BusINess

SUMMER 2013

DR. JANET SEABROOK

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GARY-BASED COMMUNITY HEALTHNET

19 PROS TO WATCH Mike Allen, Christopher Baulo, Nicole Bissonnette,Tom Dabertin, Scott Fech, Victor Garcia, Barb Gulden, Josh Halpern, Carrie Hightman, Ranjan Kini, Jeremy Miller, Glenn Muller, Kirk Muspratt, Kay Nelson, Jill Ritchie, Kathy Sipple, Dr. Nancy Trimboli and Sandi Weindling

ALSO INSIDE DAN LOWERY MEGAN MARRS HEATHER MCCARTHY HARRY VANDEVELDE III

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. JOSEPH, MI PERMIT #65

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Contents FEATURES

COVER STORY

15-34

19 PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH 2013

16 MIKE ALLEN Franciscan Alliance Accountable Care Organization’s Regional Executive Director. By Tricia Despres

25 RANJAN KINI Information Systems Professor at IUN’s School of Business and Economics. By Lesly Bailey

17 CHRISTOPHER BAULO Director of Food Operations at Horseshoe Casino.

By Diane Poulton

26 JEREMY MILLER Regional Vice President of Centier Bank. By Diane Poulton

18 NICOLE L. BISSONNETTE Executive Chef/Proprietor at Bistro 157 and Venue by Bistro, Valparaiso and co-owner of Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill. By Diane Poulton 19 TOM DABERTIN Owner and managing partner of Shared Resources Solutions.

By Tricia Despres 20 SCOTT FECH Principal of University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. By Lesly Bailey 21 VICTOR GARCIA Division Director for the March of Dimes in Northwest Indiana.

By Tricia Despres 22 BARB GULDEN An agent with American Family Insurance. By Lesly Bailey 23 JOSH HALPERN President at Albert’s Diamond Jewelers. By Andrea Holecek 24 CARRIE HIGHTMAN Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for NiSource.

By Lesly Bailey

2 | IN BUSINESS

27 GLENN MULLER President of Muller Acura of Merrillville. By Lesly Bailey 28 KIRK MUSPRATT Music Director and Conductor at Northwest Indiana Symphony.

By Diane Poulton 29 KAY L. NELSON Director of Environmental Affairs at Northwest Indiana Forum.

By Diane Poulton 30 JILL RITCHIE United States Steel Corp.

Director of Public Policy and Governmental Affairs By Andrea Holecek 31 DR. JANET SEABROOK Executive Director of Gary-based Community HealthNet.

By Tricia Despres 32 KATHY SIPPLE My Social Media Coach.

By Tricia Despres 33 DR. NANCY TRIMBOLI Head of Trimboli Chiropractic. By Tricia Despres 34 SANDI WEINDLING The Director of Marketing and Development at the Dunes Learning Center. By Tricia Despres

36

HEALTH CARE REMAINS HOTTEST CAREER FIELD The industry ranks high on Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs list. By Louisa Murzyn

38

BUILDING A STEM PIPELINE The future success of Indiana’s economy may depend on it.

By Louisa Murzyn

40

ENERGY PIONEERS Some of us are already living off the grid and taking charge of their own power.

By Louisa Murzyn

REFLECTION

42

Harry Vandevelde III: Reflection on Class of 2013

DEVELOPMENT

44

Heather Mccarthy: Evaluating your goals and options

EDUCATION

45

Dan Lowery: A take on lifelong learning

MARKETING YOURSELF

46

Megan Marrs: Using a personal brand to advance your career

CALENDAR

48

Business calendar: Check out upcoming events in your area COVER PHOTO BY Tony V. Martin

Interim Publisher’s Letter SUMMER 2013

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2

Interim Publisher Lisa Daugherty Founding editor William Nangle Associate Publisher/Editor Pat Colander Director of Audience Development Kim Bowers Managing Editor Matt Saltanovitz Design Director Ben Cunningham Designer April Burford Contributing Writers Lesly Bailey, Tricia Despres, David Bochnowski, Kathleen Dorsey, Andrea Holecek, Louisa Murzyn, Diane Poulton

The Value of Committed Leadership Stands Out

C

Contributing Photographer Tony V. Martin Interim Advertising Director Eric Horon Advertising Managers Deb Anselm, Craig Chism, Ami Reese, Charles Smith, Dee Dee White Business Advisory Board Dave Bochnowski, Peoples Bank; Wil Davis, Gary Jet Center; Nick Meyer, NIPSCO; Barb Greene, Franciscan Alliance; Tom Gryzbek, Franciscan Alliance; William J. Lowe, IUN; Anna Rominger, IUN; William F. Thon, Ivy Tech; Madhu Ranade, ArcelorMittal Copyright, Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland BusINess, 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.

BY LISA DAUGHERTY

Interim Publisher, BusINess, The Times Media Co.

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

ONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S GROUP OF ROLE MODELS AND HEROES. Scanning the list of names of that have our attention in their mid-career, I was happily surprised to note not just the gender and cultural heritage diversity of the group, but the evolution of their various occupations. As businesses, processes and markets grow and change, these individuals have been transformed as well. As you read their stories you can’t help but be convinced of the flexibility and versatility of the professionals who adapt quickly as the game changes. A challenging business landscape opens doors and creates opportunities. That’s a benefit. That’s a chance for good leaders to discover just how creative and innovative they can be. Time and again, top professionals will rise regardless of their surroundings.

Creative solutions, critical thinking and bold, new ideas (or applications) are part of the routine with business leaders. There is no time to sit and wonder if anyone is watching.

IUN Information Technology Guru Professor Ranjan Kini embodies this type of leadership and professionalism. Whether the issue is technological capacity, hazardous potholes in the streets or where the next generation of knowledge workers is going to come from, Professor Kini is usually in the room. Likewise Kay Nelson of the NWI Forum acts as a one-person economic environmental protection agency. Kay seems to always have the answers to so many tough questions that emerge as the Region progresses forward.

There are others whose stories have been told before. Executive Chef Nicole Bissonnette manages a thriving catering venue, a French bistro, two small children, a chef/owner husband, an adoring social network and makes it look easy. Chef Bissonnette has been our Best of the Region Chef for 2011 and 2012. Albert’s Josh Halpern, who originally appeared as one of 20 Under 40, seldom misses a community event or opportunity. When it comes to raising money for Multiple Sclerosis, Josh is a marketing machine. Dr. Nancy Trimboli’s willingness to listen to her patients—she has been a Times Get Healthy expert advisor—and innovate based on those conversations, has grown her practice along with the market for chiropractic care.

When Scott Fech was researching his PhD study on moral leadership in high-poverty, high-performing schools, he was probably not thinking about his next gig. (That is, principal of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.) Times’ readers know Scott already, we wrote about him when he was principal at Bishop Noll and the school saw a 20 percent rise in students’ ISTEP math scores.

The theme running through so many careers—whether they started new initiatives, re-invented old businesses or just developed an ordinary practice in an unusual way—is the constant renewal of energy. Every day is another chance. If the old idea doesn’t work, get a new idea today.

Thank you all for making the time to tell us about how you do what you do, even though you are sometimes surprised yourself that you manage to get it all done. You are extraordinary people, the role models who inspire and energize the rest of us. How could any of us think of giving up, when we see you, everyday and everywhere never quite getting into a comfort zone, always three moves ahead on the chess board? You have to watch it to believe it.

SUMMER 2013 | 3

BizWorthy INVENTION

FAMILY FUN VALPARAISO | Valparaiso High School student Austin Shingler and three of his friends spent many hours of their spring break playing Time Soldiers, a newly developed board game.

“Family game night at the Shingler home takes on a whole new meaning now,” Shingler says.

What makes their experience different is the game was designed through the collaborative efforts of 15-year-old Shingler and his father, Ray, a mechanical engineer who has lost his job. But during his career, he’d branched into graphic arts and website design for Fortune 500 companies.

Time Soldiers, which can be played in 20-minute to 90-minute scenarios, is only available through sponsorships at kickstarter. com with a goal of raising $16,500 to finish the design and manufacture the game. Once that goal is reached, a pledge of $10 earns a Time Soldiers T-shirt, $15 a Time Soldiers wall poster and $35 the entire board game. The first 100 people to pledge $25 get the game at a reduced rate, Ray Shingler says.

Per Kickstarter’s policy, no pledges will be charged to credit cards until and unless the funding goal is reached, Ray Shingler says.

Time Soldiers adds a science fiction twist to World War II, where Allies battle to destroy a time-travel port that guarantees the survival of the enemy’s supreme human race. It is set in time on May 7, 1945, just hours after the official surrender of the German army. In the game plot, Allied intelligence has discovered documents about an Axis secret time-travel port, successful temporal jumps and a radical plot to rid the world of the human race, Ray Shingler says.

“The Allied plan of attack must be carefully thought out and executed,” Ray Shingler says.

“Any wrong move could signify an Axis win. All the while, decoys and Axis forces lie in wait.”

Ray Shingler says the idea for the game began when he questioned his eldest son’s fascination with Xbox games.

Austin Shingler says he enjoyed the fast action.

“He liked the feel of the hands-on experience and the story line,” Ray Shingler says.

4 | IN BUSINESS

Father-son team develops board game

JOHN LUKE PHOTOS, THE TIMES

Ray Shingler (left) of Valparaiso, and his son, Austin, collaborated to design a new board game, Time Soldiers, featuring a World War II theme with a science fiction scenario added to keep players interested and involved.

For your information

kickstarter.com/projects/101726175/ time-soldiers-world-war-ii-board-game

“That started the ball rolling and the dialogue between him and me,” Ray Shingler says. “Most board games don’t have a story line like that; they have more of a goal.”

Shingler also “tween tested” the game on his 11-year-old son and his friends.

Austin Shingler had been playing a World War II-based game but he didn’t know the history behind it.

“I thought it would be fun to bring a little of that into board game,” Ray Shingler says. “He also plays some other sci-fi games so I kept a sci-fi twist to this as well. I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if one side could time travel?’ and that is how the story line started.” BY DIANE POULTON, TIMES CORRESPONDENT

ACCOMPLISHMENT

ACCOLADE

AWARD

Northwest Indiana Express office earns awards at conference

Korellis roofing receives 2013 industry award

Hoeppner Wagner & Evans earns industry honor

HAMMOND | Firestone Building Products has honored Korellis Roofing Inc. with its 2013 Firestone Master Contractor and Inner Circle of Quality Awards.

This is the 21st year Korellis Roofing has achieved Master Contractor status and the 20th year for the Inner Circle of Quality Award.

For more information, contact Pete Korellis at 219.844.1400, email info@korellisroofing.com or visit korellisroofing.com. BY TIMES STAFF

MERRILLVILLE | Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP has been recognized as a “2013 Go-To Law Firm for the Top 500 Companies” for its work in contract litigation. Each year American Lawyer Media, as part of their research for the publication, gathers information from in-house law departments of Fortune 500 Companies to determine which law firms in-house counsel rely on for outside counsel.

“Hoeppner Wagner & Evans is honored to have been recommended and recognized for its quality work for Fortune 500® Companies,” noted William F. Satterlee III, managing partner of Hoeppner Wagner & Evans. BY TIMES STAFF

VALPARAISO | Express Employment

Professionals of Northwest Indiana earned top honors at the staffing firm’s 30th annual International Leadership Conference in Salt Lake City, according to Jerry and Jean Phelps, Northwest Indiana Express franchisees.

The Northwest Indiana Express office received the circle of excellence award for its achievements in sales, recruitment, and placement.

The Northwest Indiana office, located at 332 W US Highway 30, Suite C, Valparaiso.

For more information, call 219.465.1868 or visit expressnwi.com. BY TIMES STAFF

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Oak Partners and SII Investments are separate and unrelated companies.

SUMMER 2013 | 5

BizWorthy RECOGNITION

Labor group honors contributions to community THE NORTHWEST INDIANA Federation of Labor recently honored key people during its 38th annual Community Labor Awards reception.

“It’s an opportunity for us to recognize folks in labor and other areas related to labor for their contributions in giving back to the community,” says Dan Murchek, president of the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor. “Labor is a very important part of Northwest Indiana.”

Members are active in their communities. They attend churches and coach sports.

The reception also recognized people working to improve the conditions in their industry.

Northwest Indiana, which has the biggest central labor council in the state, is one of the “melting pots of labor,” Murchek says.

Those honored include: • Community Service Award, Brenda Boler-English, USW Local 6787 • Lifetime Achievement Award, David Sikes, Director of Allocations/AFL-CIO Community Service Liaison • George Meany Award, Michael Flores, Teamsters Local 142, and Eric Jania, Carpenters Local 272 • Service To Labor Award, Thomas Conway, Sr., USW International Vice President for Administration • Industrial Sector Award, Michael Young, USW Local 6103 Vice President • President’s Award, Ray Jackson, USW Local 6787 • Union Label Awards, William Cantrell (posthumously) and Steven Skvara (posthumously) • Building Trades Award, Thomas Williamson, Ironworkers Local 395.

BY TIMES STAFF

6 | IN BUSINESS

EDUCATION

Giving students a leg up Purdue alums bring technology back to campus HAMMOND | Purdue University Calumet honored two former students, brothers Gary and Paul Duncanson, who donated cuttingedge industrial software to the campus for instructional purposes.

The brothers, who are Hammond natives, are behind the Texas-based software company No Magic Inc. Their partnership with Purdue Calumet involves not only the donation of the $150,000 Cameo suite of software, which includes MagicDraw modeling simulation, but also the dedication of the Duncanson/ No Magic Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Computer Information Technology and Graphics Laboratory in the university’s computer education building.

“We like to give back to the community we grew up in,” Gary Duncanson says. “I deal with a lot of universities around the country, and this area is near and dear to my heart. Being able to help put out a good quality of engineers here and gives them a leg up in the job market is a real blessing. The team here and what they’ve got going is really incredible.”

Gary Duncanson, who graduated from Purdue’s West Lafayette campus after attending Purdue Calumet, is No Magic’s president and CEO. “We are truly cutting edge at what we do,” he says. “All the modeling and simulation we do have really helped promote interoperability as well as a lot of cost savings to compete globally and I think this gives this region as well as our country a lot better chance to compete when we could do it

JONATHAN MIANO, THE TIMES

Paul Duncanson, of No Magic Inc., talks about his software company and its partnership with Purdue Calumet University at the university in Hammond.

through automation. I think in the long run, even as China and India has the cheap labor forces, they’re going to be bringing back manufacturing here because of automation. If we could do our little part I’m really happy to do that.”

