BusINess Magazine

WINTER 2010 SUPPLEMENT

HEALTHY BUSINESS ISSUE

Epic Wires the

PROVIDERS

The Rise of the Female Doctor

Why she has the advantage PAYING FOR RETIREMENT CLEAN AND HEALTHY CITIES THE DOCTOR’S PERSPECTIVE ON INNOVATIVE CARE SPIRITUAL – PHYSICAL HEALTH

CEO CONVERSATION

St. James’ Seth Warren

Discover vital healthcare solutions

A.D.A.M. knows!

Visit any of our Web sites www.stanthonymedicalcenter.com www.smmhc.com www.asksam.org www.franciscanphysicianshospital.com to access answers to your health concerns with the latest information provided by A.D.A.M. Interactive Health.

A.D.A.M. offers a plethora of information on topics relevant to visitors who want to get well and stay well. Our sites offer the following A.D.A.M. products: � � � � �

Multimedia Encyclopedia Symptom Navigator In-Depth Reports Care Guides Health Centers – for heart, cancer, orthopedics, neurology, women, men, pediatrics, seniors

� � � � � �

Pregnancy Central Health Risk Assessment Decision Assist Wellness Tools Reuters Health News Drug Tools

Users can find information on a disease or condition, on how to prepare for a test or surgery, or to address emergencies resulting in injuries or poisoning.

Information also is offered on managing health conditions, such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low back pain, weight loss, pregnancy or diabetes.

Local and Loyal… Your Community Bank Recognize us?

Meet the members of the Peoples Bank executive team who are committed to taking care of your personal and business financial needs. You may recognize a face or two from having seen us in your neighborhood, in the park, or at the grocery store…because we live and work here.

We have a stake in the well-being of this region, and we believe strongly in the value of relationships. It’s important that we get to know you so that we’re here for you as your needs continue to grow and change. Putting you first is what we’re all about, and we’re proud to carry on a tradition that began 100 years ago.

Now that you’ve met us, we hope the next time you have a question about any of our full range of products and services, you’ll know who to call. You can reach us at 219-836-4400 or visit us at www.ibankpeoples.com.

The Peoples Bank executive team that serves you, standing: Ben Bochnowski, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives; Terry Quinn, Senior Vice President, Chief Wealth Management Officer; Todd Scheub, Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer; Betsy Kasenga, Vice President, Human Resource Manager; Leane English Cerven, Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary; Tanya Buerger, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer; Marilyn Furticella, Vice President, Marketing. Seated: Joel Gorelick, President and Chief Administrative Officer; Carla Houck, Vice President, Retail Banking Group; David Bochnowski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Bob Lowry, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer; John Diederich, Executive Vice President; Stacy Januszewski, Senior Vice President, Risk Management Group.

personal banking

>

commercial banking

>

wealth management Member FDIC

travel simply 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 simply.

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

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

gjc_ad.indd 1

2/1/10 2:32 PM

We think locally. Because we’re local.

We’re in touch with your community because we’re part of it. Decisions regarding the plans and services we offer your company are made by our local management. Plus, we provide locally based sales, customer service and claims processing. Always backed by one of the largest networks of doctors and hospitals. Because keeping our community healthy benefits everyone.

To see how Anthem can be a part of better health for your employees, go to anthem.com/connects2 today.

Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Life Insurance Company. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of: In Colorado and Nevada: Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. In Connecticut: Anthem Health Plans, Inc. In Indiana: Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. In Kentucky: Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. In Maine: Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc. In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area): RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefi ts underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefi ts underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefi ts. In New Hampshire: Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. In Ohio: Community Insurance Company. In Virginia (excluding the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna and the area east of State Route 123.): Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. In Wisconsin: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (“BCBSWi”), which underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (“Compcare”), which underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Compcare and BCBSWi collectively, which underwrite or administer the POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Contents Biz worthy

5

Cover story

8

PNC banks take over for National City: PNC Financial Services Group Inc. has completed the conversion of more than 1,300 National City branches to PNC Bank.

NIPSCO to expand home energy programs: NIPSCO wants to allow more customers operating wind, solar and other renewable energy generators to “sell” electricity back to the utility.

my turn

14

Seth Warren leads revitalization of St. James Hospital: Seth Warren took over the helm of St. James Hospital in February 2008 and has spearheaded a revitalization of the two-campus health care facility that had become a financial liability for the Mishawaka-based Sisters of Saint Francis Health Services Inc. The President of St. James Hospital and South Suburban Chicago Regional CEO talks frankly about the challenges the hospital faced. By Lu Ann Franklin; cover photo by Tony V. Martin

features

12

23

The doctor side of primary care innovation: Medicine is borrowing from aviation by developing evidence-based order sets to deliver the highest quality care in the most efficient manner. By James Callahan

new futures A Wisconsin-based records system steps up: At a time when jobs are scarce, businesses are dying and not having enough money to pay the bills is a theme, there’s one company that’s thriving. By Danielle Braff

25

A clean environment makes NWI healthier, sustainable: Virtually all of the strategies that promote Northwest Indiana’s sustainability have more than one benefit - or deemed co-benefits. By Carl Lisek

Calendar

16

2 | In BusIness

The changing face of cosmetic medicine: Cosmetic medicine is undergoing a revolution with less-invasive technologies and products being used in addition to surgery. By Lu Ann Franklin

26

Business calendar: Check out upcoming events in your area

Mary Had A Snoring Problem.

Her Husband.

People with sleep apnea are unable to get the oxygen their bodies require, which prevents them from getting a restful night’s sleep. Untreated sleep apnea can result in high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, stroke, memory loss, weight gain, impotence and headaches.

Contact your physician or Porter Sleep Disorders Institute at (219) 764-4567.

6040 Lute Road • Portage, IN • (219) 764-4567 www.sleep-disorders-institute.com

51982_PORT_Slp_9_89x10c.indd 1

wInter 2010 supplement | 3 11/5/10 9:27 AM

Publisher’s letter winter 2010

Good health is the bottom line

I

n this issue of Business we are discussing health care as a broader topic. in our cover story we talk with st. James CeO seth Warren about the business of running a hospital in the current economic climate. this is not the first time that seth Warren has had a challenge like this; he faced a similar crisis in northwest indiana earlier in his career. While we are on the subject of providers there are articles on Wisconsin-based epic e-records company which is busily wiring hospital groups in northwest indiana and all over the world and gender-specific health care and the growth of practices in our area with female physicians treating female patients. Also, we take a look at the future of clean energy and the health of future generations. then we get into the fascinating expert opinions: Dr. James Callahan, who in addition to running st. Anthony hospital is a primary care physician, talks about innovations in medicine from a doctor’s perspective; senator ed Charbonneau tells the legislator’s side of the story on the challenges of funding healthy retirement for baby boomers; south shore Clean Cities’ Carl Lisek explores the effect of environment on our communities and Family Christian Center’s Rev. stephan Munsey explains the connection between spiritual and physical health.

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

some of you may be seeing our Business magazine for the first time in this new format. We have made significant changes in our business news branded content recently. We have expanded the print presence to include a weekly page in the times on sunday, reaching more than 90,000 readers; a 3-times per year magazine supplement (this is the kickoff edition) going to 32,000 nWi leaders, business owners and times subscribers, in addition to our hall of Fame and 20 under 40 issues and the Business weekly e-newsletter. Our expanded coverage and readership will provide more ways to reach more local business businesses more often, a win-winwin for northwest indiana business. see you next sunday in the business pages.

4 | In BusIness

volume 7, issue 5

Publisher Bill Masterson Jr. founding editor William Nangle associate Publisher/editor Pat Colander director of Product development Chris Loretto associate editors Julia Perla-Huisman, Matt Saltanovitz design director Ben Cunningham designer April Burford Contributing writers Heather Augustyn, Cal Bellamy, Keith Benman, Dan Carden, Ed Charbonneau, Lu Ann Franklin, Jeremy Gantz, Carmen McCollum, Kathleen Quilligan, Bill Thon, Brian Williams 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; Bert Scott, Indiana University Northwest; Bill Thon, Ivy Tech State College Copyright, Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland BusINess, 2010. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.

Bizworthy ConstruCtion

BankinG

PNC completes conversion of National City branches pnC FinAnCiAL seRviCes GROup inC. has completed the conversion of more than 1,300 national City branches to pnC Bank. pittsburgh-based pnC said the conversion was completed six months ahead of schedule and the company is aiming to achieve $1.5 billion in cost savings by the end of 2010. the conversion affected more than 6 million customers. Customers in indiana, illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin were a part of the final phase of branch conversions.

pnC acquired national City at the end of 2008. in Chicago and its suburban area, pnC Bank operates more than 145 branches and is the area’s fifth largest bank by deposit market share.

By times staff

ross Group wins Caf Contractor of the year PortaGe | the ROss GROup, inC. has been

named industrial Contractor of the Year by the Construction Advancement Foundation. the award recognizes indiana construction companies that have achieved success in a wide range of commercial and industrial projects. the construction company was selected for its innovation approach to building; excellence in partnering and teamwork; and dedication to safety and quality in project management.

“Our primary focus is to deliver innovation and excellence to our clients,” said Ross pangere, president of the Ross Group. “it’s an added honor to also be acknowledged by our peers in the industry.” the company’s safety program also was a factor in the award. the Ross Group is a diversified commercial construction firm providing design build services to industrial and general commercial businesses in northwest indiana. For more information, call (219) 764-9932 or visit www.therossgrp.com. By times staff investments

financial services office opens in lansing lansinG | GinA AGuiLAR has recently

opened a thrivent Financial office at 2521 Ridge Road. the company is a financial services organization that offers a full line of investment opportunities, retirement products, and insurance protection.

For more information, call (708) 4184400, e-mail is Gina.Aguilar@thrivent.com or visit www.thrivent.com. By times staff

wInter 2010 supplement | 5

Bizworthy PlanninG

joB watCh

nirPC event wins national recognition

Employment up in Calumet Region

FOR the seCOnD tiMe in four years, the northwestern indiana Regional planning Commission recently received the top award in its category from the national Association of Regional Councils. the Outstanding Achievement Award for a Mid-sized Regional Council recognized niRpC’s Forum on the Future of northwest indiana, an interactive public participation event, which was held to kick off the region’s first comprehensive planning process. the forum was a daylong event on Dec. 6, 2008, in Merrillville. it engaged more than 500 residents of Lake, porter and Laporte counties on issues for the threecounty area. this input was subsequently incorporated into a proposed vision statement for the new comprehensive plan.

For more information, visit the Creating tomorrow today link at www.nirpc.org.

By times staff

auto dealer

m’ville audi dealership wins national performance award teAM AuDi in MeRRiLLviLLe received an award from its national dealership network for being one of the top performers in the country last year. two dealerships in indiana, including team Audi, and 58 operating nationally won the 2009 Magna society recognition from Audi of America inc. for providing quality customer service and achieving strong overall business performance. Dealerships receiving awards also must demonstrate other qualities such as a solid financial foundation.

