued business Ithan 1,700 members and 50 business which benefited Indiana Grown, a state throughout the pandemic.” partners, including farmers, farm- initiative to encourage residents to Massie said, as far as food, the ers markets, distributors, breweries, buy, sell and share food and products pandemic showed people that the grocers, hospitals, restaurants and other made in Indiana. Massie, president of national supply chains are much more supporting organizations. The statewide the Northwest Indiana Food Council fragile than they believed, causing branding initiative aims to form a clear

30 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM designation of local Indiana products, during the summer months as Hoosiers “Business went crazy. according to its website. sought to secure a food supply. We were doing curb- Products from Indiana Grown can Through community-supported side pickups for people, SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE be identified by four categories: 100% agriculture, or CSAs, people can buy we offered delivery as from Indiana, prepared in Indiana, a subscription to receive a share of a well … because we started wearing masks an Indiana Grown partner or Indiana farm’s harvest. After paying upfront almost immediately, a lot of people said Grown members. at the beginning of the year, families they felt more comfortable shopping in Indiana Grown celebrated its fifth receive a weekly delivery or pickup of our stores,” said Tucker, who is a member anniversary in July 2020. Its program produce as vegetables come into season of Indiana Grown. “Business was really director, Heather Tallman, said the and are harvested by the farm. crazy and busy for maybe a month, and support to local farmers and produc- “Once the pandemic picked up, we sold then after things started to loosen up (in ers across the state has been strong out right away,” Massie said. “We proba- the spring), things started to get back to for many years and grew stronger amid bly could have doubled our membership normal again.” the pandemic. if we wanted to, but we couldn’t, just Tucker said the uptick in online shop- “Though there was not a shortage of because of our size.” ping has been hard, and as a small store, proteins available at the grocery store, She started a waiting list in 2020 that it is difficult to curate an online presence. many consumers did shift their shop- spilled into the new year. “If more and more people (switch to) ping patterns to more local offerings,” “I think (people are) starting to realize online grocery shopping, we’ll never Tallman said. “You might say there that in order to make sure that you are survive,” Tucker said. “Are little busi- was an increased sense of awareness secure, we have to have these localized nesses like me even going to survive? Or about local agriculture and farmers relationships again,” Massie said. is Amazon going to take over the world?” markets in 2020.” Massie said several Sara Stewart, president Purchasing Indiana Grown products customers who have health and founder of the Unity supports fellow Hoosiers while also issues were able to avoid Gardens in South Bend, said supporting job creation and the build- going to the grocery store the community gardens have ing of sustainable communities. It also when the pandemic started worked with Indiana Grown helps preserve Indiana’s agricultural by ordering through farmers for about four years. Stewart heritage, according to the organization. and picking up with either no said she has experienced “As our access to technology grows contact or safe contact. more people purchasing and communities form more and larger In addition to creating curb- plants and compost supplies farmers markets, it is easier for consum- side pickup services, Massie from Unity Gardens, though ers to not only find local farmers and said farmers were able to at the beginning of the producers in their areas, but it’s easier to assess areas in which they Whether it’s pandemic, sales decreased interact with them and make purchases,” could assist their commu- through an by about 40%. Tallman said. “Whether it’s through an nity and took action. “People wanted to stay in, online market- online marketplace, a farmers market “A lot of farmers, when “ they didn’t want to go shop- visit or a trip to your local grocery store, they saw this was happen- place, a farmers ping,” Stewart said. “The it is easier to find local food than it was ing and that the supply market visit or a farmers market, though a even 10 years ago, (and) so if that is chains were breaking trip to your local great alternative, was just due to an increased awareness about down and grocery store grocery store, it not something on the top local agriculture or an increased desire shelves were empty, a lot of their minds.” to support the local economy — Indiana of them put in extra refrig- is easier to find Stewart was troubled by Grown supports this.” erated space, invested local food than declining sales for her busi- more into their farms, it was even 10 ness, she also was concerned Stronger communities expanded what they were years ago.” about the rising problem of assie said support for local busi- growing and really tried people who were going with- Mnesses and farmers has been great to expand their businesses — Heather Tallman out food. Unity Gardens amid the pandemic, and she hopes it to help their communities Program director provides food for people continues as the crisis subsides. out,” Massie said. Indiana Grown in need, Stewart said, and “There’s a lot of hope that the change in while there was a decrease consumer behaviors to buying more local Business obstacles in revenue, the ability and and getting to build those relationships ylese Tucker, owner of Nature’s need for free food was increased during with local business owners will stick after MCupboard, with locations in the crisis and still lingers. the pandemic is over,” Massie said. Michigan City and Chesterton, said she, As the situation worsened, Stewart Massie also noted there was an too, saw an increase in business at the looked past her own business issues and increase in people who signed up for beginning of the pandemic, but has seen focused on helping those in need and subscriptions to Grounded Earth Farm sales return to a normal pace. began growing more food.