Paul Duncanson, a 1974 Purdue Calumet alumnus and the founder of No Magic, says the technology will make Purdue Calumet students more innovative – something his company looks for when hiring employees.

No Magic also plans to partner with Purdue Calumet’s experiential learning program to engage student interns in corporate projects.

Purdue Calumet Chancellor Thomas Keon says the entire partnership is important for the university moving forward. BY ROB EARNSHAW

GROWTH

LaPorte taps Holladay Properties for redevelopment LAPORTE | The city, its redevelopment

commission and the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corp. has announced they have selected Holladay Properties as the developer of the NewPorte Landing Redevelopment Project.

NewPorte Landing includes the redevelopment of 150 acres along Clear Lake in the heart of La Porte.

“We are extremely excited about all of the continued development in La Porte and this agreement represents a monumental step forward in a major project for the city,” Mayor Blair Milo says in a statement.

Holladay Properties will begin assessing the

development plan for this site. Representatives from the city, Redevelopment Commission, New Porte Landing Committee and the Community Development Partnership conducted an extensive search for qualified developers for the project, according to a news release.

Holladay has been involved in developing other properties in the region, including the Ameriplex at the Port complex in Portage.

“We share La Porte’s enthusiasm for this project and look forward to the work we will complete in the coming months,” says Mike Micka, vice president of development for Holladay Properties. BY TIMES STAFF

SALUTE

Professionals on the move Podiatrist Jared L. Moon has joined St. Mary Medical Center’s medical staff. He has offices in Winfield and Valparaiso.

Dr. Curtis Bejes, of Indiana University Health La Porte Physicians, received the 2012– 2013 Outstanding Teaching Award, presented by the Predoctoral Education Division of the IU Department of Family Medicine.

Janet Kissinger, owner of Ladybugs and Bumblebees Education Station LLC in Valparaiso, has been awarded a National Accreditation from the National Association for Family Child Care.

Renee Franz , of Valparaiso, has been named managing broker of Prudential Executive Group in Valparaiso.

Paul Diamond, agency manager at the Western and Southern Life Merrillville office, has been named to the President’s Council, an elite production club at W&S Life for high performance in sales and service.

Dr. Mark Jones, a Highland foot and ankle specialist, has been awarded the Master HyProCure Specialist Credential.

MOON

Visit Oppent.org, Call 219.464.9621 x233 or Mail to: 2801 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso IN

Visit Oppent.org, Call 219.464.9621 x233 or Mail to: 2801 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso IN

BEJES

SUMMER 2013 | 7

BizWorthy COMMUNITY SERVICE

Ten tapped for new foundation board THE FRANCISCAN ALLIANCE FOUNDATION has appointed 10 directors to its newly created board.

The foundation supports a number of missions, including the Catherine McAuley and St. Clare clinics, which serve the working poor.

The clinics logged more than 90,000 patient encounters in the last year, says Tony Englert, executive director of the Franciscan Alliance Foundation.

The foundation also supports St. Monica Home in Dyer and a newly opened parenting center to help girls and young women who are new mothers. And, it supports the Volunteer Advocates for Seniors program, in

which volunteers help senior citizens in the community.

The appointees represent a variety of backgrounds and interests from the northwest corner of the state.

The inaugural members are Joe Allegretti, internal consultant, Laser Pharmaceuticals and chairman of Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region Board of Directors; Paul Applegate, president, Applegate & Co.; Cal Bellamy, partner, Krieg DeVault; Dr. Karen Briggs, medical staff, Franciscan St. Margaret Health; Phil Casey, vice president deputy counsel and division counsel, NGD Legal – Regulatory, NiSource; Tom Corsiglia,

president and CEO, Emcor Hyre Electric; Carol Highsmith, senior partner, Centier Bank; Jim Larsen, president, Mechanical Test & Balance; Donna Pace, owner, Pace Realty; and Daryl Pomranke, president and CEO, Citizens Financial Bank.

“The newly created foundation is in its infancy, and we have much work to do to share the message of our mission with the people of Northern Indiana, but I am confident we will be successful in showing our community the amazing work being done by the Sisters and the staff,” says Bellamy, foundation board chairman. BY VANESSA RENDERMAN, TIMES STAFF WRITER

PROMOTIONS

SALUTE

ArcelorMittal announces recent appointments

Professionals on the move

ARCELORMITTAL HAS announced local appointments in its management team.

Patrick Parker, of Munster, has been promoted to vice president, labor relations, at ArcelorMittal USA. Parker serves as the company’s chief negotiator for flat carbon and long carbon operations within the PARKER United States.

Parker joined ArcelorMittal predecessor company, Inland Steel, in 1987 as a labor relations representative. In his latest role as division manager, labor relations, Parker was an integral member of the company’s TUNACIK negotiating team in 2008 and 2012.

ArcelorMittal also announced the appointment of Dan Tunacik, of Valparaiso, to general manager at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Long Carbon, a mini-mill

8 | IN BUSINESS

operation in East Chicago that produces long steel products and employs about 300.

Tunacik joined ArcelorMittal predecessor company, Inland Steel, in 1985 as an industrial engineer and has held positions of increasing responsibility within the facility’s planning division before being named Division Manager, Supply Chain in 2000.

ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel and mining company, with a presence in more than 60 countries.

Locally, ArcelorMittal operates integrated steel mills in East Chicago and Burns Harbor, a global research and development facility in East Chicago, a hot strip mill in Riverdale, a plate mill in Gary and processing and finishing joint venture facilities in New Carlisle. BY TIMES STAFF

The American Ambulance Association presented Thomas Bettenhausen, paramedic of Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service in Highland, the Star of Life award.

Ruth Zeldenrust, of Chicago Heights, who operates Zeldenrust Farm Market, was part of the The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program Class of 2014 who traveled to Washington for a five-day seminar on BETTENHAUSEN national policy Renae Vania-Tomczak recently earned designation as a Housing Development Finance Professional and Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council. VaniaTomczak serves as the project director for South Shore Commons in Gary.

Laura Certa has joined the Avalon Springs Health Campus in Valparaiso as a community service representative, Dan Faloona has ZELDENRUST joined as a customer service specialist and Crystal Wray is the new executive director.

Jim Meeks, of Chesterton, with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Valparaiso office, has been awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation by the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council.

Jessica Hill and Tracy Guiffrida, now LPNs at Valparaiso Care and Rehabilitation Center, participated in American Senior Communities’ Opportunities to Nursing MEEKS Excellence Program (O2NE). Thirteen others also completed the program this year.

Real estate agent Laurie Anderson, of Hebron, has joined Century 21 Alliance Group in Valparaiso as a member of the Jeanne Sommer Team.

BizWorthy HONOR

JOB WATCH

Online poll ranks local doctors as top contributors

Employment in the Calumet Region

AN ONLINE HEALTH company poll has ranked three local doctors as top contributors to the medical field.

In the HealthTap Top Doctor Competition, doctors and patients selected the best doctors from a pool of thousands, according to the company.

Dr. Srbislav Brasovan, practicing gynecology in Hobart, was awarded Most Influential Doctor in Indiana.

Dr. Mary Vanko, practicing obstetrics and gynecology in Merrillville, was awarded Most Influential Doctor in the Gary region and Top Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Indiana.

Dr. Tarek Shahbandar, practicing anesthesiology in Merrillville, was awarded Top Doctor in the Gary region, Thought Leader in the Gary region and Top Anesthesiologist in Indiana.

Doctors rated their peers based on demonstrated knowledge and expertise, and patients rated doctors on personality and bedside manner. BY TIMES STAFF NEW BUSINESS

Fitness, training studio opens in Chesterton CHESTERTON | ABSolute Fitness Chesterton LLC has opened a fitness/training studio at 1140 S Calumet, Suite 3, Chesterton.

Krystal Cole, a personal trainer, is the owner. The business offers a host of classes and has with Mindful Nourishment to bring a series of healthy lifestyle workshops.

For more information visit ABSoluteFitnessChesterton. com or call 219.395.1826.

BY TIMES STAFF

10 | IN BUSINESS

Lake County MAR. ‘13

MAR. ‘12

CHANGE

Labor force

217,859

217,916

57

Employed

194,303

196,801

2,498

Unemployed

23,556

21,115

2,441

MAR. ‘13

MAR. ‘12

CHANGE

Labor force

81,202

81,590

388

Employed

74,114

75,067

953

Unemployed

7,088

6,523

565

MAR. ‘13

MAR. ‘12

CHANGE

Labor force

48,640

49,613

973

Employed

43,000

44,353

1,353

Unemployed

5,640

5,260

380

MAR. ‘13

MAR. ‘12

CHANGE

Labor force

2,587,233

2,589,020

1,787

Employed

2,337,319

2,351,912

14,593

249,914

237,108

12,806

MAR. ‘13

MAR. ‘12

CHANGE

Labor force

369,707

370,064

357

Employed

332,674

334,751

2,077

Unemployed

37,033

35,313

1,720

Percent of workforce unemployed 10.8 percent

Porter County Percent of workforce unemployed 8.7 percent

LaPorte County Percent of workforce unemployed 11.6 percent

Cook County

Unemployed

Percent of workforce unemployed 9.7 percent

Will County Percent of workforce unemployed 10 percent

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

SALUTE

Professionals on the move

Six investment professionals associated Oak Partners Inc. in Crown Point and Valparaiso are attending the SII Investments “A Strong Foundation & Shared Vision” conference for F. RUIZ F. M. RUIZ M. RUIZ URBANIAK BARANCYK MUELLER its investment representatives.

Local attorneys were among those selected Highland; David W. Holub, Law Offices of David Qualifiers are Fred Ruiz, F. Marc Ruiz, Mario for the Indiana Super Lawyers 2013 edition, W. Holub, Merrillville; John E. Hughes, Hoeppner including: Terrance L. Smith, Smith & DeBonis, Wagner & Evans, Merrillville; Jeffrey S. Wrage, Ruiz, Jason Urbaniak, Chad Barancyk and Mike Barancyk . Aimee Cooper was recently promoted Hobart; Douglas J. Angel, J. Douglas Angel & Blachy Tabor Bozik & Hartman, Valparaiso; Steven to Business Support Specialist for the Wealth Associates, Munster; Deborah Lynch Dubovich, L. Langer, Langer & Langer, Valparaiso; Barry D. Management Group at Oak Partners Inc. in Levy & Dubovich, Highland; John M. McCrum, Rooth, Theodore & Rooth, Merrillville, Timothy Crown Point.

Eichhorn & Eichhorn, Hammond; Jerry Huelat, S. Schafer, Schafer & Schafer, Merrillville; David Huelat Mack & Kreppein, Michigan City; David J. L. Hollenbeck, Blachy Tabor Bozik & Hartman, Ron Szumelda, LOFS resident and operator of Alcoholtrainingday.com, was a guest at the Valparaiso; and George C. Patrick, George C. Jensen, Eichhorn & Eichhorn, Hammond; Mark Alcohol and Tobacco Summit in Indianapolis.

Patrick & Associates, Crown Point.

A. Lienhoop and David P. Jones, Newby Lewis Patricia Kelly, owner of People’s Day Care of Kaminski & Johnes, LaPorte; Louis W. Voelker Colleen Mueller has joined the Porter Gary, has been awarded National Accreditation County office of Coldwell Banker Residential III, Eichhorn & Eichhorn, Hammond; David from the National Association for Family Child Care. S. Gladish, Law Office of David Gladish P.C., Brokerage.

fifty years of Changing Lives

and counting

ivygar_14122_50th_ad.indd 1

1/18/13 1:32 PM

SUMMER 2013 | 11

BizWorthy HONOR

LOCAL BANKER HELPS OPEN NASDAQ MARKET First Midwest also marks 30 years

HIGHLAND | Highland resident Alicia Pantoja was among a group of First Midwest Bancorp employees selected to celebrate the bank’s 30th anniversary by participating in the Nasdaq stock market opening ceremony April 8 in New York.

Pantoja, a personal banker who also marked her 25th anniversary with the company, says the experience was memorable and exciting.

Pantoja watched and cheered on the indoor Nasdaq stage with other staff and managers as First Midwest Bancorp CEO Michael Scudder rang the opening bell signaling the start of the day’s trading activity.

“It was amazing to be part of the team that was chosen to go to the bell ringing,” Pantoja says. “It was my first trip to New York. It was exciting to see and tour Nasdaq and be part of all the excitement celebrating our 30th year.”

The First Midwest Bankcorp group met in their hotel lobby that morning to walk together to Nasdaq, which is in the heart of Times Square. At Nasdaq they were briefed and led to the stage, Pantoja says. The bell

PROVIDED

First Midwest Bankcorp personal banker Alicia Pantoja, (first row, second from left) applauds along with president and CEO Michael Scudder, (center) and other bank employees as they help open the Nasdaq market.

ringing is broadcast live on large video screens around Times Square.

Part of the excitement, she says, was the large crowds of people gathered by the “Good Morning America” and “Today” show studios.

When the bell is rung everyone claps and cheers, she says.

After the ceremony the employees, their families and friends were treated to champagne and cake.

James Roolf, senior vice president of First Midwest Bankcorp’s corporate relations office says the event was a two-fold celebration.

“We have been in business for 30 years

being approved by the Federal Reserve as a company in 1983 and very shortly thereafter we were listed on the Nasdaq stock market as a publicly traded company.”

Roolf says the Bancorp management hosted a number of employees to participate in the event.

“We tried to look at people who had tenure in the company of 25 years or more,” Roolf says. “It was recognition of some outstanding employees and their contributions to our success.”

Roolf says the experience was both fun and important from a company perspective.

“You are in Times Square which is full of all these electronic message boards and video screens,” Roolf says. “You stand in the middle of 8th and 44th Streets. There are so many things going on around you. The ‘Good Morning America’ studio is right there so all the people are standing in front of the window watching the broadcast. With all the things that go on, it is an amazingly large city with a lot of energy.”

First Midwest Bancorp has about 95 offices located in Northwest Indiana, Illinois and eastern Iowa. In 2006, it acquired Hammond-based Bank Calumet for $307 million. BY DIANE POULTON, TIMES

CORRESPONDENT

SALUTE

Professionals on the move Porter Health Care System recently named Cathy Pera, director of IMCU and KNAPP CONRAD the Progressive Care Unit, as Porter’s Clinical PERA Manager-of-the-Year, and Tracey Knapp, the 2013 Spring Conference of the Indiana director of Porter Physician Group, as Porter’s Council of Administrators in Special Education in Non-Clinical Manager-of-the-Year.

Indianapolis.