Company officials said in a statement the Magna society awards fit with its plans to spend $1 billion on facilities between 2003 and 2011, and increase the number of exclusive Audi dealerships nationwide to 140 by the end of the year. Of the 271 Audi dealerships in the u.s., 135 of them exclusively sell Audis. By times staff

6 | In BusIness

lake County sePt. 2009

sePt. 2010

ChanGe

Labor force

221,722

219,779

Down 1,943

Employed

199,552

194,743

Down 4,809

Unemployed

22,170

25,036

Up 2,866

sePt. 2009

sePt. 2010

ChanGe

Percent of workforce unemployed 11.4 percent

Porter County Labor force

81,935

79,676

Down 2,259

Employed

74,838

73,035

Down 1,803

Unemployed

7,097

6,641

Down 456

sePt. 2009

sePt. 2010

ChanGe

Percent of workforce unemployed 8.3 percent

laPorte County Labor force

50,946

51,902

Up 956

Employed

45,390

46,105

Up 715

Unemployed

5,556

5,797

Up 241

sePt. 2009

sePt. 2010

ChanGe

Labor force

2,587,268

2,612,182

Up 24,914

Employed

2,306,710

2,354,681

Up 47,971

280,558

257,501

Down 23,057

sePt. 2009

sePt. 2010

ChanGe

Labor force

359,663

363,602

Up 3,939

Employed

323,294

330,017

Up 6,723

Unemployed

36,369

33,585

Down 2,784

Percent of workforce unemployed 11.2 percent

Cook County

Unemployed

Percent of workforce unemployed 9.9 percent

will County

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

Percent of workforce unemployed 9.2 percent

salute

Promoting local business people who are climbing the professional ladder Ashir Wahab, a family practice doctor, has joined Franciscan Physicians Hospita as a hospitalist, based at the hospital in Munster. Wahab will be working with the staff and physicians to monitor people in the critical care unit and inpatient suites.

Erin Hillebold, of Cedar Lake, has been promoted to team leader with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct seller of easy-to-prepare foods.

Andrej Zajac, MD, of Munster, and Howard Diamond, MD, of Munster, recently received a three-year appointment as Cancer Liaison Physician for the cancer program at Community Hospital. Cancer Liaison Physicians participate in cancer programs accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Ronald “Lee” Millies Jr., president of R.L. Millies & Associates Inc. in Munster, was installed as director and regional chair of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers.

Maria Cordón has joined Citizens Financial Bank as vice president, regional sales manager, North Region. Maria has more than 34 years of experience in the banking industry with a strong background in divisional, regional and district management. She will be located at the Highland Banking Center.

Marc Levin, M.D., n neurosurgeon eurosurgeon WayeL KaaKaji, Kaa aji, M.D., neurosurgeon neurosurgeon MohaMMaD s. shuKairy, M.D., neurosurgeon

Walter Sandoval, of Schererville, has become a partner of Hilbrich Cunningham Schwerd Dobosz & Vinovich LLP, with offices in Highland and Portage. His practice is focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.

Derrick Carter, a Valparaiso University professor of law, has been named this year’s winner of the Jack A. Hiller Distinguished Faculty Award, which annually honors a professor at the School of Law who is an exceptional teacher, scholar and role model.

sandoval

CPA Carol M. Hughes has recently been named a partner at Keilman Austgen & Sinal P.C. Hughes huGhes has been at the company since 2002.

Lisa Moore, of Crown Point; Jessica Valerio, of Hammond; Liliana Carrillo, of Hammond; Sandi Ruzycki, of Hammond; Hollie Sanchez, of Hammond; and Donna Little, of St. John earned the Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers honor from lia sophia for their sales accomplishments. lia sophia recognized Dana Argoudelis, of Schererville, as a Monthly Achiever for her sales efforts.

World-class, comprehensive

neurosurgical and spine services right here in the

heart of northwest indiana.

The physicians at Community Spine and Neurosurgery Institute use their vast experience in neurosurgery to diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system affecting the whole body; the spine, brain, hands, legs, arms and face. Neurosurgeons Marc Levin, MD, Wayel Kaakaji, MD, and Mohammad S. Shukairy, MD offer the most advanced surgical treatments along with a variety of non-surgical approaches to restore their patient’s health and relieve their pain. Specialties include all aspects of complex and minimally invasive spine surgery, as well as surgery to treat conditions or injuries affecting the brain.

Dr. Leon J. Kosek, of Hammond Clinic, is among 145 optometrists in the U.S. who have received the American Optometric Association 2010 Continuing Optometric Recognition Award.

insuranCe

florist

Company celebrating 70 years of business in valparaiso

flower shop changes locations in wanatah

BARthOLOMeW & sOn inC. in valparaiso, a third-generation family owned business, is celebrating its 70th year in business. the company provides commercial, home, auto, life and health insurance services.

For more information, call (800) 886-2744 or visit www.bartholomew-insurance.com.

wanatah | FLOWeRs AnD suCh has recently

By times staff

By times staff

moved to 11576 W. u.s. 30, suite D. the floral shop has been in business 30 years and specializes in fresh flowers, silks, weddings, gifts, funerals, plants and deliveries anywhere.

For more information, call (219) 733-2874.

801 Macarthur Blvd, suite 405, Munster

219-836-5167 1600 s. Lake Park ave., suite 1102, hobart

219-942-6510 wInter 2010 supplement | 7

Bizworthy salute

utilities

NIPSCO wants to expand homemade energy programs nipsCO WAnts tO expAnD one program and add another to allow more customers operating wind, solar and other renewable energy generators to “sell” electricity back to the utility. the utility has filed a request with the indiana utility Regulatory Commission to significantly expand its net metering program to all customers. it also wants to increase the maximum allowable generation for an individual generator to 100 kilowatts from the current limit of 10 kilowatts. “it is our goal that the expansion of these programs will result in sustainable renewable electricity generation available to all nipsCO customers in the coming years,” said Jimmy staton, nipsCO chief executive officer. under net metering, customers with their own renewable energy producing sources remains hooked up to nipsCO’s electric lines. During months in which they don’t produce enough power for their own needs, they buy the remaining electricity they need from the utility.

But during months in which they overproduce, they are given a bill credit for any electricity they send back into nipsCO’s system. in addition to the net metering program, nipsCO also is asking the iuRC for permission to institute a renewable feed-in electric rate, where renewable power producers would actually be

Promoting local business people who are climbing the professional ladder Clay Johnson has been hired as the assistant to the Munster town manager.

Standard Bank and Trust Co. recently appointed Carrie Smigla as branch manager of its Highland location on Ridge Road.

johnson

La Porte Regional Health System recently promoted Mary Drewes, BSN, RN, to manager of cardiovascular diagnostics.

Tracy Hall poses next to his roof mounted solar panels, which he uses at his Munster home. Hall’s home was part of a recent regionwide tour to display homes powered by solar energy. TIM HUNT, THE TIMES

paid cash for any power they produce and feed into the utility’s system. the feed-in rate would apply to small renewable home generators as well as commercial and industrial size projects of up to 5 megawatts. that is 500 times the power production allowed under the current net metering program. the current net metering program is only available to residential customers and schools. under nipsCO’s proposal, small businesses and all other customer classes could participate. By keith Benman, the times

Raymond C. Berry, agent/ drewes owner of Rcb Insurance Services in Crete, has recently completed the Associate Of Risk Management Certificate.

Michael Olden, DO, who is board-certified in both internal and nuclear medicine with special training in endocrinology, has joined Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster as an on-site physician.

Armando Vasquez has joined Phaze I Day Spa in Highland as a hair stylist.

He previously worked in Lansing.

Berry

vasquez

soCial serviCes

NWI Meals on Wheels names food services director merrillville | RhOnDA hOLLAnD has joined Meals on Wheels of northwest indiana as the new director of

food services. she replaces Michelle Meeks, who retired July 30. holland has more than 25 years of experience in the service industry, including the management of the food service operations for two school districts. she received her bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition from Mundelein College in Chicago and engaged in graduate studies at Governors state university in university park. By times staff

8 | In BusIness

EPIC

emPloyment

hoosier hottest jobs in health care the number of indiana ndiana employees in key professions in 2008 and 2018 projections. joB

‘08 total

‘18 ProjeCtion

salary

Physician and surgeon

13,023

16,276

$166,400

Registered Nurse

57,312

70,110

$56,393

Licensed Practical Nurse

20,118

24,697

$37,417

Medical Services Manager

7,345

8,056

$70,421

Dental Assistant

5,842

7,946

$33,646

Physical Therapist

4,496

5,871

$70,386

Dental Hygienist

3,996

5,451

$65,844

Pharmacist

6,660

7,663

$105,594

SOURCE: Indiana Department of Workforce Development

Methodist Hospitals is . e r a c t n ie t a p g in m r o sf n a r t

Methodist Hospitals is the first in Northwest Indiana to implement Epic hospital-wide. This advanced technology solution creates a single, secure electronic record for every patient, and gives Methodist physicians and staff real-time access to complete patient records for every hospital department and specialty. That means…

• Streamlined Registration • Shorter Waiting Times • Enhanced Patient Safety

Allergy & Asthma Behavioral Medicine Dermatology Endocrinology Infectious Diseases Internal Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopaedics Pediatrics Podiatry Pulmonary Medicine Rheumatology

• Less Time Documenting Care, More Time Giving Care

Methodist: Leading the way to better health.

Call: 219-934-0900 www.medspecindiana.com

888-909-DOCS (3627) METHODISTHOSPITALS.ORG NORTHLAKE CAMPUS I MIDLAKE CAMPUS I SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS wInter 2010 supplement | 9

Bizworthy emPloyment

hElPINg haNd Local programs focus on helping older workers get back into dismal job market WhiLe uneMpLOYMent numbers have been dismal, they have been trending downward since October.

But one disturbing trend is the unemployment numbers for workers ages 55 and up. are not moving – the rate was 7.2 percent last December and was 7.1 percent in June. in May, 60 percent of older unemployed workers had been out of work six months or more, while 43 percent had been without a job more than a year.

Locally, two organizations are trying to reverse the trend for older workers by removing roadblocks related to skill sets and training.

Worksearch is a program of the AARp Foundation. its mission is to

for more information WoRkSeARcH: Visit www. aarpworksearch.org or call (219) 980-2723 exPeRience WoRkS: Visit www.experienceworks.org or call (219) 362-2175 provide skills assessment and training to older workers to help them find meaningful employment..

“Worksearch strives to help mature workers gain a competitive edge in this challenging job market,” said April Walton, project drector for the Lake County Worksearch office in Merrillville. “We provide comprehensive training programs at different levels to provide mature workers with

Lavern Pettis-Boggs, of Gary, landed a job at The AARP’s Merrillville office after receiving training through the AARP’s WorkSearch program. WorkSearch looks to provide skills assessment and training to older workers to help them find meaningful employment. HEATHER EIDSON, THE TIMES

what they need to find a job they like.” experience Works is a national, community based organization that helps older workers get the training they need to find good jobs in their communities. experience Works has an office in porter County that helps older

unemployed workers get training. “experience Works focuses a little more on rural areas,” said Celia Cason, job development manager. “so locally we do a lot of our work in porter and Laporte counties.” By BoB moulesonG, times CorresPondent

unions

ContraCtinG

insuranCe

union moves its office headquarters to wanatah

Pangere, Culver win contractor safety awards from roundtable

Bekan insurance Group earns honor from indiana insurance

uniteD steeLWORkeRs LOCAL 13796 has moved its headquarters to a facility in Wanatah. the union moved into 10301 W. u.s. 30 in the beginning of June, union local president karen Bryan said.