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 31 > AGRIBUSINESS

“I said, literally, ‘if we’re going to go down, we’re going to go down growing food,’” Stewart said. “So, we put greens everywhere in the garden, things you could plant in March — peas, greens, whether they are mustard, lettuce, chard, all of that, (and) we had our 7-acre, big urban ecosystem, just absolutely planted and full in March and April, and it paid off.” Stewart said business began to pick up as people started purchasing plants and worm compost, causing sales to go higher than normal. As the Unity Gardens harvested winter plants, the hope was sales of produce along with products made with honey would help the organization’s finances. “The bees are working regardless,” Steward said. “Our honey and our products we make out of the honey or beeswax, like our candles and soaps and hand balms, are really keeping us going.” Preserving the momentum Photo provided by NWI Food Council s small businesses do their best to Anne Massie, president of the NWI Food Council, shows some produce at Grounded Asurvive, Rebecca Miller, like many Earth Farm in Crown Point. She said subscriptions were up for her farm’s harvest. others, said her business also has seen LOCAL BUSINESS supported by a LOCAL BANK

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32 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM more residents from her community they’re selling, it is a connection, (so gravitated toward a protein guide, which buy local to help neighboring farms and they want) to come in and talk to you was widely popular on social media. The other businesses. She also is a member about it. They get to know you, and you protein guide represents a fraction of of Indiana Grown and owner of Miller’s get to know the customers, too. the more than 56,000 farming opera- Goats and Gardens in Lakeville. She “(So) even though we’re keeping tions in the state but allows people to hopes heightened community patronage distance and everything like that, you’re see producers near them. continues as normal daily life resumes. still able to connect.” “(The past year) reminded us that our Miller became a member of Indiana To keep the buy-local movement members are resilient and so is this Grown last spring, and Miller’s Goats going, Tallman said Indiana Grown will industry,” Tallman said. “How they grow and Gardens sells products at the River continue providing resources to consum- may have a different direction for a while, Valley Farmers Market in South Bend. ers to educate them on the effects of their but many of our members shifted in such “I think people are trying to help their purchases, while also assisting them with a way that they are seeing growth.” neighbors, support local people,” she finding farmers in their area. Awareness is high surrounding said. “Plus doing produce, that’s always a “Consumers should pattern their buying local, and it has benefited really important thing for people to buy shopping habits in the way that makes many businesses, including Massie’s. locally — they know where it’s coming them most comfortable,” Tallman However, she noted many farmers also from, they know how I grow it, so that’s said. “If they prefer an online method, are still struggling, so the trend will a good thing.” there are so many options there from need to continue to aid those chal- Miller’s Goats and Gardens custom- buying direct from farmers through lenged to make ends meet. ers have an option to buy online with an online platform to online ‘farmers “The challenging thing about telling curbside pickup, but Miller said she markets’ like Hoosier Harvest Market the story of farms adapting and doing finds people prefer making purchases and Market Wagon.” well during a pandemic is, I don’t want in person. Tallman also noted that, while to blow over the fact that farmers are “People still seem to want to come in Indiana Grown created maps, trails and still struggling,” Massie said. “Just and physically see things and talk,” she guides to help consumers find wineries, because there’s been an uptick in the said. “When you are buying from people breweries, distilleries, landscape nurser- buy-local movement, there’s still a long who are making or growing things, what ies and Christmas tree farms, members way to go.” ▪

