Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Magazine

2011 Winners Page 8

2012 Nominees Page 38

Women Owned Business Directory Page 39

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Welcome Our inaugural issue is finally here!

Welcome to the Influential Women of NWI Magazine’s inaugural issue! This magazine is meant to be a celebration, a companion and a resource to many people throughout the region and beyond: A celebration of the successes of influential women both this year and last, a companion with articles and resources about empowering women and a resource guide in the form of a directory listing of over 500 woman-owned businesses throughout Northwest Indiana.

Women throughout the region are being empowered and taking positions in their companies like never before. We are creating our own companies, taking promotions, stepping outside the little box that we have been forced into for so long.

Northwest Indiana has become a part of the state and the entire country to watch for female leadership and influence.

Women are stepping up into roles they never have before, and with pride. Not only that, but they are helping other women along the way challenge stereotypes and become hard workers and successful businesswomen. Women take the skills and motivation they learn here in Northwest Indiana and take it to other parts of the country, to spread the love, spread the movement and lead fulfilling lives. The Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards showcase women in 11 different industries, both the Up-And-Coming women and the Influential Women who are already on top.

A very high honor is given for the Empowering Business of the Year. This business is the company which works the hardest to support and empower women in the workplace. In the workplace, women have been systematically repressed, held back from promotions and paid less than their male counterparts. Influential Women of Northwest Indiana likes to honor businesses that try to break away from that trend and work for a future free of inequality.

The business directory at the back of this issue is vital for anyone wanting to reach out to female business owners or companies that support and empower women. The listing contains over 500 women, by far the largest directory of female entrepreneurs in the region. The contact information can be used to reach out for business deals, opportunities or questions, as well as a resource for being able to support, empower and patronize female entrepreneurs in the region.

The articles contained in IWNWI are about women, the plight against women in the workplace and how different programs for women are available.

Kind Regards,

Andrea M. Pearman Publisher

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1330 Arrowhead Ct Crown Point, IN 46307

219.226.0300 • 317.632.1410

Visit us at www.nwiwomen.com

Publisher/Editor Andrea M. Pearman andrea@3dms.com

Vice President, Business Dev. Chrischelle Schmidt chrischelle@3dms.com

Senior Writer David Wellman dave@3dms.com

Creative Director Jen Labriola jen@3dms.com

Accounting Lindsey Andershock la@3dms.com

Director of Advertising Liza Hilliard liza@3dms.com

Writer Ryan Riverside ryan@3dms.com

Director of Events Jo Sutton jo@3dms.com

Manager Carrie Sovola carrie@3dms.com

Copyright ©2012 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Magazine is published once a year. Address correspondence to: 1330 Arrowhead Court, Crown Point, IN 46307. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of the publisher. For general reprint information, contact Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Magazine at andrea@3dms.com. All opinions and views are solely those of the participants or editors and are not necessarily the views of magazine sponsors.

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www.nwiwomen.com

20 Turning Talk into Action

23 Facts & Stats 26 Bridging the Gap 29 2011 Photo Feature 33 Matters of State 35 American Women 6 Our 2011 Winners

38 2012 Nominees

39

Women Owned

Business Directory

www.nwiwomen.com

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Influential Women of Northwest Indiana 2011 winners

T

he greatest challenge in choosing the Influential Women of Northwest Indiana comes from the sheer quality of the region’s female leadership.

Northwest Indiana is traditionally thought of – even stereotyped – as the last bastion of heavy industry; or a place where burn-scarred men wrestle with molten steel in mills stretching for miles along Lake Michigan. Reality, however, tells a different story.

While retaining its industrial heritage, Northwest Indiana is far more diverse today than ever before. Cutting-edge healthcare, advanced technology and higher education drive growth in the region. At every level in these fields, as well as in finance, government, construction and more, women guide the future of Northwest Indiana.

And it is not just here – it is a nationwide trend. American Express OPEN estimates that as of March 2012, more than 8.3 million woman-owned businesses thrived in the U.S., a 54 percent increase over the past 15 years.

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These businesses generate revenues of $1.3 trillion (up 58 percent) and employ 7.7 million people (up nine percent).

Those growth rates exceed those of all but the largest publicly traded firms.

In Indiana, the number of womenowned businesses has grown nearly 28 percent since 1997, and their revenues increased more than 68 percent. In terms of both revenues and job growth of woman-owned businesses, the Hoosier State ranks in the top half of the U.S. And the Chicago metro area, which includes Northwest Indiana, is 10th in the nation in the number of women-owned firms.

Why is this happening? Well, for one thing, women are more organized and connected than ever before. Awards and events like Influential Women of Northwest Indiana have created opportunities for women to network, share resources and learn from each other’s successes.

Women are also becoming more adept at securing the venture capital needed to establish startup firms. And then there’s the Internet. Especially for entrepreneurially-minded women, the Internet has allowed them to better balance work and home life.

The impact of the hard work and commitment of Northwest Indiana’s female executives and civic leaders becomes more apparent every day.

Once again, we congratulate and honor the Up and Coming and Influential Women of 2011.  www.nwiwomen.com

Influential Women of Northwest Indiana 2011 nominees Construction

Up & Coming Woman of the Year Karyn Gallas President, Schererville Glass & Mirror Lorrie Lisek President, Legacy Environmental Services, Inc.

LeAnn McCrum Executive Director, Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center Kay Nelson Director of Environmental Affairs, Northwest Indiana Forum

Influential Woman of the Year

Pat Pullara Chief Operating Officer, Greater Northwest Indiana Association of REALTORS

Melissa Neff President, Mechanical Concepts, Inc.

Jeanne Sommer Broker/Owner, Century 21 Alliance Group

Sarah Polman Principal, IN-Cambridge Architects & Planners, Inc.

Diane Thalmann Economic Development Manager, NIPSCO

Rosa Maria Rodriguez Financial Secretary, USW LOCAL 1010

Economic Development Up & Coming Woman of the Year Nichole DeMario Director of Communications, Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors

Jennifer Whaley Executive Director, Newton County Economic Development Commission

Education Up & Coming Woman of the Year Kristin McKone Marketing & Development Director, Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana

Dr. Charlotte Reed Professor of Urban Education and Executive Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning at IUN Indiana University Northwest Anna Rominger, J.D. Dean of the School of Business and Economics, Indiana University Northwest

Influential Woman of the Year

Chenn Zhou Professor, Department Head, Mechanical Engineering; Founding Director of the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation at Purdue University Calumet

Financial Up & Coming Woman of the Year Theresa Mudd Assistant Vice President - Southeast Retail Regional Manager, Citizens Financial Bank

Susan Riddering Vice President of Business Development, NorthStar360

Erica Passauer Senior Vice President of Lending, Regional Development Company

Anne Van Keppel Associate Director of Athletics, Valparaiso University

Sandra SnearlyVosberg CEO, Sandra Snearly Corporation

Tina Rongers President, Karnerblue Era, LLC

Influential Woman of the Year

Darci Baldin VP, Regional Market Manager, First Financial Bank

Kathy DeGuilio-Fox Director, Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana

Dawn Collins Broker/Owner, Century 21 Executive Realty Valparaiso LLC

Kaye Frataccia Teacher, Valparaiso Community Schools

Leanne HoaglandSmith, M.S. Chief Results Officer, Advanced Systems

Dee Haklin Vice Chancellor, Valparaiso Campus, Ivy Tech Community College

www.nwiwomen.com

Mara Candelaria Reardon Indiana State Representative

Jennifer Wright, PhD Success By 6 Coordinator, Northwest Indiana United Way

Elizabeth Jacobson Economic Development Director, City of Hammond

Carol Allegretti Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Results

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

Shelli VanDenburgh Indiana State Representative

Melissa Hickey Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Results

Influential Woman of the Year

Government

Dr. Karen Venditti Professor of Education, Saint Joseph College

Lakshmi Raman Assistant Director of Retention, Ivy Tech Community College

Elida Abeyta Instructor, Ivy Tech Community College

Dian Reyome Financial Literacy Coordinator, Centier Bank

Kathy Peck Branch Manager, PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company Influential Woman of the Year

Carol Highsmith Senior Partner, Centier Bank Carla Houck Vice President, Retail Banking Group, Peoples Bank

Nancy Dembowski Indiana State Representative Peggy Holinga Katona Lake County Auditor Sue Landske Indiana State Senator Linda Lawson Indiana State Representative Janice Malinowski Clerk-Treasurer, Town of Schererville Earline Rogers Indiana State Senator Karen Tallian Indiana State Senator Olga Velazquez Mayor, City of Portage

Healthcare Up & Coming Woman of the Year Marjie Laciak Pharmacist, Fagen Pharmacy Rosanne Loughmiller Business Development Manager, Prompt Ambulance Service, Inc. Janice Ryba Chief Executive Officer, St. Mary Medical Center

Foundation of Northwest Indiana

Influential Woman of the Year

Tracey Franovich Vice President of Operations, Franciscan Physicians Hospital

Renee J. Mortimer Partner-in-Charge, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Barbara Greene President and CEO, Franciscan Physicians Hospital

Kathryn Schmidt Of Counsel, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP

Cheryl Harmon Vice President and CFO, Porter Health System

Shelice Tolbert Partner, Kopka, Pinkus, Dolin & Eads, LLC

Dr. Danita Johnson Hughes President and CEO, Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living

Manufacturing

Danielle Kauffman Doctor of Chiropractic, Kauffman Chiropractic Shar Miller Chief Executive Officer, Prompt Ambulance Service, Inc. Laurie Mullet CEO, Pines Village Retirement Communities Dr. Heather Nath, MD Board Certified Pain Management Specialist, Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute Kelly Oney Nurse Practitioner, Winfield Family Health Center Micki Pawlowski Vice-President/Owner, Calumet Orthopedic & Prosthetics Co., Inc. Cindy Ross Assistant Vice President, LP Lewis Inc. Patricia Weber Vice President/ Chief Nursing Officer, Franciscan St. Anthony Health Kim Woofter COO, Michiana Hematology-Oncology, PC

Law

Up & Coming Woman of the Year Monica BusovskyGarcia Metal Trader, Aleris International, Inc. Kira Geiss Manager of Shared Services, ArcelorMittal Kelly Nissan Communications & Corporate Responsibility Manager, ArcelorMittal Influential Woman of the Year Julia Hess Controller, UFS Corporation Sharon Owen General Manager, Gary Works United States Steel Corporation Jill Ritchie Manager, Public Policy & Government Affairs, United States Steel Corporation Gary Works

Marketing/ Media Up & Coming Woman of the Year Tania Bengtsson Director of Marketing, Gibson Meghan Mauman Sales Representative, View Outdoor Advertising

Influential Woman of the Year

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

Influential Woman of the Year

Rene Martin First Vice President, Citizens Financial Bank

Jo Ann Birdzell CEO, St. Catherine Hospital

Melanie Dunajeski Attorney, Beckman, Kelly & Smith

Helen Pennington Vice President, Harris Bank

Frankie Fesko Chairman of the Board of Directors Community

Marissa McDermott Attorney, McDermott Law Office

Deb Anselm Porter County General Manager, The Times Media Company Continued on next page

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Nominees Continued FROM previous page Pat Colander Associate Publisher & Editor, The Times Media Company Kris Falzone President, Communications Strategic Consulting Cheryl Justak President, Golf Club Masters Inc. Publisher, Golf Now! Chicago Andrea Pearman Creative Commander, Diversified Marketing Strategies Lisa Tatina Publisher, SouthtownStar Publisher of Post-Tribune Sun-Times Media Vice President, Advertising, South Region Theresa Valade CEO, Success Trek

Nonprofit

Shirley Caylor Executive Director & Cofounder, Crisis Center, Inc.

Angie Williams Executive Director, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana

Mary Joan Dickson Parks Director, Town of Cedar Lake

Linda Woloshansky President, Center of Workforce Innovations

Heather Ennis Executive Director, Chesterton Chamber of Commerce

Laura Harting RN, BSN, MSN Executive Director, Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County, IN., Inc.

Beth Wrobel CEO, HealthLinc, Inc.

Alison Martin Vice President of Development and Marketing, Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana

Patricia Huber President/Executive Director, Crown Point Community Foundation

Monique Ruiz Office Administrator, Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

Sharon A. Kish President, United Way of Porter County

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

Influential Woman of the Year

Sandra Noe Executive Director, Meal on Wheels of Northwest Indiana

Tracy Jones Cage Shift Manager, Horseshoe Casino, Hammond

Mary Beth Schultz Executive Director, The Caring Place, Inc.

Stephanie Sheikh Restaurant Manager, Horseshoe Casino, Hammond

Kimberly Smith Executive Director, Parents as Teachers of Lake County, Inc.

