Geminus Corporation Press Release 2012: Heather McCarthy

Summer 2012

16

Professionals

to Watch Charlie Blum, Roger Blythe, Kelly Credit, Michael Griffin, Rob Henderson, Thomas Keilman, Dr. Navin Kumar, Andrew Kyres, Dan Lowery, Bill McCabe, Martin Olesky, Kathleen O’Leary Mark Spencer, Harry VandeVelde, Chelsea Whittington and Heather McCarthy

Also inside 35 Mark Maassel 36 Joy Colwell 37 Rex Richards 38 Bill Thon

PRESORTed standard U.S. postage paid St. Joseph, MI permit #65

1912

Calumet Electric Company organized

in Wheatfield was Generating Plant The R.M. Schahfer inning in 1976, and today it beg brought on-line Its newest gest power plant. the company’s lar examples of the most are 18 and 17 ts, uni entally compliant modern, environm the country. generating units in

Construction of and went into the Norway Hydroelectri c se know as Lake rvice in 1923. The Norway plant started in April 1922 Shafer. Th plant forms th e reservoir in 1924 and we e Oakdale Hyrdoelectric pla Lake Freeman nt into service a year later. nt was started , NIPSCO acqu Its ired both plant reservoir is s in June 1944.

1923

Midland acquires Northern Indiana Gas and Electric from United Gas Improvement Company

1924

Calumet Electric changes name to “Calumet Gas and Electric Company” - Also in 1924, employees’ representation plan emerged - Frontrunner to unionization

1926

Calumet Gas and Electric Company changed name to Northern Indiana Public Service Company - Also in 1926, merged with Northern Indiana Gas and Electric Company (establishing present form) - Samuel Insull, first chairman, and his son, Samuel Insull, Jr. became first president

1929

Samuel Insull, Jr named vice chairman, Morse DellPlain becomes company’s second president - Construction began on Michigan City Generating Station

1931

Michigan City Generating Station Project finished

1932

John Shannahan elected chairman, replacing Insull and ending Insull family involvement in NIPSCO management

1934

Shannahan took on dual responsibilities: chairman and president, continued until death in ‘38

1938

Dean Mitchell elected president after Shannahan’s death (Mitchell worked his way up from assistant auditor)

1945

NIPSCO becomes a corporation after the Indiana General Corporation Act was approved

1947

Midland Utilities Company sells stockholdings in NIPSCO, allowing public ownership of NIPSCO stock for the first time since early ‘20s

1950

Gary and Hobart Water properties, which were owned by NIPSCO, sold to Gary-Hobart Water Corporation. NIPSCO wanted to eliminate its involvement in water utilities and concentrate on its primary responsibilities - providing gas and electric services

1953

NIPSCO sells all remaining remnants of water business to Water Utilities Incorporated

1956

Dean Mitchell Generating Station in Gary completed

1959

NIPSCO signs contract with Midwestern Gas Transmission Company of Houston, Texas. Contract provided 200 million cubic feet of gas per day (triples NIPSCO’s supply of gas) - Over next decade, natural gas service extended to nearly every community in Northern Indiana

1962

First unit of Bailey Generating Station in Porter County went on production line

1967

NIPSCO announces plans or construction of Bailly Nuclear One (at this time, nuclear power was best choice for electricity both environmentally and economically)

1974

NIPSCO obtains permit for Bailly plant

1976

Edmund A Schroer promoted from legal counsel (1967) to president and chief executive officer - Also in 1976, R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield brought on line

t o o u r c u s t o m e r s ov e r t h e l a s t 1 0 0 y e a r s

1981

Official cancellation of plans or Bailly plant - Had become uneconomical to build because of persistent litigations and unresolved regulations

1986

Company restructures to better handle power supply and distribution

1989

Gary Neale elected president and chief operating officer

1992

NIPSCO Industries purchases Kokomo Gas

1993

NIPSCO Industries purchases Northern Indiana Fuel and Light Company in northeast Indiana

1999

NIPSCO Industries renamed NiSource but retains NIPSCO name with Indiana customers

2000

NiSource merges with the five gas distribution companies of Columbia Energy Group

2010

1931, Michigan City. As company employees and executives look on, the cornerstone Michigan City Generating Stationof NIPSCO’s is laid.

2011

nipsco.com

Jimmy Staton elected NIPSCO president and chief executive officer NIPSCO finalized a settlement outlining about $600 million in new environmental investments, conservation initiatives, and clean energy programs designed to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of northern Indiana

One thing I’ve noticed in my time here is a certain spirit that feels like it’s been around forever.

As human beings, we naturally divide our lives into hours, weeks and years.

But here, there’s something timeless.

A way of treating people; of comforting them and giving them the attention they need.

Of course we offer the most modern technology and advanced treatments.

But it’s the people behind these things that set us apart.

I am a Franciscan Alliance nurse.

And I walk in the footsteps of St. Francis.

When St. Francis walked out into the world and began his ministry, he left everything behind.

It was a selfless act, symbolic of his desire to care for those in need. Today, in the halls of our hospitals, we follow in the footsteps of a single man whose timeless mission continues to inspire the 18,000 doctors, nurses and health care professionals of Franciscan Alliance.

14 hospitals. One mission.

Divisions of Franciscan Alliance 14hospitals.org

Contents cover story

Biz worthy

4

Gary/Chicago International Airport: First Allegiant flight from Gary airport lifts hopes

8

New development: BP Whiting refinery to expand office space, will host 500 jobs

People Skills

35

Mark Maassel: Professional communicators are focused listeners

Economic Development

37

Rex Richards: New job prospects look bright for Northwest Indiana.

calendar

40

10 2 | In Business

6 Professionals to Watch: 1 (From left to right, Row 1) Charlie Blum, Roger Blythe, Kelly Credit, Michael Griffin, (Row 2) Rob Henderson, Thomas Keilman, Dr. Navin Kumar, Andrew Kyres (Row 3) Dan Lowery, Bill McCabe, Heather McCarthy, Martin Oleksy (Row 4) Kathleen O’Leary, Mark Spencer, Harry VandeVelde, Chelsea Whittington

Business calendar: Check out upcoming events in your area

Publisher’s Letter sUMMER 2012 Volume 8, Issue 2

Publisher Bill Masterson Jr. Founding editor William Nangle Associate Publisher/Editor Pat Colander Director of Product Development Brett Riley Managing Editor Matt Saltanovitz Design Director Ben Cunningham Designer April Burford Contributing writers Heather Augustyn, Keith Benman, Dan Carden, Rob Earnshaw, Lu Ann Franklin, Anrea Holecek, Tricia Despres, Louisa Murzyn, Diane Poulton, Bill Thon, Bowdeya Tweh

Professionalism remains a basic requirement essential to continous transition in the workforce

L

Contributing photographer Tony V. Martin Advertising Director Lisa M. Daugherty Advertising managers Deb Anselm, Eric Horon, Jeffrey Precourt Business Advisory Board Dave Bochnowski, Peoples Bank; Wil Davis, Gary Jet Center; Nick Meyer, NIPSCO; Barb Greene, Franciscan Physician Hospital; Tom Gryzbek, St. Margaret Mercy Hospital; Stephan K. Munsey, Family Christian Center; Anna Rominger, Indiana University Northwest; Bill Thon, Ivy Tech State College Copyright, Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland BusINess, 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.

By Bill masterson jr.

Publisher, BusINess, The Times Media Co.

We want to hear from you E-mail bill.masterson @nwi.com or write to BusINess Magazine, The Times, 601 W. 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321

ooking over the roster of business leaders that are on our list this issue, I couldn’t help but notice the mix of well-known and lesser-known names as well as the diversity in ages, cultural background and gender. Learning about our top professionals impressed me even more with the flexibility and adaptation that these leaders display. There are lots of intangible benefits for managers with a natural ability to create, invent and innovate. Devising new ways of working and new products are hallmarks of leadership in our modern economy.

Every single day I see new collaborations emerge as well as new businesses. In the news in one recent week, Potash Corp. moved into Hammond, a fuel cell component-maker landed in Crown Point and St. John’s SunRise Solar Inc. said it expected to double exports this year. And that was a pretty typical week.

There are numerous examples in this group of outstanding professionals whose names and reputations are familiar.

BP’s Whiting Business Unit’s Tom Keilman, Highland Clerk/ Treasurer Michael Griffin, Heather McCarthy of Geminus Corporation, Andrew Kyres of First Financial Bank, Mark Spencer of West Side Theatre Guild, Calumet College Chancellor Dan Lowery, Porter Hospital’s Kelly Credit and Charlie Blum of the Star Plaza Theatre are all in expanded and evolving roles in their organizations and they continue to shine by solid strategic thinking applied to new situations.

Others pros have made a leap into a key leadership role in the Region without breaking stride, including Arnell General Sales Manager Rob Henderson, NIPSCO President Kathleen O’Leary, Chelsea Stalling Wittington, Gary Director of Communications – who started her career at the Times – and Harry VandeVelde of the Legacy Foundation.

Then there are those who you may be meeting for the first time including entrepreneurs like Martin Oleksy, building a public relations network and simultaneously creating buzz around one of NWI’s new epicenters in Cedar Lake; Roger Blythe, deftly steering the family business through a changing industry and Dr. Navin Kumar, who recently won a coveted St. Luke award for his work in internal medicine at St. Margaret’s.

The theme running through so many professionals’ career stories is the constant renewal of initiative and energy. Every day is a new opportunity and another chance.

Thank you all for making the time to tell us about how you do, what you do, even though it is still kind of mind-boggling.

You are the role models who inspire us, you set a stellar example and you are definitely the people we need to watch.

Summer 2012 | 3

BizWorthy Airport

1st Allegiant flight lifts hopes GARY | Scott and Barb Spitler last flew out of Gary/Chicago International Airport eight years and five airlines ago, but they liked it so much they were back Feb. 15.

“I love this airport,” said Barb Spitler, sitting in the terminal at 1:20 p.m. “It’s close to home. It’s smaller. Everyone is friendly and very helpful.”

The Newton County couple, along with son Seth, 8, were among 150 hopeful passengers who bought out all seats on the inaugural Allegiant flight from Gary to Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida.

Both the departing Gary flight and the one that arrived at 11:20 a.m. were sold out, said Eric Fletcher, Allegiant manager of airports.

The departing flight departed the jet gate about 20 minutes late and 10 minutes later soared over downtown Gary into an overcast sky. It was the first regularly scheduled airline flight to depart the airport in more than three years.

Flights are scheduled to depart at noon every Thursday and Sunday.

It was not only the flying public that showed up in force for the inaugural flight. Gary and region community leaders also showed up en masse for the scheduled 3:20 p.m. departure.

“We believe the flight to Orlando is only the beginning,” Gary Mayor Karen FreemanWilson said at a preflight news

4 | In Business

John Luke | The Times Grounds crew members load bags onboard Allegiant flight 651 at Gary/Chicago International Airport on Wednesday afternoon as they prepare for the airline’s first passenger flight out of Gary.

conference, expressing hope Allegiant would add more routes and more airlines would follow.

The mayor’s aspirations for the airport were encouraged moments later by Fletcher.

“We would like to increase the frequency of flights as well as destinations and we see Gary becoming very successful for us,” Fletcher said.

The two spoke at a rostrum at the west end of the terminal in front of a throng of city and local community leaders. Fifty feet away, passengers were checking baggage and passing through the security checkpoint.

Reporters quickly got to the question on everyone’s mind: Why will this airline be different from Pan Am, Southeast, Hooters, SkyValue and Skybus?

All five flew into Gary amid high hopes, starting with Pan

Am in 1999. All five went out of business. Skybus still holds the record for shortest stay – just three weeks.

Fletcher told the crowd Allegiant is different, with a proven track record in the industry and a business model different than the others.

Allegiant is more than just an airline, he said, offering customers the chance to book discount hotel rooms and car rentals at its online reservations center.

According to its 2011 financial results, customers booked 647,700 hotel room nights and 577,700 rental car days through Allegiant that year.

Fortune magazine named it one of its “100 fastest-growing companies” in 2011 and 2010, and the company boasts 36 straight profitable quarters.

“This is the first real legitimate

airline this airport has ever had,” Gary Jet Center owner Wil Davis said. “All the others were either start-ups or someone’s fantasy.

This is the real deal.”

Jamey Willoughby, waiting for her flight, said she also was thinking of deals when she booked her flight.

“The price is right, and it’s close to home,” the Valparaiso mom said with son Noah, 11, and daughter Madison, 9, seated next to her.

Willoughby said she was paying $584 in fares and fees in total for the three of them to fly to Sanford to visit with her parents. That compared to $849 for an American flight out of O’Hare. Like others, she was surprised by the $7 per day parking fee at Gary, which was free at one time. BY Keith Benman, tHE TIMES

Steel

Engineer tells of experiences in Chinese steel industry An ArcelorMittal research engineer recently talked about his experiences spending more than four years working overseas in the Chinese steel industry.