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NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 33 LEADER PROFILE Workforce champion Linda Woloshansky’s dedication to nonprofit raised bar on employee training

Philip Potempa Woloshansky pointed to the Schrage policy makers. Community leaders inda Woloshansky knows family, which has owned Merrillville- from business, government, educa- Northwest Indiana is a region of based Centier Bank for 125 years. tion, economic development, labor strong work ethics and hard work- “While we don’t have large national and community-based organizations ers, because she has years of first- corporate headquarters located in came together to analyze regional labor Lhand experience. Northwest Indiana, our market trends, needs and issues to “We have evidence that, My time at CWI advantage is the strong develop strategic workforce solutions. when competing for jobs has been a pure family businesses, which Today, that mission has expanded to in other parts of the joy because of are not likely to move include empowering regional workforce country, our Northwest “ to another part of the through high-quality career advising, Indiana folks often the incredible country, and they feel skill building and efforts to increase have a leg up on other staff I work with very committed to their post-secondary credential attainment. candidates due to our who are dedicat- employees,” she said. The staff has found success developing work reputation,” said ed to improving Woloshansky’s own strategic action plans grounded in both Woloshansky, president the lives of career commitment for two quantitative and qualitative data. and CEO for the Center decades has been to lead “CWI has grown significantly the last of Workforce Innovations others.” the team at CWI. In 2020, 20 years,” said Glenn Todd, board chair in Valparaiso. “This has — Linda Woloshansky she announced her retire- of CWI. also been echoed by site President and CEO ment. She will help with the “Linda led the charge on growth selectors when sharing Center of Workforce transition and selection of that now includes providing support reasons about how this Innovations a successor. to the Northwest Indiana Workforce attribute is an important Launched in 2000 as Board, operating and oversight of feature of why companies the Workforce Investment nine WorkOne Centers and 15 adult want to locate here. Board for Jasper, La Porte, Newton, community learning centers across our “It is also fascinating that so many Porter, Pulaski and Starke counties, seven-county Region,” he said. “It was family businesses stay in the family the organization was created to bring also her vision and leadership acumen for generations.” private-sector leaders together with that helped launch READY NWI, a talent-alignment coalition of K-12 education systems, CTE programs and post-secondary schools in Northwest Indiana. Her expertise and overwhelm- ing passion for workforce and education issues was evident.” The CWI board is working with a national search firm to find Woloshansky’s successor. She will stay on with the organization during the transition and introduce the next leader to the community, colleagues and contacts throughout the country. Born in East Chicago, Woloshansky lived in Gary and later Merrillville and is a graduate of Indiana University. She continued her education at Purdue University, Valparaiso University, as well as Harvard, where she received a certification in negotiations. She credits her parents with instilling in her a strong work ethic. They led by example. Her mother was “a devoted

34 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM homemaker,” and her father was a welder in the steel industry “who never missed a day of work.” SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE In the last 20 years, Woloshansky has witnessed multiple generations impact an ever-evolving workforce. “I find our younger employees are more direct about their expectations, which can be a benefit to an employer who both listens and values input on how the workplace can be improved,” Woloshansky said. “They also value their personal time more than their older counterparts and have a clear sense of their work/ life balance.” When her role ends at CWI, Woloshansky expects to do consulting Linda Woloshansky, center left, presi- work, as well as travel with her husband to dent and CEO of the Center of Workforce visit friends around the country, as well as Innovations in Valparaiso, hosts partic- fine-tuning culinary skills and spending ipants of the Midwest Urban Strategies time with their three grandchildren. group in February 2020 to share what “My time at CWI has been a pure joy they considered best practices by CWI. because of the incredible staff I work Photo provided by the Center of Workforce Innovations with who are dedicated to improving leading to their successful careers pipeline, which we spearheaded 10 years the lives of others,” Woloshansky said. and provided equity to those who ago, that is also resulting in improved “CWI has helped thousands of people otherwise would be forgotten and graduation rates, attainment of creden- develop skills, which has allowed them left behind. tials and better jobs for young adults in to take advantage of opportunities “I am also proud of the talent alignment the (Region) economy.” ▪