Local 13796 represents about 430 office and technical workers at northern indiana public service Co. and about 20 field workers with northern indiana Fuel and Light. Both are subsidiaries of Merrillville-based nisource inc. the union office previously was located at nisource’s Bailly Generating station in Burns harbor. the building cost the union $250,000, but Bryan said no special collections from members were needed and members approved the purchase of the building in a vote. By Bowdeya tweh, the times

Gary | the pAnGeRe CORp. and Culver

lowell | BekAn insuRAnCe GROup, of Lowell,

Roofing of Gary recently were presented with the Contractor safety Award for excellence by the northwest indiana Business Roundtable during the annual northwest indiana Construction Awards Banquet. pangere specializes in general construction, structural steel erection and repair, design/build, commercial and industrial painting, interior alterations, pre-engineered metal buildings and overhead doors.

Culver, associated with pangere, provides commercial and industrial roofing.

For more information, call (219) 949-1368.

has been honored with the president’s Award for its superior performance and outstanding commitment to indiana insurance, a Liberty Mutual Agency Markets regional company. the agency is one of only 26 indiana insurance appointed agencies to receive this award. “the sustained growth and high profitability required to achieve this recognition reflects the contribution that Bekan insurance makes to our mutual success and affirms our commitment to building strong relationships at the local level,” said David Lancaster, president and CeO of indiana insurance.

For more information, visit www.bekan.com.

By times staff

By times staff

10 | In BusIness

salute

steel

Promoting local business people who are climbing the professional ladder

e.C. steel company now known as robinson laser

Several medical professionals have joined the staff of St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point: Carl Metcalf, MD, who specializes in emergency medicine; Ugochi Okoro, MD, who specializes in family practice; Eias Jweied, MD, a cardiothorasic and vascular surgeon; metCalf Nandini Menon, MD, an opthamologistsurgeon; Vanessa Sarda, MD, who specializes in internal medicine; James Hong, DPM (doctor of podiatric medicine); Donna Richard, a nurse practitioner; and Mary Ubanwa, MD, who specializes in internal medicine and will serve as a hospitalist. okoro John P. Hansen, of Munster, has joined Financial Network Investment Corp.’s Highland Branch as a registered representative specializing in 401(k) rollovers and IRAs.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance and the American Diabetes Association announced Joseph Arulandu, MD, received recognition from the Diabetes Physician Recognition Program for providing care to La Porte Regional Physician Network patients with diabetes.

Dr. Moody Wasif has joined Colby Dental’s office in Highland.

A German professor and a nursing professor have been named resident directors of two Valparaiso University study centers in Europe that provide international opportunities to Valpo students. Timothy Malchow, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, will serve students at the Reutlingen Study Center in Germany, while Nola Schmidt, associate professor of nursing, will serve students at the Cambridge Study Center in England. Both will begin their two-year terms in 2011.

Dan Kiepura has joined Korellis Roofing Inc. in Hammond as the company’s service manager. Dan will be responsible for sales, business development, and maintaining both current and future customers. John Ziolkowski has joined Korellis as the project manager.

He previously was project manager for Bennett Brosseau. Tim Runyan has been promoted to operations manager at Korellis. He started in the Service Department in 1997 and has been estimating for the last five years.

Manny Amezcua, of Chicago, has been named agency manager of the North Shore Agency for Country Financial. Amezcua joined the company in 2003 as a financial representative at the South Holland Agency. In 2009, he was named agency manager of the Chicago South Agency.

jweied

sarda

honG

riChard

uBanwa

The Alliance for Affordable Services has named Porter County agent Trish Ramirez with Insphere Insurance Solutions one of its Top 150 representatives for the second quarter 2010.

Sally Fischer, RN, recently marked 50 years as a Hammond Clinic employee.

Fisher began her nursing career in 1960 and worked with allergist and Hammond Clinic founding partner Dr. Michael Allegretti for 38 years.

Allen Konieczka, Alkon Consulting Group, Schererville, was named secretary of the Board of Directors for Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana for a two-year term. Board for Directors named to a three-year term include Nathan Press, Direct Buy, Merrillville; and Luke Squires, 1st Source Bank.

eAst ChiCAGO-BAseD Robinson steel has rebranded itself to become Robinson Laser.

Cargill will be the exclusive supplier of sheet and plate products to Robinson Laser, which will continue the joint venture they began in 2007 as Cargill Robinson LLC. the joint venture produced cut-tolength, hot-rolled sheet and plate steel from production facilities in east Chicago and Granite City, ill. Cargill bought Robinson’s stake in the joint venture earlier this year. the company also is touting an online tool where steel customers can receive price quotes for unique laser parts in real-time.

By times staff

hansen

emPloyment

local workforce board names new appointees

wasif

arulandu

ramirez

OB/GYN John Taylor, M.D., has joined LaPorte Regional Physician Network and is seeing patients in Munster, LaPorte and Knox. Taylor is board certified in obstetrics taylor and gynecology.

the nORthWest inDiAnA WORkFORCe BOARD announced its chairperson and board of directors appointments through 2011.

Workforce board appointments include chair Judith stanton, an attorney with stanton Law Office; vice chair Mike horton, CeO of Michiana Resources; secretary keith kirkpatrick, president of kpM Group; and treasurer Gary Miller, CeO of prompt Ambulance service.

Board members also include Michael Berta Jr., of portage township schools; Catherine Delgado, of CLD Consulting services inc.; kim emshwiller, of vision Ag inc.; tom hargrove, of united steelworkers Local 1010; Arlene Mitchell pearson, of Majestic star Casino & hotel; Bob schaefer, of Community Dynamics; Gerry scheff, of emerson power transmission; and Rudy sutton of R.v. sutton inc. the northwest indiana Workforce Board helps develop plans and public policy for work force development and oversees the WorkOne system in the area. WorkOne is the statewide career and employment resource for job seekers and employers. By times staff

wInter 2010 supplement | 11

EPIC teChnoloGy

tRaNSItION in hEalth CaRE Wisconsin-based records system steps up

By Danielle Braff BusINess Contributor

A

t A tiMe when jobs are scarce, businesses are dying and not having enough money to pay the bills is a common theme, there’s one company that’s thriving. the epic health care system isn’t just thriving. it’s snowballing around the world, and taking every major health care organization—including all of the big hospitals near and in northwest indiana—with it. it’s rare that a company can boast having $650 million in revenue, no debt and a customer base that includes 30 percent of the united states and 1 percent of the world. But the verona, Wisconsin-based technology focused health care company does that—and more. epic is able to be so successful because it brings technology to hospitals and doctors, which is necessary and soonto-be required by federal law. its software includes applications such as MyChart, which gives each patient access of their own clinical information. through MyChart, patients can also send secure messages of their doctors, schedule their own appointments and print their children’s growth charts.

12 | In BusIness

Dr. John cosgrove, of omni Physician Suites in Schererville, talks with a patient while using Saint Margaret Mercy’s ePic System on a laptop computer.

TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

the software can speak multiple languages and do easy translations. epic’s applications are designed to be used in the ambulance, in the emergency room, in the in-patient hospital units and even at home.

Another popular application is the

computer system that prompts doctors to ask specific questions about different symptoms or illnesses. Once the doctor types in the answers, the electronic database will travel with him wherever he is in the hospital so that the patient never has to repeat his answers. patients also appreciate being able to have complete online access to their medical records and lab results.

“We’ve used epic for patient registration and billing, and the clinical components which went live in August, which include nursing documentation, bedside scanning of medications and the components for the emergency room,” says ed Duryee, CiO of Methodist hospitals. Duryee loves the fact that patients can have one electronic chart that follows them everywhere in the hospital and throughout their doctor visits. patients also benefit from the new applications. sister M. Aline shultz, corporate vice president of development, marketing and public relations for sisters of st. Francis health services, inc., says ssFhs system is rolling out epic for their entire health care group, which includes 12 hospitals. she says that while the new applications will help the doctors and administrators, the patients will also be able to access their information.

“We’re going to be building a patient portal so they can make physician appointments and look at their lab and test results,” she says. “patients are excited.” prohealth Care, which operates a host of hospitals and health care organizations in Wisconsin, uses epic’s software to link its different systems together. “prohealth Care is transforming its current clinical and business information systems into one integrated system across the entire organization,” says Rodney Dykehouse, prohealth Care’s vice-president and CiO of information services. “the initiative is essential to our ability to work with our doctors and provide the highest quality of patient care while meeting the challenges of the changing health care environment. the epic system will allow us to serve patients with a common experience across all prohealth Care and affiliated sites, regardless of point of entry, provide high quality patient care and maximize efficiency across the health care continuum through an integrated electronic health record.”

in short, Dykehouse is pleased that epic is able to electronically connect and maximize efficiency throughout prohealth Care. Doctors, patients and administrators can even get epic on their phones. they’re creating new products featuring cell phone applications that can be used on the iphone, ipad and verizon’s Android. those apps will allow the doctors and patients to access records and lab results, in addition to refilling their prescriptions and see their lab results with a touch of the button wherever they are. it’s very important that the hospitals are happy with epic’s service. After all, the

planning on adding a 15-acre solar farm, complete with a biomass digester and wind turbines so that their consumption comes from alternative sources. epic currently has 225 customers and 4,000 employees and serves nearly 95 million patients and clients who are based in hospitals, academic facilities, group practices and safety net organizations.

Once rollouts are complete, epic will be serving 200,000 physicians, according to Barb hernandez, epic’s spokeswoman. in the past year, epic has added nearly 600 new employees to its staff this year—and it continues to grow. they had

health-care company charges upwards of $20-30 million per client. But what epic’s learned over its 30-year career is that customer service must be a primary goal. “they’ve been successful because they have a relentless pursuit of customer service,” says shahid shah, CeO of netspective Communications, a health care strategy consulting firm focusing on technology; and health it blogger at www.healthcareguy.com. “it’s not an overnight success. it’s one they’ve been working on for a very long time.” epic was founded in 1979 in Madison, Wisconsin, and had three half-time employees. now, they have a 500-acre rural campus in verona, in addition to an office in the netherlands. epic isn’t just expanding. they’re also incredibly environmentally conscious. All of their buildings rely on geothermal energy to heat and cool, and the company is

just 396 people in 2000, but have added 2,000 people over the past decade, and now have a payroll that tops $300 million. the company added four buildings to its $500 million campus to house 3,600 of its employees. Other people work in the older offices in Madison or in its small netherlands outpost. epic is projected to end the year with $780 million in revenue, which is up from $650 million last year and just $47 million in 2000. still, epic is very picky and private. they will only accept clients who are large or major health care providers. in fact, they won’t even take hospitals if they have fewer than 400 beds, shah explains.

“What happens in most implementations for their competitors is that they will sign up as many people as possible as quickly as possible,” shah says. “if you look at epic, they will let go of just as many customers as they accept if they

don’t believe that they’ll benefit from the software.” epic is also inflexible about modifying its software to fit the needs of the customers. unlike competitors, who let their customers go in and change the software, epic stands behind each application and won’t let anyone alter it in any way, shah says. the privacy and lack of advertising doesn’t appear to be working against epic. they’ve grown from their initial $70,000 investment in 1979 to its estimated market value today of $2.6 billion. A large part of epic’s success is owed to federal government mandates. An April 2009 survey published in the new england Journal of Medicine found that only 1.5 percent of hospitals in the united states had comprehensive electronic record systems. plus, only 8 percent of hospitals had basic systems covering at least one clinical unit. president Obama wants that to change. he created an economic stimulus package which provides billions of dollars for hospitals and health care facilities to buy and start using digital patient records. in addition, the health information technology for economic Clinical health earmarked $19 billion for Medicaid and Medicare technology over the next five years.