In 2006, Nassos Lazaridis, then a manager of automotive and appliance product applications at Mittal Steel’s research center in East Chicago, moved to Changsha, Hunan province, to become the vice general manager and chief technical officer of Hunan Valin Steel Tube & Wire Co. Ltd.

Lazaridis was dispatched to China after the then-named Mittal Steel became the first and only steelmaker allowed to invest in an integrated steel company in that country.

Lazaridis, who talked about his experience overseas at the ASM International Calumet Chapter meeting at Purdue University Calumet, said the steel capacity at Hunan Valin doubled in 2010 from its 7 million tons per year total in 2006 when he arrived. Currently

the capacity is about 17 million to 19 million tons per year.

One of his projects at Hunan Valin was developing a new flat products steel mill. It soon was delayed because of the global recession, and at one point ArcelorMittal thought it would never happen because Hunan Valin was losing money. After waiting for “better times” and making structural management changes at Hunan, construction of the plant is ongoing with a startup date scheduled for the

fourth quarter of 2013.

Lazaridis said he “caused a sensation” wherever he went in Hunan province because of its lack of foreigners. Despite the language barrier, he got involved and experienced plenty of Chinese life and society.

Lazaridis rejoined ArcelorMittal’s research center in 2011. He has worked for the steelmaker and its predecessor companies in northern Indiana for 36 years. By Rob Earnshaw, Times Correspondent‌

iun.edu/~busmba

Still Northwest Indiana’s only AACSB-accredited public business program!

Because quality matters in business education.

The School of Business and Economics at Indiana University Northwest is the only public business program in Northwest Indiana that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. Only 15 percent of business schools worldwide have attained this undisputed benchmark for quality business education. n Bachelor of Science in Business Administration n Post-Baccalaureate Accounting Certificate n Online Graduate Certficate in Management n Evening MBA for Professionals n Weekend MBA for Professionals (includes international learning experience)

Chicagoland’s Affordable AACSB Business School Summer 2012 | 5

BizWorthy staffing

job watch

Reserves Network, staffing service, opens in M’ville

Employment in the Calumet Region

MERRILLVILLE | The Reserves Network, a

staffing service for the office, industrial, professional and technical markets, has opened a location at 8105 Georgia St. The new office will serve as a recruitment center for the company’s Matteson, Ill., office. The Reserve Network also has Indiana offices in Indianapolis and Tell City.

The Merrillville center will be overseen by Matteson branch manager Lora Avecillas.

The Reserves Network charges no fee to job seekers. Candidates and companies can contact the Merrillville office at (317) 241–0850 or merrillville@trnstaffing.com.

BY TIMES STAFF

Law

Attorneys open new law firm in Valparaiso VALPARAISO | Attorneys R. Timothy

Fletcher, Wendy A. Fletcher and Stephen J. Sullivan have opened a new law firm, Fletcher & Fletcher LLC, located at 2005 Valparaiso St., Ste. 203.

The firm will focus on estate planning, corporate law, and mediation services. For more information, call (219) 299–6263. BY TIMES STAFF Information technology

Lake County March 2011

March 2012

Change

Labor force

219,904

219,731

Down 173

Employed

198,037

198,458

Up 421

Unemployed

21,867

21,273

Down 594

March 2012

Change

Porter County March 2011

Labor force

81,606

81,620

Up 14

Employed

74,926

75,085

Up 159

Unemployed

6,680

6,535

Down 145

March 2011

March 2012

Change

Labor force

50,543

49,786

Down 757

Employed

44,923

44,468

Down 455

Unemployed

5,620

5,318

Down 302

March 2011

March 2012

Change

Up 22,222

Percent of workforce unemployed 10.7 percent

Cook County Labor force

2,550,799

2,573,021

Employed

2,305,042

2,337,102

Up 32,060

MERRILLVILLE | Atlanta-based A&I

Unemployed

245,757

235,919

Down 9,838

March 2011

March 2012

Change

Labor force

363,731

367,100

Up 3,369

Employed

327,569

332,125

Up 4,556

Unemployed

36,162

34,975

Down 1,187

6 | In Business

Percent of workforce unemployed 8 percent

LaPorte County

Company chooses Purdue Research Park-based firm Solutions, an IT consulting and services company, on Wednesday selected SpyLogix, a platform offered

by IdentityLogix, for its cloud security offerings.

IdentityLogix, based in the Purdue Research Park in Merrillville, is a software company offering products that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of people, process and technologies that secure business information. BY TIMES STAFF

Percent of workforce unemployed 9.7 percent

Percent of workforce unemployed 9.2 percent

Will County Percent of workforce unemployed 9.5 percent

Sources: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Illinois Department of Employment Security

Construction

Superior Construction nets honor for safety milestone A Gary-based construction company said its employees have worked more than 15 million hours at the BP Whiting Refinery without an accident that requires workers to take time off to recover.

Superior Construction Co. Inc. said the milestone, which spans 13 years, is the result of having a strong safety culture and implementing programs to reduce workplace accidents, said Safety Director Tom Owens in a statement.

The company’s “Good Catch” program implemented at the refinery a few years ago has reduced its lost-time injury incident rate to 0.28 per 100 workers last year from 1.21 injuries per 100 workers in 2008.

Owens said the industry average is five.

The program encourages each tradesperson to look for any safety hazard and report it immediately. Since 2008, Superior

Construction has received multiple awards including the Governor’s Workplace Safety Award. BY TIMES STAFF

home. Amedisys has two divisions, home health care and hospice. BY TIMES STAFF Design

Health Care

Home health agency named as one of nation’s best Amedisys Home Health of Munster announced it has been named to the 2011 HomeCare Elite for the fourth time. Now in its sixth year, the HomeCare Elite is a compilation of the top–performing home health agencies in the United States. Winners are ranked by how well they provide quality services and their financial performance.

The HomeCare Elite identifies the top 25 percent of agencies and names the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. The 2011 HomeCare Elite is the only performance recognition of its kind.

Amedisys Inc. is a health care company that delivers personalized health care services to patients and their families at

Local design agency wins industry awards Devarj Design Agency, a brand communication firm with locations in Munster and Valparaiso and Chicago, has been named winner of four 2011 American Graphic Design Awards for work in corporate branding and package design.

Devarj was also selected as one of 10 finalists in the Annual Digital Print Cover Contest for Graphic Design USA (magazine), according to a news release.

Devarj was honored for their work with: Farrall Wealth Investment Management Group, Valparaiso, naming and branding; AssetTrust, Schererville, naming and branding; and the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers, designing logo and corporate brochure. BY TIMES STAFF

Nurturing Growth Working to attract quality jobs and capital investment to the region, enhance the business climate and preserve and protect the environment.

Help us grow the NWI Economy Learn more about the Forum mission, membership and initiatives.

Visit www.nwiforum.org Summer 2012 | 7

BizWorthy Steel

SALUTE

People who are climbing the professional ladder Munster attorney Thomas J. Scully III recently was reelected to a third term as a board member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.

Scully

Elizabeth Manning, of Valparaiso, recently joined the American Cancer Society as community representative for Northwest Indiana.

Dentist Brian Manning Douts, of Friendly Dental Care in Merrillville recently completed Invisalign training and earned certification to provide Invisalign in his practice.

Homewood District 153 School Board President Shelly Marks was honored with the 2011 Burroughs Award from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Carol Dartz of Arbor View Animal Hospital in Valparaiso was awarded three certificates of completion from the Association of Avian Veterinarians for the AAV Focused Course Program.

To submit an item for Salute, send information and a photo, if available, to 601 W. 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321, e-mail to business@nwitimes.com or fax to (219) 933-3249. Faxed photos will not be published.

U.S. Steel eyeing coke substitute project completion Officials from United States Steel Corp. affirmed that modules expected to make an alternative to the steelmaking input coke will start production in Gary this year.

During a conference call with analysts Jan. 31, John Surma, U.S. Steel chairman and CEO, said the project at Gary Works and its Mon Valley Works coke battery project in Clairton, Pa., would come online this year with full production starting in 2013.

The modules in Gary could begin operating in a limited capacity as early as the second quarter.

Carbonyx Inc. owns the technology U.S. Steel is licensing to use in Gary. The two carbon alloy substitute production modules in Gary could produce up to 500,000 tons of a coal-based product per year and Clairton could produce about 1 million tons of coke per year. U.S. Steel said in 2010 the project carried a price tag of more than $220 million.

“Right now, if it works as planned, we hope it’s going to be a great thing,” said Jerry Littles, president of United Steelworkers Local 1014 in Gary.

Littles said a team from Gary went to Oklahoma to work at the Carbonyx’s pilot operation and better understand how to make it work

in Northwest Indiana. He estimated about 450 people worked in coke operations late last year and about 80 would be transferred to work on the Carbonyx operation.

The integrated steelmaking complex in Gary still has three functioning coke batteries, which are groups of ovens that bake coal to drive off impurities to produce a product that feeds blast furnaces.

Company officials said the modules in Gary can produce a coke alternative from different types of coal and once fully operational, will result in a net reduction of airborne pollutants the facility creates from the coking process.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management permitted U.S. Steel to build four modules in Gary, but the company is constructing two in the current project phase. The company has yet to reveal whether it will build the next two modules. At full production, the modules would substitute about 20 percent of Gary Works’ coke requirements.

Surma said he didn’t anticipate the company needing to buy coke from the merchant market this year and its production facilities should produce adequate supplies. By Bowdeya Tweh, the times

BP to expand office space in Whiting, will host 500 jobs WHITING | BP will completely retrofit a warehouse on 121st Street and convert it into a modern office building for 500 people as part of its $3.8 billion expansion project.

“This investment is part of our journey toward making this the premier refinery in North America,” said Whiting Refinery manager Nick Spencer. “This is

8 | In Business

also about our commitment to the people in our world-class workforce who will make us that industry leader.”

The new building will encompass 60,000 square feet of offices and is expected to be complete by the end of 2012.

Employment at the refinery will peak at about 10,000 that year as thousands of skilled trades

workers continue to flow in to work on the refinery expansion scheduled for completion in 2013.

The new offices will be on 121st Street between Schrage Avenue and Front Street. Mayor Joseph Stahura said the building will complement new developments and improvements in downtown Whiting.

“I am pleased to see BP building

a state-of-the-art facility in the community,” Stahura said.

The office building will be an integral part of the BP facility, said BP spokesman Scott Dean. When the BP expansion is complete, the refinery will be able to produce 15 percent more gasoline and diesel fuel from heavier North American crude oils. By Keith Benman, The times

Online

Jacqueline and Jonathan Thomas, of Valparaiso, run Anglotopia.net, a Valparaisobased website dedicated to everything British. Traffic comes from people interested in traveling to Britain.

A Yank with a British soul A bad economy indirectly inspired a Valparaiso resident to turn his longtime passion into a full-time business.

Jonathan Thomas used to work in Internet marketing until he was laid off in March 2011. Since then, he has dedicated himself to Anglotopia.net, a website that expresses a love for all things Britain. Thomas cofounded the site with his wife, Jackie, as a side project four years ago.

“We started it in a closet,” Thomas said.

The couple’s then-apartment in Chicago was so small the first incarnation of Anglotopia.net was launched in the converted space. Their start-up cost consisted of buying a domain name and Web host.

“We were bootstrap from day one,” Thomas said. “We invested our own money, which

wasn’t that much because it doesn’t cost much to start it.”

But it took a long time to make any money, Thomas said.

The website, which covers British TV, culture, history and travel, has been growing ever since. It makes more money each month

than it did in the prior one.

“The nice thing about a Web-based business is it’s scalable,” Thomas said. “Your cost only increases as the business itself increases.”

“Just running the website leads to opportunities,” Thomas said.

YO U R E D U C AT I O N & T R A I N I N G PA R T N E R From entry-level skills training to executive leadership consulting, Ivy Tech Corporate College is designed with one simple goal in mind: to provide affordable education and training solutions that help Indiana businesses remain productive, profitable and globally competitive. We provide a wide variety of training solutions that can be customized to your specific needs, including executive corporate training, customized programs and certification training.

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Summer 2012 | 9

1/18/12 5:17 PM

16 Professionals to watch Photos by Tony V. Martin 10 | In Business

Putting the on the

By Rob Earnshaw‌

You can’t separate Charlie Blum’s favorite hobby from his job. They are one and the same.

For 23 years Blum has served as president and CEO of Star Plaza Theatre.

The key to his success is his passion for that job. “There’s something special and exciting about getting up every morning and looking forward to going to work,” Blum says. “I don’t think you can be successful in any business, specifically show business, without passion.”