Niko Sullivan General Manager, Lost Marsh Golf Course

Up & Coming Woman of the Year Rachel Delaney Executive Director, Humane Society Calumet Area

Vanessa Allen President and CEO, Urban League of Northwest Indiana Sylvia Cardosi, CIRS/CRS Information & Referral/211 Manager, Northwest Indiana Community Action

Barb Young President, Porter County Community Foundation Donna Welter, Philanthropist

Service/Tourism

Influential Woman of the Year Nancy Adams Owner, Strongbow Inn Jeanette Binder Designer, Martin Binder Jeweler Jean Phelps Franchise Owner, Express Employment Professionals Dawn Reynolds-Pettit Regional Vice President of Human Resources, Horseshoe Casino, Hammond Chareice White Corporate Director of Community Relations, Majestic Star and Fitzgerald Casinos President, Barden Gary Foundation Lorelei Weimer Executive Director, Porter County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission

2011 Winners Frankie Fesko

Chairman of the Board / Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc.

Years with current company: Appointed to Community Hospital Board in 1979 Community Involvement: Munster Medical Research Foundation, Community Cancer Research Foundation, Ridgewood Arts Foundation, Community Surgery Center, Community Cardiology Center, Friends of the Cancer Research Foundation, Community Village, Inc., Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, Cardiovascular Research Committee, Tri Kappa, and Briar Ridge Country Club Board.

Family: Spouse, Timothy; Children, Heather, Donald, and Tim; Grandchildren, DJ, Libby, Michael, and Stevie

Community Leader Award

2011 winner

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What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

My parents had the most influence on my career. My mother always worked outside the home and was active in the community. My father gave me the opportunity to become a member of the Community Hospital Board (MMRF). They both encouraged me to pursue a variety of interests and provided me with an excellent education. They set the bar high and were accomplished individuals.

Where do you find inspiration?

There are certain projects that have been particularly interesting to me. First, the Cancer Resource Centre would be a favorite. It is amazing to see the grace with which many cancer patients accept their journey with cancer as a companion. One is able to learn a lot about what is important in life. Second, the Veterans Memorial, I feel, has been a worthwhile project.

Walking through the park is a humbling experience; our veterans deserve an enormous thank you for all they have done. www.nwiwomen.com

Barbara Greene

Overall Influential WomAn of the Year

President / Franciscan Physicians Hospital

Years with current company: 25 years with Franciscan Alliance

2011

Personal: Mother of three (Katlin, Samantha, and Andrew); BS in Management Accounting, Purdue University Calumet; MBA, Northwestern University, Kellogg School Awards/Recognition: Top 50 Female Executive list – published in 2011 by Becker Community Involvement: American Heart Association Board and Catholic Charities Boards

Influential Woman in Healthcare

2011 winner

What advice do you have for young women in the workforce?

Get a good education. Determine what it is that you are passionate about and follow that path. It is OK if the path changes along the way. You can always change courses as long as you have faith in yourself and God. Work hard and never neglect your values. That doesn’t mean that if things do not go your way that you walk away, that means you don’t do something that makes you feel uncomfortable in side. If that happens, you do walk away. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally, there are many people depending on you. It is OK to treat yourself now and then. It is healthy to laugh and vital that you love. All of this takes courage.

How important has a strong business network been to your success?

A strong business network is important, but what has been most important is working with people who have a vision and will allow you to explore the vision and sometimes fail and sometimes succeed. It is very important to work for the “right” people so that you can expand your horizons, but not compromise your values in the process.

Marjie Biel-Laciak Pharmacist / Fagen Pharmacy

Years with current company: 8 Awards/Recognition: Robert K. Chalmers Award for Distinguished Service to Experiential Programs, Purdue University, 2005 Community Involvement: Experiential Learning Advisory Committee, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, 2005 – present; American Pharmacists Association “Pharmacy Today” Editorial Advisory Board, 2007-2010; Hobart YMCA, Board of Directors, 2009; RxSafeNetMedication Safety Research Network of Indiana, Advisory Board, 2011- present Family: Husband Geoff Laciak

Up & Coming Woman in Healthcare

2011 winner www.nwiwomen.com

What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

Jerry Fagen, Jr., RPh has been a great mentor during my career with Fagen Pharmacy. He has given me the opportunity to dream big, and turn my aspirations into a reality. He has showed me how his family has always put the customer first, and has created Fagen Pharmacy to be a place where the pharmacist becomes a family friend.

Where do you find new business ideas?

We look into the community to see where we can make an impact in preventative healthcare, and disease education. Our focus is not just in dispensing medications, but in educating our patients on ways to help them live healthier lives.

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Niko Sullivan

Golf Course Administrator Lost Marsh Golf Course/Hammond Port Authority

Overall up & Coming WomAn of the Year

2011

Years with current company: 2 years Community Involvement: First Tee of Hammond

Family: Husband (Kevin), 3 sons (Kevin Jr., Cal and Boudi) and our dog (Bart) What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

My Mother, she taught all of her children to be strong, independent adults with great work ethics.

Up & Coming Woman in Service

2011 winner

Where do you find new business ideas?

Seminars, magazines, trade-shows, and interaction with golfers and other golf courses.

How did you find the right work-life balance?

I haven’t. I’m lucky to have wonderful husband that picks up the slack.

How important has a strong business network been to your success?

Very important, the people I interact with are strong, supportive, and knowledgeable allowing me to excel in my business endeavors.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration through God, family, friends and coworkers.

Dawn Reynolds-Pettit

Regional Vice President Human Resources Horseshoe Casino & Harrah’s Joliet (Caesars Entertainment)

Years with current company: 10 Awards/ Recognition: Horseshoe Casino was recent winner of Indiana Best Places To Work, which is the first time a casino in the State of Indiana has won.

Community Involvement: Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana Board Member; Calumet College of St. Joseph Board Trustee; Purdue University Calumet’s Management Advisory Board Member; Northwest Indiana Funder’s Forum member; Senior Services Board Member; Dyer Kicker’s Soccer Coach; Caesars Entertainment HERO member Family: George (husband); Noah & Riley (sons); Lucky (dog)

Influential Woman in Service

2011 winner 10

What advice do you have for young women in the workforce?

It’s not easy being a successful woman in any industry. You are pulled in many different directions. But hang in there. Don’t be afraid to have a voice. Be strong, be heard, but be respectful. I’ve seen many talented women fail because they felt they had to be overbearing to be impactful. Laugh when you least feel like it. Be yourself, don’t compromise your integrity, and don’t give up when life throws you a curve ball. I’m a much stronger person because of the challenges I’ve overcome in my life. Oh, and it is okay to cry sometimes. Just make sure you have your big girl panties on when you do. It makes fixing your mascara that much easier before you go get ‘em again! www.nwiwomen.com

Patricia Huber

President / Crown Point Community Foundation

Personal: I graduated from Marquette University and taught school for several years before joining my brother, David, and our Mom and Dad in the family business: Huber’s Department Store. My nineteen years in retail taught me so much. I learned marketing, sales, buying, managerial skills and so many other life lessons. Both most of all, it allowed me to work alongside my family. This time was precious and dear to me. Being able to work, live and raise my family in the same community as where I was raised has been extremely rewarding.

Awards/Recognition: Being named President of the Crown Point Community Foundation (in 2002) was humbling; and a great honor for me. Last year, I was the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade, representing the Crown Point Community Foundation. It was great fun riding in the parade with two of the Founders of the Foundation; Joe Nerney and Tim Sendak.

Influential Woman in Nonprofit

2011 winner

Community Involvement: In the past – I served on the board of the Southlake YMCA and the Crown Point Community Library Board of Trustees.

Where do you find new business ideas?

By listening – when attending board meetings, conferences, seminars and retreats – people share their knowledge. You just need to be a good listener and allow other people to share their thoughts. Much of what we do as a Foundation has been suggested by board members, staff recommendations and community members. Sometimes you need to try something, be a little risky. Some of your best successes come out of those suggestions. But on the other hand, recognize what doesn’t work and be willing to step away from it.

Heather Ennis

Executive Director / Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce

Awards/ Recognition: 2009 Porter County CVB R.O.S.E. Award winner for Newcomer of the Year; 2009 20 Under 40 Community Involvement: Rebuilding Together Duneland-BOD, Regional Development Company-BOD, Northwest Indiana Forum - Economic Development Committee, Porter County Economic Development Alliance, Duneland Economic Development Company- Board President, Porter County Community Foundations - Grant Committee, Town of Porter- Brand Leadership Team, Town of Burns Harbor- 20/20 Team

Up & Coming Woman in Nonprofit

2011 winner www.nwiwomen.com

What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

Cliché as it may be my parents have been the most influential in my career. They are both community minded overachievers. My mother ran her own real estate company before she retired to volunteer six days a week at our church. My father is a successful attorney in our community. He helped start the Chesterton High School Speech and Debate team and many other sound organizations in Porter County.

Where do you find new business ideas?

Everywhere! We have a great team at the Chamber and we are always thinking of new things that we can do to add value to our members. I have a fantastic group of friends that help brainstorm ideas and find creative solutions to everyday challenges that come up. It is very rare that I don’t walk away from a meeting with action items on how I can continue to do better at my job and make the chamber or the DEDC better for our community.

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Carol Highsmith Senior Partner / Centier Bank

Awards/Recognition: 1998 – Economic Development Award Crown Point Chamber; July/ August 2002 Featured Female Of the Premier Edition of the Northwest Indiana Woman; Spring 2010 of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly featured as one of the top 10 women leaders in the region. November, 2010, Athena Leadership Award Recipient (Awarded by Crossroads Chamber)

Influential Woman in Finance

2011 winner

Community Involvement: St. Jude House Board and Development Board (current chair); Past President (2 year term) of the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce; Currently serving on the Legacy Foundation Board; Current President of “e” engaging Northwest Indiana Businesswomen; Past President (2 year term) of St. John’s United Church of Christ Church Council; Current Chair of the Evangelism Committee of St. John’s UCC; Member of Crown Point Tri Kappa (Treasurer from 2007 to 2009) and serve on 2 committees. I have delivered Meals on Wheels as part of the Centier Team for the past 15 years.

What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

I can not name one person. There have been several people along the way that have influenced me. A couple of gentlemen that I worked for when I started my banking career come to mind. They are both now retired. They both had faith in me and often challenged me with projects that stretched my thinking and abilities. Our President, Mike Schrage, who I directly report to, has been very influential in my development. He taught me to be flexible and always open to change.

Theresa Mudd

Regional Sales Manager / Citizens Financial Bank

Awards/ Recognition: Graduation from Purdue Calumet “With Distinction” Community Involvement: Munster Rotary Club Board of Directors – incoming Secretary for 2011-2012 Term, Junior Achievement Board of Directors, Friends of Hospice – Incoming Vice President for 2011-2012, Haven House Executive Board, Lake Central High School Business Department Advisory Committee Family: Husband Mark, Daughter Chloe, 2 dogs, Peanut and Leia

Up & Coming Woman in Finance

2011 winner 12

What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

It is very difficult to pinpoint one individual. I have been very fortunate to have worked for and with some amazing individuals. At Citizens, I am extremely lucky to work directly with Shawn Wagoner and Dale Clapp. They are tremendously supportive, encouraging, and motivating, but do not hesitate to push and challenge me to be the best that I can be. It is very comforting to know that you have a management team that believes in you.

What advice do you have for young women in the workforce?

You can do anything you put your mind to. While there may be some bumps in the road, always look at them as opportunities for improvement and to grow professionally as well as personally! Stay strong, persistent, and find ways to stand out from the crowd. Find something that you are passionate about and stick with it. Give it your all and smile while doing it – it will pay off in the long run!

www.nwiwomen.com

Olga G. Velazquez Mayor (2011) / City of Portage

Years with current company: Mayor 2008 to 2012, Councilwoman 2002-2008, Plan Commission 2000-2002 Awards/Recognition: Leadership Award from Women’s Commission on National Women’s Day Celebration “Women Change America” March 2005, Democrat of the Year Porter County Democrats 2005, Best Practice Award from the Governor’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease for Grandchildren and Elderly Project, 2000. Recognized by the Porter County United Way for volunteer service during the flood of 2008. Bronze, Silver and Gold Certification as an Indiana City Leadership Ambassador in the Mayor’s Institute Program awarded by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns and IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Influential Woman in Government

2011 winner

Community Involvement: Member of the Portage Economic Development Commission, Portage Education Foundation, NIRPC Executive Board, Northern Indiana Mayor’s Roundtable Treasurer, Portage Historical Society, Pride in Portage Committee, Chairman of Portage Perch Fest Committee, Purdue North Central Advisory Board, Northshore Health Center Executive Board, Portage Youth Commission Sponsor, Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Senior Services, American Legion Post 260 Women’s Auxiliary.

What advice do you have for young women in the workforce?

To stand tall, be prepared, be organized, and deliver your message with confidence. And to remember that… ”No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”—Eleanor Roosevelt

Mara Candelaria Reardon

12th District State Representative / Indiana General Assembly

Awards/ Recognition: Freshman Legislator of the Year 2007 from the South Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau; Legislator of the Year 2007, Indiana Council of Administrators for Special Education, U.S. Congressional Record, 2010 Community Involvement: Treasurer of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus; Treasurer of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators; Lifetime Member of the National Association of Hispanic Elected and Appointed Officials Family: Married to Matthew, Children Christian and Victoria

Up & Coming Woman in Government

2011 winner www.nwiwomen.com

How did you find the right work-life balance?