By creating electronic health records, hospitals and doctors could earn up to $27 billion over the next decade, and each doctor can receive up to $63,750 for using technology for Medicaid, and up to $44,000 for Medicare. hospitals and doctors who are interested in the incentive programs must demonstrate that they are making meaningful use of their systems and are able to track their success and quality of the applications. While the incentives are nothing to frown at, the hospitals are motivated to move quickly too. part of the administration’s plan stipulates that health care providers could face financial penalties if they don’t start using electronic health systems within the next five years. it’s about time that the medical field entered the modern age, shah says. “there are two primary reasons for electronic health records: patient safety and improved clinical outcomes, But it’ll take a decade or two to gain the kinds of efficiency that we’ll need in order to get the big benefits that we’re hoping to get.” wInter 2010 supplement | 13

Ceo Conversation

the‘tuRN-

aROuNd’

seth Warren leads revitalization of st. James in Olympia Fields

man

By lU ann franKlin, BusINess Contributor

s

eth WARRen took over the helm of st. James hospital in February 2008 and has spearheaded a revitalization of the two-campus health care facility that had become a financial liability for the

Mishawaka-based sisters of saint Francis health services inc. the president of st. James hospital and south suburban Chicago Regional CeO talks frankly about the challenges the hospital faced.

“OuR FinAnCiAL piCtuRe was bleak. We were averaging a $20 million loss per year.

At the same time our reputation suffered, and our satisfaction scores were not stellar,” Warren says. As a third generation hospital administrator, Warren grew up learning about health care’s organizational and financial aspects. his mother, a registered nurse, also taught him to focus on patient care, he says.

Warren honed his skills during tenures at hospitals and as a consultant before joining ssFhs in 1998. he has continued to rise through the ssFhs ranks, starting 14 | In BusIness

as manager of operations at the order’s st.

Francis hospital & health Centers in Beech Grove, indiana. his career with the sisters of saint Francis health services inc. has taken him to other indiana-based ssFhs hospitals in Mooresville, Michigan City and Crown point as director of operations, executive director, CeO and president.

Although each hospital presents its own challenges, st. James needed a turnaround specialist, a position Warren was uniquely qualified to fill, according to sr. M. Aline schultz, OsF, vice president of corporate

communications for the sisters of saint Francis health services. st. James hospital has served the Chicago south suburbs for 99 years. in the late 1990s, ssFhs purchased Olympia Fields Osteopathic hospital, merging the two into a 400-bed teaching hospital that is also “the largest employer and economic engine serving a diverse, economically-challenged market,” Warren says. that merger put financial strains on the organization because of duplication of services and the high cost of providing health care in illinois, he says. “in illinois there are no malpractice caps like there are in indiana. st. James pays more than two times more for malpractice insurance than all of the ssFhs indiana hospitals combined,” Warren says. “st. James had also gotten into a bit of a rut. i was charged with trying to turn that around.” the changes have come on many fronts during Warren’s nearly three years at st.

James hospital and have been the result of the combined efforts of employees and management, he says. An internal review of patient care practices and management techniques focused on the goal of “providing high quality, compassionate care - a good product,” Warren says.

“We parted ways with employees who were not sharing that goal.” As part of that effort, the hospital launched “together We Can” in 2009 to sharpen employee focus on the corporate goal, he says. improvements have also come in staff interactions with patients, he says. in the past two years, patient approval ratings have increased significantly and patients are now recommending st. James hospital to family and friends, he says. “We took another hard look at services, the cost of those services and where those services were offered on our two campuses,” Warren says.

“We had to consider whether to provide services at all,” he says. “st. James is committed to the south suburbs, so it meant making tough decisions.” the decisions made were designed to stem the $113 million losses experienced by the hospital over the last decade. that situation was created by a “perfect storm” of dramatically rising numbers left: Seth Warren, ceo of St. James Hospital, spearheaded a revitalization of the two-campus health care facility.

TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

of uninsured patients and other factors including bad debt. the number of Medicaid patients, too, has risen increasing the hospital’s dependence on a delayed reimbursement cycle from the state, Warren says. in 2008, for example, 45 percent of patients were on Medicare and 15 percent on Medicaid. st. James hospital also provided $17.4 million in unpaid care in addition to $38.8 million in charity care. “in illinois, the state tells us how much we can charge and how much they’re going to pay us. it is unique,” he says.

“St. James had also gotten into a bit of a rut. I was charged with trying to turn that around.”

COnsOLiDAtinG seRviCes rather than duplicating them has become a major part of the st. James turnaround. Another move involved down-grading some services. One of those was the change in st. James hospital’s status as a Level i trauma Center at the Olympia Fields campus. the highest level of emergency care, a Level i trauma Center must have an operating room available at all times with a staff dedicated to that operating room.

An on-call staff’s response time must be 15 minutes or less and physician specialists must be in the hospital 24 hours a day.

Given the hospital’s financial straits, that designation could no longer be supported, Warren says. however, trauma and emergency care continue to be provided at the hospital’s campuses. As part of this change, a different physician group is now serving the emergency Room. emergency Medical physicians “have had a huge impact,” Warren says.

“We now have physicians in the triage area of the eR, and they are able to begin treating patients before they ever reach the main eR,” he says. in 2009, administration moved to consolidate surgery specialities at the Chicago heights and Olympia Fields campuses.

For example, cardiac surgery is performed exclusively at st. James Olympia Fields as part of that campus’s heart and vascular institute. the institute provides a full spectrum of heart and vascular services from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. the Olympia Fields campus is also the site of the patricia A. Joyce Comprehensive Cancer institute that brings together cancer specialists and a full array of cancer-fighting technologies in one location to help patients. st. James is a teaching hospital affiliated with Midwestern university’s Chicago Osteopathic Medical school. in 2006, the hospital was approved as a teaching hospital Cancer program by the American College of surgeons. elective surgeries, including outpatient procedures, are performed at the Chicago heights campus.

Another consolidation in 2009 brought the two campuses’ pediatric and obstetrical units to st. James Chicago heights. “Our OB unit provides care for non-high-risk pregnancies,” he says.

Leadership at st. James hospital has also changed under Warren’s administration. “We looked at the management and executive levels. We have new members of those teams and have redistributed responsibilities,” he says. “i have very much enjoyed working with the management team and staff.” throughout the organization, Warren says, the message continues to be “it’s really in your hands to make sure that patients, families and employees have a positive experience at st. James.” And the results of these changes have been dramatic, according to Warren. patient satisfaction scores have gone from single digits to between 70 and 75 percent of patients now reporting a positive experience. physician satisfaction is also on the rise because of the way their patients are treated and how procedures are followed, he says.

Although st. James hospital continues to face budget losses, the financial picture is brightening, Warren says. “this year, our budget losses are less than half of what we were losing 2 1/2 years ago. it’s now $6 million annually,” he says.

Other financial improvements can be attributed to the federal economic stimulus plan, Warren says. “We are getting paid in a more timely fashion by the state of illinois. that had historically been a problem.” wInter 2010 supplement | 15

the future & innovation

the ChaNgINg fa

COSMEtIC MEdI Less invasive procedures, injections gaining in popularity with all ages

By lU ann franKlin BusINess Contributor

C

OsMetiC MeDiCine is undergoing a revolution in the second decade of the 21st Century with new less-invasive technologies and products being used in addition to surgery, according to area physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. “not a day goes by that there doesn’t seem to be some new innovation in any one of the areas of cosmetic medicine, be it surgical, Botox, fillers, lasers and actual cosmetics themselves,” says Laura hoffman, M.D., a Munsterbased dermatology and cosmetic specialist affiliated with Medical specialists. “the caution lies in which of these innovations are ‘trends’ versus actual advances in medical science. As cosmetic providers, we are constantly evaluating new services we can provide for our patients’ best interests,” Dr. hoffman says. “procedures can be defined as aesthetic or corrective, depending on the patient’s motivation.”

Although some patients still prefer the extensive surgical face lift, more are opting for such treatments as volume replacement, which transfers fat from other parts of the body to fill in sagging and loose skin, says Dr. James M. platis, a board certified cosmetic plastic surgeon with offices in Chicago and Merrillville. the fat grafts were also done on the cheeks under the eyes, he says. these procedures help restore a more refreshed appearance and shave five to seven years off appearance. in addition to less invasive surgical procedures, technology, including lasers, is making new inroads in cosmetic medicine, says Regina iwinski, M.D., who is certified in aesthetic care and practices at Laporte Regional healthcare system and Apre Medical spa in Munster.

One such laser, called the Fraxel CO2 laser, uses carbon dioxide to help diminish wrinkles and evens out skin tones, Dr. iwinski says. it’s used during an office visit and takes less than an hour. in addition, she says, it’s is less invasive that the laser skin resurfacing of the past and requires less down time. “the down time is seven days and the skin does peel in three to four days. it is more dramatic than a face peel,” she says. Another cool laser, called Zerona, is a painless method of reducing fat deposits and guaranteed to help patients 16 | In BusIness

lose a minimum of 3 1/2 inches if the posttreatment protocol is followed, Dr. iwinski says. Five lasers are strategically placed and work simultaneously to reduce deposits in fat cells during the six treatments that are performed every other day. hair removal has also come a long way from painful electrolysis, says Dr. iwinski. “the sheer Light Laser diminishes hair and takes three to four treatments once every month,” she says. this type of laser is especially useful in removing unwanted hair from women’s upper lips, chin and under arms, she says.

“But we don’t do eyebrows. You don’t want to use this laser around the eyes,” Dr. iwinski says.

Filler injections, such as Juvaderm, skin rejuvenation techniques and “quick fixes such as Botox” are in even greater demand despite the economic downturn, a situation Dr. hoffman calls “almost counterintuitive.” insurance policies rarely pay for cosmetic procedures, making most treatments selfpay, says Dr. platis.

“We saw a drop in surgeries last year, but not in office visits for injections, such as Juvaderm and Restalyn. that is continuing this year,” he says. there are multiple reasons for this trend, the physicians say. “there has been an evolution in philosophy in cosmetic medicine. We’re seeing more non-invasive skin care procedures,” Dr. platis says. these include treatments such as sculptra, a filling product that “has been gaining in popularity as patients are becoming more sophisticated,” says Dr. hoffman. “the results are not quite as immediate

and can take several injection sessions to reach the results the patient is seeking. however, newer fillers are offering longer term, three-dimensional results,” she says. the downturn in the economy may be part of the reason for a rise in the popularity of the cosmetic procedures, says Dr. platis. part of that rethinking emphasizes more outpatient procedures as insurance policies rarely cover cosmetic treatments.