Show business for Blum began in Washington, D.C. It’s where he attended college after growing up in Atlantic City, N.J. At around 19, Blum started working at Shady Grove Music Theater during the days The Jackson Five, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Liberace, Bette Midler “and pretty much everyone” was performing there.

He became general manager a few years later – one of the youngest in the country – which would come into play with the great Tina Turner. Blum says the singer entered his office after a show asking him to rent her a car so she could avoid having Ike Turner, who she was having problems with, follow her in the limousine. “I turned pale because I wasn’t old enough to rent a car,” Blum says.

He worked out the situation, pretty much just like everything else in his career since.

Blum would go on to associate produce a show on Broadway starring Shelly Winters.

He worked for the New York–based Nederlander organization, which also did the booking for what was then the Holiday Star. It led to Blum becoming a consultant for the Star several years before taking on his current position in 1989.

“It’s an exciting and rewarding business, but it comes with its stress,” Blum says. “I look at the stress as a challenge. We’re dealing in a business where contracts don’t mean anything. We’re dealing with people.

It’s a people business. My job is making sure everyone has a great experience – from the artist, to the manager, to the agent, and

e spotlight Region most importantly, the audience.

“If we can make everybody happy at the end of the day and all feel that they got value from whatever it is we were doing, I’ve done my job. The competition is intense and my job is to find ways to be proactive and not reactive.”

Blum’s job has also been to expand the company and do other things in the entertainment industry, such as managing and producing. He credits those fortunes to his staff and White Lodging, which operates Star Plaza. Blum has been known lately as the manager of the group “Under the Streetlamp,” which features previous members of the Broadway show “Jersey Boys.” Blum executive produced a PBS special featuring a “Streetlamp” performance taped at the Star in 2011. The concert began national airings in March.

Blum also taught a class in arts management at Valparaiso University last summer.

“I’ve been very fortunate in this business in many ways and to give back is probably the top priority for me now,” he says. “It’s fulfilling.”

Blum recently returned from China where as part of the VU program he spent 10 days in Beijing instructing the course to students and ministry officials in the arts industry.

“They’re trying to open up the market to privatize them and they just wanted some expertise from the U.S. and they brought me in,” he says. “It was an incredible experience and something I’ll remember the rest of my life. Ironically I went there to teach, and I think I did a good job, but ultimately I came back almost as a student and learned a lot from them as well.”

Not only was it a great opportunity to exchange ideas but Blum says it looks like he’s close to making a deal to send “Under the Streetlamp” to China.

“I’ve developed relationships there that are ongoing,” he said. “Very few artists have made in into China. It’s very difficult getting in.”

Blum has also introduced bringing community theater to the Star Plaza in the form of a show every summer. “It’s

Charlie Blum President and CEO of Star Plaza Theatre

expensive, but fortunately we’ve had support from the community and sponsors,” he said.

“I don’t know how many theaters would do that.”

It also affords Blum to appear onstage himself, something he’s done often over the years regionally. He has also been the vocal front for his own group, Charlie Blum and the Star Orchestra, as well as hosting and appearing in shows on Lakeshore Public Television.

Star Plaza General Manager Mark Bishop

has worked with Blum since 1984. He arrived at the Star almost a year after Blum and is not only business partners with him on outside entertainment ventures but is a close friend. Bishop said Blum is a visionary.

“He has an uncanny knack to see what’s happening in the industry well before it happens,” he said. “He’s two steps ahead and I think it’s part of the large success here at the theatre. I’ve never known anyone so happy to come to work.”  Summer 2012 | 11

Roger Blythe Blythe’s Sporting Goods

Selling his hobby

By Rob Earnshaw‌

Blythe’s Sporting Goods in Griffith celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. It was started by Lester Blythe in 1952. His son, Richard, came into the business a few years later. His sons, Roger, Michael and Les are running the stores now, with Roger and Les’s sons now in the business, making them the fourth generation of Blythes to serve Northwest Indiana.

“Our biggest asset is our employees,” Roger Blythe says. “It takes a whole group of people to make a business happen. There are a lot of people involved in trying to make a business successful. Our general manager, Ed Hill, has been her for over 30 years.

“A lot of our employees have been here a long time so we don’t have a lot of turnover.”

Roger Blythe has been involved in the business for 33 years, about the same as his brothers.

When Richard built the Valparaiso location in 1980, Michael and Les went to run that store. Roger stayed in Griffith with his dad, who retired around 1998.

“He still likes to come in the store and see customers,” Roger Blythe says.

Les Blythe said third generations are always the toughest to get along and be partners.

“We’ve always had a great relationship and we work well together and trust each other,” he says.

“And I think that’s pretty uncommon in family businesses. “Now we’re working on the fourth generation in the stores.”

Les said the store has made it to 60 years partly because the owners and staff are always “hands on” and changing with the times.

“When things work and we do very well with them that’s what we do,” he says. “We had a fishing department many of those 60 years and when the big box guys came in we decided that was a business we weren’t going to compete very well in. So we got out of that business.”

Les Blythe said they believe when new products come out they can adjust a lot faster 12 | In Business

than box stores can and it’s one of their strong points. “We can change that merchandise and adapt to new trends a lot faster whereas the big box guys have to be thinking a year ahead of time,” he says.

Roger Blythe said initially when the box stores entered the industry the family thought it would hurt their business. But they’ve actually seen an increase since then.

“I think they make the public more aware of some of the merchandise and we can usually provide them with a better price and service in most cases,” he says.

Even during the recent recession, sales have been good, he says. “We’ve seen a lot more people get into shooting. There’s definitely a lot of home and self–protection awareness out there right now.”

The Griffith store recently had a facelift on its storefront, much like the rest of businesses in the revitalized downtown area.

The Valparaiso store will be renovating its gun ranges this summer. “They’re the original

gun ranges,” Les Blythe says. “It was time to put some money into them.”

There’s not a lot of “outside time” for the brothers because they are running two stores.

Roger Blythe said those who run their own business understand that they live it.

“You’re hours are never done,” he says.

“You devote a lot of time to your business.”

Roger Blythe’s job is also his hobby. What he sells he has an extreme interest in. “Shooting sports, firearms – the hunting part of it – is what my hobbies are,” he says. “Another difference between us and some of the box stores is that myself and our employees are involved in shooting sports and have more knowledge.”

The stores support local schools, and Richard Blythe has been lauded for his involvement with the Indiana Grand Kankakee Marsh Restoration Project. “To make this work it takes a lot of people,” Roger Blythe says. “It’s a total effort. We’re not perfect, but we try to do the best we can.” 

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Kelly Credit System Strategy and Marketing Director for Porter Health Systems

14 | In Business

Credit earning her due

Michael Griffin Clerk–Treasurer for Highland

Giving government

a good name

By Rob Earnshaw‌

By Rob Earnshaw‌

Most kids like to play “house” with their friends. When Kelly Credit was a little girl, she enjoyed playing “office” instead.

Nowadays the System Strategy and Marketing Director for Porter Health Care Systems has been pretty busy with a rather large office – the new Porter Regional Hospital opening in Valparaiso in August.

It’s really consumed the last couple of years and it’s getting busy and exciting now that it’s getting closer to opening,” Credit says.

Credit says the hospital will bring a lot of new technology and ways of delivering medical care to the region. “You have such a unique opportunity when you build new,” she says. “We designed it using research– based findings on what’s the most effective, most focused, patient–centered way to deliver care and then tried to build that in throughout.

“We’ll be evolving more into a regional referral center. That will change somewhat the strategy and direction of what we do.”

Credit has been doing what she does for the last five years at Porter Health after beginning there in a different position a decade ago, when she moved to the Region.

She was raised in Central Illinois, near Champaign–Urbana, where she attended the University of Illinois. After being drawn to architecture and business administration, Credit earned a degree in a new major at the time, healthcare administration. “It seemed like a perfect blend of the business aspect and being in an organization that does well for the community,” she says. “It gave me that specialization I was looking for and also a ‘doing good’ service aspect.”

Credit worked at a hospital for a couple years in Champaign before attending the University of Minnesota for her master’s in

Michael Griffin is again running unopposed for re–election as Clerk–Treasurer in Highland. He’ll be assuming his sixth term in office in January after becoming the town’s seventh clerk–treasurer in 1992.

“They tend to have some longevity, but even I’m surprised at mine,” Griffin said.

“I’m grateful but surprised.”

It’s probably not a surprise to others.

Highland’s deputy clerk–treasurer, Katie Dowling, says if you want to learn the most about local government and how to do it the right way, Griffin is the person to work with.

“He gives government a good name, especially in Lake County.”

Griffin, 52, says he’s committed to his work and has a deep sense about being a public official. He once explored becoming a minister and almost feels “a mission sense” in his public role.

Borrowing from a quote he once read about ministry life, Griffin says public life is the place where his deepest joy meets the place of the community’s needs.

“That intersection is the place where I always want to be,” he says. “That’s why I do what I do.”

Accomplishments throughout his 20–year career as Highland clerk– treasurer include influencing a strategy for debt financing by using a technique called Level Principle, a concept Griffin discovered in a text book.

“It does make our cost of issuance much lower,” he says. “We retire principal more quickly and our interest cost is lower because we’re cutting into the principle more quickly.”

Griffin says using the Level Principle, debt payments decline quickly.

“Therefore you have room for the unexpected debt you have to issue.

Continued on page 25

And you can keep the level of taxes that people pay to support that relatively stable.”

Griffin says he also has improved the financial reporting in Highland by getting the town to participate in the certificate of excellence for financial reporting program known as the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or CAFR, beginning in 1995. The report earned the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Government Finance Officers Association the first time it was filed.

The distinction is currently only enjoyed by one other town government in Indiana and only 20 other governmental units out of a possible 1,666 in the state. The annual report has earned the certificate of excellence each year it has been reported. “It’s a voluntary program,” he says. “We’re not required to report at that level, but it makes us Continued on page 17 Summer 2012 | 15

Serving the customer

By Rob Earnshaw‌

Rob Henderson got into the car business in 2001. He used to drive a delivery truck but had enough of the taxing, nearly 100-hour–a–week schedule that kept him from his family. He wanted to try something different and make a decent living.

A friend told him to sell cars. He sold them, successfully. After doing it for a couple years Henderson sought advancement that wasn’t available at the dealership where he worked so he joined Arnell Motors in 2005.

After only six weeks of selling cars at the Burns Harbor dealer Henderson became Chevrolet sales manager. Several months ago Henderson, 42, became Arnell’s general sales manager.

Henderson credits his success to an emphasis on work environment and customer experience. “It wasn’t that long ago I was selling cars so I know what’s it’s like to be in the trenches,” he says.

Henderson says he has high expectations of his Arnell team but isn’t going to “beat somebody up” for not selling a car that day, which is what you typically get at car dealership, he said.

“We like to have fun,” he says. “It’s a very fun environment yet professional. A happy salesperson sells more cars.”

Henderson says Chevrolet, and Arnell Motors in particular, has partnered with the Disney Institute, where professionals have a chance to experience the business lessons that have sustained the Walt Disney Co.’s success.

That’s why a popcorn machine is one of the first things customers spot when they walk through the dealership’s doors.

And there’s the free Wi–Fi and flat screen televisions.

“We feel the customer experience is most important to our future,” Henderson says.

“We wanted to make sure we partnered with the best organization in the world for customer experience. It’s all going to translate into a good customer experience.”

16 | In Business

Henderson said if people in his line of work don’t love the job, they won’t be successful. “The customer will see right through that,” he says.

Henderson says more than 50 percent of the company’s business every month is repeat and referral business. Sometimes it’s up to 70 percent. “Our customers enjoy that we’re not pushy and don’t offer up cheesy, stereotypical lines. It’s an enjoyable experience. We’re not shirt–and–tie guys. We’re not stuffy salespeople. We’re just like everyone else; we just happen to sell cars. This is not your typical car environment and that’s what makes us so successful.”

Call it Henderson’s psychology of the s h ow ro o m . “ I t’s a fun atmosphere for customers and employees,” he says.

Henderson says Arnell Motors is involved with State Park Little League in Chesterton.

Charitable causes include holding blood drives on its lot and having an “Extreme Car Makeover” every Christmas in which the dealership accepts and chooses submissions from people in need who cannot afford to fix their cars.

Retiring from Arnell is imperative to Henderson.

“It’s important for anybody in sales that you’re not jumping around,” he says.

“If someone wants to get into sales, find a dealership that shows that person respect and stay there in order to grow a customer base. The Arnell family is wonderful to work for and I will retire from here.”

Some of that family include sales professional James Walker, who Henderson

Rob Henderson General Sales Manager, Arnell Motors

brought with him to Arnell. “He’s a passionate leader with a wealth of knowledge,” Walker says.

Fellow sales professional Don Surcsik says Henderson is dedicated and motivated. “He never does anything halfway,” he says. “It’s 12 on a scale of 10 or more.”