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NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 35 LEADER PROFILE Ready for next challenge SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE Mrvan: Role as township trustee prepared him to follow in Visclosky’s footsteps

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (center) was sworn in Jan. 3 to the U.S. House of Representatives. Photo provided by Frank J. Mrvan

Larry Avila in East Chicago, Hammond, Highland, made sure people could transition from rank Mrvan understands all too Munster and Whiting. being in financial crisis to getting back well the hurdles some people face The job isn’t easy, but Mrvan found to work,” said Mrvan, a Hammond just to get through daily life. fulfillment in the grassroots work help- native. “(Serving as township trustee) Those obstacles might include ing residents find solutions to their prob- trained me and gave me the experi- Fnot having enough money to either pay lems. It also proved an effective training ence to be able to understand people’s for rent, electricity or food, and in some ground for his new job as representative struggles and what we need to do for instances, all the above. For the past 15 of Indiana’s 1st Congressional District. the Region and other communities to years, Mrvan’s role as North Township “I helped people find solutions from ensure all the lifeboats are lifted at once.” trustee has been to assist those in need local, state and federal avenues, and By that Mrvan means helping set poli- cies and priorities through legislative action to create and preserve good-pay- ing jobs, protect the domestic steel and manufacturing sectors, ensure federal dollars flow into the Region to maintain critical infrastructure, and make higher education and health care more accessi- ble to the underserved. He recognizes it’s a tall order, but Mrvan said he’s ready for the challenge. And as he works toward his goals, he will make the first steps toward making his own mark on the 1st District. Fellow Democrat Pete Visclosky of Gary had represented the district since 1985. He chose not to seek reelection. “When I ran for township trustee, many

At PNW we walk the extra mile with students to empower confidence and people said I was able to win because encourage real world experiences. We push beyond the boundaries of innovation of my relation to my dad (Frank Mrvan to drive engagement and make an impact in Northwest Indiana and the world at large. We are focusing on the future and aim to be a positive force for change. Sr., a long-time Indiana state senator), That’s powering onward. but that motivated me to work hard and prove to people I was more than Frank’s son,” Mrvan said. “Pete was a productive

36 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM representative and an icon for working Making sure we have a strong economy men and women, so as I hit my marks, will take working across both sides of the where steel interests are protected, more aisle, and I understand it will be a fight every young people have access to education, “ and I can work to bring our communities day for the 1st District’s priorities, but it will together to focus on doing what’s best for be important to blend those priorities with the all of Northwest Indiana every day, then state and nation.” I’d say I would have stepped out from — Frank Mrvan under (Pete’s) shadow.” Representative of Indiana’s 1st Congressional District After winning the position in the fall election, Mrvan spent time in Washington, D.C., learning about the role. He also secured a post as co-chair-

man of the Congressional Steel Caucus, Northwest1991-2021 which works to promote and advance Indiana the interests of the domestic steel indus- Business Magazine 30YEARS try and steelworkers. Visclosky, a former chair of the Congressional Steel Caucus, said Mrvan is a good fit for the position and knows BEST OF BUSINESS AWARDS he will represent the 1st District well. “(Frank) has proven throughout his career to be one of the most sincere, decent and honorable individuals I have ever met,” Visclosky said. “I know he VOTE TODAY! has the character and skills to excel as