Shannon Jeffers, lighting specialist for Wesco Distribution Inc. in Hammond, has earned the Clifford Bryan, senior vice president – Certified Electrical Professional credential. investment officer and branch manager of the Attorneys Monica J. Conrad and Barbra A. Chesterton office of Wells Fargo Advisors, has Stooksbury, of Hodges & Davis P.C. in Merrillville, achieved the designation of Premier Advisor with the company. presented, “Bullying, Cyberbullying and the Harassment of Students with Disabilities” at Lisa Bossi, of St. John, has joined First

12 | IN BUSINESS

STOOKSBURY

BRYAN

Financial Bank’s Schererville banking center as a treasury management solutions advisor.

To submit an item for Professionals on the Move, send information and a photo, if available, to 601 W. 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321, e-mail to matthew.saltanovitz@nwi.com, fax to 219.933.3249 or visit nwi.com/business. Faxed photos will not be published.

RECOGNITION

SALUTE

Professionals on the move Jared Beasley

TIMES FILE

For the sixth consecutive year, The Community Hospital in Munster was recognized with HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals designation based on clinical outcomes over an 11-year period.

Community ranks among country’s top hospitals MUNSTER | The Community Hospital in

Munster again has been ranked among America’s 50 Best, the only hospital in the state to achieve the distinction six years in a row from HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings organization.

HealthGrades issued its 2013 hospital outcomes report, recognizing The Community Hospital for its level of patient care.

“This extraordinary achievement is a testament to the systems that we have in place and the doctors and health care professionals who put quality and excellence in patient care first,” says The Community Hospital CEO Don Fesko.

“It demonstrates to the communities we serve that we are focused on the things that matter most to our patients including clinical excellence and a total caring environment.

This commitment is renewed with each and every patient so that we continually deliver the right care to the right patient at the right time,” he says.

The America’s 50 Best Hospitals designation is the only national hospital quality rating based solely on clinical outcomes. It recognizes hospitals that have demonstrated superior clinical quality over an 11-year time period. Hospitals cannot opt in or out of the analysis.

To meet this distinction, hospitals

must have had risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates low enough to place them among the top 5 percent in the nation for at least eight consecutive years.

On average, patients treated at America’s 50 Best Hospitals had a nearly 30 percent lower risk of death.

About 4,500 hospitals across the country are reviewed annually for their performance, and only 1 percent qualify as an America’s 50 Best Hospital.

The Community Hospital has demonstrated consistently superior performance in clinical outcomes across 27 common procedures and conditions from diagnoses such as heart attack and pneumonia to procedures such as hip fracture and knee replacement.

HealthGrades also has recognized Community as a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence from 2004 through 2013 and as the only hospital in Northwest Indiana among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for cardiac care and for cardiac surgery in 2012 and 2013.

It also ranked in the top 5 percent for women’s health in 2012 and in the top 10 percent for treatment of stroke and gastrointestinal services in 2012. It also was among the top 10 percent in the nation for outstanding patient experience in 2010, 2011 and 2012. BY TIMES STAFF

has been named interim president of Indiana University Health Starke Hospital.

Standing President, David Hyatt , has transferred to a new position at Jay County Hospital in Portland, Ind. Keith Wolak, of Munster, has been voted to equity partnership at Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP.

BEASLEY

Shelbie J. Byers

has joined the firm as an associate in the Merrillville WOLAK office. Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP attorney Larry Evans was recently in The Best Lawyers in America 2013 in the fields Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, BYERS LitigationConstruction, Litigation-Labor & Employment, and Litigation-Real Estate. Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP attorney John Hughes was selected in the field Personal Injury Litigation.

Dr. Carol Dartz , of Arbor View Animal Hospital in Valparaiso, received a Certificate of Excellence from the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Kenneth R. Hyde, of Valparaiso, received the Maynard K. Hine Medallion, the highest alumni service award given

by IUPUI. He currently practicing orthodontics in the Valparaiso and Crown Point communities.

Dr. Nitin Khanna, an orthopaedic surgeon with Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana, has won a Patients’ Choice Award.

Bill Maar, a wealth adviser with the Greater Valparaiso Group of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, has earned membership into the 2013 Million Dollar Round Table Court of the Table.

SUMMER 2013 | 13

PROFESSIONALS

TO WATCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

2013

SUMMER 2013 | 15

Putting the public first

I

mmersing himself into the often complicated world of public health wasn’t exactly what Mike Allen always envisioned for his life. In fact, he is quite frank when asked how he actually ended up there.

“It was kind of like backing into a fan and trying to figure out which blade hit you first,” chuckles Allen, currently serving as the Regional Executive Director of the Franciscan Alliance Accountable Care Organization.

“I was in my late 20s, and I was working for the State Department of Social Services in Michigan. I went to interview for the position of public health service representative, which turned out to be a job working within the childhood immunization program. I remember coming out thinking that not only was it a very interesting position, but more importantly, I could see what good it would do over such a large part of the population. It would make a great public impact, and I couldn’t think of anything I would love more to do.”

And while this position laid the groundwork for a career within the public health arena, Allen says the road there wasn’t always a paved one. “I was not a great kid,” he says. “I was told I was a bit challenging as we say, and I ended up spending more than my share of time in the principal’s office.”

His childhood interests were broad, from sports to music to “building things to breaking things to fixing things.” Originally starting his career as an English teacher, Allen’s job with the state of Michigan changed that trajectory.

“One third of the national total of all vaccine preventable diseases were being diagnosed within the state of Michigan, and it was my responsibility to implement a program to correct that. When I left, we were down to zero cases. Keep in mind that in those days, enforcing those immunizations wasn’t as common as it is today.”

Allen immersed himself into the position, always keeping his goals of doing something for the public good first in his mind.

“In my first few weeks on the job, I presented to a room of school superintendents about the importance of enforcing the states immunization laws and if they didn’t, it would affect their state aid,” recalls Allen. “To say that the message was not well received would be quite an understatement. All you could hear was the sounds of silverware hitting plates. At the time, there were nationally 30,000 cases of

16 | IN BUSINESS

measles, with 10,000 of those cases in the state of Michigan. We had no choice but to change people’s mindsets.”

These days, Allen continues facing each and every day with the hope of continuing to change people’s mindsets.

Formed in 2011, the Franciscan Alliance ACO provides coordinated, comprehensive care across hospitals, physician practices and other health care providers with the goal of bringing down the overall costs of medical care.

“For the first time in a long time, I feel like managed care has a chance to live up to its potential as a public health program,” he says. “We have not been managing care as much as we have been MIKE ALLEN actually managing Regional Executive Director, Franciscan reimbursement.”

Alliance Accountable Care Organization “I would never want to speak for Mike (Allen), but I would My greatest say the opportunity challenge has been to work within the Franciscan Alliance’s to find ways to really Accountable Care Organization has to be move the expectations the capstone of his career,” says Dr. Claude and behaviors of a population. We Foreit, President of the Franciscan Physician need to move those expectations and Network and a longtime friend of Allen. “He behaviors so much so that it affects has a tremendous commitment and focus on the overall health of a population. public health and the impact it can make on a In order to do that, there has to be a community.” universal enforcement of laws.

Of course, with any success comes challenges, and Allen says he is not immune to that fact.

“My greatest challenge has been to find values regarding public health,” Foreit says. ways to really move the expectations and “But we also both share a love for blues behaviors of a population,” Allen says. and country music – he actually plays and “We need to move those expectations and rebuilds guitars in his free time.” behaviors so much so that it affects the “I also love an occasional round of golf overall health of a population. In order to do when I can get away,” Allen says. “I usually that, there has to be a universal enforcement like to go to the cheap municipal courses, of laws.” because I still like to walk the course. Private A resident of the Bronzeville neighborhood clubs don’t want you walking because it of Chicago, Allen does find time to also slows up play. I guess I just always want to dedicate to the other loves of his life, be a practitioner of the things I preach.” including friends, family and music. “We —Tricia Despres originally connected because of our shared

\ TO WATCH PROFESSIONALS

Top chef’s cooking interest began in childhood

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rowing up in a “typical” Italian household in New Jersey, Horseshoe Casino Director of Food Operations Christopher Baulo decided to become at chef at an early age.

“When I was 11 or 12 we cooked every Sunday,” Baulo says.

“We lived in a two-family house with my grandparents upstairs. So, it was my grandmother and dad who did the cooking, and I couldn’t stay out of the kitchen.”

Baulo is in charge of all food operations and restaurants at Hammond’s Horseshoe Casino. These include a 650-seat buffet, the 180-seat high-end steakhouse Jack Binyon’s, a 24-hour deli; a fast casual weekend restaurant, Noodle Bar and two VIP Lounges.

Baulo also oversees all of Horseshoe’s catering operations.

Baulo leads his team through motivation and inspiration.

“I actually have the Leadership 101 series of nine books by John Maxwell that the

team is currently reading,” Baulo says. “He (Maxwell) covers subjects such as success, mentorship, equipping and ethics et cetera.

I do this because I believe in the food and beverage industry it is extremely important to feel your way through at a lot of points.

You really have to love what you do and that needs to exude out to your team. It is impossible to fake.”

Baulo says he enjoys working with his “young and hungry” team.

“They have been here for an average of eight years,” Baulo says. “So, their experience is limited. I love being able to bring them outside thinking and leadership that revolves around honesty.”

Working with a younger staff also brings challenges, Baulo says.

“With things being done the same way for a long time, it is hard to change habits,” he says. “The biggest challenge is convincing my team to think forward rather than backwards.”

Horseshoe Casino Vice President and Assistant General Manager Erin Chamberlin describes Baulo as an asset to the organization.

“Since Chris has joined our team at Horseshoe Hammond, he’s encouraged his team to question the status quo and to raise the expectations across all of our restaurants and lounges,” Chamberlin says. “Chris excels at combining creativity with his passion for the best food. For example, when we re-launched Sixth Street, our craft beer bar, Chris went beyond the typical bar snack by creating a rotating menu of in-house cured, flavored bacons for us to serve to our guests while they enjoy a locally-sourced microbrew.”

Chamberlin says Baulo also worked with the Jack Binion’s Steakhouse team to create a menu featuring a special “Toys in the Attic” section, where guests can order small plates of

CHRISTOPHER BAULO

unusual menu items such as crispy pork belly or braised rabbit served with portobello gnocchi. Educated at Johnson & Wales University, Baulo received his bachelor of science in culinary arts.

His career path began as a cook in New Jersey and New York City.

“I worked for such world-renown chefs as Jean Louis Palladin, Jean Georges Vongerichten, David Burke and Todd English,” Baulo says. “I spent eight months working in Biarritz, France, at a three-star Michelin restaurant Café di Paris.”

After school, Baulo moved to Las Vegas to begin his career in the casino industry, starting at the Rio in 1996. He was part of the opening culinary team of the Bellagio and then came back to Harrah’s/Caesars in 2000.

“I’ve spent the last 10 years as an executive chef for the company,” Baulo says.

“In my tenure with Caesars I’ve opened 28 restaurants and six complete hotels.”

Baulo was part of a group that went to Caesars’ properties for short periods of time to either open or fix some of the restaurants.

In the past three years, he has worked closely in front of house operations, paying special attention to bar operations, preparing him for his current role and for his future plan of opening his own restaurants.

Culinary wise, Baulo says he has had a great mentor in Ian Russo.

“Russo currently owns a restaurant in Philly, but he taught me that ‘if you’re gonna make hot dogs for a living, why wouldn’t they be the best hot dog you ever had?’”

Baulo says. “Leadership wise, I’ve had a few great mentors but one that sticks out most to me is Scott Lokke our vice president of hospitality for our north Kansas City property. He taught me to touch people – the biggest thing I could have ever learned to date.”

To that end, Baulo is involved in the Special Olympics.

“I take care of my little sister who is mentally challenged,” Baulo says. “I have been volunteering for years and have coached softball and bocce.”

His teams have won multiple gold medals at the New Jersey state games and he hopes to repeat that success in Illinois.

“When it comes to touching people, there’s no greater way to be involved then that form,” Baulo says. —Diane Poulton

Director of Food Operations, Horseshoe Casino

SUMMER 2013 | 17

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Balancing work, family

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Bissonnette often cooks lunch.

“I really enjoy the cooking aspect of the business the most,” Bissonnette says. “I act as head chef, restaurant and catering manager.

I enjoy teaching and explaining why dishes are prepared the way I prepare them. I have a very established catering business.

The most satisfying aspect of her career, Bissonnette says, is providing a place for people to relax, eat well and enjoy themselves.

“All aspects of the experience are important and I do my best to make sure that my experienced and friendly crew is able to make that happen,” Bissonnette says.

She enjoys working with kitchen staff.

“It makes me proud to hear from past cooks or trainees who have gone on to succeed in other jobs and reminisce about the foundation they built at Bistro 157,” Bissonnette says.

Her biggest challenge is finding balance.

“Prioritizing family is my main concern and my husband and I try to balance work stress and quality time with our boys,” Bissonnette says. “We do try to keep Sunday afternoons as family time and also try to plan a few small overnights throughout the year. Gratefully, our boys love music and to eat various foods and our most recent trip was to Memphis for barbeque, oysters and Graceland.”

Bissonnette, who always NICOLE L. BISSONNETTE enjoyed cooking and eating Proprietor/Chef Bistro 157 and Venue by unusual foods as a child, Bistro, Valparaiso; Co-Proprietor Bartlett’s studied French and business Gourmet Grill & Tavern, Beverly Shores in college. During her junior year, she studied abroad in Strasbourg, France.

“I developed a keen interest in food through travelling,” Bissonnette says. “I Bissonnette always knew she wanted to felt that I got to know a country through its have her own business. Now she starts her food and libation as most great discussions day at 8:15 a.m. with her 20-month old son, are had sharing food and drink.”

Lucien “Luc,” in tow.

Bissonnette, who opened Bistro 157 “He has his jobs of turning on the steam in June 2001, says she gained valuable tables, putting my tasting spoons in cups, experience working at Paris restaurants Le eating his morning berries and breaking a Floridita, Shozan, Loire Valley and Troisgros, dish or two,” Bissonnette says. “I set up the a three-star Michelin restaurant, and kitchen, check over our prep list and make Chicago’s 160 Blue. sauces or soups, receive our deliveries until “When I first decided to get into the Luc’s nanny arrives around 10 a.m. I write the culinary arts, I voraciously read every daily specials, field emails and calls and post cookbook and memoir that I could,” anything noteworthy on our Facebook page.” icole L. Bissonnette learned her entrepreneurial skills and strong work ethic from her father.

“My biggest business inspiration is my dad, Ron Bissonnette,” she says. “He was co-owner of a regional supermarket chain and I grew up at the dinner table listening to business strategy and trends. I try to emulate his work ethic.”