“Outpatient procedures offer several advantages over more invasive, inpatient procedures for patients who are not looking for dramatic outcomes,” says Dr. hoffman. “economics, recovery times and patient comfort level are all factors that make outpatient procedures more desirable, especially to patients who are new to having cosmetics done.” the tough job market in today’s economy encourages some people to enhance their appearance to have an advantage in the workplace, Dr. platis says, but they want the changes to be subtle. “they want to look more rested, more refreshed, like they’ve had a vacation,” he says. “the competition for jobs may be more motivation, especially for those in their mid- to late-40s. there is a bias in the business world toward younger workers.”

“Middle-aged women, for example, want to soften up wrinkles and even out the skin tone. it gives them a more refreshed look,” says Dr. iwinski.

“Our most popular patient population is women, and an increasing number of men, who are in their later 30s through 50s, who are looking to recoup what they looked like five to seven years earlier,” Dr. hoffman says.

aCE of ICINE “We seek to enhance our appearance,” agrees Dr. platis. “But it’s not just our outward appearance.

We like to say ‘it’s not our look, but our outlook’. how do you look when you see yourself?”

Common triggers to first seek cosmetic services include milestone birthdays, class reunions or other special events and curiosity after their friends have tried a procedure, says Dr. hoffman. those in their late 20s and early 30s “are looking for small enhancements to their natural appearance as well as preventative maintenance,” says Dr. hoffman.

“Different age groups want different things,” Dr. platis says. “those in their 30s are often looking for body contouring, Botox treatments and skin care to help maintain their appearance and look fresher.”

Forty-somethings are “more focused on facial rejuvenation and volume,” he says.

And people of all ages are now more conscious of sun-damaged skin that can lead to a variety of skin cancers, says Dr. hoffman. Many treatments are now available to reduce severe sun damage and premalignant skin lesions so they don’t progress into actual skin cancers, she adds.

Cos m e t i c p ro ce d u re s o n ce we re exclusively for the affluent, and although that perception continues today, it’s blue collar and working class Americans who are seeking these newer, less-invasive outpatient procedures, Dr. platis says. “this is not for the rich and famous,” he says.

wInter 2010 supplement | 17

enerGy and the healthy workPlaCe

Powered by need, ingenuity the benefits of smarter energy use drive changes

By Jeremy Gantz BusINess Contributor

‘i

n this WORLD nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,” Benjamin Franklin quipped at the end of the 18th

century. But indefinite population growth and finite fossil fuel supplies point to a 21st-century certainty that business owners are especially aware of: rising energy prices. today, as gas prices creep back up after their rapid fall from historic highs in 2008, all kinds of northwest indiana enterprises are paying closer attention to their electricity, gas and oil bills, hunting for ways to cut fixed costs by using energy more efficiently. increasingly, conserving energy is an economic (rather than just an environmental) decision.

18 | In BusIness

‘t

he ReALitY is OuR DeMAnD for energy is going up continually,” says Robert kramer, director of purdue university Calumet’s energy efficiency and Reliability Center. that means it’s crucial that businesses use all types of energy as efficiently as possible. “We’ll have to optimize all the energy resources we have in the future. it’s a problem the whole world is having right now, not just the united states.”

Figuring out how to get to that moreefficient future can be difficult for many small businesses in northwest indiana, kramer notes, because they’re struggling with more immediate problems. “A lot of businesses are focusing on their major activity, producing their product or whatever it is they do,” he explains. “sometime it’s difficult to focus on optimizing energy.”

But such focus usually yields significant payoffs. Most businesses can cut their energy costs by 15 to 20 percent without having to make major capital expenditures, kramer says. he speaks from experience: every year a handful of nWi businesses hire kramer and a team of his students at the energy efficiency and Reliability Center to conduct “commercial energy audits.” each audit, which takes about a month, examines a business’ consumption habits and how efficiently company machinery is operating. even basic things like what time of day energy is used can directly impact cost, he says.

Asked whether most businesses in the region are aware of how cheap and achievable energy cost savings are, kramer is blunt: “probably not.” But he has seen an uptick in businesses interested in energy audits. “it’s not huge, but we’re seeing an increase. i think it will tie directly into energy pricing and what’s going to happen to manufacturing,” he says.

how to Generate and sell your own Power

i n R eC e n t Y eA Rs t h e no r t h e r n i n d i a n a p u b l i c se r v i c e C o m p a n y (nipsCO), which distributes electricity and natural gas throughout the region, has re-examined and diversified its energy supply sources. At the start of 2007, nearly 100 percent of the utility’s power came from

coal-fired plants. three years later, after nipsCO purchased a natural gas-fired plant and invested in 100 megawatts of south Dakota wind power, coal accounts for about 75 percent. (But it’s not nipsCO’s first foray into renewable energy; it has drawn hydroelectric power from two plants it owns in northern indiana since 1944.)

“We’ll continue to review proposals and ideas for existing and future renewable projects,” says nick Meyer, nipsCO communications manager. it’s not surprising that an energy utility would be ready to embrace the alternative energy future; by diversifying its energy sources, nipsCO protects itself (and its customers) from price spikes and outages.

But what is surprising are the company’s moves to allow its customers—including commercial and industrial businesses—to generate their own power. early next year, the company plans to launch a “feed-in tariff” pilot program, which would encourage development of new alternative power generation by allowing customers generating power from hydro, wind or solar sources to sell it to nipsCO at above-market prices. since 2005, nipsCO’s “net metering” program has allowed customers to receive credits for generating their own power.

“We went from about five customers in 2008 to well over 30 customers in 2009,” Meyer says. “the net metering program really allows customers to generate power for their own needs, to offset their own energy bills. What we wanted to do was make that more widely available and expand the limit of facility sizes that people could install.” under the feed-in tariff program (which is pending indiana utility Regulatory Commission approval), all classes of nipsCO customers will have a new incentive to begin harvesting the sun and wind. “there’s a growing interest among our customers and key stakeholders to offer these types of programs,” Meyer says. “energy wasn’t necessarily top-of-mind like it is today for many companies.” if they’re able to invest in new equipment, they’ll be able to assert some control over their operation’s energy costs in the long run.

ArcelorMittal Department of energy and elected officials gathered in october for the groundbreaking of a $63 million project to make north America’s largest blast furnace, no. 7 at the indiana Harbor steel mill, more energy efficient.

renewable economic development

ALteRnAtive eneRGY pRODuCtiOn in northwest indiana is about much more than helping existing businesses. the expansion of nipsCO’s customer energy generation programs could also spur new development. in the town of schneider, a large-scale solar project is interested in the feed-in tariff program, Meyer says. “they’re able to connect to our grid to put [the energy] on the open market. in a sense, they’re an independent generator... these programs help provide a foundation for creating local jobs and investing in the local economy.” the manufacturing of renewable energy technologies could be big business for northwest indiana. An analysis from the Washington D.C.-based Renewable energy policy project placed indiana among the top 10 states for renewable energy investment and job-creation potential. the state ranks sixth in terms of the number of people working at companies that have the technical potential to manufacture wind turbine components, the times reported in July. “if wind turbine production were something that the region decided to move in, then you would have growth in that sector,” says Dr. ellen szarleta-Yancy, an assistant professor at indiana university northwest’s school of public and environmental Affairs who teaches courses on sustainable development and environmental law. noting Lt. Gov. Becky skillman’s interest in building turbines on Lake Michigan’s indiana shoreline, szarleta-Yancy says: “if that were the case, then you’d actually have jobs associated with the operation of wind turbines.”

But there’s another option beyond wind and solar power that both she and kramer point to as holding out great potential: biomass fuel systems, which convert food, animal and human waste material into hydrogen, among other things. this is an attractive possibility for indiana because biomass energy systems could utilize the state’s agricultural waste. But there are drawbacks, szarleta-Yancy says: the technology is not fully developed for all industries and where it is, “it can be quite expensive” to take advantage of. And some

PROVIDED BY ARCELORMITTAL

biomass facilities in the country have had to shut down for lack of demand. this points to another obstacle to the adoption of renewable energy generation: “there’s front-end investment that needs to be made in terms of educating the public,” szarleta-Yancy says.

the innovation middle Ground

WhiLe inDiAnA MAY hAve installed the second-highest number of turbines among all states last year (texas was number one, according to Renewable energy World), alternative-sourced electricity is clearly not dominating hoosier power lines. Coal remains the cheapest way to generate electricity here, as elsewhere in the country.

But there’s a middle ground—between the status quo and widespread wind turbines, solar panels and biomass facilities—that some of northwest indiana’s largest companies have been pursuing for years, says kay nelson, director of environmental affairs at the northwest indiana Forum.

“Many of our companies are looking at alternative fuels within their internal fleets,” nelson says. in 2007, u.s. steel’s Gary Works switched much of its fleet—including loaders, dump trucks, flatbeds and Bobcats—to biodiesel, significantly cutting emissions at the large site. “this has a direct benefit with regard to air quality. it’s an energy conservation method,” she says.

Other steel industry improvements

include purchasing locomotives outfitted with highly efficient engines (which avoid wasteful idling by entering “shut-down” mode) and ArcelorMittal’s $63 million blast furnace gas flare capture project at indiana harbor in east Chicago, which began in late October. By installing an efficient recovery boiler at the site, the project will save energy equivalent to that needed to power 30,000 households for a year. (half of the project’s price tag was paid for by federal stimulus dollars.)

“Most of these projects have been driven not by the [recession], but by existing environmental stewardship guidelines,” says nelson, calling them “exciting” energy improvements that deserve more recognition. it’s true: When most people think of energy innovation, they think of turbines and photovoltaic cells, not steel yard trucks running on biodiesel and successfully “audited” commercial business buildings.

But as demand keeps rising, incremental improvements likely will be just as important for saving and producing energy as any paradigm shifts. “the entire picture in the future will be a blend of all the energy options we have available,” says kramer. in other words, the energy sources that power our future—and perhaps northwest indiana’s economy—will be more familiar, but also more varied, than most people expect. wInter 2010 supplement | 19

feature

Women treating women increasing popularity of gender-specific services

Drs. cheryl Short, left to right, L. Jennifer Murphy and crystal Strickland with chrys Davis, MSn, FnP, of obstetrical & Gynecological Associates, inc.

By HeatHer aUGUstyn BusINess Contributor

W

hen it COMes to serious health issues, such as infertility or ovarian cancer, or when it comes to simple matters, such as annual checkups or allergies, finding a doctor who not only has the right kind of knowledge and skill, but also one who truly understands, is critical. that is why when many women choose a doctor for themselves they turn to another woman, selecting a female doctor, to advise and to identify with their issues and their needs.

Dr. Cheryl short M.D., who practices at Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates inc. at the Glendale Medical Center in valparaiso, is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. she says that the reason so many women pursue health as a career is to bring a personal level of health care to other women. “the major benefit to having a female doctor is that we have an automatic understanding of what the patient is going through. We understand that they are balancing their health with working and raising a family. that is something that male doctors may not fully understand because they always have women in the backup role, but we understand,” says short.

Being able to identify with patients is important to bringing patients the greatest level of care, says short. “We go through the same life changes as our patients.

We have the same issues, like abnormal menstruation, pregnancy, infertility, and so we go through those stages of life too and have faced those same obstacles,” she says. this understanding has led her practice in valparaiso to change for the better, she says, which means better care for her patients. “When i came here in 1995, we 20 | In BusIness

PHOTO PROVIDED

had an epidural rate of 2 percent, which was way under the national average. now we have an epidural rate that is right on target with the national average, so childbirth is a much more pleasant experience for our patients. We’re more generous with pain medications because we’ve all been there—in pain—and we understand,” she says. “similarly, we are also much more generous with contraceptive practices.