Echoing those thoughts is Arnell Motors assistant manager Michael Miskus.

“He’s probably one of the better bosses I’ve worked for,” Miskus says.

Henderson lives in Chesterton with his wife of 22 years and two sons, 21 and 16. He loves “old Camaros and b i g t r u c ks ” a n d hobbies include bird watching and professional w re s t l i n g . P r i o r to his car career Henderson was a professional wrestler known as “The Paralyzer.”

Those days are over, but not long ago Henderson and some friends teamed up to form Adrenaline Ringside Wrestling. “We do fundraisers,” he says. “I want to give back. It’s entertaining kids and helping communities.”

Henderson also is passionate about his dog, Peyton, a boxer the family has had for eight years. Peyton was recently diagnosed with a brain cancer and would have died until the animal hospital at Purdue University Lafayette told Henderson the University of Minnesota, as part of a study, would donate the surgery that would remove the tumor and use it to make a vaccine to put back in Peyton to ensure it doesn’t return.

“It’s very humbling,” Henderson says.

“They expect a 100 percent recovery and my dog will help dogs all over the country.” 

Continued from page 15

report with more detail. It makes us think of ways we can improve other parts of the operation.”

Griffin ran for state treasurer in 2006 and is open for another run in 2014. “I do have aspirations. I don’t want to serve Highland less, but I’m open to serving it differently. And I’ll be serving our neighbors more, too.”

Griffin says he’s open to other opportunities as well, including the private sector, for which he’s had offers. “I don’t feel ready for that yet, but I’m open to doing that at some point. And I also think about teaching, but I’m not ready to do that full-time.”

G r i f f i n c u r re n t ly i s a n a d j u n c t i n s t r u c to r a t I n d i a n a Un ive rs i ty N o r t h we s t w h e re h e te a c h e s a n undergraduate course on urban policy and local government and has taught the graduate course on public finance and budgeting.

“I love it because I feel like I’m giving back and it also keeps me fresh,” he says. “There’s nothing like going into a room of students who want to know about local government and challenge you by asking questions about it. That opportunity gives me a way to stay current and think anew about the work I do.”

G r i f f i n a l so i s a c t ive i n t h e community by serving on the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana, Leadership Northwest Indiana and the board of governors, Society of Innovation. Griffin also serves as a member of The Times Board of Economists and of the Better Government Committee.

When he’s not working or enjoying time with his wife and 2–year–old daughter, Griffin enjoys music (he plays the baritone), especially if it’s ’60s pop or any form of rhythm and blues.

“I believe that Aretha Franklin’s birthday should be a national holiday,” he says.

Griffin says anyone seeking a career in public finance will find it challenging in the state of Indiana, especially Lake County.

“Make sure your doing something you love and that your passion is married to a skill set,” he said. “And I think there will be no limit to what you can do.” 

We Listen...

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• General Construction • Re-engineered Steel • Roofing • Conventional Steel Structure • Conventional Metal Roofing and Siding • Real Estate

5 9 0 1 C a R l S o n av E . P o Rta G E , I n 4 6 3 6 8 • P h o n E : 2 1 9 . 7 6 4 . 9 9 3 2

CELEBRATING OUR

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Blythe’s Wants To

Our Customers.

Blythe’s has been serving NWI & Chicagoland at the same location in Griffith since 1952 and in Valparaiso since 1980.

SERVICE, SELECTION, AND PRICE Continues to help us grow to meet your needs.

FAMILY OWNED - OPERATED - VALUES Makes us unique

SINCE 1952

GRIFFITH

138 N. BROAD • (219) 924-4403 Mon.- Fri. 9am- 6pm • Sat. 9am - 5pm

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2810 N. CALUMET • (219) 476-0026

Mon.- Fri. 9am- 6pm • Sat. 9am - 5pm • Sun. Noon - 5pm Summer 2012 | 17

Thomas Keilman Director of Government and Public Affairs for BP’s Whiting Business Unit

A refined businessman

By Andrea Holecek‌

T homas K eilman, d i re c to r o f Government and Public Affairs for BP’s Whiting Business Unit, is a product of Northwest Indiana, of its hard–work ethic, and of his parents’ belief in public service.

“My parents raised us to give back to the community, so for me community involvement began at an early age,” said Keilman, a native of Hammond and alumnus of Our Lady of Perpetual Help grammar school in Hessville and Morton High School.

Although Keilman has never run for or held partisan public office, politics always has been part of his life and on an influence on his career path.

“When I was very young, my mother was involved in city politics at precinct level used to go door to door with her,” he said. “In ‘68, when Robert Kennedy ran for president, he came down Kennedy Avenue and the nuns let us out to see him. Those things had a big effect on me.”

While a student at the University of South Dakota, Keilman was a volunteer on George McGovern’s presidential campaign and the congressional campaign of Tom Daschle.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science, Keilman entered Indiana’s University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs where he earned a master’s in public finance.

His first job after college was as utility manager for the town of Baytown, Texas.

“My dad worked for Union Carbide,” Keilman says. “In ‘75, it closed the plant here and he was transferred to Texas, and I followed my parents there.”

His next position, which he held for two years, was as finance director for the city of LaPorte, Texas. He came back to Northwest Indiana in 1986 and until 1993 worked in Continued on page 28 18 | In Business

Providing quality care, compassion

By Rob Earnshaw‌

Dr. Navin Kumar grew up loving science while having a soft spot for community service. Becoming a physician incorporated those traits.

Kumar, a gastroenterology/internal medicine specialist, was recently awarded a St. Luke award, given annually on behalf of nurses from the Dyer and Hammond campuses of Franciscan St. Margaret Health. St. Luke is the patron saint of physicians. The award honors excellence in service to patients and staff.

Kumar said he was humbled and grateful to receive the honor. He credits his support staff for “allowing me to do what I do.”

What Kumar does is live by his own motto: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Kumar was born in Hyderabad, India, and raised by an aunt, uncle and grandmother until the age of 4 while his parents were training in medicine in New York. He was then raised in Wisconsin, Southern Illinois and Chicagoland.

“My upbringing through rural, underserved areas and the urban, big city has shaped me in many ways,” Kumar says.

Kumar is a partner with Dr. Harsh Dalal, at Digestive Disease Centers, which has multiple locations in Northwest Indiana. Kumar, in addition to St. Margaret, also services Community Hospital in Munster and Methodists Hospitals in Gary and Merrillville. He chose his specialty in part because of the “hands on” use of innovative technology in both the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. He also enjoys educating people on current gastroenterology/ internal medicine perspectives.

Kumar’s interest lies in gastrointestinal malignancies and cancer prevention and screening. “Most people have been around someone in their lives with cancer and colon

cancer specifically,” Kumar says. “Presently, less than 50 percent of appropriate patients (average risk starts age 50) have been screened. The major factors leading to this are misinformation or lack thereof, fear and the belief it’s painful.”

Kumar says his mission is to provide the highest quality of care for all his patients and

educating and allowing them to gain insight into their individual problems. “The best compliment is when patients refer their friends and other family members to my staff and me to take care of their illnesses,” he says.

Angie Poynter, a charge nurse who has worked with Kumar, said he is patient and easy to work with. “His skills are top–notch and he’s respected by all the GI staff,” she says.

Fellow GI nurse Elizabeth Klotz says Kumar is professional and a great mentor to his staff. “He’s compassionate and treats all patients with care and respect.”

Dr. Navin Kumar gastroenterology/internal medicine specialist

Diane Scott, Digestive Disease Centers practice manager, says Kumar is an excellent, ta l e n te d , d e d i ca te d co m pa ss i o n a te physician who always places emphasis on patients comfort, privacy and health concerns. “He is highly respected by his peers. His composed manner compliments Digestive Disease Centers. I am proud to be a member of his staff.”

Jason Baker, business manager for Digestive Disease Centers, says Kumar has been a great asset to the company.

“He has quickly gained the respect of his peers as evident by his recent honor of being awarded the St. Luke award for the Franciscan St. Margaret Hospitals,” he says. “He cares for his staff and his patients and it shows everyday in his strong work ethic and dedication to his profession. He’s trustworthy, compassionate, and I often hear praises of his great bedside manner and caring nature from his patients. Overall, he is a great person and someone I truly enjoy working with.”

S u s a n n e B a k e r, D i g e s t i v e Disease Centers billing and coding manager, says Kumar is a “very thorough doctor.”

“He has great bedside manner, puts patient care first and communicates well with their family,” she says.

Kumar’s advice to youths seeking a career as a physician includes “doing it for the right reasons,” which means having a love of science, making relationships with people and being interested in their health. “It’s a very arduous and long path,” he says. “You shouldn’t be going into if for financial reasons or for status.

As long as you put in the hard work and have a good group of people supporting you, it’s definitely doable for anybody.”

Kumar and his parents aren’t the only physicians in the family. His sister is in medicine training at the University of Chicago. Kumar’s wife, Divya, also is there as a nephrology fellow.

“She is a beautiful person inside and out and a perfect match for me,” he says. The couple is expecting their first child in September.  Summer 2012 | 19

Andrew Kyres Vice President and Business Banking Center Manager of First Financial Bank in Crown Point

Serving on many levels

By Andrea Holecek‌

A banker and a businessman by trade, Andrew Kyres’ avocation is making his community a better place to live.

Kyres, vice president and business banking center manager of First Financial Bank in Crown Point, is in his third term on the Crown Point City Council and currently serves as the council’s president.

A native of Gary, Kyres is a graduate of Merrillville High School and has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Northwest and a MBA from Loyola University.

After his graduation from IUN, Kyres worked at People’s Bank as well as helping manage the family’s Merrillville restaurant, The Odyssey. He left the bank in 1989 to work full time at the eatery where he had bought a partnership.

“I left the bank because it was too challenging to do things like that at one time,” Kyres says. “Then I left the restaurant in 1998 when my dad (Sam Kyres) and the chef wanted to retire. We had an opportunity to sell it, and I wanted to explore other options.”

Kyres, who had been an adjunct professor at Purdue and Ivy Tech teaching courses in sales, marketing, human resource management, finance, accounting and introduction to business during the 1980s and 1990s, had considered going into education.

“As a child, I’d always played restaurants and banking,” he says. “I always felt wed to those industries,” But knowing Sand Ridge Bank – now First Financial – was planning to eventually expand into his hometown of Crown Point, Kyres procured a job doing business development at the financial institution.

“In 2004, our Crown Point facility was built and I became banking center manager there and that evolved into me becoming vice president of the business banking center for Crown Point and the surrounding 20 | In Business

communities.

“The most important thing I do is help my clients be more successful financially,” Kyres says.

“I try to help them to be successful in their business so they can grow and prosper, which allows them to grow personally, and find more opportunities presented to them.”

Kyres, who counts tennis, yoga, biking and being with friends and family among his favorite hobbies, found that business development also meant being visible in the community and supporting various community and charitable initiatives.

It was something that came naturally.

David Harvey, a friend and former business college, says Kyres provides effective leadership in a number of organizations.

“He won’t ask you to do something he wouldn’t do himself,” Harvey says. “He’s open and giving. If you go to any event you’ll see he’s warm and welcoming. He works hard to make people feel comfortable. You’ll see he’s very well connected knows about everybody. “ Kyres is a good leader who does a lot of networking, Harvey says.

“Andrew seems to thrive on constant activity and getting things done and generating results,” he says. “He’s a low key type of guy doesn’t toot his own horn. He’s a good team leader.”

Kyres currently is president of Board of Ivy Tech Community College Northwest Region, where he has been a board member for three years representing the business and commerce sector. A board member and former board president of Meals on Wheels for Northwest Indiana, Kyres also represents Crown Point Share Ethics Commission of

Northwest Indiana.

Kyres, parliamentarian and past board chairman of what is now the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, is on the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is active in his church, SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville.

He ran for city council in 2003, and considers the work on the council to be challenging, but very worthwhile.

“It’s challenging is to be able to provide services to our citizens and keep taxes low at the same time,” Kyres says.

“One of my goals as a Crown Point councilman is to make for town a better place after I leave than it was before I arrived. We have a good team and work well together and have the same goals and objectives. The council and mayor also work well and try to keep revenues up and expenses down and make a difference in life of our citizens.”

Kyres contends all of us have a responsibility to give back to our communities “in some way or another.”

“That’s one of our purposes,” he says.

“Everything we do is a calling, a ministry.

We’re here on earth to serve, and I only serve in a small capacity compared to others.” 

Dan Lowery Calumet College of St. Joseph President

By Louisa Murzyn‌

Calumet College of St. Joseph President Dan Lowery measures his success and the spirit of true power and leadership through his deep relationship with God and others.

“Personal success is not about your wishes and desires,” says Lowery, who is completing a master’s degree in pastoral studies at the Chicago Theological Union and will be ordained a deacon next year.