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Bissonnette says.

She says her chefs at Le Cordon Bleu, Le Floridita and Troisgros were incredibly talented individuals.

“I took away their passion for food and importance of tasting every dish as it evolves during the cooking process,” Bissonnette says. “A big help in my early years as owner was my husband, Gary Sanders. Most problems that I faced, he had already handled in his career.”

Bissonnette believes that one’s passion can shine through in all aspects of life.

“I think through my Catholic upbringing, I have always practiced the Golden Rule and I sincerely care about all people I encounter through work or socially,” Bissonnette says.

“But I must credit an incredibly gentle and happy soul, one I met though Bistro 157, who was tragically killed last year, with a mantra that I try to live by each day: ‘work hard, spread love, have fun.’ I think this encapsulates what we all should do on a daily basis.”

Doug Pierce, a Valparaiso community leader retired from the Design Organization architecture firm and a Bistro 157 customer since its inception, describes Bissonnette as a true chef.

“She understands every detail of the proper gourmet food,” Pierce says.

He says Bissonnette’s establishment has become a neighborhood bistro for likeminded individuals, many of whom are local small business owners, to meet.

Pierce says Bissonnette has “nailed” the three things a restaurant should strive for: atmosphere, staff and food.

“The staff always gets a thumbs-up,” Pierce says. “She has been able to retain staff for quite a number of years, which is remarkable.”

Pierce says the atmosphere is pleasant with Bissonnette able to attract good local artists and the menu changes on a regular basis making it interesting.

Pierce says Bissonnette’s knowledge of wines is impressive and the fully stocked bar has become a very important feature in downtown Valparaiso.

“We are so blessed with an incredible revival,” Pierce says. “Nicole and a handful of others like her have been at the heart of Valparaiso’s renaissance. They have participated in planning and different events the city people have tried to put on. I think the lesson is that to get big in retail you really have to be involved if you want your business to grow and actually be a benefit to all concerned.” —Diane Poulton

Standing tall

M

uch to the surprise of many lifelong Hammond residents, Tom Dabertin does find the time late at night, after all of his day of work is done, to finally lay his head on his pillow and fall asleep.

Despite currently serving as a board member on 17 different organizations throughout Northwest Indiana while owning his own business, Dabertin also finds time to do some woodworking, attend festivals and ride the roller coasters that often resemble his topsy-turvy life.

“I have gone on over 100 different roller coasters in my lifetime,” laughs Dabertin, who serves as the owner and managing partner of Shared Resources Solutions, a Hammond firm that advises private clients and local governments in human resources and operational issues. “Those roller coasters often remind me of my days.

The ups and the downs and the twists and turns – it’s all a part of life.”

Dabertin has always seemed to thrive on the unseen challenges that await him behind every turn. As a basketball player in high school, Dabertin got his first taste of how his innate perseverance could leap over any obstacles, and ultimately get the job done.

“It was 1975, and there was a proposal to do some sand mining on George Lake,” he says.

“Essentially, they were going to turn it into a sanitary landfill if they had their way. I started the fight against it.”

His sheer guts against something he felt was wrong not only surprised Dabertin at the time, but also his family and friends. “They were in total disbelief that I would take up a cause such as this and stick with it till the end,” says Dabertin, who remains a frequent visitor to local spots such as Whiting Park and George Lake. “My mother certainly encouraged me, and always taught me what the right thing was to do. From that point on, people always seemed to look to me to get involved with these kinds of causes.”

And so he has. Dabertin has served in more

TOM DABERTIN

Owner and managing partner of Shared Resources Solutions

This area gets knocked on by many people, and yes, every community has their shortcomings.

Yet, Northwest Indiana has so much to offer. I love it here. I have no choice but get involved.”

than 30 Northwest Indiana organizations, including the United Way, the WhitingRobertsdale Chamber of Commerce and the Hammond Development Corp. He has even served as the always-popular Chairman of the Whiting Pierogi Fest. “I usually work 50-plus hours a week,” Dabertin says. “I try my best to get into my office at 6 a.m. and often bring my work home with me late into the night.”

“He truly reminds me of the Energizer Bunny,” says Anthony Copeland, Mayor for the City of East Chicago and a business associate and friend to Dabertin. “He is moving all of the time and always seems to

be on a mission to get something done.

He is a good man to have on your side.”

Working on such a wide range of businesses and causes has allowed Dabertin to grow his overall business sense. “The business sense that I have acquired by being involved in these businesses has definitely helped me throughout my entire career,” he says.

“He brings such depth along with him,” Copeland says. “He has worked in the private sector and within the government and has played a vital part in a number of charitable organizations. This experience is what makes him such a well-rounded person, and makes him the kind of person you can always call for both advice and guidance.”

Another advantage for Dabertin has been within the people he has surrounded himself with throughout his career, the ones who have seen the drive and determination of the once quiet and reserved kid from Hammond. “When he says he is going to do something, he will do it,” says Mayor Copeland, who jokes that Dabertin is almost always the “tallest person in the room.”

“He always finds a way. Even more so, you can tell he takes pride in getting the job done,” Copeland says.

In recent months, Dabertin left his position as Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.’s chief of staff to become a board member of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.“This is the type of organization where all I need to do is drive down my own streets to truly see betterment happening on every corner,” he says. “This area gets knocked on by many people, and yes, every community has their shortcomings. Yet, Northwest Indiana has so much to offer. I love it here.

I have no choice but get involved.”

And so he keeps moving forward, whether attending a meeting or enjoying his beloved lakefront or bumping into Mayor Copeland at the local Menard’s for some last minute home improvement supplies.

“I’m going to be 53 years old this year, and so far I have been able to get a lot done,” he says in a hushed tone. “I’m hoping for a long, long life so I can accomplish even more.”

—Tricia Despres

SUMMER 2013 | 19

A light of educational leadership and reform

I

t was while chairing an accreditation committee as a Griffith High School teacher that Scott Fech first realized how he could make an impact beyond the classroom.

“It was a tremendous amount of work and I was able to understand what it was like to work on the big picture,” says Fech, who now leads a high school as principal at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. “Though I loved being in the classroom, having contact with the kids and the perks of being a teacher, when a principalship opened up at Bishop Noll (Institute in Hammond), I decided to give it a try.

“It was the best move I ever made. I felt I had been successful in the classroom by working on professional development to find a better way to work with my students.

If that was the kind of teacher I was, what could I do to institute a culture and climate in the entire school? In the principal’s chair, I would have an impact by working with the teachers and talking about best practices for all of the students.”

Fech’s time as principal at Bishop Noll Institute marked his transition into the principal’s office from the classroom, where he has always felt comfortable.

“I knew from the moment I started school that is where I wanted to spend my life. I spent a lot of time as a student myself, so it has always felt like a comfortable place for me,” he says. “From the time I was younger, I loved talking about books and learning new things. When I went to college, I knew I would go into education. The moment I entered a classroom, I knew that is where I wanted my career.”

Fech spent his time as a student earning a bachelor’s degree in education as well as master’s degrees in theological studies and educational studies. He also has a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Loyola University Chicago.

He launched his teaching career at Andrean High School in Merrillville, spending nine years as a teacher before taking the reins at Bishop Noll Institute.

“As a principal, you bring people together to make the very best decisions for the kids.

You become a part of their successes whether it is in the classroom, on the stage or on the

20 | IN BUSINESS

athletic field,” says Fech, who is also a Bishop Noll alum. “When I was at Bishop Noll, we did very hard work on the curriculum and looking at the programs, extracurriculars and athletics. When you build relationships with students, parents and alum, you all have answers and you bring them together … it’s synergy.”

Fech continued working in school leadership, moving from Bishop Noll to Grayslake (Ill.) North High School, where he served as director of staff services and assistant superintendent for personnel, before taking on his current role at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in July 2012.

“I am still getting the lay of the land – getting to know the community and developing relationships to continue taking the school in the direction we are going,” he says.

“He is a perfect fit for us with his experience in both public and parochial schools. It’s like he’s been here years instead of months,” says David Magill, director of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. “We observed him at (Grayslake North High) school and how he interacted with students.

Students are often the best judge of adults in their lives and we could see they cared deeply for him and sure were quite upset with his decision to relocate.”

The Laboratory Schools was founded in 1896 and serves children from ages 3 to grade 12 with five divisions.

“As an independent school, one of the things is that we have more autonomy to do what we believe is in the best interest of the children. We are not tied to the same kinds of state and federal mandates as our public school counterparts are,” Fech says. “As a division of the University of Chicago, we can partner in all sorts of ways to benefit the school with access to scientists and doctors who are the leading in the world.”

As principal at the high school, Fech says he is hoping to help students keep all components of their lives in harmony.

“We have a student body that is very driven to excellence and places high value on academics. One of the places I have

been working on is the notion of balance: balancing academic pressures with the pressures of being a teen,” he says.

A resident of Valparaiso for 10 years, Fech volunteers with Opportunity Enterprises as well as hosts an annual holiday party to support the Humane Society by having guests bring donations. He also recently joined Methodist Hospital Foundation’s effort to support cardiac care, Krewe Apollo,

SCOTT FECH

High school principal, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

which is working to raise funds based on a Mardi Gras theme.

In the future, Fech sees himself continuing to guide and influence students.

“It’s all about where I am led next. I am really enjoying myself and I think I will be here for quite some time,” he says. “I want to continue to have an impact on the world of education … that light of what education leadership and reform should be about, I want to be a part of that.” —Lesly Bailey

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Giving back to babies

I

t was karaoke night at Catch 22 in Merrillville when he noticed her from across the room. As she sung the heartfelt lyrics of a song, he knew exactly what he needed to do.

“I knew she was the one who should sing the national anthem at our March for Babies event,” chuckles Victor Garcia, Division Director for the March of Dimes in Northwest Indiana. “I thought she had a great voice, so I approached her about volunteering for us. I guess you could say that even when I’m not working, I am working. There is never a time when I am not looking for the next opportunity to grow our organization in some way.”

Indeed, the happily married husband to Monica and father to 7-year-old Gabriella and 5-year-old Dario thrives on all aspects of his job within the March of Dimes organization, but especially the chance to give back to the Northwest Indiana community that he and his family love so much.

“As parents, we have always wanted to instill in our children the importance of giving back to one’s community, and no matter where life takes them, I hope they never forget that,” he says. “My 5-year-old recently told me that he wanted to volunteer for the March of Dimes March for Babies event, and I was just taken back. It made both my wife and I feel like we must be doing something right.”

The son of an East Chicago police officer, Garcia was the well-rounded student every parent hopes for. Excelling in everything from mathematics to technology to piano throughout his school years, Garcia’s hopes and dreams peaked during high school, as he began working as a photographer for his school newspaper.

Soon after, he followed his passion for photojournalism to Ball State University, but soon found himself burned out.

Instead, Garcia changed degree paths and ultimately received a master’s degree in strategic management in the hopes of a career within the financial/insurance sector.

“At my position as a branch manager of a local bank, we would get a paid day off to spend volunteering with the March of Dimes March for Babies event, and from that day, I continued volunteering as much as I could,” explains Garcia, who also serves as president of the Highland Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.

In 2009, Garcia made the decision to make his volunteering a full time position, and

applied for an open position with the NWI Division of the March of Dimes, whose goal is to improve the health of babies by reducing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

“Most of my career set me up to face the next challenge in life, both professionally and personally,” he explains. “I wasn’t specifically looking for a new job, but making the decision to clean off my resume ended up to be a great idea.”

Following a rigorous three-month hiring process, Garcia took the position of division director and simultaneously began to earn the respect of countless community members.

“I had heard through a friend that Victor was in need of some design work for the March of Dimes’ Signature Chef’s Tasting dinner,” explains Matt Valuckis, Principal of V as in Victor, a creative agency based in Hobart. “We met and I offered services for March of Dimes.

VICTOR GARCIA The thing I was immediately drawn Division Director for the March to was that he had the belief that of Dimes in Northwest Indiana ‘it’s the way we’ve always done things’ wasn’t a good enough reason. He was just starting at March of Dimes and knew that there Everyone has those days was a change that needed to be made within that they don’t want to go to the inner workings of the organization on work, but when I have those a local administrative level and wanted the days, I often come across design pieces for the flagship event to show a family whose entire life has been that change.” changed thanks to the work that the “Not being trained from a nonprofit March of Dimes has done in their lives. perspective, but rather coming from more It’s those kinds of blessings that keep of a business background, I think I offer me going.” something different,” adds Garcia. “I’m always looking for ways to change and grow, especially when it comes to the use of a great leader for a nonprofit, one that new technologies and new ways to utilize understands the mission and believes in opportunities such as social media. As the it wholeheartedly but understands the times change, I want to make sure we change financial obligations he’s under. And he with them.” never lets the need to fund-raise outshine And while the NWI Chapter of the March the goal and mission of March of Dimes. He of Dimes ranks as the second top-performing is the perfect man for the job.” division in the state outside of Indianapolis, “Everyone has those days that they Garcia says it remains a goal to continue to don’t want to go to work, but when I have raise those fundraising numbers, and fellow those days, I often come across a family business associates have no doubt that he whose entire life has been changed thanks will make it happen. to the work that the March of Dimes has “Victor’s goal is to be the top fundraising done in their lives,” adds Garcia. “It’s those division in the state in the next few years and kinds of blessings that keep me going.” based on the growth under his supervision, —Tricia Despres he’ll hit that goal,” Valuckis says. “He’s

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Helping clients face challenges

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arb Gulden embarked on a career in the insurance industry while still attending college full-time, taking on a position with the agency that was serving her family.

“It all started when I went into my family’s agency to pay my premium and found the agency to be in disarray and short-staffed.

I was a student with no insurance experience,” Gulden says. “After a conversation with the agent, I was offered a position.”

This experience launched her insurance career and helped build a base leading to her current role as an American Family Insurance agent in St. John.

“I went to school full time and worked in the agency, learning each day more about the insurance industry and the customer service and sales requirements. After the full-time staff person abruptly left, I was put in a position where the only person on staff was me, and I had to take on added responsibilities and the task of learning insurance on my own,” Gulden says.

“When a tragedy struck my employer, I delayed my career with American Family Insurance. Rather than leave at this sensitive time, I stayed on out of concern for my employer and the agency customers. There was no one on staff who could replace my skills and make the transition for my employer seamless. I spent the next year training staff in what I did so that the customers and the agency were not left in a disruptive state.

“The experience gained while in this agency for 23 years I will forever appreciate as it allowed me to achieve my independence and a career with American Family Insurance.”

Gulden says taking a chance has paid off as she is marking 16 years as an American Family agent.