We don’t want unwanted pregnancies and we understand that women don’t have the ability many times to take time off of work for a pregnancy, so we have many more options available for preventing pregnancy that we offer our patients,” says short.

Other procedures and medical technology has progressed for women, and there are three key advances in the arena of women’s health, short says. “One is the use of endometrial procedures, which are used to treat heavy bleeding in women. using these advanced procedures, we

are able to reduce the hysterectomy rate because many doctors used to opt for a hysterectomy instead of a more minor procedure. people come to us after having a hysterectomy at a very young age, like in their 30s, and many of these hysterectomies were done by male doctors, but there are always more options depending on one’s lifestyle,” she says. short says another advance for women’s health care comes for those looking for a safer method of tubal sterilization without a lot of downtime. “Adiana tubal is performed under local sedation and is easier to perform than one with a scope. it’s safer, and it’s a minor procedure. it’s a permanent means of sterilization and you don’t have to take time off from work. You also don’t have to have an argument with your husband over who is going to get a procedure done, because this is such a minor procedure,” says short. short says that another procedure that is advancing women’s health is the

transobturator sling, which is used to treat female incontinence. According to the Atlanta Center for Laparoscopic urogynecology, “in this approach, a synthetic transvaginal suburethral sling is placed through the retropubic space without using suspension sutures. the vaginal sling is held in place by the friction between the mesh and the tissue canals created by the metallic needle passers. scar tissue later fixes the mesh, preventing migration. Because the sling is not anchored to the pubic bone, ligaments, or rectus fascia, it is considered ‘free of tension,’” which is why the procedure is sometimes called a tensionfree sling. short says, “patients can retain their normal range of activities without embarrassment. Many times before this procedure, incontinence will hamper lifestyle. We have patients who wouldn’t exercise because they were afraid of leakage, but this procedure helps patients return to a normal lifestyle.”

spiritual matters

How to prosper physically, spiritually, mentally

T

By stePhan k. munsey

PH.D., Senior Pastor, Family Christian Center

he ApOstLe JOhn wrote in his little book that is placed near the end of the new testament: “Beloved, i pray that you may prosper in every way and that your body may keep well, even as i know your soul keeps well and prospers.” (3 John 2 [Amplified version]). John “spoke” these words to his good friend Gaius, blessing him to prosper in all three areas of his life—physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual.

Our lives are governed by what we speak. the wisest man who ever lived, solomon, wrote in his book of proverbs, “the tongue of the wise [person] is health.”

Further in the book, he tells us that the tongue holds the power of life and death.

What we speak is what we get. if we speak negatively, we get negative things operating in our lives. Conversely, when we speak positively, our bodies and spirits respond likewise.

We act or fail to act, not because of will, as some commonly believe, but because of imagination. if our imagination/desire is to run a marathon, we will eventually do the proper things that lead to such an end. if we imagine our minds are quick and creative to propel our business, we act on that imagination/desire in a manner that makes us successful in business.

For the greatest majority of us, physical exercise is not something we do because we love it. We may love what it does for us, how it increases our chances of living longer, the way it makes us look and feel, but for most of us, it isn’t necessarily “fun.” however, when we know that it is good for us, we can go for it. James, the legalist of the new testament, told us that if we know to do good [things] and don’t do it, then it becomes sin to us, and that weakens our spiritual health.

Our lives depend on what we speak. All that we desire—the dreams, inventions,

happiness, relationships, mental clarity, opportunities to advance ourselves, physical well-being—derives from what we say to ourselves about ourselves.

Desires for health, balanced living, strong thinking—all these depend on our ability to grasp this concept and speak to our lives, our futures. speak into existence those things you would like to have in your life. everything you need is available if you will simply speak to it. And if you speak to it, it will respond.

God has empowered us to speak something into—or out of—our lives.

Our spiritual man becomes weakened when we major in the minor things in our lives: someone hurt our pride or we allowed them to trample our feelings, or the economy has blasted our thoughts about ourselves and our future, or any of the other hundreds of things we often allow to twist our vision away from our goals.

We have the power to forgive. i have the power to say, “You cannot hurt me; you cannot control me. i make the choices in my life. i will not bond with those who offend me. i will not be dragged into the darker world. By forgiving the offense, i am releasing Me!” When we release ourselves, every part of our lives prospers—back to John’s blessing to Gaius. so, we forgive. What’s next? We fight for what is right. We fight for that which is right spiritually, physically, and mentally.

We fight off the feelings of depression that attack us. We fight our lazy bodies to get out of bed or off the couch or recliner and do some physical exercise. We oppose the things in our society that are wrong and fight for right! now, we have forgiven and we have

strengthened ourselves to fight. Where does faith fit in this picture?

What we can see with our physical eyes is temporary. We can’t see that which is eternal. God can bless us best when we are walking by faith, not forever fretting and worrying over the things that we can’t control. When we rest in faith in him, he takes over our efforts and makes them run his way—smoothly, almost effortlessly.

Finally, we have to finish. there are many who fought a good fight. they forgave those who wronged them;

“Our spiritual selves must grow stronger even as our physical bodies and our mental capacities are strengthened. .... If any one of these fails to ‘prosper,’ we are unbalanced.” they walked by faith, not seeing at the moment what they prayed for. But they didn’t finish! We need to finish the fight.

We need to finish while walking in faith. this applies to any area of our lives.

Whatever we start, we need to finish up the right way.

Our spiritual selves must grow stronger even as our physical bodies and our mental capacities are strengthened. this is our triune task. if any one of these fails to “prosper,” we are unbalanced, and we will have difficulty in living our lives to the fullest. however, when we balance our spiritual man with the physical and intellectual/emotional one, we experience “the good life.” wInter 2010 supplement | 21

working smarter

Making the workplace safe, healthy through education

G

By Bill thon

Executive director of workforce development, Ivy Tech Community College Northwest

22 | In BusIness

ettinG eMpLOYeRs to see the benefits of training is sometimes difficult. Missed man hours and the temporary loss of worker output may not seem worth the expense. however every company, big or small, should invest in industry safety training for all employees. in 2004, the Bureau of Labor statistics reported that 1224 construction workers died on the job with 36 percent of those fatalities resulting from falls.

While events surrounding these types of accidents often involve a number of factors, most involved human error. safety training is not limited to companies that utilize machinery or heavy equipment. it can be as simple as knowing what attire to wear during certain weather conditions and extensive as being able to distinguish potential chemical hazards. the Occupational safety and health Administration (OshA) has many workplace safety standards and regulations that affect employers and employees in almost every industry in the united states.

Without safety training, companies put themselves at risk of increased on the job accidents, illnesses, property damage, legal liability and even death that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in benefits, insurance costs and lost man hours. providing effective training to employees will always pay off more in the long run than a few hours of missed work in a training session. small employers, without large training or human resource departments, may feel overwhelmed by the many sessions and types of training required in their industry.

But our regional education institutions can be a wonderful resource for small businesses to meet their training needs. safety trainings can be provided to a broad spectrum of employees through a series of classes, workshops, or on-site trainings. For example: • The American Heart Association has partnered with ivy tech to offer

two-year certifications in heartsaver AeD, heartsaver CpR, and Basic Life support for healthcare providers and First Aid. this partnership has established ivy tech as a regional training center for this program.

While those that work in healthcare would need this skill enhancement, many companies could benefit from having someone or several people on their staff with this knowledge in the event that an employee or customer takes ill.

• In the food industry learning the dangers of food-borne illness, how to prevent it and the keys to food safety are very important. Restaurant owners and managers as well as employees need to understand where contamination starts, the components for good personal hygiene, and how every employee can be a safe food handler.

• Managers and supervisors that work in transportation need to understand Department of transportation and Federal Motor Carrier safety Administration regulations

for determining reasonable suspicion required to direct a driver to undergo drug or alcohol testing.

• Developing a safety committee is an idea that creates a culture of safety. We offer training intended for businesses that have or are considering the implementation of a committee. participants will receive the tools to organize and lead an effective program.

Although employees may receive the latest information on safety procedures through programs like these and others, in two to five years that training may be out-of-date. new requirements, procedures, and documentation may require a refresher course or re-training.

Owners, managers and supervisors must be committed to ongoing employee training for safety throughout the workplace. this commitment creates a culture where employees take pride and care in their work environment. ultimately, this leads to a more productive workforce.

my turn

The doctor side of primary care innovation

I

By james Callahan

MD, MBA, President, Saint Anthony Memorial

n the WAke of healthcare reform, hospitals across the nation are challenged to deliver the highest quality of care in the most efficient manner. in order to accomplish this, medicine is borrowing a page from aviation by developing evidence-based Order sets. physicians, in collaboration with their peers, decide on a “best practice” checklist for a number of conditions seen in the hospital. Once agreed upon, these checklists are utilized for every patient with that condition, every time. these documented “best practices” ensure the highest quality of care, improved outcomes and increased patient safety and satisfaction.

At saint Anthony Memorial, i am very proud to say that our physicians and staff have been leaders in implementing specific clinical support tools, including evidencebased order sets, plans of care, decision rules and practice guidelines into their everyday patient treatment procedures. As a model of success, we were asked to share some of our best practices with peers and other health care practitioners at the Zynx health national user Conference, alongside Johns hopkins university and the iowa health system. these simple checklists have reduced errors and infections, and improved patient outcomes, safety and quality of care. it is clear that evidenced-based health care is rapidly becoming the standard for leading hospitals and clinics throughout the nation. the fact that treatments can vary widely from region to region, along with the cost, is proof that best practices and standardization are needed. electronic medical records (eMR) are another way for physicians to align what they are doing with what the best evidence suggests.

More than just an electronic version of paper records, these new patient records

offer decision support to physicians, reminding them when a test is needed, or flagging a disturbing trend in the health history or when test results become available. the eMR can also provide instant access to textbooks and journals, and warn physicians about risk factors and drug interactions. With a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips, this instant access serves as a co-pilot to physicians; a back-up system that ensures a level of safety and well being for patients that is unparalleled in the past.

At this point in time, most health care is designed to treat patients when they are sick. With the advent of Accountable Care Organizations (ACO), hospitals and health care professionals will receive incentives to keep patients healthy and out of the hospital. the Medicare payment Advisory Commission recommended to Congress the ACO model for patient care to improve quality and lower costs, and the health reform bill also includes plans for a pilot program. (source, harvard Business Review, March 8, 2010) no matter what path health care reform takes, it seems logical that keeping patients healthy and offering incentives to physicians and hospitals for that purpose is a good use of resources.

For health care reform to succeed, hospitals will have to find more efficient and innovative ways to deliver quality care to patients. saint Anthony Memorial has launched a Quality Rounding program, in which the quality team rounds on patients alongside physicians, fostering a teamwork approach to meet CMs standards compliance. saint Anthony Memorial received the 2010 Anthem successful practice Award for the Quality Rounding program developed by our Quality team. the award recognized one hospital from

indiana, Ohio and kentucky for successful implementation of outcomes-based, patient care-driven quality initiatives. saint Anthony Memorial was the only hospital to win in the Core Measure standards Quality Rounding category. the goal of the Quality Rounding program is to elevate the quality and consistency of patient care delivery through improvement with compliance to the CMs Core Measure standards.