a member of Congress.” ◀ Point your phone’s camera Mrvan recognizes it also will be (no special app required) at the QR code important to get to know Indiana’s other (far left) to visit our voting page. U.S. representatives and find ways to help ▶ Or visit our website (below) the state as well as Northwest Indiana. to vote on your computer. “First and foremost, the 750,000 people who elected me to represent the 1st District are my priority, but it’s also NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM/VOTE/BESTOF important to develop relations with the Indiana delegation and the state of Indiana,” Mrvan said. “Making sure we have a strong economy will take work- ing across both sides of the aisle, and I understand it will be a fight every day for the 1st District’s priorities, but it will be important to blend those priorities with the state and nation, but as those things conflict, I will advocate for the 1st District.” Mrvan said the task he will miss the most at his former post as trustee will be the ability to immediately assist a constituent with an issue. “I’ll miss the fruitfulness of being able to instantaneously assist someone in a desperate or challenging time,” he said. “As a member of Congress, I’ll still be able to help people, but it will be by setting policy Deadline to vote is Feb. 12. for economic development, and educa- tional and health care access, (so ensuring) Winners profiled in the these things (happen) motivates me to be April/May 2021 edition. a better member of Congress.” ▪ NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 37 BUSINESS PROFILE Launched out of need SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE National competition shines spotlight on resident’s haircare product line

Larry Avila grateful to Sally Beauty (Supply) for Stanley, who worked as a nurse for lexis Stanley’s career took an seeing that.” five years in Crown Point and Gary, and unexpected turn after an inci- The former nurse learned about the the other finalists attended a four-week dent with a hair stylist. Cultivate program through 25bwb.org, virtual Cultivate boot camp in late fall. According to Stanley of a website dedicated to highlighting the The participants attended sessions AMerrillville, her hair was severely achievements of black women in the covering merchandising, social media, burned by a stylist who used tools that beauty industry. marketing, ecommerce, store operations were too hot. She immediately looked Stanley continued to produce her and entrepreneurship. for products to repair the damage but products herself until the volume Each segment of the boot camp to no avail. became too much to manage. She said was selected to ensure each business That’s when in late 2019 and early 2020, she began is set up for success and longevity in Stanley, a regis- working with a “trusted manufac- the beauty industry, according to Sally tered nurse, turer in Illinois” to help meet growing Beauty Supply. decided to create demand for her products. Stanley put her training to the test her own haircare Cultivate is an accelerator program, Dec. 3 when she and the other finalists product at home. presented by Sally Beauty Supply and made presentations to senior-level After some trial Cosmo Prof, to help women Sally Beauty and Cosmo Prof exec- and error, she grow their beauty-prod- utives at the Perfect Pitch discovered a uct businesses. Capstone event. They will formula that “We are amazed by have a chance to receive Winning this worked. The the ingenuity found in-store distribution of designation discovery even- among female entre- their products in select gives me tually led Stanley preneurs who are locations. “ to launch her consistently finding The winner of the pitch confirmation own business creative ways to meet event will be announced that I am indeed and haircare consumer demand in February, according offering new product line during the ongoing to representatives for and innovative UniQurl in 2018. pandemic,” said Pam Sally Beauty Supply, products to meet U n i Q u r l Kohn, senior vice and were not available as has an online president and chief of press time. unique demands following, but merchandising offi- Store distribution of textured hair- Stanley now cer at Sally Beauty could prove game chang- care.” has an opportu- Holdings. “We’re ing for Stanley and the — Alexis Stanley nity to expand proud to be part of each other finalists. In 2018, UniQurl founder d i s t r i b u t i o n of these brands’ incredible journeys in the program transformed the Curlanista nationally. She bringing the latest DIY trends to market, and PuffCuff brands into household and three other particularly at a time when salons and names, boosting those products’ sales entrepreneurs from around the country consumers are seeking new solutions.” by 3,771% and 88% the past year respec- are among the 2020 Cultivate Cohort, The other finalists were: tively, according to Sally Beauty Supply a designation that already has yielded • True + Pure Texture, owned by representatives. some benefits. She received a $15,000 natural hair expert, stylist and Stanley recognizes what is at stake grant and training to develop her busi- salon operator Pekela Riley of and is up for the challenge. ness skills. Jacksonville, Florida; “If I am selected, I will continue to work “I have worked very hard to stand out • Peculiar Roots, founded by Tara with Sally Beauty to have our products in the market, and winning this desig- Darnley of Greensboro, North available at select Sally Beauty locations nation gives me confirmation that I am Carolina; within the first 18 months,” she said. indeed offering new and innovative • Pattie Yankee Products, founded “Together, we will continue to grow our products to meet unique demands of by New York-based nail artist customer base and increase brand aware- textured haircare,” Stanley said. “I am Pattie Yankee. ness to a broader audience.” ▪ 38 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM MAKING A DIFFERENCE It takes an army SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE The Salvation Army of Lake County overcomes hurdles to aid community during pandemic