“Even though insurance has been my entire working life, being a business owner came with significant and unexpected challenges,” she says.

Cindy Green, American Family sales manager and Gulden’s district manager, says Gulden has found success and it shows in her J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished

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BARB GULDEN

Insurance agent, American Family Insurance

Insurance Agency designation. The award is presented to agents who offer their customers an outstanding customer experience.

“My job is to help support her and the success of her business as the agencies are independently owned and operated. With the J.D. Power award, it’s not something that just happens because our agents are challenged from time to time. She’s done a really great job of fostering contact from corporate to customers, being in between and balancing that as the agents can get the brunt of what happened when things don’t go quite right for the customer. Not every agent can do that effectively,” she says.

Green says Gulden continues to balance what it takes to be a business owner.

“You have to be very structured and organized, and I can’t emphasize to them enough that you have to have a good balance between personal and professional to be able to do that. The insurance industry is a 24/7 business,” Green says. “She’s become really good in the last few years of delegating responsibilities. You have to train employees to be you.

“She’s very connected with the community and involved in different groups.

She is very passionate about what she does

and it really shows in her success.”

Gulden continues to enjoy helping her clients and face the challenges of the industry.

“Being an insurance professional allows me to take care of people and assist them in making their insurance decisions. There is a routine every day. My staff and I find that we have variety because there are always situation-specific details, unique personalities and particular customer needs that we are servicing,” she says. “The ongoing changes in the insurance world require continuing education and high-efficiency performance.

Obtaining and maintaining customers today is much more challenging than in the past.”

Gulden stays connected to the community through her participation in the Schererville, Lowell and St. John chambers of commerce. She is serving her second term on the St. John Chamber’s board of directors. She serves on the Lake Central Education Foundation and Dollars for Scholars board of directors.

She is also involved in Business Women United Networking and the Schererville Rotary Club.

“Although I have been asked to be in the management training program with the company, I believe that the day-to-day customer contact, business networking and community involvement are more in line with what I want from my career. Staying in my present position allows me to personally give back to the community,” Gulden says.

Gulden’s passion and drive have been inspired by her mother.

“With my family’s support, I was fortunate to be able to bring my mother into our lives where we cared for her until she passed away just shy of her 96th birthday,” Gulden says. “My mother, who was widowed and left to raise five children, went to school and became a nurse to make sure her children were taken care of. Her inspiration and example have helped to make me the motivated woman I am today.

“I celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary this year (with husband Don).

My children’s (Ryan, Ashley and Troy) life successes, family commitments, work ethic and overall characters mirror what I am trying to do in my business, professional associations, in the community and in daily living.” —Lesly Bailey

A shining success

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ven though he’s only 40 years old, Josh Halpern has been involved with his family jewelry business for 28 years.

As a young boy, Halpern helped around the East Chicago store his father, Fred Halpern, bought in 1960 from the original owner of Albert’s Jewelers.

“I would clean up, change watch batteries, clean the bathrooms,” Josh Halpern says. “I was hanging out with my father and I enjoyed that. I had no idea I would go into the business with my father.”

His career path became clear when he was majoring in entrepreneurship at Ball State University and had to prepare a business

JOSH HALPERN

President at Albert’s Diamond Jewelers in Schererville and Merrillville

plan for a company as his senior project and, predictably, chose the jewelry business.

“I had no idea I was going into business with my father although he always hoped I would,” Halpern says. “Doing the business plan got me excited about it.”

He worked in the business for six months following his 1995 college graduation to make

sure he and his dad “could get along and work together.”

After finding their collaboration was a good fit, Josh Halpern moved to Santa Monica, Calif., to attend the Gemological Institute of America where he earned his certification as a gemologist.

“It’s the only school in the U.S. where you can get certified to be a gemologist,” he says.

“You learn to grade diamonds and precious stones. Having the certification gives you credibility as a jeweler.”

When he returned to Indiana in 1996, Halpern immediately became involved in its management, revamping its buying program and taking over its diamond buying. He also worked with his father and uncle, Charles Halpern, to implement the plan to expand the business and move it from East Chicago to Schererville.

“It took five years,” Josh Halpern says.

“We were looking to grow the business and I was approached by developer that owned the property. I presented to my father and we made the move in 2002 after planning and preparing for more than a year.”

At the time, the Halperns set five- and 10-year goals for the business.

“We hit our 10-year goal in the second year,” Halpern says. “We moved at the perfect time. The economy was starting to bust loose.

Two major jewelry companies went out of business and we recruited and hired their top 10 to 12 employees.”

As business grew, Halpern says he had to evolve and become a different type of businessman.

“It’s not a small business anymore,” he says. “There’s financing, credit, customer service, the manufacturing shop, quality control. It’s all basically self-taught. It’s not just waiting on clients. I had to become a manager and develop special skills.”

Anuj Jain, chief executive officer of GemsOne, says Halpern’s skills have made him an innovator in the retail jewelry market.

GemsOne is a global is a global jewelry manufacturer and loose diamond supplier with offices worldwide. Jain says he and Halpern have a business relationship that’s developed into deep friendship.

“The one thing that Josh has done is what a lot of the second generation can’t do,” Jain says.

“He’s become an innovator. He’s taken every good quality Fred has and amplified those.”

“Albert’s has become an experience,” Jain says. “The message they pass makes every type of consumers feel good and welcome.

They embrace the person and that starts from the top. Fred and Uncle Charlie did it when they started the business, and Josh has amplified that.”

Halpern has been instrumental in taking the company’s marketing to another level, he says.

“He has embraced and increased the Albert’s model,” Jain says. “He’s added the nicer brands that Albert’s didn’t have without losing the roots of the type of consumer they had before. He’s a great businessman with an extremely fair company.”

Josh Halpern became president of the Albert’s Diamond Jewelers in 2010. It was the same year the company opened a second location in Westfield Southlake Mall. In 2012, the mall store was expanded to a 2,200-squarefoot center-court location and the Schererville store added 9,000 square feet.

“I believe us to be in the top five largest jewelry stores in country,” Halpern says. “My goal is to develop the largest single store in the country. On a personal level, I want to develop and grow and find ways to even out my life so I can give an equal amount of time to business and my family.”

Halpern and his wife, Ashley, have a two-and-a-half-year-old son, Aaron, and an 11-month-old daughter, Tory. The family lives in Munster and enjoy traveling, especially abroad, fine dining and golfing.

Working at least six days a week keeps Halpern from reaching his dream of becoming “a good golfer,” but it hasn’t stopped him from helping with the company’s enormous amount of charity work including raising more than $118,000 for the National MS Society last year.

“My mom (Donna Halpern) has Multiple Sclerosis,” Halpern says. “It’s our charity of choice. I’d love to help find a cure for MS.” Beside his position at Albert’s, Halpern co-owns two Pandora stores with his sister, Holly Metzger, and is developing commercial property he owns in Schererville. He recently became president of the Leading Jewelers Guild, which is a member-owned buying organization.

Despite his busy life, Halpern says he’s happy because he loves what he’s doing.

“I’ve always loved to buy and the marketing,” he says. “That’s the most fun part of the business, helping people celebrate the most important moments in their lives. We get to share in their lives and that’s very gratifying.

We’re around pretty things all day long and help people spend their money making people happy.” —Andrea Holecek

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Inspiring the next generation

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purpose is to develop, retain and recruit women leaders to NiSource as data shows companies with a more diverse work force do better,” says Hightman, who also serves as a member of the company’s senior management team. “So we are attempting – and I think we are succeeding – through this program to train and support through mentoring and networking women leaders.

“We initiated the mentoring program last year carefully pairing up 16 mentors and mentees and we are seeing how it works. I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t become a model for a company-wide program for men and women.”

Hightman herself serves as a mentor to June Konold, controller of NiSource’s gas distribution segment.

“She’s there when I need advice or a different perspective on issues. She is a good listener and a very creative problem-solver.

Her advice is very direct and honest, which is refreshing,” Konold says.

“She is a very transparent leader and her guidance has been very beneficial to me in terms of decisions I have made. I value her insight.”

Konold says the program has helped create a path for her future.

“It is wonderful to know that you have leadership that cares about you and wants you to grow and develop. That goes a long way,” she says.

As a member of the executive team at NiSource, Hightman is involved in the discussions of the company’s business plan and strategies.

Her specific areas of CARRIE HIGHTMAN responsibility include all Executive Vice President and Chief legal functions, ethics and Legal Officer for NiSource compliance, as well as environmental health and safety. She is based out of NiSource’s headquarters in Merrillville.

“I have been in positions I believe you have to be throughout my professional creative to solve problems, career that all related to the it’s not artsy, but strategic regulated utility industry,” creativity that is fun.”

Hightman says. “There are not a

xecutive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Carrie Hightman is helping inspire the next generation at NiSource Inc., based on her experiences as a leader throughout her career.

She helped launch the Building the Next Generation: Women in Leadership program that includes three components: summits to bring together women in both senior and junior leadership positions, an affinity group to discuss common issues and a mentoring program.

“We started two years ago with a small idea that turned into a big sustainable, really effective program that I am very proud of. The

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lot of companies that impact the day-to-day lives of so many people. Having reliable service delivered to their homes in this day and age with technology is needed to maintain their lifestyles and keep businesses running.”

Before joining NiSource, Hightman served as president of AT&T Illinois, formerly SBC, where she was responsible for all regulatory, legislative, governmental and external affairs activities, as well as community and industry relations throughout Illinois.

Before her position at AT&T, Hightman practiced telecommunications and energy law for more than 17 years. She was a partner in the Chicago law firm of Schiff Hardin, where she led its Energy, Telecommunications and Public Utilities practice group.

Hightman began her career in the public sector in 1983, serving as staff counsel at the Florida Public Service Commission and then as associate counsel at the Florida Office of Public Counsel, handling a variety of public utility cases on behalf of consumers.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and her juris doctorate from Florida State University.

“I went to law school because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my finance degree.

I talk to women a lot about careers and lots of times you think you can plan your career … but lots of things happen in life – especially in careers – serendipitously. Law school was serendipitous,” she says. “When I took my first job, I was smart enough to understand it was a very esoteric area that not many people will be in and it provided me with an interesting career and helped make me unique and successful and I really enjoyed it.”

She continues to find gratification in her career and dealing with issues at “the intersection of business, policy and law. That is a fun intersection.”

“I believe you have to be creative to solve problems, it’s not artsy, but strategic creativity that is fun.”

Hightman is marking where NiSource has been and is heading in the future.

“I am proud of the great executive team.

We are young and new and we came together in the last three to five years. We have worked with issues in a transparent, positive, ethical, sustainable way that makes be proud to be a part of the team and the company,” she says. “The sky’s the limit in what we do in the community, the good things we offer to customers, the sustainable way we operate and the ethical way we do business.”

—Lesly Bailey

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A cohesive strategy

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anjan Kini brings both regional and international perspectives to his students as an information systems professor at Indiana University Northwest’s School of Business and Economics.

With a focus on technology in business, these views are based on his travels and teachings around the world as well as his relationships with region business community members.

“As a business major, there is a certain level – both conceptually and practically – expected in regards to technology when students come out of the business school. One of my primary goals is to learn what is needed as it is always changing. I constantly interact with companies and the community to learn from them what they need in employees and bring that into the classroom,” Kini says. “I want to build their skills and make sure they have the tools … build confidence in them to help them be lifelong learners.”

Kini has seen first-hand how technology has changed countries and driven economic development during his time in Thailand, Chile and Finland. He went on sabbatical in Thailand in 1998 after being awarded a grant

by Rotary International.

“Like Tom Friedman’s ‘The World is Flat,’ we can definitely gain from what is happening in other parts of the globe. I was able to compare and contrast technology in the U.S. and Thailand. I was invited back to teach in the graduate program. Back then, I got a glimpse of what was happening in rapidly developing countries such as Taiwan and Singapore and that gave me input on how to bring a technology discussion from an international perspective into the classroom,” he says.

“They have invited me back (to teach) again and again. I continue to bring my background of international teaching to the classroom.”

Back in the region, Kini says he also is able to understand technology expectations by serving on advisory committees for various organizations.

“Based on these experiences, I can gradually transform my curriculum and connect the community, businesses and public sector in the classroom. What do I need to change to make sure students have the skills they need?” he says.

IUN professor Charles Hobson has worked

with Kini since he began at IUN. Hobson teaches classes on teamwork, leadership and organizational behavior.

“He has a worldwide reputation as an expert in his field. In my opinion, nobody is as knowledgeable as Ranjan is about international business and business operations. He keeps his hand on the pulse on business internationally and he is very knowledgeable about business operations, specifically the use of the technology,” Hobson says. “In addition to being an expert, he gives back to the community. He donates his time to tech projects in Northwest Indiana and is an invaluable resource to Northwest Indiana, giving freely of his time and expertise.”

Kini earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in India. He then came to the U.S. and earned his MBA with a focus on operations management RANJAN KINI and management information Information Systems Professor, systems and his doctorate in Indiana University Northwest’s management in information School of Business and Economics systems.

“When I was growing up in India, there wasn’t much technology at the time. When and more online. Not everyone has access I came here for my MBA, I did a significant or it’s too expensive. We need to have digital amount of work on a computer. With my inclusion for everyone. Some states have a engineering background, I had a natural strategy and there are national plans in other inclination to move into IT,” he says. countries. I just came back from Thailand Kini says teaching is gratifying as he and they are making every first-grader have continues to mentor and guide future a tablet in hand in school,” he says. “There is innovators. He cites a response from a some movement but it’s not rapid. Chicago is colleague who answered a student’s question trying to become a test area so hopefully that about why he is in the classroom instead of will connect us to the bigger picture.” owning a business.

The need for a broadband plan is central to “I am not going to be a billionaire, but economic development in the region as well, I am a billionaire-maker. These kids are Kini says. creating new companies, new jobs. They are “It used to be location, location, location the movers and the shakers. Transferring my for businesses. Now it’s location, location, knowledge and making the economy better connectivity. It’s good for the community, is more gratifying than making one company good for economic development, good for for myself,” he says. students. Future companies don’t have to Kini is currently focused on raising be brick-and-mortar … there will be great awareness of the need for a statewide companies online. We need the support broadband strategy. While he says there has of technology infrastructure to help them been progress made, he strives to connect flourish,” he says. with the decision makers to spotlight the “There has to be a cohesive strategy and importance of having affordable high-speed plan and I am pushing that constantly.” access for every household in Indiana.

—Lesly Bailey “We have issues as things are moving more

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I

Committed to business, community

n less than three years Jeremy Miller rose from management trainee to regional manager for Centier Bank.