Working closely with physicians, the CMs data analyst and data abstractor round daily with physicians and staff to review patient records concurrently, and identify opportunities for CMs compliance, rather than waiting until after discharge to review the charts. Addressing these opportunities while the patient is still in the hospital fosters a sense of understanding and accountability among staff and physicians. this multidisciplinary approach, with continual education and feedback, ensures consistent, high quality care at saint Anthony Memorial.

Anthem has requested permission to place the Quality Rounding program developed at saint Anthony Memorial on the Anthem hospital website, so that other facilities can review the program and adopt this as a best practice. in order for hospitals to survive the challenges presented by health care reform, we must constantly review and improve the processes we have in place, and where appropriate, share the successes we have implemented. this is in the best interest of our patients, and in the best interest of the health care industry. the future of health care depends on a strong, efficient and caring network of health care providers. At saint Anthony Memorial, we are proud to contribute in any way possible toward the quality of care and safety of all patients. wInter 2010 supplement | 23

legal issues

Record number of retirees will be a ‘dose of reality’

A

By sen. ed CharBonneau

R-Valparaiso, is a member of the Indiana Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services, chairman of the Provider Services subcommittee and member of the Interim Health Finance Commission. He is the former interim president and CEO of Methodist Hospitals, Inc., and formerly served as vice chairman of the hospital’s board of directors.

24 | In BusIness

ReCORD nuMBeR of Americans will be eligible to retire next year, putting an unprecedented amount of stress on our nation’s health-care system and challenging many social service programs, businesses and units of government. Whether or not these “golden years” are tarnished by outof-control health care costs and shortages in services depends greatly on our understanding of and preparation for what lies ahead. nearly 77 million Americans who were born between 1946 and 1964—referred to as baby boomers—will enter their retirement years starting in 2011 and are expected to live longer than previous generations. Baby boomers will be part of the fastest growing segment of the population for the next 30 years and will most likely need long-term health-care service options after age 85.

According to the u.s. Census Bureau, by 2020 the number of people across the nation age 85 and older will increase by more than 40 percent. By 2050, estimates show another 118 percent increase in that age group. in indiana, that figure is expected to rise by more than 180 percent. here in the northwestern region of the state, the age of our population is already higher than the national average.

America’s aging population is a major driver of the demand for health care and therefore a major force behind of the annual growth in health spending. Future projections show total national health-care spending reaching $4.35 trillion in 2018— six times what it was in 1990, according to the u.s. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. nationally, long-term care costs are already growing faster than any other state expense. With the recent passage of the federal health-care law, the independent Congressional Budget Office estimates the expanded federal role in health care will cost up to $1 trillion throughout the next ten years. the cost to hoosier taxpayers for

the same time period is estimated to be as much as $3.6 billion.

healthy Partnerships

some states dealing with shrinking budgets are building partnerships with the private sector. Arizona, new Mexico and tennessee recently enacted laws relying on private companies to ensure a broad array of long-term health services are provided to the elderly without additional costs to consumers. these states privatized services like meal preparation, personal home care assistance and home improvement projects.

healthy Choices

Another growing trend among states is the use of home and Community Based service programs (hCBs) allowing individuals to receive required care while remaining in their homes or living in a community setting. Reports show hCBs helps slow the rate of growth in spending for care of older persons. Funds allocated to hCBs last longer while helping more people. in fact, an American Association of Retired persons (AARp) report found that Medicaid funds spent on hCBs can support three individuals for each resident receiving nursing home care. Although the AARp found that nationally a majority of long-term care dollars from Medicaid is being funneled to nursing homes rather than home- and community-based services, funding for these services is on the rise. in indiana, the Bureau of Aging and inhome services (BAihs)—a group operating within the Family and social services Administration—provides funding for in-home, community-based and protective services. this is financially supported by 15 state and federal funding sources providing more than $131.5 million for older adults as well as individuals with physical disabilities.

healthy habits

According to the indiana state Department of health, the state experiences significantly higher rates of chronic diseases than the national median and these chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and costly health problems. in addition to the human cost, billions of dollars are spent annually in indiana for the treatment of chronic diseases and their complications, and billions of dollars are also estimated to be lost due to decreased workplace productivity related to chronic diseases. in order to avoid costly care by preserving health, many social service providers, businesses and units of government are establishing wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles and preventive care. some employers providing health-care insurance offer employees lower-cost plans pay a portion of premiums or give other financial incentives for living healthy lifestyles. By teaching healthy habits and taking steps to prevent diseases—like visiting the doctor’s office regularly and exercising —chronic diseases and other illnesses can be better managed, even prevented.

healthy years

Actions can be taken to better guarantee that an individual’s “golden years” are also “healthy years” -financially, physically and emotionally. social service providers, businesses and government entities can act and work together to build healthy partnerships, provide choices for the aging and promote healthy habits.

But the most important variable in the equation for a healthy life is the individual. important decisions on health-care proposals will likely be voted on in the coming months. i encourage people to stay informed and voice their opinions on local, state and national health policies, especially those involving our senior population.

new futures

A clean environment makes NWI healthier, sustainable

T

By Carl lisek South Shore Clean Cities, Legacy Environmental Services, Inc.

WO FOR One,” “kill two birds with one stone” are phrases that are part of our everyday language. how do these common phrases relate to northwest indiana sustainability? this is a conversation that we must have because it is about protecting ourselves in places we live, work and raise our families. virtually all of the strategies that promote northwest indiana’s sustainability have more than one benefit - or deemed co-benefits. in many cases, they provide much more than just a “two-fer.” sustainability strategies save money, conserve resources for future generations, improve public health, and make northwest indiana communities better places to live.

Many of our recent government initiatives have encouraged a cleaner economy. Following the energy independence and security Act of 2007, this past July, the environmental protection Agency called for domestic consumption of 800 million gallons of bio-fuels by 2011. that same month, the president signed the American Jobs and Closing tax Loopholes Act, which extended jobless benefits and tax credits for hybrid vehicles, biodiesel, and renewable diesel fuels and trash-toelectricity power plants. Locally the northwestern indiana Regional planning Commission (niRpC) has been hosting numerous events promoting public input on the niRpC 2040 Comprehensive Regional plan. this local plan is addressing transportation, land use, economic development, environmental management and social equity for the future. starting now, we can all locally supplement them with clean, renewable energy solutions and public transportation strategies.

the Public health Benefit

the term “co-benefit” is often used in the public health community to describe multiple, ancillary health benefits of a program, policy or intervention, such as the health benefits that are achieved through improvements to the built environment.

For example, how communities are designed/redesigned—land use and transportation patterns, accessibility to parks, open space and transit, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly features—all have positive direct and indirect impacts, or co-benefits, on residents’ health and health conditions, including obesity, asthma and cardiovascular disease.

energy

efficient Buildings

Green buildings incorporate energy and water-efficient features as well as products made of recycled materials. the co-benefits of this sustainability strategy include reduced energy and water use and resultant lower bills, and conservation of natural resources. Green buildings that use products with recycled content also help strengthen the markets for recycled materials and reduce the amount of material sent to landfills, which in turn lessens the potential for methane gas production, a greenhouse gas that is released from improperly managed landfills.

saving money

Whether a policy or strategy involves increasing energy efficiency and water conservation, making communities bicycle and walker friendly, improving public health, one theme is constant throughout— the direct and indirect potential to save money. this is an important co-benefit anytime, but especially during times of fiscal challenges.

As nWi indiana moves forward these key issues must be addressed: • Clean Air -and reducing air pollution; • Sustaining Lake Michigan; • Saving and promoting new jobs; • Promoting well-designed, vibrant, healthy communities. the same can be said for reducing dependence on foreign oil and addressing water climate change. understanding the coWater efficiency and conservation offer benefits of sustainability strategies beyond equally dramatic co-benefits. improving a narrow set of impacts offers local leaders water efficiency and conservation efforts an opportunity to broaden the dialogue and reduces the energy usage (and GhG unite around making nWi communities emissions) water processing and delivery. better places to live and work. taken alone, this also saves money. using water more neither sustainability nor profitability is efficiently has another co-benefit. By reducing water consumption, communities sufficient. together, however, they can keep can begin to adapt to the impacts of climate northwest indiana environmentally clean and economically strong. change.

taking steps to implement energy efficiency measures saves resources and money as energy bills decrease, which helps organizations manage its budget. similarly, planting trees reduces the need for air conditioning, thereby saving energy and money, and trees make communities more attractive. trees also absorb greenhouse gases and improve air quality.

Because energy generation is the second largest source of GhG emissions, reducing energy usage is a significant climate change mitigation strategy. the cobenefits of energy efficiency are numerous and broad.

wInter 2010 supplement | 25

Calendar mondays merrillville | The Referral Organization 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 more information, contact Tony Schifino at (219) 736-0367. merrillville | Toastmasters of Southlake Club meets from 7 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the University of Phoenix, 8401 Ohio Street. For more information, call Kim Kosmas at (219) 218-3877. valParaiso | The Northwest Indiana

Professional Network meets from 8 to 10 a.m.

Mondays in the Alumni Room of the Harre Student Union, 1509 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso.

For more information, contact Sandra Alvarez at the Center of Workforce Innovations at (219) 462-2940 or salvarez@innovativeworkforce. com.

tuesdays Gary | The Indiana Business Professionals

Chapter of the Networking Club meets from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Tuesdays at The Baker’s House upstairs meeting room, 6004 Miller Ave. For information, call Tammie Galloway at (888) 263-6926, ext 1.

merrillville | Southshore Business

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 www. southshorebusinessnetworking.com.

hiGhland | The North Lake Chapter of BNI (Business Network International) — which encompasses East Chicago, Gary, Griffith, Hammond and Highland — meets Tuesday mornings from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Round the Clock Restaurant, 9010 Indianapolis Blvd.

To RSVP or for more information, call Roger DeVries at (219) 365-1333.

26 | In BusIness

sChererville | NWI PRO’s of Tri-Town meets

Tuesdays at Tylers Tender, 350 E. U.S. 30.

Networking starts at 7:15 a.m.; meetings start at 7:30 a.m. For more information, contact Twila Kaye at twila@twilakaye.com or (219) 227-8875.

val Paraiso | Small-business operators are invited to Duneland Chapter of Business Networking International from 7 to 8:30 a.m.

Tuesdays at Strongbow Inn. For information, call Sandy Boland at (219) 926-2505.

wednesdays merrillville | The Merrillville Chapter of

BNI (Business Network International) will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at T.J. Maloney’s within the Radison complex near the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. 30..