It is difficult. Although, my job is supposed to be a part-time job, it often takes me away from my family. I find that involving the kids as much as possible and communicating with them about the work that I’m doing helps them to understand the importance of that work. Having an amazing and supportive husband also is a huge help. Matt has a very demanding career, yet he is very supportive and dedicated to our family.

What advice do you have for young women in the workforce?

The advice I give to all young people is to prepare yourself for opportunity, by being the very best at whatever it is you are currently doing whether it’s studying or working in a job you didn’t exactly dream about when you graduated. Very few people begin college or their careers knowing exactly where they will finish, but if you are prepared for the next opportunity, you will be that much further ahead when the next chapter of your life begins.

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Sarah E. Polman Principal / IN-Cambridge Architects

Personal: I attended Purdue University and have a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. I have worked in a predominately male-dominated industry of engineering and construction for almost 30 years and started a successful company before I was 30 years old, which still exists 22 years later. I also have volunteered for many community organizations and provided mentorship to students and young business people.

Awards/Recognition: 1997 National Leadership Award Winner; Recipient of the Thanks Badge as an adult Girl Scout volunteer; Nominee for the Athena Award in 2010

Influential Woman in Construction

2011 winner

Community Involvement: Currently serving on the Boards of the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Northwest Indiana. Also serve as the Alumni Chair for Leadership Northwest Indiana. Previously served in various roles on the Board of the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce, including President. Previously served in various roles on the Board of Drifting Dunes Girl Scout Council, including President. Served as the Chair of the Transitional Nominating Committee for the merger of seven councils into the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana. Served on the Task Force for the merger of the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce and the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce, which merged in 2009 to form the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce. Previously served on the Historic Review Board in Crown Point and the Crown Point Economic Development Corporation.

What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

Gayle Van Sessen, who is one of my best friends, helped me in my career in many ways, especially as it relates to mentoring others and providing leadership.

Karyn L. Gallas

CFO/Director of Operations/Business Owner, Schererville Glass & Mirror, Inc. Business Owner, TOMKAR, LLC: Real Estate Owner/Leasing Commercial Residential Secretary/Treasurer, Deer Run Condo Assoc.

Company Info: Schererville Glass & Mirror, Inc. SGM is a family owned business developed 25 years ago by my husband of 21 years, Tom Gallas.

Personal: I received my Bachelors Degree in Business & Marketing from Robert Morris University, Chicago, IL in 1996.

Up & Coming Woman in Construction

2011 winner 14

Community Involvement: As a couple, Tom and I frequently attend community charity events and always donate to the local activities in our areas. We pride ourselves in aiding and donating time and material to many of the Catholic schools and churches in Northwest Indiana. Giving back to our great community is a very important part of our development as individuals and business owners.

What advice do I have for young women in the workforce?

I have mentored numerous young women into this great world of business. My greatest advice is always the same-stay in school. Get an education. Go to college. No man can every take away from you what you only earned yourself. It gives you the ability to believe in yourself.

That piece of paper that says “Bachelors in Business” gave me the courage and the knowledge to take risks. These risks were made based on calculated and educated decisions due to all my learning and training in college. School will give you the techniques of patience, commitment, listening, determination, and the ultimate feeling of accomplishment. Every woman needs all these to succeed in this world. www.nwiwomen.com

Dr. Charlotte Reed

Executive Director/ Professor of Urban Education IU Northwest Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL)

Awards/Recognition: Presented the “Dedicated Service Award” from the IU Northwest Chapter of Sigma Alpha Pi (2010); Honored with the Sunnybrook SD#171 “Service to Education Award” (1999-2009); Selected as an Indiana Campus Compact CSD Fellow (2009); Inducted into Sigma Alpha Pi (2009); Received the prestigious “William A. Stafford Service Award” (IAIE, 2008); Received “IASB Recognition for Service to the 2008 Delegate Assembly”; Inducted into Leadership Northwest Indiana (2005); Inducted into FACET (2004); Presented an “Award of Appreciation for a Decade of Dedicated Service and Commitment” by the Urban Teacher Education Program(UTEP) Collaborative(2004); and Honored with the Neal Marshall Alumni Club of Northwest Indiana “Outstanding Faculty Award” (2003)

Influential Woman in Education

2011 winner

What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

My Mother, Lillian Marie Reed, who is deceased. She always told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be in life. She was a woman of faith and prayed me through every major challenge I have faced. Some of the qualities and skills I possess, I gained them from her example. While she was a homemaker with less than a high school education, she taught me to love and respect learning. She taught be to have integrity at all cost. My early lessons on budgeting came from watching her work magic with the small wages my father earned. Working with scarce resources became easy for me, because she delegated the budgeting assignment to me, as well as some other chores that increased my ability to be responsible and reliable. She was creative and was willing to take risks. I too am a risk-taker.

Anne Van Keppel

Associate Director of Athletics / Valparaiso University

Community Involvement: e Engaging Northwest Indiana Business Women, Board member; Tradewinds Services, Board member; South Shore Futures Golf Championship, Steering Committee; Indiana Society of Chicago, member; National Sports Marketing Association, member; Crisis Center Wine Fest committee member; past Merrillville Chamber of Commerce, Board member; past IU Alumni of Northwest Indiana, Board member What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

Larry Alt has been a great mentor, Larry has always been available to me to give me sound business advice to help me advance in my career

Up & Coming Woman in Education

2011 winner www.nwiwomen.com

How important has a strong business network been to your success?

Extremely, it is through shared communication with business people across the various business sectors that generate new collaborative ideas and opportunities What advice do you have for young women in the workforce?

Always act professionally, follow up and thank people that help you along the way. Learn from everyone you meet, you can always take away something from every new acquaintance.

Don’t let men intimidate you. Ask for what you want. Being influential means crossing county lines and recognizing Northwest Indiana as one unit in order to advance Northwest Indiana economically. I live in Jasper County, work in Porter County and have friends and do business in Lake and La Porte County, I don’t see county lines I see ONE geographical territory and I call it “home”.

15

Sharon Owen

General Manager – Gary Works / U. S. Steel Corporation

Years with current company: 35 Company information: Gary Works is U. S. Steel’s flagship plant with Ironmaking, Steelmaking and Finishing operations. Gary Works and its sister plants in NW Indiana—The Midwest Plant, a finishing facility in Portage, and the East Chicago Tin Plant, a tinning facility in East Chicago—are top producers in the industry, thanks to the people who diligently operate and maintain the facilities. The facility in Gary has been in operation for more than 100 years and has been a constant source of employment for area residents. In addition, the three facilities are renowned for multiple community and charitable activities in the region.

Community Involvement: Board member of the Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA), Indianapolis, IN; Management Committee Member of Pro-Tec Coating Company, Leipsic, OH

Influential Woman in Manufacturing

2011 winner

What advice do you have for young women in the workforce?

Always keep your options open and don’t be deterred if the road appears challenging. Thirty years ago, few might have thought a woman would ever be running the largest integrated steel making facility in the United States. Growing up in Northwest Indiana, I’m not sure I could have ever predicted that back in my grammar or high school days. But, if you give the effort and persevere, you’ll see that many doors will open for you. You just have to take advantage of the opportunities when they come.

Kelly Nissan

Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager / ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor

Company information: ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor is the largest steelmaking complex in North America with an annual capacity of 9.5 million tons, and has been producing steel in Northwest Indiana for more than 100 years.

Community Involvement: Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable Operating Committee; Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Board; Past Board Member Boys & Girls Club East Chicago, What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

I’ve been fortunate to have several outstanding mentors in the last 25 years, but would have to credit my parents, George and Jeanette Nissan, for teaching me good work ethics which I believe are the foundation to any successful career.

Up & Coming Woman in Manufacturing

2011 winner 16

Where do you find new business ideas?

By listening to the people who do the actual work each and every day. New ideas come from them. Unfortunately most companies do not take the time or energy to develop the kind of dialogue mechanisms that foster idea generation. I find that sad. It’s a missed opportunity to solve problems.

How important has a strong business network been to your success?

I have been lucky enough over the years to have many colleagues who are much, much smarter than I. They have been gracious enough to answer my questions and teach me how things really work. Several have taken me under wing and provided very valuable mentorship.

That’s the value of networking – learning from others. www.nwiwomen.com

Renee J. Mortimer Partner / Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Influential Woman in Law

2011 winner

Personal: Ms. Mortimer has been the Partner-in-Charge of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP’s Northwest Indiana office since 2000. She is the Business Development Partner of the firm’s Defense Litigation Department and has been a regional director for Hinshaw, a past member of the firm’s Executive Committee, and a past co-leader of Hinshaw’s Transportation Practice Group. Ms. Mortimer has a broad litigation practice with particular emphasis in managing large risks and exposures, and litigating large and excess risks. Her clients in this area have included large corporations and financial institutions. Ms. Mortimer’s defense litigation practice includes retail and hospitality liability, professional liability, medical malpractice, general liability, products liability, municipal liability, ERISA benefits litigation and trucking and heavy vehicle litigation.

Ms. Mortimer is a national counsel for the American National Red Cross. In 2009, Ms. Mortimer was elected a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), a trial lawyer honorary society. Membership in the LCA is limited and represents less than one-half of one percent of all American lawyers. Ms. Mortimer earned her J.D. in 1991 from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and her B.A. in English from Indiana University in 1988.

How important has a strong business network been to your success?

Like in any aspect of life, the relationships are the most important. My business network of colleagues, clients and partners all know how much I value them and how hard I will work for them. Any success I have had stems from the relationships I have been fortunate to develop and maintain throughout my career. I never take them for granted.

Marissa McDermott Attorney / McDermott law Office

Company information: My primary focus is on employment law, handling mostly discrimination, medical leave, and wage & hour cases.

Community Involvement: Member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), Calumet American Inns of Court, Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA), the Order of St. Thomas More. Former Hammond Human Relations Commissioner Family: Four children, two dogs, one chameleon; met husband, Tom, in law school

Up & Coming Woman in Law

2011 winner www.nwiwomen.com

How did you find the right work-life balance?

Operating my own office allows me the freedom of planning my day according to my own priorities. I can attend weekday events with the kids and then do extra work on the weekends to catch up.

How important has a strong business network been to your success?

We are fortunate in Northwest Indiana to have lawyers that collaborate. By sharing best practices and “war stories” with each other, we strengthen the quality of the bar as a whole.

How has your business or industry changed over the past two years?

The high cost of labor in American has created a “grey market” in which undocumented workers are often paid less than the federal law requires. Those workers are now beginning to exercise their rights to minimum wage and overtime. I see this area of law only growing stronger with time.

17

Beth Downes Jacobson

Economic Development Director / City of Hammond, Department of Planning & Dev.

Personal: BA from Xavier University, Cincinnati; Masters from University of Illinois at Chicago Community Involvement: Parents as Teachers Board of Directors; Hammond Development Corporation Board of Directors; Northwest Indiana Forum; Downtown Hammond Council; Advisory Board for the Hammond Innovation Center; Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

Family: Married to Erik Jacobson. We have one daughter, Claire What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

Both of my parents have had a great impact on my life and career. They have always placed a strong emphasis on education and hard work. My family is very supportive.

Up & Coming Woman in Economic Development

2011 winner

Where do you find new business ideas?

Primarily from existing problems or opportunities that present themselves. I also look to successful examples from other communities.

How did you find the right work-life balance?

My husband and I both make sure that the time we spend with our daughter is quality time and we set aside at least one day a week that we spend together as a family.

How important has a strong business network been to your success?

Very important. The connections that you make can provide wonderful opportunities. It is also a great asset to be able to learn from the experiences of others.

Diane Thalmann

Manager Economic Development / NIPSCO

Personal: BSPE – Valparaiso University; BAEET – Purdue University North Central; MBA – University of Notre Dame. I’m very proud to have had the privilege of working with Rep. Nancy Dembowski, Senator Ed Charbonneau, Charles Weaver and many others to help get “Cindy’s Bill” passed in Indiana in 2009. This legislation, in memory of our colleague Cindy Bischof who was murdered by her former boyfriend, allows the court to order a domestic violence offender to wear a GPS bracelet so a victim can be warned of potential impending danger.

Influential Woman in Economic Development

2011 winner 18

Community Involvement: Portage Economic Development Corporation board president; Starke County Economic Development Foundation board Vice-President; Indiana Economic Development Association board; NWI Forum Economic Development Committee; Jasper County Economic Development Organization board; White County Economic Development Organization board; North Central Indiana Economic Development Partnership committee; Regional Development Company board; La Porte Economic Advancement Foundation board.

Where do you find new business ideas?

I learn so much from networking with the many knowledgeable economic development professionals and other people who we partner and work with in the economic development arena locally, regionally, statewide and beyond.

How did you find the right work-life balance?

By prioritizing and constantly reminding myself of my personal priorities and what’s truly important in life. And having an understanding significant other who supports all of the nonconventional work hours certainly makes it easier to establish a balance. www.nwiwomen.com

Meghan Mauman

Sales Representative / View Outdoor Advertising

Personal Accomplishments: Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Marketing and a minor in Communications, Aurora University; Leadership Northwest Indiana graduate Awards/Recognition: Having been nominated as a Woman of Influence.