“Am I responding as God would have me respond to situations put in front of me? A leader’s responsibility is to first ask, ‘Am I meeting the needs of those whom I’m associated and have I helped them grow as a result of that relationship?’”

Lowery, 59, of Highland, is the sixth p re s i d e n t a n d o f f i c i a l l y replaced Dennis Rittenmeyer in July 2011. They worked closely during Rittenmeyer’s final year while Lowery was academic dean. “The transition has been seamless, and we didn’t lose a beat,” he says.

The Chesteron native has had more than two decades of experience in higher education.

He previously was a faculty member at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, where he also served as executive director for the Center for Sustainable Regional Vitality.

He served as the executive director for seven years for the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council. His early career was spent with the Social Security Administration.

Lowery earned a doctorate i n p u b l i c a d m i n i s t ra t i o n f ro m t h e Un ive rs i ty o f Illinois at Chicago. He has a master’s degree in business administration from IUN and a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from

Leading with a heart for service Valparaiso University.

Traditional leadership models concentrate on the quest for profit or goals at any cost.

Lowery prefers a holistic style that serves the welfare of others, promotes a sense of community, shares power in decision making and nurtures the spirit.

Servant leadership is transformational and has the potential to create positive change in society. “Success should be humbling,” he says. “The worst mistake is getting into a management position and losing your moorings.”

He is delighted to teach a Capstone Course in which he talks to students about their own personal searches and meaning in life. “ Yo u ’ve go t to s tay co n n e c te d ,” Lowery says. “You can get isolated if you let it happen. At the end of the day, it’s about

the students and their life journeys. It keeps me in touch with the reason we do budgets and personnel and all the other things.”

Cal Bellamy, of the law firm Krieg DeVault, has worked with Lowery for Catholic Charities when Lowery came in as board chairman and took the organization in a new direction.

“He is mission–driven and outcome– oriented, but in the process has a calming and reassuring manner that is remarkable,” he says. “You can be collegial and patient and bring everyone along who might not immediately see the problems and how to solve them.”

IUN Emeritus Professor Mark Reshkin has known Lowery for 30 years and saw his work with the Quality of Life Council. “He made it professional by dealing with the key issues of regionalism in Northwest Indiana,” he says. “He was the best executive director the council ever had.”

IUN professor and former colleague Richard Hug agrees.

“His skills are nothing short of astonishing,” he says. “He followed a career that would allow him to bring attention to our problems and help work toward constructive solutions.”

Hug says his friend has a passion for Catholic higher education, social equity and justice, and the public interest.

“Those things keep him focused and drive him,” he says.

Bellamy says Lowery is always thinking about he can achieve a human mission. “He’s a Christian gentleman–we don’t use that word much these days but you see that thread throughout his life.

“But he doesn’t see his mission as saving the world or fixing the entire nation. It’s a ‘bloom where you are planted’ Continued on page 28

Bill McCabe Owner of Century 21 Executive Realty in Schererville

Realtor credits Midwestern values

By Louisa Murzyn‌

While most kids his age were making a deal with their parents over homework or bed time, Bill McCabe was mastering the art of negotiation with a corporate giant.

His first job was washing windows and fixing bikes at his grandfather’s boat shop on Grant St. near Gary’s Village Shopping Center when he was in seventh grade.

“I went into J.C. Penney’s one day because I knew we were getting a lot of their broken down bikes and people were unhappy,” says McCabe, 55, owner of Century 21 Executive Realty in Schererville.

“I asked for the store manager and told them their bikes weren’t good. I told him we could work out a deal go fix them and their customers would be happier. And they did.

“Twice a week they’d have a guy in a van drop them off and pick them up. I got a raise

from my grandpa. I was making six bits – 75 cents now – and he gave me a raise to $1.25.

I had so much money I didn’t know what to do with it.”

The Andrean High School graduate had intentions of buying out the boat business and began selling real estate to make extra money, but he realized he was destined for his newly discovered industry.

He started working at a real estate office in St. John in 1985. In 1996, he opened his own office in Schererville with only one agent and sold 200 homes. Today, his company has 70 employees and three years ago sold a record 1,800 units.

McCabe, of Crown Point, also is a partner in Century 21 Alliance in Valparaiso and since 2010 has been an associate broker for Downing Frye Real Estate in Naples, Fla. His family moved to Calumet Township when he was 2 years old. McCabe credits his

parents, Evelyn and Harold, and his deceased grandfather, Ray Griffin, for his work ethic.

“Quality service wasn’t a trend back then – it was a core value they believed in and instilled in me,” he says. “And part of their character was trust. If I tell you I’m going to do something, you don’t need it in writing because I’m only as good as my word.”

Melissa Wychocki, McCabe’s daughter, works for Downing Frey Realty, the largest brokerage in southwest Florida, and like her father already has earned awards for her outstanding performance.

“My dad has been very influential in how I conduct my business,” she says. “I am a Midwestern girl and do many deals on a handshake and my word – the way it should be. I also believe it is very important to be upfront and honest.”

Continued on page 29 Summer 2012 | 23

Heather McCarthy Vice President of Prevention Services at Geminus Corp.

A champion for youth leadership

By Louisa Murzyn‌

Heather McCarthy knows it was a blessing to have had Pastor Bernice Collins– Gill of Moving with the Spirit Ministries in her life, and as in the words of her favorite poet e.e. cummings, she carries her heart with her.

“They had up to 100 kids a day at the Ministries and I remember her resiliency and the others who were there every day – they just really cared,” said McCarthy, Vice President of Prevention Services at Geminus Corp. in Merrillville.

“She was a friend that came into my life and helped push me. The night before I took the bar exam I called her and told her I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t sleep and I was a nervous wreck. She read Biblical verses to me and helped me go to sleep.

“It was one of those rare times in life when you meet someone who truly wants you to succeed. I can’t provide that personal experience in a direct way, but I can set up the context for that to happen for others.

“I’m behind the scenes trying to lay that out. When it gets to the point of fruition, I can go visit and that’s very rewarding. It adds a whole new dimension to the power of the pen.”

McCarthy met Collins–Gill, who passed away last year, when she started working in 1998 for Geminus, a nonprofit which provides social service support for the Regional Mental Health Center throughout Lake County and Head Start in both Lake and Porter counties.

Her job is to provide oversight to all levels of grant-funding aimed at mental health, substance prevention and leadership training for both youth and adults. McCarthy, a Griffith native and Bishop Noll Institute graduate, has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English literature from Purdue University West Lafayette and Purdue University Calumet, respectively.

She also has a master’s in public affairs from Indiana University Northwest and a law degree from Valparaiso University.

24 | In Business

McCarthy was tea c h i n g E n g l i s h a t Purdue Calumet in 1998 when Geminus needed vo l u n te e r h e l p w i t h grant writing. McCarthy began working for the organization and soon learned the pen can liberate and its force and impact can reach across time and space.

“It was eye–opening because I realized I had the skills to write these grants,” says the Miller Beach resident.

“It was a way to tie in philanthropy. It gave the task of writing more purpose for me. I saw the application of these programs in action.”

In 2001, the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions selected Geminus and several Indiana Boys & Girls Clubs and as well as the Indiana Youth Services Association to create a statewide network of youth prevention leaders.

The LEAD – Leading and Educating Across Domains – Initiative began in 2002 with a focus on research–based prevention principles.

The goal of the peer–based program is to strengthen youth leadership by providing training, resources and networking. It targets moderate risk youth recruited from the general population for ages 10 to 17 years.

McCarthy says the likelihood of it being replicated nationally is strong. “This will be a feather in the cap of Indiana,” she says.

Geminus President Sandy Kaufman says the research shows the program will make a difference and change behavior. “She makes sure our programs aren’t just a feel good thing,” he says. “LEAD is homegrown and developed out of our experience. And there’s a payoff. If fewer kids abuse drugs and alcohol what it means is there are costs we won’t have in the system later on. What she does is important work.”

A board member for South Shore Arts,

McCarthy also has helped the organization obtain funding for arts–based literacy. “She is astute and competent and takes on a lot of projects,” says John Cain, South Shore Arts Executive Director.

“She has keen perceptions of situations and people from a professional and very human standpoint. She’s trustworthy and conscious of her role of shepherding money and to make sure it’s used appropriately and to good effect.”

She has been instrumental in helping develop youth outreach programs in underserved communities. “For many kids, it really flips their switch and gives them a positive course of action to take in their lives,” says John Cain.

Early in her career, McCarthy tended each grant proposal like a flower garden but realized she had to plant the seeds of trust and then let go.

“What I learned right away was there is a feeling of ownership and you get very connected to it, like it’s your child,” says McCarthy. “I had to learn to give it up and hand it off to someone else to watch it grow and see it through.”

She lives in the moment knowing opportunities for growth in the future have their roots grounded in yesterday. “I’ve had successes along the way but I certainly don’t think I’m finished yet with my career,” she says. “There’s a whole lot left but I’m not quite ready to unveil it yet.” 

Continued from page 15

health care administration. She then worked at hospital systems in Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis before her arrival in Northwest Indiana.

“We love it here,” says Credit, who lives in Valparaiso with her husband and 10–year– old son.

When Credit first joined Porter Health Care System, she was involved in the transition of the system from being a county–owned hospital to part of a larger company.

“That transition has gone very well and I’m proud I was part of that process,” she says.

One of the things she enjoys about working at Porter is the growth it’s experienced. “The last five years have been incredible,” she says. “I only see that continuing as we become more of a regional provider. With that growth I think there will be plenty of fun, exciting things to do in this position.”

Credit loves the variety that comes with someone in her position and being involved in different aspects. Even though her focus is in marketing and strategy her early jobs were

basic health care administration.

“I’ve found it helpful as I’ve transitioned into the more marketing and planning roles,” she says.

Credit said the time she’s spent in operations was an invaluable experience in learning how hospitals work and all the different players involved.

“Hospitals are almost like their own little cities,” she says. “They operate 24/7, and there are all these different levels of expertise. I’ve gravitated into my little niche in marketing and strategy partly because of being exposed to and working in all the different areas. It’s part of the reason I love my job.”

Credit said it’s the job of her team to put together the educational material to acquaint the region with what’s going to be offered at the new hospital. It’s a team she said that is “awesome.”

“They’re truly one of the best groups,” she says. They’re highly qualified and effective professionals. And they’re a fun group to work with.”

Credit also gives praise to the physicians.”

“It’s so important to me to work for a health care organization where I feel very comfortable bringing my family and that I

know delivers high quality care,” she says.

Credit said students seeking a career in a field such as hers should find a good mentor who will show them the ropes along with advice and experience to help them move on. “Get a breadth of experience,” she says. “For someone who wants to be in marketing or strategy in a specific industry I think it’s important to know that industry.

Know how things work from an operational perspective. Learn about a lot of parts in the health care system.

Porter Health System CEO Jonathan Nalli said Credit continues to evolve as an extremely strong leader, not just within the health system but in the community.

“When you see everything related to how Porter has re–branded itself over the past five years, Kelly has been the spearhead behind all of that,” he says. “She has been the person who has helped us understand what we had, what we needed and how to move forward with it.

“Most importantly, she has been the person who has given us the knowledge about how we specifically have needed to be and act in order to earn that new branding which has given us an increase in market share and a number of other things.” 

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Summer 2012 | 25

Martin Oleksy Founder of Hoosier Wingman Communications

Helping local businesses score

By Louisa Murzyn‌

PUBLIC RELATIONS LEGEND Al Golin may have been the secret sauce behind McDonald’s but Martin Oleksy is the wingman for Northwest Indiana.

“He is passionate about getting people together and making Northwest Indiana a more prominent place to do business,” says Bethany Schutt, of Faith Church in Dyer, who worked with Oleksy on the INsight Design Conference held at the Cedar Lake Community Arts Center. “We wouldn’t have been as successful without his drive, dedication and desire to make our area a stronger community. He cares about his neighborhood.

“His character speaks volumes. He never takes anything that’s not his or asks for something he doesn’t need. He did this for something more than the almighty dollar.”

Oleksy, founder of Hoosier Wingman Communications, volunteered his efforts for the networking conference which highlighted local talent. He also was instrumental in the Cedar Lake Enhancement Association expo last summer, which also was a showcase event.

“The thread that connects throughout is no matter what the platform, he is invested in this community and wants to make it the best possible place to live,” Schutt says.

Born in Cleveland, Oleksy moved to Cedar Lake with his family in 1977 – a year seared into his memory because of the epic space opera film series Star Wars. “I’ll never forget it because I went back to see it at least 12 more times,” he says.

He admits to being an advertising junkie as far back as he can remember. “I wasn’t an athlete,” he says. “I was a big nerd. I remember actor Tom Hanks was a copywriter in a movie and I just related to the occupation. I would remember advertising campaigns like other people remember baseball stats.”