Contact Michael Pelz at (219) 977-2090 or (815) 370-2940. hiGhland | NWI PROs (Professional Referral

Organization) West Lake Chapter meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Mrs. Dornberg’s 24 Carrot Cuisine, Port De L’eau Plaza, 2130 45th St. Networking before and after. For more information, call Dru Bocek at (219) 613-1125.

merrillville | Referral Organization of

Crown Point meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Wednesdays at Café Divine, 9000 Taft St. For more information, contact Lisa Gapen at (219) 433-8544 or generate@comcast.net. The Web site is roinetworkinc.com.

thursdays merrillville | The Merrillville Noon Kiwanis Club meets from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Old Country Buffet off U.S. 30 (1634 E 80th Avenue). For more information call Aaron Yakovetz at (219) 707-5023, e-mail aaron@goiim.com, or visit www.kiwanis.org. sChererville | A BNI (Business Networking

International) business development group meets from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Holiday Inn Express, 1773 Fountain Park Drive in the Fortis A Room. Call Michael Pelz at (219) 977-2090 or (815) 370-2940 for more information.

val Paraiso | The Porter County Business League meets at 7 a.m. Thursdays at the Round-the-Clock restaurant, 217 E. Lincolnway.

For more information, visit www.portercounty. com. val Paraiso | The Referral Organization of Indiana (ROI) Business Networking Group meets Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. at Regional Federal Credit Union, 2801 Boilermaker Court (behind Menards). For more information contact Cindy Zromkoski at (219) 741-7963.

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 Chamber of Commerce, 5246 Hohman Ave. If you are starting a business, or having problems in business, call merrillville | Toastmasters meets from 6:30 (219) 931-1000 for an appointment. to 7:45 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Lake County Public Library, merrillville | Northwest Indiana Networking Professionals meets at 7:15 a.m.

1919 W. 81st Ave. For more information, call Fridays at either Cafe Divine (Inside Living Dale Brooks at (219) 775-7788.

Hope Church, 9000 Taft St.) or AJ Specialties (1308 East 85th Ave.) Check the website for location, nwinetworking.org/events.php.

Contact Carl Watroba at carl@compdrinc.com or (219) 776-7423 for more information.

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.

nwi.com

Your Automotive Source for Northwest Indiana

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

HONdA

TeaM chevRoleT • 48

MiTSUBiSHi

1856 W. U.S. 30, Valparaiso, IN 219-462-1175 • www.teamchevyinc.com

Joe Rizza acuRa • 3 8150 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 708-403-7770 • www.rizzacars.com

AUdi

TeaM honda • 51

nielsen MiTsubishi • 22

CHRYSLER

4613 East Rt. 30, Merrillville, IN

5020 U.S. Hwy. 6, Portage, IN

219-947-3900 • www.teamhondaon30.com

1-888-710-9159 - www.nielsenmitsubishi.com

cenTeR chRysleR • 41

HYUNdAi

shaFFeR MiTsubishi • 43

11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN

1000 W. U.S. Hwy. 30, Merrillville, IN

219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

TeaM audi • 50

shaFFeR hyundai • 43

3990 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN

219-736-2277 www.shaffermitsubishi.com

1000 W. U.S. Hwy. 30, Merrillville, IN

(One mile east of the mall)

gRiegeRs chRysleR • 5

888-805-3689 • www.teamvwaudi.com

1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN 219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

webb hyundai • 45

souThlake nissan • 34

9236 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

Rt. 30, 1 Mile E. of I-65, Merrillville, IN

219-923-2277 • www.webbhyundai.com

888-697-6747 • www.southlakeautomall.com

JEEP

SUBARU

BUiCK ThoMas chRysleR • 11 ciRcle buick • 65

9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN

1300 U.S. 41,, Schererville, IN

219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

IN. 219-865-4400 • IL. 773-221-8124

dOdGE

www.circleautomotive.com

CHEVROLET

NiSSAN

219-736-2277 • www.shafferhyundai.com

cenTeR Jeep • 41

nielsen subaRu • 22

11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN

5020 U.S. Hwy. 6, Portage, IN

219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

1-888-710-9159 - www.nielsen.subaru.com

gRiegeRs Jeep • 5

SUZUKi

cenTeR dodge • 41 11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

aRnell chevRoleT • 14

1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN

U.S 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN

gRiegeRs dodge • 5

866-593-0997 • www.arnellmotors.com

219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

RichaRdson suzuki • 38

1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN

9110 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

chRisTenson chevRoleT • 2

ThoMas Jeep • 11

219-923-4000 • www.richardsonsuzuki.com

9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN

9700 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

ThoMas dodge • 11

888-999-9141 • www.christensonchevy.com

TOYOTA

219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN

KiA

219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

Mike andeRson chevRoleT • 4 The Chevy Giant on I-65

FORd

I-65 and 61st Avenue, Merrillville, IN

aRnell kia • 14

219-924-8100 • www.teamtoyota2000.com

I-94 AutoMall, Hey. 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN

219-947-4151 • www.mikeandersonchevy.com sMiTh FoRd • 36

ToyoTa on 30 • 46

219-787-9200 • www.arnellmotors.com

Ridgeway chevRoleT • 1

1777 E. Commercial, Lowell, IN

17730 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL 60438

219-769-1090 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

4450 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN

souThlake kia • 34

219-947-3325 • www.toyotaon30.com

Rt. 30, 1 mi. East of I-65, Merrillville, IN

708-474-4990 • www.ridgewaychevy.com webb FoRd • 71

VOLKSwAGEN

888-711-8065 • www.southlakeautomall.com

sMiTh chevRoleT - haMMond • 37

9809 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

6405 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN

888-869-8822 • www.webbford.com

219-845-4000 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

2

TeaM ToyoTa • 44 9601 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

GMC

ThoMas kia • 16

TeaM volkswagen • 50

9825 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN

3990 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN

219-934-2266 • www.thomasautogroup.com

(One mile east of the mall)

2

sMiTh chevRoleT - lowell • 7 700 W. Commerical, Lowell, IN

ciRcle gMc • 65

219-696-8931 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

1300 U.S. 41,, Schererville, IN

888-805-3689 • www.teamvwaudi.com

IN. 219-865-4400 • IL. 773-221-8124 www.circleautomotive.com

3

3 ORLAND PARK

14

37

3

4

11

45 2 65

22 44

VALPARAISO

71

4

16

50

46

48

43 MERRILLVILLE

5

4

PORTAGE

38

1

7

34

5

51

5

36

ContaCt your sales representative to feature your business in the times auto DireCtory CROWN POINT • (219) 662-5300 MUNSTER • (219) 933-3200 poRTagE • (219) 762-1397 VaLpaRaISo • (219) 462-5151

41 CROWN POINT

A

B

C

D

E

F

G wInter 2010 supplement | 27

We think locally. Because we’re local.

We’re in touch with your community because we’re part of it. Decisions regarding the plans and services we offer your company are made by our local management. Plus, we provide locally based sales, customer service and claims processing. Always backed by one of the largest networks of doctors and hospitals. Because keeping our community healthy benefits everyone.

To see how Anthem can be a part of better health for your employees, go to anthem.com/connects2 today.

Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Life Insurance Company. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of: In Colorado and Nevada: Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. In Connecticut: Anthem Health Plans, Inc. In Indiana: Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. In Kentucky: Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. In Maine: Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc. In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area): RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefi ts underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefi ts underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefi ts. In New Hampshire: Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. In Ohio: Community Insurance Company. In Virginia (excluding the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna and the area east of State Route 123.): Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. In Wisconsin: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (“BCBSWi”), which underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (“Compcare”), which underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Compcare and BCBSWi collectively, which underwrite or administer the POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

iun.edu/~busmba iun.edu/~busmba

Thinking about earning an MBA from a business school not accredited by AACSB International? Why?

iun.edu/~busmba

Thinking about earning an MBA from a business school Thinking about MBA from a business not accredited by earning AACSBan International?

Why? school not accredited by AACSB International? Why?

toMBA business education, is everything.

The School of Business andWhen Economicsitatcomes Indiana The for Professionals program at accreditation Innovative learning tools such as the Wall St. University Northwest is the only public business Northwest to offers convenient, affordable, on Broadway Tradingis Floor – the only simulated When itIUcomes business education, accreditation everything. program in Northwest Indiana accredited by the evening and weekend options for people who stock-trading program in Northwest Indiana – The School of Business and Economics at Indiana The MBA for Professionals program at Innovative learning tools such as the Wall St. Association toNorthwest Advance Collegiate of want to go backoffers to school and have a life, too. provide valuable, hands-on experiences.

University is the onlySchools public business IU Northwest convenient, affordable, on Broadway Trading Floorlearning – the only simulated The School of Business and Economics at Indiana The MBA for Professionals program at Innovative learning tools such as the Wall St. program in Northwest Indiana accredited by the Classes evening and weekend options for people who stock-trading program in Northwestand Indianacareer – Earning an MBA is a big investment, Business International. are taught by Ph.D professors who have University Northwest is the only public business IU Northwest offers convenient, affordable, on Broadway Trading Floor – the the only simulated Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of want to go back to school and have a life, too. provide valuable, hands-on learning experiences. program in Northwest Indiana accredited by the real-world evening and weekend options for peoplepayoff who can be stock-trading program in Northwest Indiana – huge.

Choose the school in Northwest extensive experience.

The curriculum Business International.

Classes whohave have an provide MBA is avaluable, big investment, and the career to Advance Collegiate Schools of are taught want toby goPh.D backprofessors to school and a life, Earning too. hands-on learning experiences.

Indiana that combines excellence, convenience, Only 15 percent ofAssociation business schools worldwide includes both in-class and online components. extensive real-world curriculum payoff huge.an Choose school in Northwest Business International.

Classes experience. are taught byThe Ph.D professors who havecan be Earning MBA isthe a big investment, and the career 15 percent of businessbenchmark schools worldwide includes bothextensive in-class real-world and onlineexperience. components.

Indiana thatpayoff combines excellence, convenience, The curriculum can be huge.

Choose the school in Northwest affordability, innovation, and a premier accreditation haveOnly attained this undisputed for have attained this benchmark affordability, innovation, and a premier accreditation Onlyundisputed 15 percent of business for schools worldwide includes both in-class and online components.

Indiana that combines excellence, convenience, into one phenomenal program. quality business education. quality business education. into one phenomenal program. have attained this undisputed benchmark for affordability, innovation, and a premier accreditation quality business education.

into one phenomenal program.

Northwest Indiana’s Affordable AACSBAACSB Business School.School.

Northwest Indiana’s Affordable Business

STRATEGY NO. 1

Your Company

*That’s right: training on your terms. No matter where you are in Indiana, Ivy Tech’s division of Workforce and Economic Development can help your company reach its goals. With 23 locations throughout the state and training available at your site, it’s never been easier to accelerate your workforce.

Receives Training

Our programs in Information Technology, Human Resources, Manufacturing and Industrial Skills, Safety, Quality, Healthcare, Finance and a variety of other areas can give your employees the skills they need to help you grow. Our team of workforce professionals also can customize a training program to meet your unique needs, on your schedule.

When You Need It, Where You Need It*

Whether at your facility or one of ours, Ivy Tech’s division of Workforce and Economic Development offers you what you need, when you need it.

Visit ivytech.edu/actnow today to accelerate your workforce.

ivytech.edu/actnow

what does first best mean to you?

I was a high school teacher, so I’m always keeping up on high school football scores and basketball scores.

Diane Davis Curves in Valparaiso Owner & Times Media User In Diane Davis’ world, being a former school teacher means high school sports is very important to her. So she relies on The Times Media Company to give her the information she needs. The Saturday edition provides her with the sports information she wants.

First. Best. It’s what Diane expects.

It’s what we deliver ...

M E D I A

C O M P A N Y