“I began my career at Centier in June of 2001 as a management trainee learning how to manage a branch,” Miller says. “After about six months in the program I was promoted to a branch manager of our Highland office. In 2003 I became a Regional Manager in charge of four branches.”

Today, Miller oversees 12 branches and a team of more than 80 people. In addition to his branch responsibilities, Miller also works as a project manager for technology-based projects.

Miller takes pride and satisfaction in giving Centier’s associates a chance to succeed and bank clients a wonderful place to bank, he says.

“Profit margins are a measure of success for some, but for me watching a teller become a new accounts representative or an assistant manager be promoted to a branch manager is what it’s all about,” Miller says.

He enjoys developing long-term relationships with clients and seeing them grow through life’s challenges.

“I also work with some truly dedicated people who have played a huge roll in my success – managers and tellers who have been with me since the beginning and have helped me become a better leader,” Miller says. “That is a very satisfying part of my job.”

Centier Senior Partner Leslie A. Kiefer has worked with Miller since he started with the bank. Kiefer says Miller was promoted to the branch manager role at the Highland Branch before becoming a regional manager in 2004.

“From the beginning, Jeremy has shown a passion for technology and how that can be utilized to improve processes and enhance client experiences,” Kiefer says.

“He has assumed a leadership role in many of these technology-related projects while still leading a number of branch teams.

Besides his commitment to Centier, Jeremy has demonstrated his commitment to the community through his involvement and support in Leadership Northwest Indiana.”

Kiefer says Miller also has been active with the Lake Area United Way for more than 10 years, taking a leadership role on a number of committees and the board of directors. He is currently serving as Board Chairman and

26 | IN BUSINESS

was recognized by the Lake Area United Way as the 2012 Volunteer of the Year, Kiefer says.

“I am also very proud to serve as this years’ board chairman for the Lake Area United Way,” Miller says. “It is quite a privilege to follow in the footsteps of some our regional leaders like Dan Lowery and Kay Nelson. I have been involved with Lake Area Untied Way for several years now and Lou Martinez and his staff are a pleasure to work with. Together, we truly make a difference.”

Centier recently implemented a bank-wide initiative to allow every branch in the bank’s network the ability to print debit cards for new accounts and existing clients who needed their cards replaced, Miller says.

“We installed 40 special printers and updated more JEREMY MILLER than 100 computers in less Regional Vice President, Centier Bank than six weeks,” Miller says.

“Today, Centier puts a brand new debit card in the client’s hand by the time they leave the responsibility for their own actions.” branch. In the past, that same process took Miller received his bachelor’s degree seven to 10 days.” in finance from Purdue University, his Along with some talented Centier MBA with a concentration in accounting associates, Miller says he was able to make from the Keller Graduate School of this project a very big success.

Management and was in Class 26 of “Centier is one of only two banks in Leadership Northwest Indiana.

Northwest Indiana that offers this technology “The senior leadership team at Centier in their branches and I’m very honored to has been instrumental in helping me grow say I played a part in making that happen,” and develop my career,” Miller says. “Mike Miller says.

Schrage, Leslie Kiefer and Bob Buhle have all The banking industry faces many placed a high level of trust in me and helped challenges today, Miller says. “Banking me accomplish my goals along the way. I today is not the same as it was four to always remember being one of the youngest five years ago.” branch managers at our Highland office, one “Further government interventions have of the largest in the bank, and thinking what placed a tremendous burden on banks and an opportunity I was given.” their compliance divisions. I understand One of Miller’s favorite quotes has been the need to protect the consumer but at true in both his professional and personal life, some point there has to be some personal he says. accountability for one’s actions and that is “Making a big life change is pretty scary. true with today’s society, not just banking.

But, living with regret is even scarier.”

This country will begin to prosper and —Diane Poulton grow again when we see everyone taking

Working his way to the top

G

His father, Michael, built the family’s business from his first dealership offering Pontiacs in Highland Park, Ill., to the newest addition, Muller Acura of Merrillville, which Glenn Muller leads as president. Brothers Scott and Mark also help out in the business, which today includes Muller Honda, Muller Auto Group and Muller Honda Certified Center, all in Highland Park, Ill.; Muller’s Woodfield Acura in Hoffman Estates, Ill.; as well as the family’s first dealership in Northwest Indiana.

“My father started this over 40 years ago and he has built the reputation on customer service. The Pontiac dealership became Honda when Honda first came to this country,” Muller says. “Our family has the reputation of being focused on the customer. At any one of our stores, it’s the same thing: very customer-oriented. It’s so simple, but apparently not all businesses do that.”

Muller has moved into a leadership position as president of the Merrillville dealership and he continues to enjoy the industry.

“As president, I oversee everything at the dealership from sales to service and parts,” he says. “Now, it’s all about the people, about taking care of the person and having someone believe in you and trust you so much.

I have people come from Highland Park to Merrillville because they only want to buy cars from me.

“It’s a tough, but rewarding business. Every position is a sales position as you always have to sell yourself … I am a sales person at heart. That’s GLENN MULLER what this is all about.”

President, Muller Acura of Merrillville Chris Anderson, service director at Muller Acura in Merrillville, has been with the family’s business since 1997.

“The primary reason I stay here is that it is a family-owned business.

Now, it’s all about the people, They really treat their employees like about taking care of the person family. It’s a pleasure working for a and having someone believe company that cares for its employees,” in you and trust you so much.

Anderson says. “They take care of their I have people come from customers – that is embedded in our Highland Park to Merrillville because heads to take care of the customer.” they only want to buy cars from me.”

lenn Muller has grown up in the world of cars working at his family’s business from the time he was a high school student.

“I started at the bottom. I have been a porter and worked all the way up through every position, working part time in high school and college and after college full time,” Muller says. “Young men love cars and it was always neat to be able to be in a dealership and get my hands dirty. It was a natural transition into the business. I never really thought about doing anything else.”

Anderson began his career as a porter, working with Muller who was a salesman at the time.

“We were just the low guys on the totem pole, but he treated us as equals. Something is said for someone who is at that stature and from that background but treats everyone equal no matter if it’s the guy cleaning the building, washing cars or managing the store,” Anderson says. “His father really made him work his way up the ranks. He had to earn his way up and you can definitely see that in the way he shows respect to all of his staff because he’s been there and done it.

“Before this building was open or even had employees, both of us were mopping the shop floor. If he asks you to do something, he’s either already done it or he would do it himself.”

Muller has turned a hobby into a way to support good causes, donning boxing gloves for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana as well as raising funds for Briana, a Chicagoland woman diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. The proceeds from the fullysanctioned fight go toward her medical bills and a trust for her daughter. Last year, Glenn presented the Boys & Girls Clubs with a check for $5,000.

“Boxing started as a way to stay healthy and I really enjoyed it,” Muller says. “It’s a way for me to give back while doing something I enjoy at the same time.”

The company was able to host a free screening of the “Avengers” movie before the Merrillville dealership opened in August 2012. It was another way for the company to be a “good neighbor,” Muller says.

“Community can make or break any business. The success of business is based on its acceptance in the community,” Muller says. “It’s like a neighborhood. When a new neighbor moves in, you have different types of neighbors. Some don’t take care of the house, let the grass grow and then you have the friendly neighbor whose lawn is all manicured and adds something to the neighborhood instead of taking something away.

“We want to be the neighbor that adds something to the community.”

Muller is looking forward to a grand opening event for the Northwest Indiana dealership later this summer as well as future opportunities.

“We would like to grow this business and if the opportunity arises for another dealership in Northwest Indiana, it would be great to continue to grow. This is a great area.” —Lesly Bailey

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A love of music

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hether conducting the Northwest Indiana Symphony in front of a crowd of 4,000 at an outdoor summer concert or in a more intimate indoor setting, music director Kirk Muspratt is always enthusiastic to entertain and inform.

Passionate about music and the classical composers, Muspratt shares his joy and knowledge freely with the audience. He explains the history behind each piece and interesting biographical facts about the composer.

“If people are exposed to classical music in the right environment, and given a little insight into it, they will surely be captivated by it,” Muspratt says.

Muspratt is devoted to encouraging a love of music in local youth.

His proudest accomplishments are starting the young peoples’ competition, “Just Ask Kirk” cards, the South Shore Summer Music Festival, side by side concerts with the youth orchestra, and integrating local school choirs and musicians into some concerts, Muspratt says.

“I wish that there could be even more focus on music in school systems generally across the nation,” Muspratt says. “I wish too that there could be more funding for the arts.”

Muspratt attempts to personally acknowledge all the comments and questions from the “Just Ask Kirk” cards. A small number are read and answered at the symphony concerts.

Others are responded to by email or phone. Questions range from the kind of car he drives to the type of wand he uses to requesting a favorite symphony piece.

Recent comments, which are meaningful to Muspratt, included patrons who says the symphony lifted their spirits or moved them to tears.

As Northwest Indiana Symphony conductor and director, Muspratt’s job responsibilities include selecting repertoire for concerts, rehearsing the orchestra and chorus, selecting soloists for concerts, preparing pre-concert and in-concert talks, selecting musicians for the orchestra and communicating with all of the orchestra’s patrons.

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What he finds most satisfying about his career, Muspratt says, is studying the music of great masters, communicating that to the musicians and the listeners, and using his imagination, education and creativity to the maximum of his abilities.

Muspratt, who has been with the Northwest Indiana Symphony 12 years, says even in a down-turned economy, symphony subscriptions have grown 22 percent.

Muspratt personally calls all new subscribers

KIRK MUSPRATT

Music Director and Conductor, Northwest Indiana Symphony and South Shore Music Festival Music Director and Artistic Director, New Philharmonic Orchestra and DuPage Opera Theatre

to welcome them and thank them for their support. Community involvement is a priority for Muspratt.

“Getting to know people of all ages here so that we have almost become family is one of the most important parts of my life, not only as an artist but as a human being,” Muspratt says.

South Shore Executive Director John M. Cain met Muspratt around 2000 when he first came to Northwest Indiana as music director of the Northwest Indiana Symphony.

“We started working together in 2008 when South Shore Arts assumed management of the symphony,” Cain says.

What impresses Cain most about Muspratt is his taste in music and ability to share his knowledge with the audience.

“He is very knowledgeable about music and shares it generously with our audiences,” Cain says. “He has good taste in music and demonstrates great sensitivity in putting programs together. Also, there’s his hair.”

Muspratt always knew he would be a musician. He remembers playing his first piano concert at age 6 in a tiny coal miners’ union hall.

“My mother put on my little clip-on bow tie,” Muspratt says.

“I remember the piece very well. I loved it. I remember all the food I got to eat after. I remember driving home in the car with my mom.”

Muspratt says his musical talent comes naturally.

“It seemed like whenever I played I always won the competition,” Muspratt says. “... There was some natural talent given to me. I think it was destined for me.”

In that small Canadian coal mining village, everybody was from the old country bringing with them their love of music and their understanding of how important classical music is, Muspratt says.

“That was just part of our world,” Muspratt says. “It was a perfect nurturing place for all of us who loved music. It wasn’t just me. Every kid was involved in music outside of school. It is environment. It is always environment.

“However, it was only after I had completed graduate school that the idea of conducting came to me,” Muspratt says.

Muspratt credits his teachers along the way as being his mentors and inspiration.

“All my music teachers back in Canada, as well the multitude of excellent piano teachers and conducting teachers I have had along the way in New York, Philadelphia, and Vienna have inspired and supported me,” Muspratt says.

As for future goals, Muspratt says it would be wonderful to take this orchestra annually to Grant Park and to Ravinia to play concerts there and spread the word about what a wonderful place Northwest Indiana is to live. —Diane Poulton

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Fostering solutions

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er boss describes Kay L. Nelson, Director of Environmental Affairs for the Northwest Indiana Forum, as an outstanding communicator who can bring opposing sides together.

“She is able to bring individuals with vastly different backgrounds and points of view to the table and facilitate a constructive dialog that moves this region forward,” says Mark Maassel, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. “With a deep commitment to our environment, Kay also recognizes the need to care about people and seeks to do both in harmony with one another. She has a great sense of humor and is quite humble about all she has accomplished. And these are only a few of her outstanding qualities.”

Nelson joined the Northwest Indiana Forum in 1998 at the urging of Mark Reshkin, who was the Forum’s Environmental Chairman.

“Upon my departure from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, he offered me a position with the Forum,” Nelson says. “Mark felt that my municipal and state governmental background coupled with my work to date with our regional industries would be a good fit for the Forum.”

Nelson’s current role covers myriad responsibilities.

“All of my projects fall under the general guidance of economic development in harmony with environmental protection,” Nelson says.

Nelson’s responsibilities involving local waterways include Great Lakes Compact, Asian carp issues, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits and Indiana Department of Environmental Management rules and regulations.

Her duties also involve IDEM rules and regulations on air quality and solid waste.

What Nelson enjoys most about her job at the Forum is the opportunity to work on local, regional, statewide, national and international issues. “As a result, there is never a dull moment in my position.”

Nelson says.

The primary challenge today as director of environmental affairs, Nelson says, is getting the residents of Northwest Indiana to fully understand the vast improvements that have been made as a result of environmental compliance and restoration.

“We have such a negative impression of our quality of life as it relates to environmental quality,” Nelson says.

Nelson is proud of her many career accomplishments.

“During the course of my professional work, I have been engaged in co-developing one of the state’s first industrial pretreatment programs, served as grant administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency and IDEM funded construction of the East Chicago Sanitary District’s tertiary wastewater treatment plant,” Nelson says.

Nelson has also hosted an EPA/East Chicago financial meeting, which generated the term “brownfield,” and facilitated Great Lakes Compact discussions among the private, public and environmental stakeholders which resulted in Indiana KAY L. NELSON having the only resolution Director of Environmental Affairs, of support for the Compact Northwest Indiana Forum signed by all parties.

“I also represent Indiana and businesses affiliated with the marine transportation community action groups.” industry on the Asian carp issue,” Nelson Nelson’s community involvement includes says. the Lake Area United Way. An avid swimmer in lakes, oceans, pools “I have been blessed to have a loving and ponds, Nelson says she always knew family, home and health,” Nelson says. she wanted to do something to protect “Serving on this board has provided me the valuable resource of water from a the opportunity to learn more about the recreational standpoint. needs of others and ways in which so many “Fast forward a few decades and my work organizations work hard with very few is much larger than swimming,” Nelson says. dollars to assist those in need.”

Receiving her bachelor of science from Nelson also is past president and a Purdue University in the Natural Resources member of the Dunes Learning Center Board and Environmental Science field, Nelson says of Directors. she has had many mentors along the way.