26 | IN BUSINESS

The Andrean High School graduate moved to Chicago to earn his bachleor’s degree from Loyola University and eventually went on to work for the international public relations giant, GolinHarris, at its corporate headquarters in Chicago.

Company chairman Golin was named one of the most 100 influential people of the century in the industry. He is famous for making a cold call to Ray Kroc who had just opened McDonald’s and winning the account.

“They are the New York Yankees of PR because they are absolute champions,” says Oleksy. “I learned about keeping a brand consistent and customer base loyal and staying ahead of the curve. It was an education I don’t think any university could have given me.”

Not surprisingly, the critically acclaimed and award winning television series “Mad Men,” which about a fictional advertising agency, is on Olesky’s list of TV favorites.

Oleksy’s “catchy but slightly cheesy” company moniker was born out of the sport of hockey, which he started playing when he moved back to Cedar Lake to start his firm.

Wingman is an offensive position which helps a team score.

Matt Valuckis, owner of V as in Victor, a Hobart–based design and marketing firm, says a wingman is also someone who really wants to help someone else.

“He would give you the shirt off his back,” Valuckis says. “No idea is ever a bad one with him. He always brainstorms and cultivates creativity. He doesn’t let his ego get involved and anything we do, we do as a group.

“He doesn’t want to offend and I like the kindness that comes along with it. He gets personally invested. It’s not just an assignment. He saddles up and gets what you Continued on page 34

Kathleen O’Leary President of NIPSCO

Powering the future

By Tricia Despres‌

Being the new kid in town is something that has never fazed local executive Kathleen O’Leary. The daughter of a career army officer, O’Leary spent much of her childhood moving from place to place, constantly finding herself adapting to new people and conditions.

“I lived virtually all over the country and overseas,” says O’Leary, who was named President of Northern Indiana Public Service Co. earlier this year. “As a first grader, I moved from France to Kansas. I attended high school in Anchorage, Alaska.

I attended college in Vermont. I attended law school in Louisiana. Moving so much definitely had an impact on me.”

Now feeling quite content with calling Northwest Indiana home, O’Leary spends her days leading regulatory and governmental strategies, economic development and other key stakeholder engagement efforts for the combined natural gas and electric utility.

Alongside an accomplished leadership team that includes Chief Operating Officer Mike Finissi, O’Leary says that finding herself in the corner office is something that many might have never expected.

“Anyone who knew me as a younger person would be shocked that I would end up in this profession,” chuckles O’Leary, who has held leadership roles at several industry associations, including the American Gas Association, the National Energy Resources Organization and the Women in Utilities National Conference. “There were many times when I thought I would be going a totally different direction. But looking back on my career, some of the moves I have made have been quite strategic, while others just came down to the weather.”

Beginning her energy career in 1978 as an attorney for Columbia Gulf Transmission Continued on page 29 Summer 2012 | 27

Continued from page 18

the family’s meat distribution business, which sold beef and pork to local grocers.

In 1993, Keilman applied for and won the job as administrative assistant to Merrillville’s Town Council. Eight months later, the council created the town manager’s position and hired Keilman to fill it.

In 1998, just as the merger of Amoco and BP was announced, Keilman was hired as the Whiting Refinery’s Director of Public Affairs.

“I had just started the process of redoing my four–year contract (with Merrillville) when someone from Amoco contacted me and asked if I was interested in the job,” Keilman says.

The refinery was seeking someone experienced in State of Indiana tax matters, he says.

“The Whiting Refinery was one of the highest-taxed refineries in the country and Amoco was looking to improve its tax situations to attract capital investment,’ Keilman says. “My background was in tax matters, and I had knowledge of the area’s politics.”

Keilman said he always has felt a vested

interest in the refinery because his grandfather and three great uncles went to work there in the early 1900s when they moved to Whiting from their family farm in St. John.

“I had a family interest in going to work for the refinery. I wanted it to have a long–term history.”

Keilman feels he’s helped achieve that goal.

“Through the early part of 2000, we were involved in successfully reforming the property tax situation in Indiana,” he says.

“The goal was to improve the business and tax climate and we’ve been successful in doing that. And now we’re seeing the fruits of that and what’s followed with $4 billion refinery modernization project.”

Keilman, who lives in Crown Point with his wife, Kim, and their two daughters, says his position has enabled to “continue to live up to what my parents instilled in me to improve the quality of life in Northwest Indiana.

“One of the best things about the job it that it allows me to be involved in a number of community initiatives that have an impact and improve the quality of life,” he says.

Besides being an active participant in community affairs for his position with BP, Keilman has served and currently serves in

a leadership role and on the boards of many community, governmental, service and charitable organizations.

He is a former chairman of the Lake County United Way, and is a chairman for its 2011–12 United Way Community Campaign. Keilman also has chaired both the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Indiana Forum, and currently serves on the Crown Point Redevelopment Commission.

Dave Ryan, executive director of the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, says he’s known Keilman for about 20 years and since he was Merrillville’s Town Manager.

“He’s played a large role in a number of nonprofits because of his leadership and ability to work with people on a regional basis which, I think, is taking hold in Lake County for the first time in a long time,” he says. “Tom’s ability to see a regional vision has been very important.”

Ryan also said Keilman’s strong public tax background has allowed him to work with the state legislature on tax matters that have benefited the entire area.

“The change in the tax climate has resulted in huge capital investment to businesses in our area. 

Continued from page 22

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28 | In Business

philosophy. We save people and solve problems one at a time. He’s here and he’s going to help whoever he encounters and searches out whatever needs they have.”

CCSJ has many opportunities because of the efforts of Rittenmeyer and the Board of Trustees over the last 20 years. “This didn’t happen overnight,” Lowery says. “The college is in a great position to advance.”

U.S. News and World Report ranked CCSJ this month as the most diverse four–year institution in the Midwest. It is also has Indiana’s only designation as a Hispanic–serving institution with over 25 percent of the school population of Latino descent.

The school is also undergoing an expansion with a 21,000-square-foot addition to the 2400 New York Ave. building.

It will include three new science labs for new concentrations in preprofessional, sports medicine and restoration ecology. A new bookstore, common areas and classrooms are also included.

“Folks are going to watch the college further develop a much– needed niche in the fabric of higher education,” Lowery says.

“There are going to be more opportunities in our immediate neighborhood for fiscal expansion of the campus and our job is not to fumble. These opportunities will rebound for the benefit of all of us for the next 20, 30 or 40 years “What makes me happy is a day when you feel the time spent was productive and people worked well together and had great satisfaction. I feel good about those moments. We’ve had a lot of them in the last year. And I wake up and do it all over again.” 

Kathleen O’Leary President of NIPSCO

Continued from page 27

Company in Houston, O’Leary began getting involved in the ‘business side of the equation’. Prior to joining NIPSCO in 2010, O’Leary served in a variety of leadership roles with the utility’s parent company NiSource Inc., and its subsidiaries, serving as Senior Vice President of Energy Distribution Regulated Revenue from 2005 to 2008, Senior Vice President of Performance Management from 2008 to 2010, and as President of Columbia Gas of Virginia, a NiSource subsidiary, from 2003 to 2006. In 2010, she finally joined NIPSCO as senior vice president of Communications and Compliance with a very clear outlook of what she hoped to accomplish.

“Right now, my main goals are to ensure that we continue to lead when it comes to customer service,” says O’Leary, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt., and her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in New Orleans. “We want to always make sure we are offering real value to our customers and give them access to programs that are going to save them money in the long run.

We also want to expand on how we utilize social media, especially when it comes to communication during storms. I have been so impressed by the dedicated workforce of the NIPSCO employees and the level of commitment I see all throughout the company.”

“Kathleen’s sharp business intuition, combined with her innate ability to motivate others and foster new ideas are part of what makes her such a highly– respected and valued member of NIPSCO,” says NIPSCO chief financial officer Pete Disser. “It’s clear that her professional and personal accomplishments are the result of hard work, leadership and her overall positive attitude.”

These days, the mother of two says she is enjoying discovering everything that the Northwest Indiana area has to offer. “Northwest Indiana’s proximity to Chicago is of course ideal, but then you have the Lake and the Dunes and just so many things people don’t realize are here,” she says. “At the moment, I’m so encouraged by the new mayor in Gary and the kind of leadership we are beginning to see in the area. It’s downright inspiring.” 

Continued from page 23

Partner Jeanne Sommer says her life was forever changed by McCabe. “I would have never been able to open my business without him,” she says. “He stood up for me and went out of his way to help. He’s very honest and straightforward and gives his time unselfishly. He’s just a stand–up kind of a person.”

Before founding his own company, McCabe’s ascension reached dizzying heights. He was honored as the Number One Agent in World as well as Indiana Association of Realtors State Realtor of the Year in 1995.

“People ask why I’m successful and I quote my old boss,” he says. “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

He still has a fiery passion that guns him even after all these years and pushes him Energizer Bunny–style to grow in the industry.

“A lot of people need drugs to be high, but I get a salesman high,” says McCabe.

“Besides running my office, to this day every time I get a listing I am winning because people are choosing me over other agents or companies. The thrill to win is what drives me.”

The time he spent as president of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors early in his career helped him move forward in the industry because he was exposed to national trends.

He had the vision to employ the team concept and home offices as well as a way to reduce the monumental paperwork inherent in the profession.

“We were paying a lot of overhead for huge buildings and I felt with the technology many agents didn’t need to be in the office, because where they earned money was out working with people showing houses,” he says.

The housing guru feels the market is slowly coming back. “We’re starting to see sparks, not fire,” McCabe says.

“I have a personal mission to see that revive and to put builders back to work.

We’re working to get rid of inventory and trying to bring new product online. It’s a very important part of our economy and we need to work to get that back.

“When I’m not in business anymore I hope people will remember I did whatever I said I was going to do and that I cared about the people that worked for me.”  Summer 2012 | 29

Showcasing the talent in the Region

By Tricia Despres‌

Similar to about every other kid growing up and watching television in the 1980s, West Side Theatre Guild Director Mark Spencer loved the Huxtable family.

The affluent African–American family from Brooklyn was the focus of “The Cosby Show,” one of the most famous and successful sitcoms ever. “Bill Cosby was in my living room throughout my childhood,” laughs Spencer.

So when Bill Cosby arrived for a performance at the West Side Theatre Guild in Gary, Spencer says the experience was a bit surreal. “I felt like Theo Huxtable walking into Mr. Cosby’s dressing room,” he laughs. “He was so very kind and supportive, and encouraged me to see this project through. He told me not to let anyone discourage me – and I never have.”

And while so many big time performers and entertainment powerhouses have walked through the doors of West Side Theatre Guild since that special night, Spencer admits that this simple dressing room interaction continues to serve as an inspiration to him via his work with the West Side Theatre Guild. “All of our success stems from always putting the students first, which has always been our curricular objective,” he says. “Anything else is just value added.”

Attracting talented “kids” from 8 to 80 years old, the West Side Theatre Guild originally began as a dream that emerged from a community-based classroom. The venue has brought the arts to thousands of eager audiences for more than a decade and has served as quite the magnet for talent and offers a venue to showcase that talent in Northwest Indiana.

Located at West Side High School in Gary, the West Side Theatre Guild boasts one of the largest fully–functional theatrical venues in the region.

“I remember coming in from a trip one Continued on page 34 30 | In Business

Mark Spencer

Harry VandeVelde

West Side Theatre Guild Director

President and CEO of Legacy Foundation

A vision for giving

By Tricia Despres‌

No matter the time of the day or the season of the year, the VandeVelde house is a place of competition.

Scrabble competition, that is.

“We have two boards going all of the time,” chuckles Harry VandeVelde, President and CEO of Lake County’s thriving Legacy Foundation. “I’m pretty sure my wife and I have played over 800 games through the years. It’s actually a good excuse to sit next to each other.”

Indeed, the thrill of competition runs in the blood of this former football and basketball coach. Yet, so does the love of philanthropy and giving. Since taking on the Legacy Foundation position back in June 2010, VandeVelde and his team have been instrumental in helping people match their personal passions with their charitable giving plan, and in doing so, helping Lake County.

Founded in 1992, Legacy Foundation essentially receives gifts from individuals, corporations and organizations that are placed in endowment funds and then invested to generate earnings. Legacy Foundation uses these earning to distribute grants to a variety of nonprofit programs, organizations and other community– oriented charitable efforts that benefit Lake County residents, and scholarship to local students.

Currently, the foundation works with more than 240 individual funds representing more than $33 million and has granted more than $20 million back to benefit the Lake County community through grants and scholarships.

A graduate of the University of Dayton, VandeVelde oversees management of the foundation’s assets and works tirelessly

alongside Legacy Foundation’s volunteer board of directors and the staff to drive their role as Lake County’s philanthropic partner.