How did you find the right work-life balance?

I have a devotion to work however; I do try to take a vacation once a year. During the week, I am focused on work and tasks that need to be done. I attend many events after work hours during the week to promote View Outdoor and build and create new relationships. On the weekends, I try to spend time with family and friends.

Up & Coming Woman in Media

2011 winner

How has your business or industry changed over the past two years?

View Outdoor changes constantly as we keep growing our staff and inventory in all markets.

View Outdoor is continuously focused and aggressive on the growth of the company. We are very involved in community and non for profit organizations. We work very closely with these components to get messages across for the good of the community. About a year ago, we developed inventory in neighborhoods of Chicago. We market them as HotSpots. They have been quite a hit for Chicago’s local market along with national advertisers and even Indiana advertisers. I did work this market for about 6 months before we attained enough inventory to hire a full time sales representative to handle that market. Going forward, I think View Outdoor will keep growing and will always have that Whiteco mentality of integrity and hard work towards any and all clients.

Pat Colander

Associate Publisher and Editor / Custom Content Director The Times of Northwest Indiana, Niche Division, Lee Enterprises

Personal: Pat began her career as a feature writer at the Chicago Tribune in 1973 and was later a staff writer at the Chicago Reader. She was also an adjunct professor at Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Columbia College and Roosevelt University in Chicago. She has written two books, Thin Air: The Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Helen Brach and Hugh Hefner’s First Funeral and Other Tales of Love and Death in Chicago, a collection of nonfiction stories.

Influential Woman in Media

2011 winner www.nwiwomen.com

Community Involvement: For 20 years, she has been very active in the Northwest Indiana and southeast Chicago suburbs in community and professional organizations including the South Suburban College Foundation and the Partnership for a Drug Free Lake County (PDFLC) in the 1990s. She also served on Illinois Press Association board and was co-chair of the news committee of Inland Press Association and has been a member of the American Society of Magazine Editors and the Magazine Publisher’s Association. Pat has served on the boards of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Northwest Indiana Lighthouse Charter Schools, the founding board of the Ronald Miller Scholarship Fund in Berrien County, Michigan and the Gary Human Relations Commission. Currently she serves on the board of South Shore Arts Association.

What person – male or female – has had the most influence on you in your career?

My grandmother. She was a teacher, a school principal and got a master’s degree in literature when she was middle-aged. She wrote her dissertation on Mark Twain’s Life on the Mississippi.

19

Turning Talk Into Action An Indiana Commission for Women project has identified key issues for women in Indiana and is developing solutions

By David Wellman

I

n February of 2011, the Indiana Commission for Women (ICW) launched an initiative that combined an online survey with 17 “listening sessions” around the state in order to identify the top concerns of Hoosier women.

“We are the voice of women to the state, and in order to be that, we have to listen first,” says Kristin Svyantek Garvey, Executive Director of the ICW. What the ICW heard was a hunger for change and growth on multiple fronts, coupled with frustration over a lack of resources to address the issues raised.

The project identified five issues that were top of mind with Indiana women: healthrelated issues, work-related issues, care-giving, leadership and violence against women. There were some common threads running through all these discussions, Garvey adds.

“First, there was an acknowledgement that 20

Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Magazine

more women need to step up and give their opinions,” she explains. “There was also a feeling that they don’t have the tools or resources to address these issues, and that’s an area the ICW is working on.” A third underlying theme was the need to get men involved in addressing these issues as well. “A lot of these issues are not women’s issues, but community issues,” she notes.

Two areas emerged in the conversations about health. The first was a lack of access to affordable healthcare; the second concerned women’s reproductive health and the lack of funding of, or threats to access to, reproductive health services. The listening session took place at the same time the state passed a controversial law cutting off funding to Planned Parenthood, and that timing produced “passionate” talk in the sessions about reduced access to breast cancer screenings, contraceptives and other services. More broadly, women spoke of a general lack of affordable

healthcare options. “Those without health care do not find any support,” said one St. Joseph County participant.

“They simply go without appropriate care.”

Work-based issues covered broader

“It is important to work on getting women involved in the decision-making opportunities and leadership positions that are available in our state.”

- participant from Monroe County session ground, from finding a job in the first place to access to child care, job training and work/life balance.

However, the sessions tended to coalesce around a pair of key issues: a lack of high-paying, high-skill jobs for

women, and the lack of gender equality and pay equity. “The bottom line is that women are financially disadvantaged,” said one participant from Marion County. “And when life gets complex, women have fewer resources available to lean on. Social services may favor women, but they also are designed to support subsistence-level improvement without impacting the inequities that are built into the system.”

Care-giving conversations revolved largely around access to child care, especially for second- and third-shift workers, and after-school supervision for older children. “We have to stop looking at child care as a woman’s issue,” said one Allen County woman.

“It is a family issue. It is an economic issue. It is a community issue.” Many participants noted that access to child care was a prerequisite for improvement in other areas. Without options for childcare, it becomes difficult to pursue good-paying jobs or further their education.

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Leadership was the one area where women faulted themselves, saying that women did not seem to do enough to support other women. They wanted to do more to promote the opportunities for women to step up into elected office and policy-making positions.

And they thought that more could be done in terms of mentoring programs and highlighting women in leadership positions.

View reports from the first 17 Listening Sessions on the ICW Website:

www.in.gov/icw Also, view links to resources for women on key issues that has identified.

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ICW

“It is important to work on getting women involved in the decisionmaking opportunities and leadership positions that are available in our state,” said a participant from a Monroe County session.

“Do what you are able to do to get them in positions of authority as women understand the issues facing us.”

The last issue, violence against women, spanned the entire range of violent acts committed against women, including dating violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, sexual harassment and more. Unfortunately, participants saw this as something embedded within society and which would require a long-term cultural change. Stronger community

institutions and networks were seen as one way to move that process forward.

“More of a network within each and every community between law enforcement, health providers, schools, and domestic violence service providers is needed,” said a Hendricks County woman. “More men need to be involved to address the issue.”

Since completing the listening sessions, the ICW has compiled a report and held briefing sessions on their findings in several cities, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Lafayette and South Bend. The agency is currently working on an action plan that will lay out five to ten solutions that can be implemented, Garvey says. She hopes to complete that plan by the end of June.

The ICW has also continued its outreach to communities it did not visit with its initial listening sessions, like Richmond and Terre Haute.

“We’ve been to Richmond and what they wanted was for us to come back and do a listening session for them,” Garvey says. “We are also looking at how to do the listening sessions for specific groups like girls, senior women and minority women. If a community or group wanted, we would be happy to conduct a listening session for them and do a specific report for them.”

Reports from the first 17 sessions are available at the ICW Web site, http://www. in.gov/icw/ as are numerous pages of links to resources for women on the key issues that ICW has identified. “We are trying to push out as many resources as we can,” Garvey says.  www.nwiwomen.com

Women Stats & Facts Wage Gap by State 2009

Average Full-Time Annual Wage State

Men

Women

Gap

Average Annual Loss to all Working Women

Indiana Women & Social Security

Michigan Indiana Illinois Ohio Kentucky

$48,066 $43,631 $49,336 $44,563 $40,748

$34,542 $31,762 $37,841 $33,616 $30,481

$13,524 $11,869 $11,495 $10,947 $10,267

$16,693,527,782 $9,823,212,515 $19,523,751,835 $16,703,205,837 $5,367,777,231

Men Average SS Benefit Ages 65+ $16,900 Median Income $24,000 SS% of Median Income 57%

2009

Women $12,600 $17,400 73%

Source: National Women’s Law Center

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2012 Statistical Abstract

If the wage gap were eliminated, Indiana’s working women and their families would have enough money for: 102 more weeks of food; 11 more months of mortgage and utilities payments; 17 more months of rent; Four more years of family health insurance premiums; or More than 3,000 additional gallons of gas.

Source: National Partnership for Women & Families, American Association of University Women

Change in Public Sector Employment 2008-2010 Federal State Local

2008 1,233,000 2,667,000 9,048,000

Women 2010 1,221,000 2,662,000 8,754,000

men % CHG. -1.0% -0.2% -3.2%

2008 1,548,000 2,524,000 5,541,000

2010

% CHG.

1,631,000 5.4% 2,480,000 -1.7% 5,501,000 -0.7%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Database, Current Employment Statistics (Feb. 23, 2011). Note: Federal employment excludes Armed Forces.

While in 1900 only 20.4% of all women worked.

18% of the labor force in 1900, and 46.7% Between 1997 and 2008, almost in 2008. In 2018, women will account for 46.9% of the labor force.

60% of women worked.

Women accounted for

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monthly Labor Review, Nov. 2009, pg. 31

www.nwiwomen.com

Sources: “Perspectives on Working Women: A Databook,” 1980, op. cit. and U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Women in the Labor Force: A Databook,” 2009.

23

Students Enrolled in Community College by Gender and Parent Status 2008

Married Student Fathers 5.3%

Married Student Mothers 10.0% Single Student Fathers 3.9% Single Student Mothers 10.0%

All Non-Parents 70.8%

Source: Institute for Women’s Policy Research

On average, Hoosier women earned 73% of what Hoosier men earned in 2009, the seventh-worst performance in the nation.

Source: American Association of University Women

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Despite their greater involvement in the workforce women have not substantially reduced their involvement at home.

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Bridging the Gap

Women still earn less than men for equal work –

but that can be changed

26

www.nwiwomen.com

By Natalie Wahlberg Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony are credited with starting the women’s movement that eventually won women the right to cast their votes in elections, but their aspirations of equality have yet to be realized.

Businesses have recognized the value of women in the workforce, but despite that recognition, women are not rewarded accordingly for their contributions in the workplace.

According to the Women’s Law Center, women face unequal pay for equal work, earning on average only 77¢ for every dollar earned by men, with African American women and Latinas faring even worse. Furthermore, depending on the industry, women may earn significantly less.

Inequality is not a new trend.

A comprehensive study by U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the gender wage gap can only be partially explained by human capital factors and so-called “work patterns.”

The GAO study, released in 2003, was based on data from 1983 through 2000 from a representative sample of Americans between the ages of 25 and 65. The researchers controlled for work patterns, which include years of work experience, education, and hours of work per year, as well as differences in industry, occupation, race, marital status and job tenure. With controls for these variables in place, the data showed that women earned, on average, 20 percent less than men during the entire period 1983 to 2000. www.nwiwomen.com

What accounts for the wage gap? Economists Francine Blau and Lawrence Kahn explored that question in “The Gender Pay Gap: Have Women Gone as Far as They Can?” published in the Academy of Management Perspectives in February of 2007. Their analysis found that some, but not all, of the gap can be explained.

2.4 percent of the gap is attributable to race, the study determined.

3.5 percent is attributable to a gap in union membership between men and women.

10.5 percent can be chalked up to differing levels of experience between men and women, which largely reflects women’s time out of the workforce for parenting, caregiving and similar activities.

21.9 percent can be explained by the different industries in which men and women typically work.

27.4 percent is due to the different occupations men and women hold.

Womens’ higher educational attainment, the economists added, works to close the wage gap by 6.7 percent. So in the end, about 59 percent of the wage gap can be explained – but 41 percent cannot. Further research has suggested that this unexplained piece of the wage gap is related, at least in part, to perceptions about women with children.

Sociologists at Cornell University conducted a study in 2007 in which participants were asked to evaluate two female job candidates for a position.

The candidates’ resumes presented them as equally educated and experienced.

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one was identified as a parent while the other was not.

The result? Across the board, those female candidates identified as parents were evaluated more harshly than those without children, viewed as less promotable and had lower recommended starting salaries.

By contrast, male candidates identified as fathers often received a better reception than those without children.

Another possible explanation for the wage gap is educational choice. One study estimated that most (95 percent) of the gap could be attributed to differences in college majors (women are more likely to major in the humanities). However, even within those jobs women still usually make less.

As women of influence and their supporters, what can we do? The answer is simpler than we imagine: keep reading, keep teaching, keep supporting and keep fighting.

Pay equality is for everyone.

One of the best tools against wage discrimination is education and information. For example, research what the average salary for a particular position is, demand that salary accordingly and then share that information with colleagues.

We have the opportunity, as women of influence, to critically intervene in ways that challenge and change.

When faced with seemingly barriers, we can employ the community created among cubicles to foster positive communication and problem-

solving. There are avenues around obstacles and we can navigate them by utilizing cooperative action through conversation, research, and a supportive communication climate.

Bridging the wage gap ultimately means creating social change, and that is a long, hard road. “Although we weren’t able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it has about 18 million cracks in it and the light is shining through like never before.”

That Hillary Clinton quote acknowledges the barriers that hold women back and reminds us, men and women alike, to keep trying.

The world needs constructive change and, as a community of people who are dedicated to influential success, we all can overcome any disparity, starting with the monetary one.  www.nwiwomen.com

Simply the Best

M

ore than 560 business leaders joined together for the inaugural Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Banquet, held Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville. Complete with networking, cocktails, and a gourmet dinner, the evening was kicked off by Gene Diamond, Regional CEO of Franciscan Alliance (pictured left), presenting sponsor of the evening. Twentythree awards were presented to some of Northwest Indiana’s most influential women. The event benefited the United Way organizations serving Lake and Porter Counties, as well as some of the winners’ charities of choice.