“The opportunity to provide children the “There are so many who have been a experience to be outdoors, camp and learn significant part of my career. Dr. Mark how to care for our environment has been Reshkin, Lee Botts, Bob Tolpa, a former EPA so rewarding,” Nelson says. “In one field Region Vice President, have all mentored trip to U.S. Steel, a young Gary boy said, ‘I me as I embarked on new and creative ways never knew I could work at the steel mill and to pull people with different positions to protect the environment at the same time.’” the table,” Nelson says. “Also, there were Nelson says her personal philosophy is many industry folks who were leaders at to “treat others as I would want them to pushing their companies to reach out to their treat me.” communities over the years. Glenn Topping, “As long as we can respect our differing retired from U.S. Steel, and Tom Keilman, opinions, we can get along.” —Diane Poulton of BP, had prominent roles in establishing

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A strong personal commitment

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uring her childhood as the daughter of an Army officer, Jill E. Ritchie lived all over the world, but now happily makes Northwest Indiana her home.

Ritchie moved to Northwest Indiana in 2008 when she became Director of Public Policy and Governmental Affairs for U.S. Steel Corp. for the Indiana, Illinois and Michigan region. The position has given Ritchie the opportunity to become an integral part of Northwest Indiana’s business, civic and charitable organizations.

“I’ve lived all over,” Ritchie says. “I was born in Germany and lived in Hawaii, Boston, Kansas, pretty much all over. I went to five schools before seventh grade.”

She attended high school in Mechanicsburg, Pa., before moving to Indiana to attend Indiana University.

“I went to IU because of its Public and Environmental Affairs program,” Ritchie says.

“I wanted to study political science but with

JILL RITCHIE

United States Steel Corp. Director Public Policy and Governmental Affairs for the Indiana, Illinois, Michigan region 30 | IN BUSINESS

a practical twist. Public administration is a good combination of business and political science.”

After receiving her degree, she decided to get a job in Washington, D.C. “I was a little naive,” she says. “I saved a little money and moved, naively thinking I’d get a job quickly. It took a couple of months.”

Ritchie spent two years at that first job working in Electronic Data System’s government contracts division. Law school was her next move.

“I went to law school because I had always been interested in going and I decided it would be better to go sooner than later,” Ritchie says. “I didn’t want to have regrets later in life if my career wouldn’t allow me to go to school then.”

She chose to study law at the University of Pittsburgh because it was reasonably priced and a good school with strong academic program, plus her family was only an hour away, Ritchie says.

After passing the bar, she practiced law at a small firm in Altoona Pa. “That that was the beauty of that job,” Ritchie says. “A small firm allows you a lot of on the ground experience. I learned a lot on the go.”

She moved back to Pittsburgh a few years later to take a job with a larger firm, then soon moved into U.S. Steel’s law department as a litigator in 2001.

“I stayed at that about five years defending lawsuits in the courts, then moved into the Government Affairs Organization,” Ritchie says. “It was very different, but a good move given my background. I’m able to use my law degree combined with public administration. I finally found a good mix of my skill sets.”

She was transferred to the Region when U.S. Steel Government Affairs Organization decided it would be a good idea for the company “to have more presence regionally,” Ritchie says.

“This is the perfect location for getting to all three states and their capitals where I spend a fair amount of time,” she says.

A registered lobbyist for the company, Ritchie says she advocates for public policy decisions at a state and local levels which allows U.S. Steel to remain competitive in a global economy.

“I’m lucky to work for 100-year-old-plus

company with a great structure a great history and a great commitment to corporate ethics,” she says. “I work with state and local elected officials and their administrations.”

Ritchie and her husband, attorney Francis Veltri, live in Chesterton with their 8-yearold daughter, Melina.

She has served as chair of the Northwest Indiana Forum and is a member of the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Manufacturers’ Association, the Michigan Manufacturers’ Association, the Lake County Advancement Committee, the Lake Michigan Marina and Shoreline Development Commission, and the Purdue Technology Center Advisory Board.

Ritchie previously has served on the boards of Calumet College, the Northwest Indiana Boys and Girls Club, the Adult Education Alliance, the IUN Business School Advisory Board, the Quality of Life Council, the NIRPC 2040 Advisory Board, “e” Engaging Northwest Indiana Businesswomen, the Gary Chamber and the Gary New Day Transition Team Task Force Executive Committee.

“I’m lucky to work for a company that values community service,” Ritchie says. “The relationships I’ve made from volunteering are critical for my job. I get to know people on a personal level. It allows you to work through issues when you get to know them by working with them on nonprofit boards.”

Karen Lauerman, the NWI Forum’s marketing director, says Ritchie has been an integral part of the Region and the Region’s leadership.

“She has a way of welcoming new ideas and thoughts and integrating them into the organizations she serves including the Forum,” Lauerman says. “She has a strong personal commitment to leaving the world a better place than when she first got there. She has a sense of loyalty to the organizations she serves and there are so many of them.”

Ritchie has a passion for children that is reflected in her service on the Boys & Girls Club and United Way, Lauerman says.

“She wants to make a difference in their lives,” she says. “Jill freely gives of her time, talents and treasures to make NWI a better place and bring about positive change for the future.”

Ritchie says she and her husband like the Region and the residents and would “love” to stay. —Andrea Holecek

Blazing new trails

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Community HealthNet. “Back in those days, the men were the doctors, and the ladies were the nurses. That was just the way it was. But I didn’t care. I loved the idea of using a stethoscope and taking care of people.”

Luckily, not everyone laughed at her career aspirations. Her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Springer quickly explained to Janet and her fellow classmates that “you could be anything you wanted to be,” and Janet believed every word.

With the undying support of family and friends, Seabrook went from that kindergarten class to spend years of schooling to prepare for a career within the medical field. “I was the first one in my immediate family to graduate from college,” she says. “I was always encouraged by my family to not only express myself, but to do whatever I needed to do to make my dreams come true.”

Even when money was tight, she found scholarships to put her through school. She took a job at McDonald’s and worked as a substitute teacher.

She helped out at church and participated in various summer programs specifically formed to serve underserved areas.

The Meharry Medical School graduate practiced medicine in Gary since 1996, but was inspired to do more when the U.S. Public Health Services DR. JANET SEABROOK designated Gary as the neediest Executive Director of Garycommunity in the nation based Community HealthNet without a community health center.

So, in 1997, she helped found Community HealthNet. Back in those days, the men “The first patients we saw were the doctors, and the ladies were in this little trailer that were the nurses. That was just we parked in the parking lot,” the way it was. But I didn’t she says. “Those first few care. I loved the idea of using a patients had to have a ton of stethoscope and taking care of people.” trust in us and our abilities to walk into a trailer in order to see a doctor.”

Community HealthNet is a nonprofit community based primary health but her entire kindergarten class. care organization dedicated to providing Janet wanted to be a doctor. accessible, affordable, comprehensive “I specifically remember all the kids and quality health service regardless of laughing at my answer,” says Dr. Janet ability to pay. These days under Seabrook’s Seabrook, Executive Director of Gary-based he raised her hand with enthusiasm, much faster than any of the other children sitting cross legged in the circle. Granted, she was still just a little girl. However, Gary native Janet Seabrook already had big girl dreams.

On that day, she knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she wanted to not only exclaim it to her teacher,

direction, Community HealthNet has grown tremendously with the goal to become a medical home for its patients, providing primary care services in each cycle of life, from prenatal care to geriatric services.

In 2004, Seabrook was promoted to executive director and began to see her team around her not only grow, but become inspired. “It’s extremely gratifying for me to see people who have come here to help, and have gone back to get their medical degrees because they want to stay here,” she says.

“To see medical assistants go back to nursing school for example gives this place a real sense of community.”

“When you are in a room with her, her enthusiasm in downright infectious,” says Beryl Fitzpatrick, director of operations and compliances for Community HealthNet. “She is such a forward thinker, and is always open to learn more ways to use her skills in service to others.”

One of the aspects that Seabrook is most enthusiastic about these days is Community HealthNet’s school-based clinics, which target not only students, but has expanded services to treat adults as well. “It’s best for preventative health care to start earlier than later,” Seabrook says. “When they are young, these kids are coming in for immunizations and well checks, but after that, we lose them during high school and college. This is why these school based clinics are so very important.” “(Seabrook) is a legend in this area in terms of health care,” says Fitzpatrick, who began working at Community HealthNet earlier this year after working in healthcare for the past 25 years. “She has such optimism for the cause, and is determined to provide health care to anyone who needs it.”

So what does this health care legend do when she is not among the patients of Community HealthNet? Chances are you just might find her in the kitchen, cooking up some of her famous bruschetta and feeling blessed as to where life has led her and for the people who supported her medical dreams. Because whether speaking at a meeting or conversing with patients at Community HealthNet, there often sits yet another person who has always been there to make sure little Janet’s dream came true – her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Springer.

“A few years back, she gave me a figurine that had the words “Reach for the Stars’ that now sits in my office,” says Seabrook quietly.

“I will never, ever forget those words.”

—Tricia Despres

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A story to tell

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he phone rang, and Kathy Sipple’s life was forever changed.

It was July 2008, and Sipple found herself shaken to the core. The voice on the other side of the telephone line would tell Sipple her sister Julie was laying in a coma hundreds of miles away, the victim of a serious brain injury.

A successful Valparaiso real estate agent at the time, Sipple knew she had clients to call and paperwork on her desk to complete.

Leaving everything to travel to her sister and be by her side through this cruelest of life’s challenges could ultimately have a detrimental effect on the career Sipple had long envisioned. Yet, there was no question or time for consideration.

Sipple hung up the phone and headed straight toward Detroit.

For months, Sipple would remain largely at her sister Julie’s side as she began to regain body and brain functions that most of us take for granted. “Even after she came out of the coma, my sister was rebuilding her strength and working very hard at just surviving,” explains Sipple, who established My Social Media Coach in 2009. “I found out later that she didn’t remember many things that I thought were a shared memory for us.”

Throughout her sister’s recovery, Sipple maintained a blog, constantly updating family and friends of the state of her sister Julie’s condition. And while the hours passed slowly and the fate of her established career remained in question, Sipple says she began to see just what life still had left in store with her both personally and professionally.

“I began showing other families waiting in the Neurological ICU at Henry Ford Hospital how to build their own Carepages for their own family members,” says Sipple, who now works as a Social Media Strategist and Trainer for a wide range of clients throughout Northwest Indiana. “Blogging allowed me to create this community around my sister, and I began to see the different kind of conversation social media could offer. When she was released from the hospital in 2009, she had over 500 followers. I knew right then and there that I could ultimately use these social media tools to help small local businesses back home in Northwest Indiana.”

As her sister Julie returned home to continue her therapies, Sipple embarked on

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her new career. “Looking back now, I know that everything that has occurred in my life and everything I have done career wise has been connected,” says Sipple, who also worked within the sales and marketing industries. “I believe fate brought me to every position, and made my sister’s injury as an opportunity to energize me professionally.”

Now teaching people how to blog and use social media to build their business or further their cause, Sipple says she loves the opportunities the virtual world offers to her growing list of clients. “Every business has an emotional story to tell and I help people use technology to put that story together,” says Sipple, who also KATHY SIPPLE recently launched My Social Media Coach 219greenconnect.com as a way to encourage residents of Northwest Indiana to live in a more I believe fate brought me sustainable manner. “I help them to every position, and connect to the people who want to hear made my sister’s injury that story.” as an opportunity to And while she spends much of her energize me professionally. time these days teaching her clients how to tweet their way through Twitter and update their statuses on Facebook, reachable and online,” she says. “I specifically Sipple is well aware of the importance of schedule screen-free nights, and most will tell continued face to-face interactions. “I’m you that I am not a good texter. You just have definitely not one of those people who to find that downtime or you will ultimately are going to tell you to go home and sit on fall victim to connection and communication your couch and tweet all day,” she says. fatigue.”

“In fact, I tell my clients specifically not to “Kathy’s determination, creativity and do everything virtually. You must find an technology expertise helped her succeed even ground between virtual and real time professionally,” says her sister Julie, who interaction.” continues to make great strides within In fact, Sipple says she finds much her own recovery process. “But most of satisfaction during those times when she all, (Kathy) has taught me to be open to completely unplugs, whether hiking the possibilities and to strive for grace under Indiana Dunes or gardening in the backyard pressure. I could probably write a novel on of her home. “I consider it a rebellion against what she has taught me.” —Tricia Despres my real estate days when I always had to be

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Joining patients on their journeys

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t age 15, Nancy Trimboli was one of the youngest people in her local Tae Kwon Do class, but one of the strongest in terms of sheer resolve to accomplish her life’s goals.

“This was a time when Tae Kwon Do is completely different than it is today,” she says. “My class was filled with mostly adults. Those classes taught me not only to be tough, but taught me about achieving a degree of excellence. I learned the importance of respect and I gained a ton of confidence in myself. Lastly, it gave me a sheer focus on the importance of physical well being that I carry with me to this day.”

She carries all of this, along with a much deserved black belt.

“Yes, I got my black belt when I was 20 years old,” she says. “It felt good to accomplish that goal.”

Since 1993, Dr. Trimboli has brought the power of chiropractic care to the residents of Northwest Indiana, and in essence, helped countless patients regain their own physical well being. “Every patient that I see is dealing with different physical issues,” Trimboli says. “It’s always been about going to people where they are and joining them on their journey. Yes, they come here because they are experiencing some sort of pain. Yet, it’s more than that. We must remember it’s that pain which is keeping that person from thinking clearly and keeping them from achieving their personal goals and aspirations.”

Perhaps it’s her youngest patients that make the most personal impact on Trimboli.

“You encounter a child dealing with a problem within their nerve system, and not only are they in pain, but their entire perception of the world changes,” she says.

“No matter how old the patient is, my hope is that I can help them from being hindered by a physical limitation.

Whether it’s helping a patient get up in the morning without pain or play a better round of golf or enjoy a pregnancy without discomfort, I love that our services can make a difference in how they live their life.”

“I believe all of her experiences help Nancy relate to her patients,” says Craig Harrell, director of community relations and marketing at Hospice of the Calumet Area.

“She finds a common ground and makes them feel very comfortable when working with them. Patients come in because they are suffering physically, but they leave feeling better on a number of different levels. That’s what Nancy does.”

The daughter of an Episcopal pastor, Trimboli grew up surrounded by virtues such as compassion that she puts into her chiropractic services today. After earning a bachelor of science degree with honors from New York’s Adelphi University, Trimboli

DR. NANCY TRIMBOLI

Trimboli Chiropractic

went on to attend Life University in Marietta, Ga., where she graduated cum laude with a doctorate in chiropractic. “(Life University) literally pulsated with energy,” Trimboli says.