VandeVelde claims to have acquired the tools he needed to do this job effectively through his earliest job experiences, which has spanned from a president of a Chicago school to an American History teacher.

“Those positions taught me the importance of organization and plans and how to always look for the good in people,” says VandeVelde, who also earned a master’s degree in education with a concentration in supervision from Cleveland State University.

“There were many years though when a little voice kept telling me that I should look into a career in a foundation type of Continued on page 34 Summer 2012 | 31

Chelsea Whittington Director of Communications for the City of Gary

32 | In Business

A passion for life

By Tricia Despres‌

The start of 2012 greeted Chelsea Whittington with an opportunity she simply could not pass up. Not only did it give the already successful public relations professional the chance to return to her hometown of Gary, but also the incredible opportunity to work alongside the City of Gary’s first female mayor.

“There was definitely an element of excitement at even the thought of joining the administration of Mayor Karen F r e e m a n – Wilson,” recalls Whittington, who now oversees media relations, s p e c i a l eve n ts, b ra n d i n g a n d marketing in her role as Director of Communications for the City of Gary.

“It was a really easy decision for me to take on the job.

There is a certain comeback fever going on in Gary these days, and no two days are the same. I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

A g ra d u a te o f We s t S i d e High School and Purdue University, Whittington seems to be one of those blessed people with the ability to not only visualize her future, but eventually, make all of her dreams come true.

“When I was young, I actually wanted to be a teacher of students with special needs,” explains Whittington, who also serves as an adjunct professor at Indiana University Northwest where she teaches public relations, social networking and event planning in the Department of Continuing Studies. “As I moved on in my education, I

started to do a bit more public speaking and writing, and eventually started pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. I wanted to be like Oprah.”

She even had a name for her future show. “I was going to call it ‘Chatting with Chelsea’,” she laughs. “I had it all planned out.”

But as every successful businessperson knows, sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan – and often, for good reason.

Ultimately, her career within the public relations and communications arena would span more than 20 years, allowing her to work for such prestigious organizations and companies such as the Peace Corps Recruiting Office i n A rl i n g to n , VA, the Office o f N e w Yo r k Congressman Charles Rangel, and the Boys and Girls Club.

In 2009, Whittington joined the executive team at U.S. Cellular Corporation as Communications M a n a g e r , managing four of the company’s public relations firms while promoting the brand of the nation’s sixth-largest wireless phone company.

No matter her title, Whittington’s “gift for gab” certainly helped establish her career path.

“From the moment I learned to speak, I found it relatively easy to create relationships and make friends,” she recalls. “I have always wanted to find ways to make a lasting impact in the life of others.”

These days, Whittington said she is finding incredible satisfaction via her work

“From the moment I learned to speak, I found it relatively easy to create relationships and make friends. I have always wanted to find ways to make a lasting impact in the life of others.”

mentoring young women who are also interested in entering a career in public relations.

“I’m constantly looking for ways to do things a little bit different,” she explains. “We recently celebrated the administration’s first 100 days, and we held a press conference on the steps of City Hall. Of course, there was some worry about the logistics of such an event, and also if the weather would hold out.

But it did, and that’s what makes this job so exciting.”

Her work for the city has not gone unnoticed by Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.

“Chelsea Whittington is not only a consummate professional, but also the poster child for what it means to reverse the brain drain in Gary,” Freeman–Wilson explains. “ S h e h a s d eve l o p e d a n d g row n professionally and at the same time has served her hometown as a volunteer and advocate of all that is good about Gary. She is the perfect person to convey the current reality of Gary’s challenges and the great potential for Gary’s future. She communicates these messages with tremendous energy and an indomitable spirit. We are fortunate to have her on our team.”

Of course, not only is Whittington a success in the office, but also finds going home an equally rewarding and nurturing experience.

A member of the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church for the past 33 years, Whittington enthusiastically sings in the choir, is a member of the G.E.E.K. Squad and serves as a church hostess. She also volunteers for the Gary Literacy Coalition, the YWCA. of Gary, the Boys & Girls Club and is a member of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana.

“I’m a super competitive person, so when I do start getting a bit stressed, my husband and I find our way to a local basketball court to play a game or two,” says Whittington, who resides in Gary with her husband Terrell and their loyal and lovable dog, Charlie Marley. “Otherwise, I love being able to leave everything behind and just take a long drive.

I’m just a passionate person, both personally and professionally.”  Summer 2012 | 33

Continued from page 30

Continued from page 31

day and there was this guy with a ski cap on talking to my kids,” recalls Spencer of yet another brush with musical royalty. “Little did I know it was (singer/songwriter) Brian McKnight. He was basically telling them to always recognize the value of what they have and to never take it for granted. It was one of those moments when it really hits you in terms of how important this place is.”

Essentially raised within the walls of the church, Spencer grew up around the magic of music. As a child, he was inspired by the performances he would listen to during Sunday services, and eventually, it was these performances that inspired the talented student to attend and graduate from Gary’s famed Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts.

“I remember taking school field trips to see productions such as ‘The Wiz’ and ‘(Joseph and) the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ and knowing that what was going on onstage was indeed my calling,” says Spencer, who founded the West Side Theatre Guild in 1996.

A 1992 graduate of Indiana University Northwest, Spencer says he not only enjoys the process that it takes to put on a production, but also the camaraderie and journey of the talents that make up the West Side Theatre Guild. “I remember setting up our first meeting and hoping that 10–12 dedicated kids would show up,” he recalls. “We had 200 people show up. Each year that goes by, I’m just more in awe and thankful to have this opportunity.”

Spencer says one of the true highlights of the job is seeing his past students continue to thrive within the arts community. “I think the key to his success is the fact that he’s not the ‘micro– managing’ type,” explains West Side Theatre Guild’s Assistant to the Director Rashad Cherry, who has known Spencer for nearly ten years. “He gives everyone the opportunity to prove themselves, and in a creative environment, that is so important. He is a genuine and hardworking man.”

“There is nothing quite as fulfilling as seeing our past students being active in their field using the skills they learned here,” adds Spencer, who can often be found spending some time playing the guitar or listening to the likes of classic rock favorites such as Led Zeppelin. “It’s definitely one of the best parts of the job. Sure, there have been plenty a late night spent here working. But I’ve always played under the all-or-none philosophy, and it has been worth every moment.” 

environment. The idea of philanthropy always seemed to jump off the page for me.”

Prior to joining Legacy Foundation, VandeVelde also served as vice president of development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and the CEO of St. Jude League in Chicago.

“Being an administrator for a non-for-profit and knowing firsthand the trials and tribulations that go along with that job title helped me understand our partner’s missions and their drive to accomplish that mission,” he explains. “I always try to view our decisions through their lens.”

Nancy Clifford, the incoming Board Chair for the Legacy Foundation, says VandeVelde’s vision has helped the Legacy Foundation.

“Harry has a marvelous ability to take these serious and out–of–the–ordinary subjects and make them tangible, clear, actionable and exciting,” she says. “He has an enormous vision for the role of Legacy Foundation within Lake County and the talent to make the vision a reality. And every time we meet he has a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He’s a guy I’m glad to know.”

At VandeVelde’s direction, the Legacy Foundation recently announced plans for the Think Tank at Legacy, enabling the thousands of Lake County organizations to come together to grow their mission capacity as well share ideas, says VandeVelde, who also co–chairs the Race Relations Council of Northwest Indiana and serves on the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council, the Adult Education Alliance, and the NIPSCO Consumer Advisory Board.

These days, VandeVelde says in addition to the fulfillment of his job, he also experiences great satisfaction in an occasional game of golf and a drive around a community he can now call home.

“Before I took this job, I really never had I never had the opportunity to truly appreciate the treasures that existed in Lake County,” he explains. “Sure, I would drive in for a day trip or to take in a concert at the Star Plaza occasionally. But now that I live here, I know that it’s not only a beautiful place to live, but great people live here.” 

Continued from page 26

need. Hoosier Wingman is the perfect name for him.”

Oleksy also is a mentor and has introduced several teens to the game of hockey. “I like to know that I’m making a difference other than a business bottom line,” he says.

Oleksy learned from Golin that trust is the greatest intangible at the heart of every long–term business or personal relationship.

He is motivated by underdogs, potential and open–mindedness.

34 | In Business

His passion for hockey is a metaphor for his life. “If I’m on the bench I can’t wait to get back on the ice and be aggressive,” Oleksy says. “All I’m thinking about is how to make an impact on the next shift. And if I fall, I just get back up.”

Oleksy started his company just in time for the recession three years ago and had to move back to Indiana without a job or savings. But what he found on the journey home was promise.

“At the time, in Chicago it was very negative – it was ‘I hope I don’t lose my job,’” he says. “When I came out here, people were

affected by the economy but it was ‘Times are tough – how do we get over it and move forward?’

“Northwest Indiana is the greatest because of its potential. People have a positive feeling of ‘look what we can do’. We don’t have to look to the city for everything. I love Chicago but for business the boom is out here.

“To pitch an idea locally, it was like ‘I have great news, would you like to share it?’ And the answer was ‘yes.’ In the city, it was ‘I don’t care or no thanks, no thanks, no thanks.’ In Northwest Indiana we have a great support system and we can’t get enough.” 

People Skills

Professional communicators are focused listeners

I

By Mark Maassel

President and CEO, Northwest Indiana Forum

do their job well. People rely on them. Honesty and t’s sometimes difficult to identify the true integrity are principles they live by which fosters a meaning of “professionalism.” For this discussion deep respect for others. Though they could easily sit let’s use it as originally intended—a worker who idly by on their accomplishments, they continue to accepts only high quality work output, maintains confidentiality, shows strong ethics and works hard. improve their skills and knowledge in order to face But professionalism also includes the ability to work new challenges.

Professionals genuinely listen to others, creating a together with others advancing not only your own positive environment in which to share thoughts and interests but those of others as well. In Northwest ideas. And professionals Indiana, this would often work with others to mean putting business Professionals are competent at advance everyone’s lot in issues, competition, politics and differences their work, possessing the skills, life. It is their passion for Northwest Indiana, their of opinion which can experience and knowledge jobs, organizations and create huge divides, into causes which stirs them to a broader perspective to do their job well. People take action. in order to engage in rely on them. Honesty and Through their efforts, meaningful conversation working with others, about critical matters integrity are principles they the future of our Region and opportunities facing live by which fosters a deep is molded and driven Northwest Indiana. forward. We truly have So, before going any respect for others. Though evolved in Northwest further, you may ask, they could easily sit idly by on Indiana to a level of “Given all that, do we really professionalism that in have professionals here their accomplishments, they my view is a focused, in Northwest Indiana”? continue to improve their accountable, confident, Unequivocally, YES. And, competent and motivated over the last few years, skills and knowledge in order toward a particular The Times has identified to face new challenges. goal. In this process, we some of the professionals maintain respect for our to watch. This list is by superiors, colleagues, no means complete as our and subordinates as fellow professionals as well as region boasts many true professionals. However, respect for them as human beings. those honored are standouts. In fact, I am privileged The old adage is certainly true, “actions speak to work with many of these professionals, some of whom are members of the Northwest Indiana Forum, louder than words.” Professionals blend their beliefs the regional economic development organization and with their actions truly becoming living examples of professionalism. With a combination of personal the voice of business leadership where I work.

And while these professionals have many different traits that define professionalism, our 2012 Class of Professionals to Watch show the blend needed types of jobs, they all share some common traits. for continued success and leadership in Northwest Professionals are competent at their work, Indiana. possessing the skills, experience and knowledge to Summer 2012 | 35

Entering the Workforce

From student to professional

A

By Joy L. Colwell

Director of Graduate Studies at Purdue University Calumet‌

36 | In Business

s graduation time nears, the college class of 2012 turns its attention to the world of work–and a set of new challenges.

Even students who have been working to pay for their education are looking forward to the day when September does not mean the start of new semester, but a new quarter in the fiscal year. What challenges will the class of 2012 find in the world of work?

There are two things to keep in mind as you enter the full time workforce: yourself, and other people.

Interpersonal skills are as important as your parents told you they were. At work, everybody assumes you know how to do your job. When you walk in the door with degree in hand, your boss assumes that you have a baseline competency in your field.

Is there room for improvement? Sure. Will you need to learn the ins and outs of your particular employer’s way of doing things? Absolutely. But just being competent at your job will not set you apart. What personal characteristics do you bring to the table? Can you manage yourself? Can you keep deadlines, make it to meetings on–time, and look for answers to your own questions before you ask others?

Do you bring a productive attitude to work with you, at least on most days? Do you embrace change?

How will you keep up in your field?

Employers can find many competent people. The ones they look to hire and retain are those employees with both professional knowledge and interpersonal skills.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you move into the world of work.

Prepare for lifelong learning: What can you learn from your colleagues, your workplace, your professional organization, and from books and articles in your field? Expertise can become stale if it is not nourished with new information and experiences.