“We created this event to encourage, support, and celebrate our female business leaders in Northwest Indiana,” says Andrea M. Pearman, president of Diversified Marketing Strategies (DMS), which developed the Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards program. “We are so honored to bring together such an accomplished group of women to share their successes and facilitate networking between the real movers and shakers of our business communities.”

2011 Event Photos

29 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Magazine

29 www.nwiwomen.com

Pictured left to right: Melissa Castle Kirinic, Kaye Frataccia of United Way Porter County, and Dave Collins, Opportunity Enterprises.

Andrea Pearman, president of Diversified Marketing, Tim Ross of Franciscan Working Well and Gene Diamond, Regional CEO of Franciscan Alliance.

2011 Influential Women Winners

30

Influential Women of Northwest www.nwiwomen.com Indiana Magazine

Monique Ruiz of the Lakeshore Chamber with her daughter

Pictured left: Dr. Charlotte Reed and Anna Rominger, J.D. of Indiana University Northwest

Pictured left to right: Mike Schrage of Centier Bank, Gary & Shar Miller of Prompt Ambulance Service, Dian Reyone and Jill Schrage of Centier Bank

Andrea Pearman presenting awards

31 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Magazine

31 www.nwiwomen.com

RDC employees, Erica Passauer and Nicole Zell.

ABOVE: State Representative, Mara Candelaria Reardon with her daughter.

LEFT: Kim Lahman, Cindy Jackson and Diane Thalmann of Nipsco.

Pictured right: Influential Women attendee, Sarah Polman of Indiana Cambridge Architects, T.J. Pruzin, Meghan Mauman, and Britany Jillson of View Outdoor

32 32

Influential Women of Northwest Indiana www.nwiwomen.com Magazine

Matters of State Recent legislation gives women owned small businesses a hand at securing government contracts

By Mary K. Kaczka, Executive Director/Program Manager, Partners in Contracting Corporation (PICC)

W

omen-owned businesses have recently received a boost in the federal government contracting market. The Obama Administration has placed a high priority on expanding opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts. As part of this overall commitment, the Women Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program was adopted in February 2011. The program provides equal access to federal contracting opportunities for womenowned small businesses (WOSB) and economically disadvantaged womenowned small businesses (EDWOSB).

The program was the outcome of a new federal rule aimed at leveling the playing field for women-owned businesses and achieving the statutory goal that five percent of federal contracting dollars go to women-owned businesses.

The rule identified 83 industries, by four-digit NAICS code, in which womenowned small businesses were underrepresented or substantially underrepresented in either share of contracting dollars or share of contracts awarded.

The rule authorized a set-aside of federal contracts for WOSBs or EDWOSBs of contracts not to exceed $5 million for manufacturing and $3 million for other contracts.

Women-owned small businesses may “self-certify” on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Web site to be eligible to bid on set-aside contracts.

www.nwiwomen.com

Prior to self-certification, a womenowned small business must be registered in Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Online Representations and Certifications Application (OCRA).

Partner in Contracting Corporation (PICC), incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in Highland in 1984, can provide guidance and assistance on the federal WOSB self-certification process and requirements, as well as the Indiana M/WBE certification, HUBZone, and Service, Disabled and Veteran Owned Small Business certification.

Now based in Hammond, PICC is a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) providing technical assistance to businesses trying to secure government procurement contracts. Originally a regional operation, PICC was designated as the Indiana statewide PTAC in 2011. We are funded by the Defense Logistics Agency, the State of Indiana and regional partners in order to provide no-cost services to Indiana companies.

There are three PICC offices around the state: our headquarters in the Hammond Innovation Center. In 2009, PICC partnered with the Northeast Small Business Development Center to open a full-time, staffed office in the Fort Wayne region, and we recently partnered with Radius Indiana to open our third full-time, staffed office in Bedford.

PICC provides a comprehensive range of services beginning with an analysis of whether the government market is

right for your business, assistance with registrations and certifications required to do business with the federal or state government and, most importantly, providing research and support to identify contract opportunities and the “who buys what and how” in the federal government.

The SBA has designated 83 NAICS codes as eligible for federal contracting under the WOSB Program. There are 45 NAICS codes in which WOSBs are underrepresented and 38 NAICS codes in which WOSBs are substantially underrepresented.

The 38 NAICS codes in which WOSBs are substantially underrepresented are: 1. 2372

Land Subdivision

2. 3152

Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing

3. 3231

Printing and Related Support Activities

4. 3259

Other Chemical Product and Preparation

Manufacturing 5. 3328

Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied

Activities 6. 3329

Other Fabricated Metal Product

Manufacturing 7. 3371

Household and Institutional Furniture and

Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing

8. 3372

Office Furniture (including Fixtures)

Manufacturing 9. 3391

Medical Equipment and Supplies

Manufacturing 10. 4841

General Freight Trucking

11. 4889

Other Support Activities for Transportation

33

12. 4931

Warehousing and Storage

13. 5111

Newspaper, Periodical, Book,

12. 3321

Forging and Stamping

and Directory Publishers

13. 3323

Architectural and Structural

14. 5112

Software Publishers

Metals Manufacturing

15. 5171

Wired Telecommunications

14. 3324

Boiler, Tank, and Shipping

Carriers

Container Manufacturing

16. 5172

Wireless Telecommunications

15. 3333

Commercial and Service

Carriers (except Satellite)

Industry Machinery

17. 5179

Other Telecommunications

Manufacturing

18. 5182

Data Processing, Hosting, and

16. 3342

Related Services

Manufacturing

19. 5191

Other Information Services

17. 3345

Navigational, Measuring,

20. 5312

Offices of Real Estate Agents

Electromedical, and Control

and Brokers

Instruments Manufacturing

21. 5324

Commercial and Industrial

18. 3346

Manufacturing &

Machinery and Equipment

Reproducing Magnetic and

Rental and Leasing

Optical Media

22. 5411

Legal Services

19. 3353

Electrical Equipment

23. 5412

Accounting, Tax Preparation,

Manufacturing

Bookkeeping, & Payroll Services

20. 3359

Other Electrical Equipment &

24. 5417

Scientific Research and

Component Manufacturing

Development Services

21. 3369

Other Transportation

25. 5418

Advertising, Public Relations,

Equipment Manufacturing

and Related Services

22. 4842

Specialized Freight Trucking

26. 5615

Travel Arrangement and

23. 4881

Support Activities for Air

Reservation Services

Transportation

27. 5619

Other Support Services

24. 4884

28. 5621

Waste Collection

Transportation

29. 5622

Waste Treatment and Disposal

25. 4885

30. 6114

Business Schools & Computer

Arrangement

and Management Training

26. 5121

31. 6115

Technical and Trade Schools

Industries

32. 6117

Educational Support Services

27. 5311

Lessors of Real Estate

33. 6242

Community Food &

28. 5413

Architectural, Engineering,

Housing, Emergency and

and Related Services

Other Relief Services

29. 5414

Specialized Design Services

34. 6243

Vocational Rehabilitation

30. 5415

Computer Systems Design

Services

and Related Services

35. 7211

Traveler Accommodation

31. 5416

Management, Scientific, and

36. 8112

Electronic & Precision

Technical Consulting Services

Equipment Repair &

32. 5419

Other Professional, Scientific,

Maintenance

and Technical Services

37. 8129

Other Personal Services and

33. 5611

Office Administrative Services

38. 8139

Business, Professional, Labor,

34. 5612

Facilities Support Services

Political, and Similar.

35. 5614

Business Support Services

36. 5616

Investigation and Security

The forty-five NAICS codes in which WOSBs are underrepresented are:

Manufacturing

Communications Equipment

Water, Sewage and Other

Services to Buildings and

38. 6116

Other Schools and Instruction

39. 6214

Outpatient Care Centers

2. 2361

40. 6219

Other Ambulatory Health

Construction

Care Services

3. 2371

Utility System Construction

41. 7115

Independent Artists, Writers,

4. 2381

Foundation, Structure, and

and Performers

Building Exterior Contractors

42. 7223

Special Food Services

5. 2382

Building Equipment Contractors

43. 8111

Automotive Repair and

6. 2383

Building Finishing Contractors

Maintenance

7. 2389

Other Specialty Trade

44. 8113

Commercial & Industrial

Contractors

Machinery and Equipment

8. 3149

Other Textile Product Mills

(except Automotive and

9. 3159

Apparel Accessories and

Electronic) Repair and

Other Apparel Manufacturing

Maintenance

10. 3219

Other Wood Product

45. 8114

Personal and Household

Goods Repair & Maintenance.

Manufacturing 11. 3222

34

Converted Paper Product

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For the insight and experience for the financing you need, turn to the trusted business advisors at Horizon Bank.

We’ll work with you to deliver solid business solutions today and continued financial guidance to meet your future needs.

Freight Transportation

Dwellings 1. 2213

To gain the competitive edge, you’ll have to upgrade your business to meet the growing demands of your customers.

Support Activities for Road

Services 37. 5617

Need an Upgrade?

Influential Women!

We are

proud to congratulate the nominees for their contributions to business and their communities.

Valparaiso (219) 464-4961 Merrillville (219) 769-6552 www.hwelaw.com Hoeppner Wagner & Evans – We Care About Your Business www.nwiwomen.com

American Woman

Documenting women’s march over recent decades

By David Wellman

W

ho is the American woman today? Well, for one thing, she’s a member of the majority. She and her sisters comprise more than half of the population, outnumbering men by four million.

She works. Odds are that she’s married – but she is more likely to be unmarried than ever before. Children? Later and fewer than earlier generations.

She’s more educated than ever, and she’s more likely than a man to have an www.nwiwomen.com

advanced degree.

Even so, she still gets paid less than a man, and he still won’t help out with the housework. Once, at least, she could count on outliving the lazy bum, but lately her rising life expectancy has

flattened out. Compared to the American woman of 1950, she’s 68 percent less likely to die of a heart attack – and 500 percent more likely to die of lung cancer. She eats poorly, doesn’t get enough exercise and smokes too much.

That, very broadly speaking, is the snapshot taken by “Women in America,” a White House report of the social and economic well-being of the nation’s women issued in 2011. By analyzing Commerce Department data, 35

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the report catalogs the gains lighter paycheck than their made by women over the male counterparts and last several decades, and the struggle to escape convenchallenges yet to be overtional roles in the workplace. come.

No matter what the level of The most dramatic gains education, women earned have come in the area of edu- about 75 percent as much cation. Women have spent as a man doing the same job the last 40 years hitting the in 2009. The gap is closing, books, and it shows. The however, albeit slowly. Since immediate college enroll1979, earnings of full-time ment rate for all females was female workers have risen higher than that for all males by 31 percent, compared to in 2008, 72 percent versus 66 just a two percent increase percent, and by 2019, women in earnings for full-time male are projected to account workers. for nearly About 61 six in 10 percent of undergraduBy 2019 women are American ate (women women are projected to account active in already comprise the workfor nearly six in 10 59 percent force, a figundergraduates of graduure that has ate school remained enrollment). largely (Women already comprise The number unchanged 59% of graduate of women since 1997. school enrollment). in graduThough ate schools that represurpassed men in 1984, and sents a doubling of the parbetween 1997 and 2007, the ticipation rate since the late increase in female full-time 1940s, women continue to be graduate students was nearly concentrated in a small numdouble that of males. Women ber of traditionally female also have higher graduation occupations. In 2009, nearly rates at all academic levels. one-fifth of all women were As a result, women have employed in just five occupacaught up with men in the tions: secretaries, registered percentage who have at nurses, elementary school least a college degree, about teachers, cashiers and nurs28 percent for each group ing aides. in 2009. In 1970, only eight Prior to the 1980s, the unpercent of women and 14 employment rate for women percent of men were college tended to be higher than that graduates. Eleven percent of of men, but over the past 30 women age 25–34 have two years the jobless rates for or more years of graduate both genders have tracked school, compared to eight closely during times of ecopercent of men. In 1998, nomic growth. In recessions, more doctoral degrees were women have tended to do far conferred to men than to better than men. During the women. A decade later, more most recent recession, for doctoral degrees were conexample, the unemployment ferred to women than men. rate among women (age 20 But despite their academic and older) rose from 4.4 pergains, women still draw a cent to 7.7 percent; by www.nwiwomen.com

comparison, the rate for men (age 20 and older) more than doubled, from 4.4 percent to 9.9 percent.

Not surprisingly, as women’s educational level and participation in the workforce have grown, their family life has changed as well. The median age for first marriage for both men and women has increased since the 1960s, and the typical age at which women have their first child has been rising since the mid-1970s. The likelihood of a woman having her first child at age 30 or older has increased from about four percent of all first-time mothers in the 1970s to 24 percent in 2007.