Catherine McCoy a window because of health and safety said Kevin Feldman, director of devel- he Salvation Army of Lake protocols to slow the spread of the opment for The Salvation Army of County’s decades of helping disease. Mobile food trucks delivered 100 Lake County. “The good work cannot those in need around the Region lunches daily. Christmas presents were be accomplished without them.” prepared it for the difficult year shared through their Angel Tree program. Even through the pandemic, the Tthat was 2020. And community members received assis- mission of The Salvation Army has When the COVID-19 pandemic hit tance through social services. remained constant. earlier in the year, many Northwest No one is exempt from diseases, “If anything, the COVID-19 pandemic Indiana families found themselves with- disasters and emergencies, Clark is helping to make us even stronger out paychecks. said. No generation has avoided crisis, and capable of meeting human needs,” They faced hard and current and future generations Clark said. “Besides our prayers that the choices when shouldn’t expect to either. pandemic will cease in 2021, we also it came to daily “We must do everything that we can to hope that many new individual and life. Some had to prepare ourselves for times like these to corporate partners will join with us to choose between occur … and they will happen again,” he help restore the individuals and families paying an elec- said. “The Salvation Army will be stand- hurt most by COVID-19, (because) their tric bill or buying ing ready to help our neighbors who are needs will continue for some time after food, which led in need during any crisis.” the pandemic has ended.” many people to Volunteers and donors ▪ seek help from are always a key compo- u Capt. Brian The Salvation nent to the services of The Clark, coordinator of Army — some Salvation Army of Lake The Salvation Army for the first time County, and in the wake of of Lake County. ever. COVID-19, they are even As businesses more critical. The Red cut back opera- Kettle campaign during the tions and furloughed workers during holiday season normally the crisis, The Salvation Army of accounts for about 70% of Lake County saw demand for services fundraising for the year, increase 500% between March and but restrictions from the June. Requests for aid pushed the pandemic reduced that organization to its limits, but leaders number significantly. vowed to continue providing relief to The Salvation Army the community. continues to provide “The Salvation Army has stood along- services to those in need, side anyone needing emergency assis- but without the contri- tance and relief during the toughest of butions from their neigh- times,” said Capt. Brian Clark, coordi- bors, those services for the nator of The Salvation Army of Lake new year will be limited, County. “There are many nonprofits Clark said. that have closed their doors during the “Whether it’s individu- pandemic, (but) The Salvation Army als or businesses who give community centers in Lake County to support The Salvation The Salvation Army’s and elsewhere have remained open and Army’s work, they are Red Kettle campaign during the holiday stand ready to help.” every bit as responsible for season accounts for The Salvation Army found ways to helping their neighbors in 70% of its annual continue delivering services. A hot lunch need as the organization’s fundraising. became a to-go box delivered through employees and volunteers,” Photo provided by The Salvation Army

NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE | FEB-MAR 2021 39 VIEWPOINT Commemorating SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE 30 years

Troy Linker and, by extension, the Region so much left the conference room fuming, not that she refused to let the magazine at all concerned about how hard the die with Indiana Business Magazine in door closed behind me. Returning 2009. In the middle of the 2008 Great to my office, I wrote the date May Recession, she bought the magazine I1, 2015, on my white board. It would from Curtis Publishing. Using grit and serve as a reminder and to mark the more than a little determination, she beginning of a six-month evaluation guided the magazine from its founding reputation. Everyone I spoke with period before leav- in 1991 to its 25th anniversary in 2016. during those first few weeks was ing a company whose I learned about Glee and the maga- complimentary of the magazine’s mission I respected zine when I met her husband, Conrad, editorial reputation. Which — with and where I had spent shortly after her death in early 2016. the support of my wife, Lee Ann, and 17 mostly happy years. Conrad’s goal was to find someone to her steady job with benefits — gave Six months later, I carry on the magazine. He saw her me the confidence to take a risk and looked at that date fight to keep the magazine going from purchase the magazine from Conrad. one last time before her hospice bed in their living room, In the weeks and months that signing my resigna- demonstrating how much she loved followed, I recognized the magazine’s tion letter and begin- it and the Northwest Indiana busi- ability to spotlight the issues and ning my journey to ness community. His goal was to find people important to our Region, which u Troy Linker is the become publisher of someone to carry on the magazine’s is the foundation of its positive repu- editor and publisher Northwest Indiana mission. He was not interested in sell- tation. Living up to this reputation is of the Northwest Business Magazine. ing to someone who wanted to merge our daily goal and a guiding principle Indiana Business Ten years earlier, I the magazine into another publication for our future growth plans. Magazine. moved to Dyer, but or to shut it down. Instead, he sought As my confidence in Northwest not being from the someone who wanted to run it, not Indiana Business Quarterly grew, I Region, my connec- just own it! decided in 2018 to expand the tions to the business community were At the same time, I was publishing schedule from limited. I did not realize that, in 1991, looking for a new oppor- Many thanks to quarterly to bimonthly. Glee Renick-May, then with Indiana tunity. I wanted to lead our readers and In recognition of this Business Magazine, partnered with the a small team where my our advertisers change, we removed quar- Northwest Indiana Forum to launch the publishing experience “ terly from the magazine’s for supporting biannual Northwest Indiana Magazine. and skills could impact the magazine title — although many It focused on local business successes success without the folks continue to call us and the strengths of the Region’s interference and bureau- for 30 years. ” NWIBQ — adopting our economy. I also didn’t know that, in cracy of a large organi- current title Northwest 2002, Northwest Indiana Magazine had zation. Conrad said Glee Indiana Business Magazine. increased its frequency to four issues guided us to each other from above. I never would have predicted the day annually and changed its name to I am not sure I will go that far, but I decided to leave a company I loved Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly. we did learn Glee’s favorite aunt was that, nearly six years later, I would be It is fair to say that Northwest Indiana my childhood Sunday school teacher blessed with a new mission and a new Business Magazine would not be cele- years ago. Coincidence or fate? You company I love even more! brating its 30th anniversary if it were be the judge. Many thanks to our readers and our not for the confidence and chutzpah Before purchasing the magazine, I advertisers for supporting the maga- of Glee Renick-May. I never met Glee. worked with Conrad as the associate zine for 30 years. We are committed Sadly, she passed before I had the publisher. I wanted to talk with the to showcasing the activities and busi- chance, but I can tell you she seemed advertisers, writers, editors, photogra- ness professionals who are moving our to be my kind of gal! She believed in phers, and most importantly, readers community forward for many years Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly to learn more about the magazine’s to come! ▪ 40 FEB-MAR 2021 | NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS MAGAZINE NWINDIANABUSINESS.COM THINKING ABOUT THE TAX MAN? SO ARE WE

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