Take advantage of educational opportunities that your employer may offer. You are likely to make several job changes in your career (and maybe career changes), so keeping current will open doors to opportunities for you. Finding a mentor at work or in your field can also help.

Assume that you will run across people in your profession again – even the jerks. Set a standard of professional behavior with your coworkers, even if

you have to grit your teeth to do it on occasion. Those job changes mentioned earlier will make it more likely you will run across the challenging coworkers you thought you had left behind.

It’s not about you. How much interest do you display in other people? The more you are interested in others, the more interested they will be in you. Can you listen with attention? Do you use your manners?

Etiquette is the art of making others comfortable, and appropriate behavior goes a long way toward making people comfortable with each other. It’s not about which fork you use, it is about showing interest in someone besides yourself.

And manners extend to the “little things,” which are not so little over time: refill the copier with paper when it runs out, make the coffee when you pour the last cup, put supplies and equipment back where you found them, return phone calls and emails.

One phone call or personal visit may be worth 10 emails. Business may run on email, but it is certainly not a foolproof communication tool. Sensitive information or items that require a lot of explanation may be better in a personal communication. You can follow up with email, but don’t forget there are more tools to communicate with than just the keyboard.

Appearance is another way to communicate your professionalism, and the way your emails look is also part of your appearance. Use proper grammar and spelling, and complete sentences.

Conflicts will occur at work. Learn how to manage stressful or conflict situations at work. This will always be a challenge, but you can get better with practice. Learning to control your first reactions will go a long way in work conflict. Your first reaction is almost never one that will make things better.

It is never too late to learn more about yourself, and how to develop your weaker skills. We tend to over–rely on our strengths, because it is comfortable, but having only a few strengths can be limiting. Work toward developing set of well–rounded strengths – you want lots of tools in your toolbox.

For the class of 2012, your college degree may have given you several skills which are useful at work, but it is the way in which you put your degree to work which will make the difference in your career. Be the person you would like to work with.

Economic Development

New job prospects look bright for Northwest Indiana

R

By Rex Richards

President, Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation‌

ecently it was my privilege to attend an economic development conference sponsored by one of the premier national site selection organizations in America. The speakers were national site selection consultants who are retained by Fortune 500 firms as well at multinational corporations who select sites all across the world where their clients put new manufacturing, warehouse, and office headquarter facilities.

Speaker after speaker spoke how Indiana’s decision to become a Right to Work state was altering significantly how their clients were reevaluating site selection options to include Indiana as a location to consider in placing a project.

On the last day of the conference, there was a breakout session where one site selector was placed as discussion leader at each table of eight.

This session permitted attendees like me to ask the site selector any questions and hopefully gain insight on the site selection process.

I picked the table with the consultant who had sited a number of auto assembly plants both in North America and South America. The question I asked was for him to explain why Indiana’s new Right to Work status is so significant in the total scheme of siting new plants and job creation projects nationally.

His answer went something like this: Indiana, becoming a Right to Work state, is a huge game changer in the site selection process nationally. The skilled and semi–skilled work force in Indiana is much more plentiful than in the southern states that tend to be Right to Work.

The proximity to Michigan and Illinois work force, where skilled people have been unemployed since the downturn in 2008 is extremely plentiful. Northwest Indiana has a great advantage because within 40 minutes driving time you have a good work force that can easily travel to a plant location from the Chicago metropolitan area and Michigan directly to Northwest Indiana.

After listening to the site selector describe his thoughts on how he viewed Indiana’s new status, I became extremely excited in thinking how our location in Indiana at the extreme northwest corner of the state, sitting next to the metropolis of Chicago, made the real estate cardinal rule of

Indiana, becoming a Right to Work state, is a huge game changer in the site selection process nationally.

The skilled and semi–skilled work force in Indiana is much more plentiful than in the southern states that tend to be Right to Work. The proximity to Michigan and Illinois work force, where skilled people have been unemployed since the downturn in 2008 is extremely plentiful. Northwest Indiana has a great advantage because within 40 minutes driving time you have a good work force that can easily travel to a plant location from the Chicago metropolitan area and Michigan directly to Northwest Indiana. location, location, location work to our region’s advantage.

Since Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the new statute, our opportunities to bid on projects have increased dramatically. Many of these projects require an existing available building. Nationally, there is a growing demand by firms who want to take advantage of empty existing industrial space.

Those of us in economic development are encouraged by the interest in Indiana by national site selectors who are looking at our state with a new interest. Attracting jobs and investment to a community is a complex process. The more looks Indiana gets from firms looking to expand, the greater likelihood we will land some.

Summer 2012 | 37

Specialized Training

Finding the person who can do the job

S

By Bill Thon

Executive Director Workforce and Economic Development, Ivy Tech Community College Northwest‌

38 | In Business

pecialized training is in high demand these days – especially in the advanced manufacturing and technology areas. Partnerships with employers such as ArcelorMittal, BP, NIPSCO and U. S. Steel have assisted Ivy Tech and other universities in training these companies’ current employees in the emerging technologies and also preparing future employees for entry into the workforce.

We have all heard how the retiring Baby Boomer generation will leave a gaping hole in the workforce as they transition to retirement in the next five to 10 years. Currently, the average worker’s age is around 52–59 years old. While it seems that there should be a long line just waiting for these jobs – and with unemployment in Indiana at 8.4% in the beginning months of 2012 – the truth of the matter is industry is finding it difficult to fill positions.

First, gone are the days when a high school kid could walk from the graduation ceremony into a job in one of these industries. It now takes more than muscle to work in modern industry. The worker of today and tomorrow is no longer someone without training.

Second, the idea jobs in industry are dirty and simple has also hindered the recruitment of potential workers.

The buildings of the steel and refining industry may look old and drafty, but inside contain some of the world’s most high–tech machinery.

Ivy Tech has been working with companies for quite a few years helping to educate college students in the Schools of Advanced Manufacturing and Technology about the opportunities available in the energy, steel, and process control industries. The college collaborates with these employers to provide a rich curriculum that addresses specific skills required for their workplace. So, when they leave the graduation ceremony at Ivy Tech, they can walk into industry and obtain a job.

In order to achieve this, Ivy Tech adapted the mechanical and electrical concentrations in the Industrial Technology program after many meetings with representatives and training professionals of ArcelorMittal, BP, NIPSCO, and U. S. Steel.

The representatives provided their expertise in changing or updating course curriculum so it mirrors curriculum used in training their current employees.

Using modern technology based equipment in the classroom and labs over a two-semester school session,

many students are able to carry the learning experiences into the industrial setting in the form of internships.

The result is a program that is one of the most updated in the steel and energy industry. Ivy Tech was the first community college in the U.S. offering the program for ArcelorMittal USA. ArcelorMittal now is modeling the program and curriculum in other locations throughout the country. ArcelorMittal hires students in the program for a summer and they are paid to work alongside experienced employees who can assist in the mechanical and electric phases.

Students then return to school for their third and fourth semester and, upon graduation, are then tested and interviewed for employment.

While most high schools students can’t walk into these industries right from graduation, Ivy Tech is reaching out to high school students while they are still deciding on a career path and offering them college credit for taking classes in industrial technology. Students from Whiting High School and East Chicago Central come to Ivy Tech’s Industrial Technology program five days a week for two hours per day and receive high school credit and college credit in the industrial programs.

These students enter the program in their junior year of high school and can receive up to 27 college credit hours. This allows them to complete an associate of applied science degree upon graduation from high school. They receive the same technical training that college students receive.

By forging strong partnerships with educational institutions like Ivy Tech and other regional universities, our local companies are able to have trained employees and offer lucrative career opportunities starting in the $60,000 to $65,000 range.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.

It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

nwi.com

Your Automotive Source for Northwest Indiana

Locate Auto Dealers with Ease, in NW Indiana & Chicagoland CHRYSLER

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Calendar MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

MERRILLVILLE | The Referral Organization

CROWN POINT | BNI, Business Network

of Indiana (ROI) Business Networking Group meets Mondays at A.J. Specialties, 1308 E. 85th Ave. Networking starts at 7:15 a.m.; meetings start at 7:30 a.m. For

669-6804.

PORTAGE | The Northwest Indiana

Professional Network meets from 8 to

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Business CROWN POINT | The Referral Organization of Indiana (ROI) Business Networking Group meets Wednesdays at Fahrenheit 212, 10805 Broadway. Networking starts at 7:15 a.m.; meetings start at 7:30 am. For more information, visit r‌ oinetworkinc.com.

10 a.m. Mondays at Portage Work One, Ameriplex Commercial Park, 1575 Adler Circle, Suite A. For more information, contact Sandra Alvarez at the Center of Workforce Innovations at (219) 462-2940 or salvarez@innovativeworkforce.com.

TUESDAYS HAMMOND | The Rotary Club of

Hammond meets from noon to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays in the Student Union Library Building at Purdue Calumet, 2200 169th St. For more information, call (219) 5130549, or visit www.hammondrotary.org.

MERRILLVILLE | Southshore Business

development group meets from 7 to 8:30

a.m. Thursdays at the Holiday Inn Express, International, meets from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at 1773 Fountain Park Drive. Call Michael Pelz Schoop’s, 1124 N. Main St. For information, call Michael Pelz at (219) 427-5933 or (815) at (815) 370-2940 for more information.

370-2940.

more information, contact Tony Schifino at (219) 736-0367 or John Vurpillat at (219)

SCHERERVILLE | A BNI (Business

Networking International) business

League meets at 7 a.m. Thursdays at the Round-the-Clock restaurant, 217 E. Lincolnway. For more information, visit ‌www.portercounty.com.

VALPARAISO | The Referral Organization

of Indiana (ROI) Business Networking MERRILLVILLE | The Merrillville Chapter

of BNI, Business Networking International, will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at Innsbrook Country Club, 6701 Taft St. Contact Michael Pelz at (815) 370-2940.

Group meets Thursdays at the Regional Credit Union, 2801 Boilermaker Ave. (Door needs to stay locked until 9 a.m., so knock). Networking starts at 8 a.m.; meetings are from 8:15 to 9:15 am. For more information, contact Sue Baxter at baxterdesign@comcast.net or (219)

VALPARAISO | BNI, Business Network

International, meets from 7 to 8:30 am at The Hampton Inn, 1451 Silhavy Road.

For information call Beckie Guffin at (219) 462-2771.

THURSDAYS MERRILLVILLE | Merrillville Breakfast

464-9237. Visit www.roinetworkinc.com for more information.

FRIDAYS HAMMOND | Free business counseling

services are available through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) from 9 and 10 a.m. Fridays at the Lakeshore

southshorebusinessnetworking.com.

Kiwanis meets from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m.

Thursdays at Petro’s Restaurant, 6190 Broadway Ave. For more information, please contact Mary Jane DiMichele at (219) 934-6318 ext. 239 or visit www.

MerrillvilleBreakfastKiwanis.com.

HIGHLAND | BNI, Business Networking

MERRILLVILLE | The Merrillville Noon

Networking Professionals meets at 7:15

International will meet from 8:30 to

Kiwanis Club meets from noon to 1 p.m., Thursdays at Petro’s Restaurant, 6190 Broadway Ave. For more information call Bruce Woods at (219) 794-1259 over visit www.merrillvillenoonkiwanis.org.

a.m. Fridays at either Cafe Divine (Inside

Networking, will meet from 8 to 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month Cafe Divine, 9000 Taft St. Call Rick Gosser at (219) 808-9888 or visit w ‌ ww.

Chamber of Commerce, 5246 Hohman Ave. If you are starting a business, or having problems in business, call (219) 931-1000 for an appointment.

MERRILLVILLE | Northwest Indiana

10 a.m. Tuesdays at Harry’s Grill, 9400 Indianapolis Blvd. Contact Michael Pelz at (815) 370-2940.

Living Hope Church, 9000 Taft St.) or AJ Specialties (1308 East 85th Ave.) Check the website for location, n ‌ winetworking. org/events.php. Contact Carl Watroba at carl@compdrinc.com or (219) 776-7423 for more information.

40 | In Business

We want to hear from you To read more calendar, visit ‌nwi.com/business.

To include an item in the local business calendar, send event information, time, date, cost and location to: business@ nwitimes.com or matt. saltanovitz@nwi.com, or fax to (219) 933-3249.

travel simple Bad travel days, if you’ve experienced them, you know what they can do to your work schedule.

With a growing fleet of 10 aircraft, ranging from economic Very Light Jets to Large cabin aircraft, we are able to accommodate all of your travel needs. Chartering with the Gary Jet Center is the best way to stay productive and travel simple.

Contact our charter department at 219-944-1210 for a quote or to set up an introductory meeting.

Gary Jet Center, Inc. 5401 Industrial Hwy. Gary, IN 46406 garyjetcenter.com

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