The trends toward delaying first marriage and childbirth coincide with an increase in schooling among young men and women, and rising labor force participation by women. College graduates marry and begin families several years later than their less-educated counterparts. Of women in their midtwenties, those without a high school

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Percentage that women, no matter what level of education, earned doing the same job as a man in 2009 diploma are three times as likely to have had a child as are women with at least a college degree. Nevertheless, the most recent data indicates that eight out of 10 women still go on to have children, compared to nine out of 10 women in the mid-1970s.

In 2008, about 18 percent of women age 40–44 have never had a child, almost double that in 1976 (10 percent). The percentage of women who have never married has also increased, from seven percent in 1970 to 15 percent in 2009.

You wouldn’t know it from the scads of supermarket checkout lane magazines touting women’s health and fitness (or

maybe, come to think of it, you would; they know their market!), but today’s American woman needs to pay more attention to her health. Women still live longer than men, but the gap is closing. More than a third of women aged 20 and over are obese. In 2009, just over one-quarter of all women reported eating fruits and vegetables five or more times per day. Only 15 percent of women participated in the Federally recommended amount of regular aerobic and muscle strengthening activities. Almost one out of seven adult women smoked cigarettes every day. 

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www.schepel.com (219) 769-6381 37

Nominees BUSINESS

Financial

Up and Coming Lorri Zimmer / Beyond Pink Julie Bieszczat / Barney Enterprises Management Services, Inc. Susan Riddering / Northstar360 Business Solutions, LLC Jan Rubsam / Valpo ATA Black Belt Academy Amy Petri / Business Women United Inc.

Influential Julie Basich / Fair Oaks Farms Violet Sistovaris / NiSource, Inc. Tamara Young-King / AT&T Jackie Stuck / Disposable Alternatives Organization Dawn Collins / Century 21 Executive Realty Valparaiso, LLC Cindy Ross / LP Lewis, Inc.

Up And Coming Karen Vogelsang / Vogel Asset Management, LLC Sandra Sigler / Peoples Bank Martha Sandoval / First Midwest Bank

Construction Up And Coming Melissa Strayer / Kvaerner North American Construction Renae Kondrat / Calumet Welding Center Ann Specjal / Total Safety US, Inc. Marci Kunstek / Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting Rhonda Orange / F.E. Moran Fire Protection Influential Patrica Popa / Popa Heating Wendy Hoppe / Hoppe PRO Hardware, Inc. Pat Bess / Budget Maintenance & Construction, Inc. Economic Development Up And Coming Karen Lauerman / Northwest Indiana Forum Tina Rongers / Karnerblue Era, LLC Emily Gross / Jasper County Economic Development Influential Denarie Kane / City of Hobart Cecile Petro / Town of Highland Education Up And Coming Frances Vega-Steele / Ivy Tech Community College Darian Collins / Western Governors University Cindy Wise / Lake Street Elementary Influential Debra Ciochina / Lake Street Elementary Elena Dwyre / Campagna Academy Lisa Goodnight / Purdue University Calumet Anne Van Keppel / Valparaiso University Anne Rominger / Indiana University NW

38

Influential Sandi Snearly-Vosberg / Prasco & Associates PC Michele Thompson / LaPorte Savings Bank Maggie Reister Walters / WestPoint Financial Group Rene Martin / Citizens Financial Bank Government Up And Coming Donna Muta /City of Hammond Katy Dowling / Town of Highland Commissioner Nancy Adams / Porter County Representative Shelli VanDenburgh / State of Indiana Influential Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson / City of Gary Michelle Fajman / Lake County Recorder Erica Passauer / Regional Development Company Senator Earline S. Rogers / State of Indiana Senator Karen Tallian / State of Indiana Healthcare Up And Coming Micki Pawlowski / Calumet Orthopedic & Prosthetics Co., Inc. Dr. Natalie Popovich / Popovich Dental Corporation Dr. Cheryl Short / Obstetrics &Gynecological Associates Rosanne Loughmiller / Franciscan Working Well Tracey Franovich / Franciscan Physicians Hosptial Influential Janice Ryba / St. Mary Medical Center Denise Dillard / Methodist Hospitals Sister Aline Shultz / Franciscan Alliance Foundation Jo Ann Birdzell / St. Catherine Hospital Cynthia Sanders, MD / Franciscan Hammond Clinic Law

Up And Coming Carly Brandenburg / Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP Angela Crossin / Crossin Law Offices, LLC Shelice Tolbert / Kopka, Pinkus, Dolin & Eads, LLC Lisa Berdine / Law Office of Lisa Berdine, LLC Tina Bengs / Ogletree Deakins Influential Sean Kenyon / Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP

Alyssa Stamatakos / Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP Melanie Dunajeski / Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP Kathryn Schmidt / Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP Marketing/Media Up And Coming Angie Tsikouris / Spine Care Specialists Brandi Anstine / Lakeshore Public Television & Radio Rosa Rozek / Berglund Construction Andrea M. Pearman / Diversified Marketing Strategies, Inc. Dana Liss / Concept Marketing & Design Influential Cheryl Justak / Golf Now! Chicago Sharee Morse / Morse & Company Advertising Communications Kris Falzone / Communicato Strategic Consulting Ltd Lisa Tatina / Post-Tribune NonProfit Up And Coming Melissa Castle Kirinic / United Way of Porter County Jordan Hestermann / Becoming We The People Lara Kalanski / Legacy Foundation Alison Martin /Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana Influential Mary Ann Shacklett / Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana Linda Hazen / Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. Vanessa Allen / Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc. Danita Johnson-Hughes / Edgewater Systems Shirley Caylor / Crisis Center, Inc. Service/Tourism Up And Coming Leslie Dianda / Svago Ristorante Katie Holderby / South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority Jennie Burgess / City of Crown Point Nicole Bissonnette / Bistro 157 Influential Deann Patena / Radisson Star Plaza Loreli Weimer / Porter County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission Chareice White / Majestic Star Casino EMPOWERING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR La Porte Savings Bank NiSource, Inc. Fair Oaks Farms Community Healthcare System First National Bank Horseshoe Casino www.nwiwomen.com

Women Owned Business Directory

C

for NWI

ongratulations to all of the woman-owned businesses listed in this directory! It takes a lot to start up a business and even more to keep it running, especially as women. To be in this directory—the absolute first directory of woman-owned businesses to ever grace Northern Indiana—is an achievement. It is an achievement which says that you really have made an impact, you really are taking strides and that you are the kind of woman who doesn’t take no for an answer. We thank you for your dedication to take pride in yourself and your business, for your strong will to fight through to make it in an unfair marketplace and for your commitment to the cause!

We scoured through the records over at Info USA and came up with this list of businesses.

Each has over four employees and revenue over $300,000. The official area the directory covers is Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter and Starke Counties in Indiana. The businesses listed are not necessarily WBE-certified. We think that all woman-owned businesses should be recognized regardless of whether or not they are certified yet or not.

If you own a company which likes doing business with woman-owned organizations, we would like to get your name onto our website! We will also be launching a web directory of these women, so if you aren’t in here, don’t worry! We will be able to list you online.

If you have suggestions, want more information or your logo included in the online and next year’s directory, don’t see your name here even though you meet the qualifications listed above, or would for any other reason like to contact us, please visit www.nwiwomen. com or call 219-226-0300.

Accounting Complete Accounting Service 219-924-8902 Curtis Complete Accounting, Inc. 219-942-1997 Gibson & Brown, Inc. 219-696-4746 gibsonbrowncpa.com Glenda M. Snyder & Associates 219-462-3937 Mortensen CPA Group 219-465-1100 Schelfo Tax Service 219-663-1057

Architecture, Design & Engineering Bauer Latoza Studio 219-938-8782 bauerlatozastudio.com

Black Jack Uniforms 219-405-0833

LB’s Glove and Company 219-887-0639

www.nwiwomen.com

Farris Automotive, Inc. 219-659-1632 M & S Custom Auto Body, Inc. 219-322-3437

DLR Development Company 219-324-5511 / stonehedgeestates.com

NAPA Precision Auto Parts 574-896-2109 napaonline.com

Doelling Decorating Center 219-462-3043 / doellings.com Era Valdivia Contractor 219-707-5368

Specialized Truck & Trailer 219-977-1100 Superior Engine Service 219-661-1649 Woodys Garage 219-923-1525

Falk-PLI Engineering & Surveying Dorothy Falk COO/VP 5979 McCasland Ave., Portage, IN 46368 Phone 219-762-7024 / Fax 219-764-4261 falk-pli.com Forms & Funktion, Inc. 219-938-8168 /forms-funktion.com

Diversified Marketing Strategies, Inc. Andrea Pearman, President 1330 Arrowhead Court Crown Point, IN 46307 219-226-0300 219-226-0303 – Fax 3dms.com

All Star Autos, Inc. 219-325-9641

Blue Star ICF 219-663-1011 bluestaricf.com

Weston & Associates 219-924-8629 lwcpa.net

Apparel

Automotive

HDW Commercial Interiors 219-864-4690 Interior Image Group, Inc. 219-322-7841 / interiorimagegroup.com

Business Products & Services A & M Rubber Stamps 219-836-0892 AAAAA Bail Bonds, Inc. 219-462-0325 Absolute Industrial Safety 219-324-7444 America Wireless, Inc. 219-922-7300

Lake Effect Engineering, LLC 219-617-1448 / lakeeffectengineering.com

AML Enterprises, Inc. 219-844-6030 aml-enterprises.com

Roof Tech Inc 219-884-4420 / roof-tech.com

B & N Safe & Vault 219-7911-065

39

BFF Alliance, Inc 219-808-9848

JK Flip’s, Inc. 219-879-2748

Budget Maintenance & Construction, Inc. 219-398-2844

Kramer & Leonard, Inc. 219-926-1171 kramerleonard.com

Cal-Region Supply, Inc. 219-392-1023 Calumet Supply Company 219-845-2622 Comprehensive Billing Service 219-663-3554 Computer Bay 219-322-3004 computerbay.org Computer Education Institute 219-926-5740 cei-edu.com Cornerstone Alliance, Inc 219-354-0484 Datagraphic Printing & Copying 219-926-7777 datagraphicchesterton.com

Lindco Equipment Sales, Inc. 219-795-1448 lindco-usa.com Lotts Medical Billing Service 219-365-7744 M C Supply & Service Company 219-548-5711 NorthStar360 Business Solutions 219-864-1576 northstar360.com Onesource Co. 219-872-0699 onesourceco.net PAPER-PAPERS.COM 219-938-3333 paper-papers.com

Gourmet Express 219-531-1958 gourmetexpressservices.com Heaven Sent Gourmet Cookies 219-980-1066

Construction ABC Asphalt 219-662-9008 About Space, LLC 219-363-0724 American Concrete Restoration 219-853-8047 Amps & Volts Electric 219-462-8663 ampselectric.com Apex Services Div-Raiser 219-865-8086 apex.com Austgen Recycling, Inc. 219-712-7594

Doctors’ Billing & Practice 219-924-8458

Popular Subscription Service 219-814-5100 popularss.com

Doctor’s Pharmacy 219-923-2520 doctorspharmacy.org

Professional Information Systems, Inc. 219-947-4349 proinfosys.com

Donna J. Hannah & Associates 219-464-2178

Professional Procurement Services Corp.

219-801-2052

Dunes Office Furniture 219-926-5645 dunesoffice.com

Professional Transcription Service 219-324-4826

Bloomfield Mechanical 219-763-7470 bloomfieldmechanical.com

Rapid Safety & Supply Company 219-764-3899

Branham Builders 219-759-0232

Regional Data Service 219-661-3200 regionaldata.com

Breanne Steagall Enterprises, Inc. 219-313-2051

The Eastwood Company 219-879-1001 theeastwoodcompany.net File Clerk Corp.

219-872-0800

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service 219-464-9871 mybulkmail.com The Golden Studio 219-937-3737 Good Medical Management, Inc. 219-476-0352 goodmedicalmanagement.com Griffith Windustrial Co. 219-924-8177 /winwholesale.com

SecurMAR LLC 219-661-8964 securmar.com Servpro of LaPorte County 219-879-1883 servpro.com/franchise/5857 Taylor Maid Professional Janitorial Services Inc. 219-884-3614

Catering Comforts Catering 219-365-6506 comforts-catering.com

HDW Commercial Interiors 219-864-4690 / hdwinteriors.com HIELO Services, LLC Hobart, IN 46342 / 219-973-1952

J & L Dimensional Service, Inc. 219-325-3588/ j-ldimensional.com JDS Distributors, Inc. 219-616-0245

Ellney’s Bakery & Catering 219-942-4954

40

Bellsom Electric, Inc. 219-554-1100 bellsom.com Big Star Electric 219-838-1574

Budd Mechanical Systems 219-931-1073 buddmechanical.com Budget Maintenance & Constr 219-398-2844 Calumet Flexicore Corp 219-932-3340 C.A.T. Construction Unlimited, Inc. 219-308-1949 catcounlimited.com Chicago Decking, Inc. 219-947-3939 chicagodecking.com Circle R Mechanical, Inc. 219-787-5566 Claussen Sheet Metal 219-942-4751

Diversified Marketing Strategies, Inc. Andrea Pearman, President 1330 Arrowhead Court Crown Point, IN 46307 219-226-0300 219-226-0303 – Fax 3dms.com

Image House 219-947-0800/ theimagehouse.net

Barbara B Builder LLC 219-775-7987

Coleman’s Insulation Company 219-929-6492 Concrete Constructors, Inc 219-447-6437 mhobbs@concreteconst.com Construction 101 for Women.com, LLC 219-548-8710 site.construction101forwomen.com

www.nwiwomen.com

Diesel Electrical Equipment, Inc. 219-922-1848 dieselelectricalequipment.com

Miller’s Construction Service, Inc. 219-874-4949 millersconstructionservice.com/mc/

Deutscher Construction, LLC 219-872-0341

MTS Supply Company 219-322-1090

Direct Distributors, Inc. 219-926-4800

Munster Steel Company, Inc. 219-924-5198 munstersteel.com

DLC Industrial Services, Inc. 219-226-0336 dlccompanies.com

N. I. Spanos Painting, Inc. 219-662-9092

Doug & Steve Construction Inc. 219-322-9112

North Coast Lighting 219-947-4789

Dyer Construction Co, Inc. 219-865-2961 dyerconstruction.com

O’Connor Construction Company 219-365-4618

H & G Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 219-362-1632 hgplumbing.com Hawk Enterprises, Inc. 219-662-8090 hawk-inc.com Hearth & Home Shoppe, Inc. 219-365-9975 hearthandhomeshoppe.net Horizon Awning, LLC 219-872-2329 horizon-awning.com ILG Consulting, LLC 219-512-3125 ilgconsulting.net Ingram Manor Housing 219-942-6993 K & B Wonderland, Inc. 219-324-3456 Kitchen Encounters Etc, Inc. 219-464-4000 kitchenencountersetc.com Kopton Electric Company 219-922-1385 LaPorte Construction Company, Inc. 219-393-5555 Leslie’s Roofing Service, Inc. 219-872-3614 Maintenance Products, Inc. 219-696-6411 mpi-online.com Mark L Jones & Associates, Inc. 219-548-2588

Mechanical Concepts, Inc. Melissa Neff 750 S. County Line Road Gary, IN 46403 219-938-1941 219-938-1943 – Fax mechanicalconceptsinc.com

www.nwiwomen.com

PBS Enterprises, LLC 219-663-5210

Stephani Electric, Inc. 219-362-2219 Sto-Away Power Cranes, Inc. 219-942-9797 stoaway.com Thomas D. Combs & Sons, Inc. 219-464-0731 TK Electric, LLC 219-696-7311 Tri-State Door Solutions, LLC 219-763-0600 tristatedoorsolutions.com Upright Iron Works, Inc. 219-922-1994 uprightiron.com Wax Connections, Inc. 219-778-2325 waxconnections.com White’s Custom Concrete 219-365-0153

Performance Plus Paula Broutman 5053 Broadway Gary, IN 46409 219-769-1363 219-981-4578 – Fax performancep.com Plumbing Solutions 219-462-2718 Popa Heating & Cooling, Inc. 219-838-7700 popahvac.com Porter County Glass & Mirror, Inc. 219-465-6900 Prusak Electric 219-942-3200 Purchasing Enterprise, Inc. 219-787-8462 klecknerinteriors.com/purchasing R J Construction 219-865-8348 r-jconstruction.com RDNP Drilling, Inc. 219-956-3481 rdnpdrilling.com Regional Companies, LLC 219-662-7200

Zona Corp.

219-326-7242 zona.com

Consulting Accounting Made Simple 219-462-0588 accountingmadesimple.biz AGS Consulting, Inc. 219-805-4377 Caruthers & Associates 219-887-0035 Comunicato Strategic Consulting Ltd. 219-322-2221 ComunicatoOnline.com Culturally Competent Consulting, Inc. 219-210-6047 culturallycompetentconsulting.com Micro Works, Inc. 219-661-8620 Organizational Development Solutions, Inc. 219-395-9564 successwithods.com Shabazz Management Group, LLC 866-935-7091 x110 bahiyahshabazz.com

Reliable Maintenance 219-852-5077

Simply Organized, LLC 219-575-3821 putclutterinitsplace.com

Sandell Cabinets, Inc. 219-365-0823 sandellcabinet.com

The Wynn Group 219-924-2854

Sanders Indiana Hardware, Inc. 219-465-4090

Drug & Alcohol Screening

Schererville Glass & Mirror, Inc. 219-322-5050 scherervilleglass.com

Acosta Medical Testing Corporation 800-578-2682 acostamed.com

Slurry Systems, Inc. 219-938-6667 slurrysystems.com

Figment Group, Inc. 219-326-8880 figmentgroupinc.com

Skwiat Electric, LLC 219-362-9473

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Financial Services Anew Mortgage Concept 219-736-8000 Cornerstone Mortgage Advisors 219-791-9400 cornerstone.com Dluzak & Associates Inc. 219-769-6110 ZAKWEALTHADVISOR.com Home Loan Financing, LLC 219-365-1129 homeloanfinancing.net M Realty Group 219-324-4640 New Millennium Mortgage 219-987-2200 TK Services, Inc. 219-545-3303 US Federal Credit Union 219-763-0725 usfederalcu.org Vision Financial Services, Inc. 219-325-5888 visionsprr.com

Healthcare Adarna Home Health Care 219-736-3900 Advance Rehab Service 219-985-1112 Associated Homecare, Inc. 219-465-6176 netco.net Back Home Again, Inc. 219-477-4333 Behavior Specialists Indiana 219-462-6705 bsitherapy.com Blue Skies Hospice, Inc. 219-554-0688 blueskieshospice.com Bogart-Smith Optometry 219-663-5960 bogart-smith-optometry.com C & A Home Health Care 219-938-1736 Cardiovascular Clinics PC 219-756-1400 Comforcare Senior Service 219-462-2400 comforcare.com Comfort Keepers 219-362-9800 comfortkeepers.com Defining Women Donna Tang RN 219-769-7940

East Wind Acupuncture 219-395-9928 ewacupuncture.com Health Inspirations 219-924-7525 highland-chiropractor.com Home Health Crusaders 219-763-0404 Home Health Medical Supply 219-981-8440 Home Helpers 219-548-1918 homehelpers.cc Home Instead Senior Care 219-793-9023 homeinstead.com Illiana Eye Care 219-374-7800 illianaeyecare.com

Strategic Management – Human Resource Solutions, LLC 219-873-1735 managepeopleright.com Success Trek Inc. 219-680-7720 success-trek.com

Insurance & Insurance Services Airey Insurance & Financial 219-650-4050 aireyinsurance.com Barbara A Gulden Insurance Agency American Family Insurance 219-365-9909 barbgulden.com

JNR Senior Care Management 219-326-1082

Blake Insurance, Inc. 219-362-5253 blakeins.com

Komyatte & Associates 219-922-1915

Derek & Associates Case Mgmt 219-988-3858

Lowell Physical Therapy 219-696-0988

HMS Midwest, LLC 219-926-8320 PracticeManagers.com

M-Y Home Care 219-924-7480 Need A Helping Hand 219-365-4720 Pediatric Health Management 219-882-0262 Pediatric Infant & Family Home 219-949-7696 Performance Physical Therapy 219-513-0300 Residential Clinical Service 219-7365718 residentialclinical.com Rohe Therapy, Inc. 219-762-7136

Le Claire & Co 219-769-6711 Mary Whitmore State Farm Ins 219-362-1665 statefarm.com Pittman Insurance Services, LLC 219-616-9040 Quality Insurance Providers, Inc. 219-938-6870 State Farm Insurance 219-663-6219 statefarm.com State Farm Insurance 219-769-4261 statefarm.com

Specialty Eye Care Center 219-662-0066

Winey Insurance 219-926-3431 wineyinsurance.com

Visiting Nurse Association Porter 219-462-5195 vnaportercounty.org

Landscaping

Wee Care Therapy Ltd 219-322-1415 weecaretherapy.com

Human Resources BOA & Associates, Inc d/b/a Crown Staffing 219-887-5878 CLD Consulting Service, Inc. 219-322-1899

Dental Professional Labs Inc. 219-769-6225

Computer Education Institute, Inc. 219-926-5740 cei-edu.com

Duneland Counseling Center 219-921-0705 duneland-counseling.com

P.J. Krueger-HR Solutions, LLC 219-872-0038 pjkrueger.com

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Positive Action Taking-Control 888-622-6410 x2

Allen’s Snow Removal & Lawn Care Inc. 219-763-1532 allenslandscape.com Clark’s Secret Garden 219-879-0089 clarkssecretgarden.com Forney’s Supply, Inc. 219-762-4400 forneyssupply.com The Great American Landscape, Inc. Patricia Rompca 219-322-7033 Green Valley Plants 219-362-8169 Hubinger Landscaping Corporation 219-662-9911 hubingers.com

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PR’s Lawn Care 219-362-5104 Smalls Landscaping, Inc. 219-728-4157 smallslandscaping.com Tom’s Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping 219-325-8667 Yardscapes, Inc. 219-879-3710

Law April L. Board, PC 219-477-2445 Carri N. Crider Law Offices 219-462-8900 Crystal Sharp Bauer Law Office 219-769-0213 Cynthia Taylor, Attorney 219-951-4290 Lisa A. Moser, Attorney 219-764-1952 lisamoserlaw.com McDermott Law Office 219-838-9200 mcdermottlegal.net Megan L .Ward Law Office 219-661-9600 Megan M. Cuellar, Attorney 219-878-1442 Patricia S. Beecher, Attorney 219-938-2388

Manufacturing A New Generation Sign Write 219-462-0696 Allin Plastic Engraving 219-972-2223 Beulah, Inc. 219-764-4885 beulahinc.com Crismar Graphics, Inc. 219-872-6442 crismargraphics.com Crystal Clear Window Filming 219-395-8468 crystalclearwindowfilm.com Diesel Electrical Equipment Company 219-922-1848 dieselelectricalequipment.com Fiber Solutions, Inc. 219-791-0602 fiber-solutions.com Future Communications, Inc. 219-972-1090 Grinding Experts, Inc. 219-838-7773 H A Smolen Company 219-838-2700 Harrison Engine Service, Inc. 219-362-9707 harrisonengine.com

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Hoosier Daddy BBQ Sauce 219-789-5711 hoosierdaddybbqsauce.com Hoosier Machinery Solutions 219-733-2108 hoosiermachinery.com Hydraulic Resources 219-934-9310 hydraulicresources.com Image Plastics Ltd 219-474-5709 imageplastics.com Metaltec 219-362-9811 Midwest Metal Products 219-879-8595 ringmidwest.com Modrak Products Co, Inc. 219-838-0308

Marketing & Communications Arrow Promotions, Inc. 219-989-9600 Brandfluential 219-689-5289 brandfluential.com Concept Marketing & Design 219-649-1690 marketingnwi.com Design Studio 303, Inc. 219-931-4005 ds303.com Devarj Design Agency 219-476-0600 devarj.com Design Studio 303, Inc. 219-931-4005 ds303.com

Munster Steel Company, Inc. 219-924-5198 munstersteel.com Opti-Mark 219-374-8990 Quintel 219-322-3080 quintel-inc.com Region Signs, Inc. 219-473-1616 regionsignsinc.com Rubino’s Music Sound Lighting 219-736-9344 rubinosmusic.com Scrappy Iron & Metal Recycling 219-778-9372 scrappyironandmetal.com Separation Technologies, Inc. 219-548-5814 separationtechnologies.com Showmen Supplies, Inc. 219-362-5285 showmensupplies.com Spectrum Lasers, LLC 219-845-7880 spectrumlasers.org Stanrail Corp.

219-932-5200 stanrail.com Sun Steel Express 219-763-0710 sunsteelexpress.com Velko Hinge, Inc. 219-924-6363 velko.com

Diversified Marketing Strategies, Inc. Andrea Pearman, President 1330 Arrowhead Court Crown Point, IN 46307 219-226-0300 219-226-0303 – Fax 3dms.com DMI Fund Raising 219-464-9956 dmifundraising.com Gary Crusader 219-885-4357 chicagocrusader.com Golden Recognition Inc. 219-742-8458 Great Lakes Graphics, Inc. 219-462-1488 Griffin Sales, Inc. 219-898-0388 Guru Marketing Corp.

219-588-1496 Ideations & Promotions 219-838-1110 ideationspromos.com IdentiTees 219-980-0650 INCA Supply Corp., LLC 219-801-2052 Lakeside Advertising Specialties, Inc. 219-937-2438

Vision AG, Inc. 219-866-2718

Lakeview Associates 219-763-7807

Williams, West & Witt’s Products Company d/b/a Integrative Flavors 219-879-8236 integrativeflavors.com

Marketing Solutions Advantage, Inc 219-696-6961 marketingsolutionsadvantage.net

Wise Industries, Inc. 219-947-5333

MixDesign, Inc. 219-322-7190 mixdesign.com

43

Moran Design Corp.

219-931-2825 morandesign.biz

Gary Printing, Inc. 219-886-1767 / garyprintinginc.com

Exit 1 Realty 219-873-0021 exit1re.com

Real Estate

F C Tucker Advantage Realty 219-866-0002

Alliance Valpo, LLC 219-462-2090 21alliance.com Morse & Company Advertising Communications, Inc. 219-879-1223 morseandcompany.com Overseas Advantage, Inc. 219-662-1299 PanoramaNOW 219-464-9237 panoramanow.com

A & W Investment Ltd 219-981-9600 A Plus Property Management 219-736-0053 Advance Realty, Inc. 219-696-2001 Alice Wright Realty 219-374-5582

Pepperbrook Design 219-588-4080 pepperbrook.com

American Home Realty 219-397-3332

Pio Company, Inc. 219-345-5100 piocominc.com

Boulder Bay Realty Group LLC 219-531-6683 boulderbayrealty.com

South Shore Parent 219-771-5366 southshoreparent.com

Century 21 Alliance Group 219-462-2090 21alliance.com

THEBEACHCOAST.COM 219-879-1972 thebeachcoast.com

Century 21 Destiny Real Estate 219-696-1000 century21destiny.com

Ginter Realty, Inc. 219-942-1141 ginterhomes.com Great Lakes Realty 219-762-9000 Janice Price Realtor 219-924-5506 Land & Lakes Real Estate, Inc. 219-763-6134 Liston L. Brown Realtors 219-326-6066 Long Beach Realty 219-874-5209 longbeachrealty.net Micky Gallas Properties 219-874-7070 mickygallasproperties.com Northwest Indiana Real Estate 219-696-9600 yournwiproperties.com

Via Marketing, Inc. 219-769-2299 viamarketing.net Websters Protection Bags, Inc. Connie Webster-Root 219-728-1328 webstersbags.com Words in a Wink 219-229-8800 wordsinawink.com

Photography Ardent Papers Photography 219-863-7550 ardentpapers.com Chrome Kiss Photography 219-730-4646 chromekissphoto.com Cupid Wedding & Portrait Studios 219-242-8312 Edda Taylor Photographie 219-662-9500 / eddataylor.com

Printing American Printing & Advertising, Inc. 219-937-1844 americanprintingonline.com Baxter Printing, Inc. 219-923-1999

Diversified Marketing Strategies, Inc. Andrea Pearman, President 1330 Arrowhead Court Crown Point, IN 46307 219-226-0300/ 219-226-0303 – Fax 3dms.com

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Century 21 Executive Realty Dawn Collins, Broker/Owner 1211 Cumberland Crossing Dr Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-531-2288 219-531-8822 – Fax dcmoveahead.com Century 21 Pace Realty 219-947-1591 century21.com Century 21 Powers Realty, Inc. 219-949-9700 century21powers.com Clear Choice Real Estate 219-696-1771 clearchoice-realestate.com Commercial Advantage, Inc. 219-736-0014 commercial-adv.com Cornerstone Real Estate Agency 219-866-4528 cornerstoneshomes.com Cribs Property Management Firm 219-226-1200 Devine Connection Real Estate Group 219-886-9247

RE/MAX Affiliates BruceAnn Singleton, Broker/Owner 2803 Boilermaker Court, Suite 1A Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-531-6596 219-464-8343 – Fax rmxaffiliates.com Realty Executives Group 219-764-8571 Risner Realty & Associates 219-987-2230 risnerrealty.com Stage2Sell LLC 219-662-7701 stage2sellllc.com Welcome Mat Real Estate 219-843-4687 welcomemat.bz Your Choice Realty 219-661-8577 yourchoicerealty.us

Retail Albanese Confectionery Group 219-942-1877 albaneseconfectionery.com Angelo Bernacchi Greenhouses 219-362-6202 angelo-bernacchi.com

DMT American Management 219-922-3592

Artful Garden 219-662-0900 artful-garden.com

Executive Group Realty 219-874-1122/ executivegrouprealty.com

Au Naturel Market 219-465-1984

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Back to Basics Healthfood 574-772-5996 backtobasicsorganics.com

Healthy Horizons, Inc. 219-845-8450 healthyhorizonsinc.com

Barenie’s Lawn Decorations 219-838-7125 barenieslawndecorations.com

Heather L. Jozwiak, PC 219-462-5501 drstanleyblackman.com

Bella Boutie 219-462-2327

Hobart Paint & Wallpaper 219-942-4127

Biddle Seeds 219-261-2893

Horizon Awning LLC 219-872-2329 horizon-awning.com

Big N Little Shoes 219-836-5533 Bits ‘N Pieces 219-662-9030 Brown Tire of Valparaiso 219-462-3109 browntire.com

House of Stitches 219-326-0544 houseofstitches.com Jessica’s Flowers, LLC 219-365-1700

Butcher Block 219-696-9111

John Cicco Mens Wear Exquisite 219-769-1744

Café Crop 219-661-1624 cafecrop.com

Kabelin Hardware Company, Inc 219-362-7838 kabelinacehardware.com

Cal-Region Supply, Inc. 219-392-1023

Kennedy Theatre 219-845-5336 joomla.kennedytheatre.com

Ceramix 101 219-531-6536 ceramix101.com Char’s Florist & Gift Shop 574-772-4005 Chuck’s Bakery 219-464-1511 Deezeyener Jewelry & Gifts 219-663-1323 Dino Jump of Porter County 219-476-7656 dinojumpvalpo.com Doolittle Designs 219-364-0005 Edible Arrangements Valparaiso 219-531-4300 ediblearrangements.com Fast Coffee Service, Inc. 219-787-5282 Fashion Diva 219-814-4007

North Coast Lighting, LLC 219-947-4789 O’Hara’s Sports, Inc. 219-836-5554 Old World Market-Delicatessen 219-476-0700 oldworldmarketonline.com Once Upon A Child 219-864-1976 onceuponachild.com Party Outlet 219-531-2623 Plato’s Closet 219-736-5300 platoscloset.com Radar Associates Corp.

219-838-8030 Remington True Value 219-261-2860 truevalue.com Rhythm Rhyme & Party Time 219-942-8000

Las Palmitas 219-962-4999

Sapper’s Market & Greenhouses 219-942-4995

Main Sporting Goods, Inc. 219-397-5870 mainsportinggoods.com

Schererville Florist & Gifts 219-322-4960 scherervilleflorist.net

Marc T. Nielsen Interiors, Inc. 219-462-9812 marctnielseninteriors.com

Sharps Surplus 219-879-0381

Marilyn’s Bakery 219-962-2253 marilynsbakery.com Mary & Martha Home Accents 219-924-3820 Merrillville Florist 219-769-3454 Mix Design 219-322-6995 mixdesign.com Molly Bea’s Ingredients 219-983-9401

Fitness Funk LLC 219-775-0026

Moody Blooms 219-762-9911 moodyblooms.com

Footprints Christian Gifts 219-326-0189

Munster Donuts 219-836-1709

Foxy’s Hair Salon 219-866-0011

Murphy’s Food King, Inc. 219-474-5055

Funflatables, Inc. 219-322-5333 funflatables.org

Nature’s Cupboard 219-926-4647 naturescupboardonline.com

Great Frame Up 219-836-0007 thegreatframeup.com

Nature’s Cupboard 219-874-2335 naturescupboard.com

Groen’s Fine Furniture 219-865-6585 groensfinefurniture.com

Nature’s Remedies, LLC 219-477-5566 naturesremedieshealth.com

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Newcomer Farm 574-772-7952

Southbend Chocolate Cafe 219-872-1998 St. John Wine & Spirits 219-558-8911 stjohnwineandspirits.com Super Save Food Stores 219-879-0800 Svago Ristorante 219-322-7305 SvagoRistorante.com Trail Creek Liquors 219-874-6702 Valpo ATA Black Belt Academy, LLC 219-462-5000 valpoata.com Whiting Flower Shop 219-659-0326 whitingflowers.com Zen Wellness 219-227-8938 zenwellnessandretreat.com

Special Services A Quality Tree Expert 219-324-4770 Accurate Hearing Aid Service 219-926-9888 accuratehearingaidservices.com AFC International, Inc. 219-987-6825 afcintl.com

45

B & F Pools, Inc. 219-987-4213 bandfpools.com Bass Lake Cemetery Associates 574-772-2424 Bass Lake Golf Course 574-772-2432 Bass Lake Marina, Inc. 574-772-5084 The Caring Corner, LLC 219-884-8484 thecarecorner.com Cet, Inc. 219-762-1431 Chesterton Physical Therapy 219-926-9779 cpt4u.com Choices Counseling Service 219-548-8727 choicescounselingservices.com Cornerstone Appraisal Service 219-531-8832 cornerstone-appraisals.com Cottage Care 219-922-6955 cottagecare.com Developmental Training Ctr 219-980-8060 General Rental 219-872-9177 rentalhq.com Guardian Pest Control 219-477-2847 guardianpestcontrol.com Guy & Allen Funeral Directors 219-949-6325 Hammond Housing Authority 219-989-3265 hammondhousing.org Heart In Hand, LLC 219-923-2050 heartinhandhealing.com Heartland Carpet Care-Cleaning 219-763-1322 Horizon Gymnastics Center 219-477-6542 horizongymnasticscenter.com Jazzercise 219-879-3066 jazzercise.com Jeremi Group, Inc. 219-852-6224 Joel’s All American Carpet 219-322-0552 Johnson Cleaning Service, Inc. 219-696-7778 johnsoncleaning.net Kauffman Chiropractic 219-662-9855 Life Strategies, LLC 219-359-3272 life-strategies.net

46

Merry Maids 219-595-8006 Northwest Indiana Gymnastics 219-762-0150

Transportation

Oak Hill Cemetery 219-932-0206

Always Haulin, Inc. 219-465-3200

Outer Space 219-949-1000

Butler Tillman Expedited Tracking 219-764-2100

Professional Interpreters for the Deaf 219-736-7512 professional-interpreters.com

Cathie’s Cartage, Inc. 219-808-6880

Prompt Ambulance Service 219-838-4444 promptambulance.com Rassel Family Chiropractic 219-362-5433 Red Arrow Stables, Inc. 219-872-2114 redarrownews.com Ross Hearing Center, Inc. 219-738-2730 rosshearingcenter.com Rumph Residence, LLC 219-973-9304 rumphresidence.com

AJ & S Trucking, Inc. 219-473-9428

Gary Trucking 219-785-4914 Harry Brown Trucking 219-996-2461 J. Jarrett Trucking, Inc. 219-902-6660 Lake County Cartage, Inc. 219-365-1326 M & R Trucking 219-764-8327 Plina, Inc. 219-836-9817

Scooters N More 219-462-3081

Portage School Bus Garage, Inc. 219-763-8080 portage.k12.in.us

Sensit Tech 219-759-1142 gasleaksensors.com

Security Incorporated 219-879-3276 securityincorporated.com

Sentinel Alarm 219-465-2637 sentinelalarm.com

Select Shippers 219-879-6546 selectshippers.com

Shirley Ann Cleans 574-772-5153

Transwide Consultants, Inc. 219-261-3283 trans-wide.com

Southlake Speech & Hearing Center 219-738-2528 Sunrise Laundry & Dry Cleaning 219-980-8001 Therapy and Learning Services Inc. 574-654-8540 therapyandlearningservices.com Trimboli Chiropractic 219-836-8890 trimbolichiro.net Tumblebear Gymnastics 219-865-9698 / tumblebearmobile.com

Specialities/Logo Apparel Valparaiso Theatrical Company, Inc. 219-242-8005

Diversified Marketing Strategies, Inc. Andrea Pearman, President 1330 Arrowhead Court Crown Point, IN 46307 219-226-0300 219-226-0303 – Fax 3dms.com

Tri-Union Express, Inc. 219-838-5400 triunion.com Young Bros. Trucking, Inc. 219-462-6946 youngbrotherstrucking.com

Travel Aladdin Travel, Inc. 219-836-1090 All About Travel 219-365-3500 Classic Journeys 219-374-9876 classic-journeys.com Directions A Travel Company 219-924-6066 directionstvl.com Totally Inclusive Travel 260-492-6603 totallyinclusivetravel.com Travel Palace 219-836-9913 World Travel Unlimited 219-464-9555

www.nwiwomen.com

Kvaerner North American Construction Inc.

Congratulations Melissa Strayer We proudly congratulate Melissa Strayer for being nominated for the 2012 Up and Coming Woman of the Year Award in Construction, presented by the Influential Women of Northwest Indiana.

Kvaerner North American Construction provides a full range of construction, maintenance and renovation services to the North American power, steel and industrial markets.

Industries Served Steel Power • Chemical / Petrochemical • Refining • Light & Heavy Industrial • •

Services Provided General Construction – Civil – Electrical – Heavy Rigging – Mechanical Equipment Setting – Pipe Fabrication / Installation – Plate Work / Pressure Boilers, and Tank Erection – Refractory – Steel Erection • Constructability Reviews • Construction / Project Management • EPC •

Kvaerner North American Construction Inc. Indiana Office 4508 Columbia Avenue Hammond, IN 46327 Phone: 219-931-6600 Fax: 219-931-6625

Corporate Office 701 Technology Drive Canonsburg, PA 15317 Phone: 724-416-6900 Fax: 724-416-6875

NIPSCO