“Their motto is ‘to give, to love and to serve out of abundance,’ and that is exactly where I sprung from.”

The ever-changing world of health care creates quite a predicament for many within today’s medical industry, including Trimboli.

“The state of the future of health care is filled with question marks these days,” she says. “I see insurance deductibles continuing to rise, which might just mean that people will go where their dollar gets the most value. They will want to go somewhere where it feels good to walk in the door and where they will be among a nurturing environment, which is something we always want to provide our patients.”

“Nancy happens to be a phenomenal chiropractor who is very successful,” says Harrell, who first met Trimboli after joining the Munster Chamber of Commerce in 2001. “But make no mistake; Nancy would have been successful in whatever career she would have chosen. It’s her nature. Lucky for us, she chose a profession that she’s passionate about.”

As much as she is passionate about the success of her business, Trimboli is equally passionate about also preserving the sanctity of her personal life and treasures the time she spends with the ones she loves the most. “I have been married to my husband for 18 years, and I can’t give him enough credit for helping to create such a wonderful home for me,” she says. “Not only is he loyal and dependable, but he has always allowed me to fly and be free to create everything in my life.”

So what lies ahead?

“When I started out, I couldn’t have envisioned having a business with two offices and 38 employees,” Trimboli says.

“Things are constantly evolving. I’m always the last to know what’s going to happen, which is just fine with me.”

—Tricia Despres

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Taking in the great outdoors

he was born an outdoor girl.

She spent her time biking and sailing and skiing, and when it was time to come inside from a day of having fun, she spent her time waiting till she could go outside once again.

“We used to laugh because people would always say that our father taught us how to ski at the age of 4 years old so he had an excuse to go skiing,” says Sandi Weindling, who now serves as the Director of Marketing and Development at the Dunes Learning Center. “I credit my parents for my outdoorsy nature. I take advantage of every opportunity to be outdoors.”

As fate would have it, a rather good portion of her childhood was spent within the tall grasses of the Dunes. Weindling says having the chance to be reunited professionally with an area she loved so much as a child has been quite the rewarding experience.

“I have one of the best office views in the world,” she says. “While my office might be tiny, it’s amazing to come to every day. I often leave my office around 6:30 p.m. and I will hear all the frogs and the kids in the camp laughing and I realize not only why I am here, but why I was always meant to be here in the first place. It was, it is and always will be my calming point.”

Dunes Learning Center is a nonprofit residential environmental education facility operating in partnership with Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, a unit of the National Park Service. DLC programs serve students from four states and throughout Northwest Indiana.

Weindling says she first became aware of the learning center as a board member of the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association.

“I had only the vaguest idea of what the center could offer me professionally at that time,” says Weindling, who lives in the area with her husband of eight years. “‘Unless you know of someone who has come here as part of our educational services, it is very likely that you have never been here. As part of my current position in marketing at the learning center, I have been proud to coordinate and

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stage a series of open houses which give more people access to the property and to our trails and to our amazing lakeshore.”

“Sandi Weindling is a treasure for the Dunes Learning Center,” says Geof Benson, Executive Director of the Dunes Learning Center.

“Her expansive professional experiences in marketing and advertising strategies are invaluable. She is able to integrate social media and web marketing with beautiful documents and outdoor advertising that are focused and highly effective.

She has been able to leverage our resources and reach a much higher level of effective branding for the organization.

Her attention to detail and artistic vision is very helpful daily, and her sense of humor is pretty good too.”

SANDI WEINDLING And while the center Director of Marketing and Development provides outdoor education at the Dunes Learning Center experiences for school-age children throughout the year via over 50 annual school programs that often I’m passionate about attract over 5,000 students each year, sharing with others the Weindling says she is also looking for overwhelming peace that I ways to continue to expand awareness have always felt, something of the Center. Working alongside a that comes with spending time outdoors. staff with a “wide slough of interests It’s almost as if you truly find your place and specialties,” Weindling says she in this world when you are out there. It’s is looking forward to the upcoming an amazing feeling.”

National Get Outdoors Day and Picnic at the Dunes Learning Center on June 8, which will include opportunities for the public to have she talks with students of all ages regarding lunch, go on trail hikes, enjoy music and the ins and outs of her profession. “I’m marvel at the works of local artists who find passionate about sharing with others the themselves also inspired by the beautiful area overwhelming peace that I have always felt, we call the Dunes. something that comes with spending time “So many people, no matter the age, refer outdoors. It’s almost as if you truly find your to the Dunes as home,” says Weindling, who place in this world when you are out there. also devotes much of her time as a member It’s an amazing feeling.” —Tricia Despres of Leadership Northwest Indiana, where

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An MRI technician works in the open MRI room at the Chesterton Health and Emergency Center.

JOHN LUKE

A physical therapist, right, works with a patient in East Chicago.

HEALTH CARE TONY V. MARTIN

An obvious pattern has developed in Indiana’s health care industry: people get hired. • The industry’s track record isn’t a recent phenomenon and has been predictable, says Patrick Bankston, Associate Dean and Director of Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest.

“This is not a new discovery that all of the business indicators show the health care industry is the fastest growing in the country and the state,” he says. • Even with nearly 9 percent of Hoosiers out of work, the health sciences are a bright spot in a job market trying to shift into gear. In 2012, Indiana health care employment rose by 338,000 jobs.

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ealth care industries have grown by more than 10 percent since 2006, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Professionals agree with the Affordable Care Act on the horizon, newly insured people will demand even more medical care and the needs will become even greater.

“What this means to graduates is that they will have no trouble getting jobs,” Bankston says. “IUN is positioned to be a place that can train a full complement of professionals.

We have a freshmen-to-physician experience. You can come here and in eight years walk across the stage as a doctor.”

The DWD publishes the Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs, which is a list of the 50 fastest-growing, high-wage jobs of the future. The top 10 include included six careers in health care.

The list is designed as a tool to help all ages identify skills for the job market and to help them find rewarding careers with the best opportunities for growth.

Baby boomers, reform shapes hiring

Bankston cites the needs of aging baby boomers, vacancies created by retiring medical professionals and the ACA as among the reasons for the increased demand in

health care.

Millions of Americans are expected to flood doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals as they gain coverage come Jan. 1, 2014.

“It’s going to be a game changer,” says Ted Herndon, office manager at Great Lakes Orthopedics, in St. John.

The ACA will change how many pay for medical treatments and it will reshape the industry, Bankston says. “Medicine will be trying to accomplish the twin goals of providing the best care possible to the most people at the same time making sure the cots are reasonable.”

More people will have insurance but the result during the transition will be a strain on practices because more services and treatments are going to be covered by insurance, both private and Medicare/ Medicaid.

“The demand is going to be there once everything is sorted out,” Bankston says.

“The bottom line is it will, and these are going to be well-paying professions and the demand is going to be high.”

Doctors, nurses in demand

The top four jobs on the DWD’s Hot Job list are doctor, registered nurse, physical therapist and dental hygienist.

Last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported job growth in health care was outpacing 2011, accounting for one out of every five jobs created. Of those, 75 percent are in nursing.

Bankston says the shortage of doctors will

Dr. Joselito Navarro exams a patient during her visit to the Urgent Care center at the Hammond Clinic in Munster.

JOHN LUKE

REMAINS HOTTEST CAREER FIELD Words by LOUISA MURZYN BusINess Contributor

partially be offset by other professionals seeing patients in an ancillary role appropriate to their training. In fact, providers are increasingly turning to the already short supply of nurses and physician assistants.

Herndon says while it takes many years to become a doctor, it doesn’t take much time to train medium-skill jobs or mid-level workers and support staff such as assistants and technicians.

According to WorkOne, Indiana needs these workers and predicts a current and future shortage. In 2009, more than half of all jobs in Indiana were middle-skill jobs representing more than 1.5 million workers.

Half of projected job openings through 2016 will be in these high-paying jobs.

“We’re in even more demand because of the reform,” says Tim Williams, a PA at Great Lakes Orthopedics. “Doctors aren’t hiring more doctors because they don’t know if they’ll be able to afford it in the long run. We’re a cheaper alternative. We come out quicker from school and can be trained on the job.”

The changing environment gives orthopedic surgeon Keith Pitchford pause when giving advice to students because the industry is in transition and tuitions are high. “Five years ago, I’d say don’t worry about it,” he says. “But how do you unbury yourself from the debt?

“When you start tearing this all apart and see the depth of the shifting sands it’s hard to give solid advice. There’s so much

unknown. It’s not unreasonable to take the middle ground. You incur very little debt and can go back to medical school later.

The cream always rises to the top, so if want to become a physician in a couple of years, things will be sorted out.”

Physical therapy shortage

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, unemployment remains remarkably low in that industry, at just a 0.2 unemployment rate.

It is not the quickest career to get into but once training is completed jobs are plentiful and salaries are healthy. There is a trend towards a six-year clinical doctorate which is also creating a worker shortage in the short term, says Tony Ferracani, vice president of human resources for Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, in Munster.

It has taken Community Healthcare System longer to search and recruit, and paid signing bonuses are not unusual. No new schools have been created to offset the increased demand so there is no additional capacity on the supply side. They have also taken a regional, multi-state when looking for new hires.

As the population ages and gets more chronic conditions they are crucial to help people functioning.

Aging baby boomers who are staying active or those who require rehabilitation due to heart attacks, strokes and mobility related injuries. “People in their 60s

Industry ranks high on Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs list

are still jogging and exercising and are having joint replacements,” Ferracani says.

“Everybody is bionic.”

Open wide, brush inside

Currently, hygienists enjoy starting salaries of $50,000, a relatively lucrative position with a two-year degree. Although the DWD forecasts jobs to grow 3.9 percent through 2020, IU Northwest’s Juanita Robinson says graduates are more likely to find jobs in Illinois than in Indiana because residents are losing dental insurance.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job outlook nationally for hygienists to grow at 38 percent, much faster than average. The ACA will bring dental insurance to about 3 million children by 2018, according to the American Dental Association.

Lynn Matalin, a hygienist for 22 years, says a flexible schedule is a distinctive feature of this job. The BLS reports that 62 percent work part-time. Dentists often hire hygienists to work only a few days a week so many work for more than one dentist.

Matalin emphasized compassion, attention to detail and interpersonal skills.

“It helps to have a nice smile since we represent wellness,” she says.

“The salary is good and I like the fact that you can work as little or as much as you want. I enjoy educating patients and helping them get healthy. It’s a great field to get into and I have no regrets at all about this choice as a career.”

SUMMER 2013 | 37

Building a

STEM PIPELINE

The future success of Indiana’s economy

F

Words by LOUISA MURZYN, BusINess Contributor

or Bob Rivers, if there is a stairway to success in this economy and to business innovation in Indiana, it’s stepping up science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, also known as STEM. “Our businesses have sounded an alarm because they have to hire people from out of state” says River, Director of the Center for Science and Teacher Education at Purdue University Calumet.

“We need to create a strong enough pipeline of students and then connect them at the universities to industries from the state and the region so we can boost economic development. And get half of them to stay here. What a shot in the arm that would be.”

According the U. S. Department of Labor, only 5 percent of U.S. workers are employed in these fields, yet they are responsible for more than 50 percent of sustained economic expansion. STEM occupations have garnered 26 percent more earnings than non-STEM occupations.

Indiana needs to urgently address the challenge and raise the bar, Rivers

38 | IN BUSINESS

TIMES FILE PHOTO

Sen. Joseph Donnelly, right, D-Ind., chats with students at the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology during a tour of the school in January. HAST has partnerships with local industries such as BP and ArcelorMittal. The school takes students on field trips, brings in live engineers and offers internships at PUC.

says. STEM workers drive our nation’s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas, companies and industries, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

STEM job growth was three times

that of non-STEM jobs in the past decade and is second only to health care as the fastestgrowing occupational category.

Key STEM fields in Indiana are advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, engineering and

activity,” Rivers says.

He advocates not just after-school programs but in-school programs because they have the potential to impact more students. He says he received a letter from a mother whose son was choosing to go to the naval military academy.

“That program lit a fire in him and allowed him to make choices as he want through middle, high school and college that sent him in that direction,” he says.

WOMEN AND HISPANICS TIMES FILE PHOTO

A high school freshman listens to the chief engineer for Weil-McLain in Michigan City during a simulated job fair at Purdue University Calumet. According the U. S. Department of Labor, only 5 percent of U.S. workers are employed in STEM fields, yet they are responsible for more than 50 percent of sustained economic expansion. STEM occupations have garnered 26 percent more earnings than non-STEM occupations.

information technology.

“If we don’t start producing more students, we are stymieing economic development,” Rivers says. “And let’s face it, every job in Indiana has a connection to technology. We’re not advocating everybody is going to become a scientist, doctor or even get a master’s degree. Jobs are becoming more technical and require more basic mathematical and scientific understanding.”

bigger than just the science. It’s about thinking and reasoning.

We have inquiry based instruction where kids have to uncover it. The learning is definitely the responsibility of the kids.”

HAST has partnerships with local industries such as BP and ArcelorMittal. The school takes students on field trips, brings in live engineers and offers internships at PUC.

MAKING SCIENCE COUNT

IGNITING THE SPARK

Indiana tests students in science but only holds schools accountable for meeting performance targets on reading and math tests, Rivers says.

In almost every state, children will get less time for science in elementary school than they did 15 years ago, according to 2012 data from the American Institutes for Research.

Rivers says its imperative the process include a careful assessment of student ability in science over the long haul and begin at the upper elementary level. Tests need to move beyond multiple choice.

“Math and English get the bulk of the time, and science is an afterthought at the end of the day,” he says. “They need to be held accountable in the right way — not memorizing a bunch of words and definitions.”

Debbie Snedden, curriculum director at the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology, says inquiry and concepts must be taught.

“We have to look at how kids are learning,” she says. “This is so much

STEM jobs are plentiful and will increase in demand, but STEM degrees and certificates have not kept pace with demand, according to data from Washington D.C.-based Change the Equation, a nonprofit business-led initiative.

“We need to light the fire at the elementary school level because that’s where the pipeline starts,” Rivers says. “If you turn them off then they grudgingly go through science and then avoid it like the plague. You’re not going to get students at the college level if they’re not prepared adequately and don’t have the right kinds of attitudes.”

PUC has a submarine simulation program, funded by the U.S. Department of Navy in 1996, called “Exploration Earth: Mission Ocean” to engage students in STEM. “Lighting a fire means getting students plugged into the excitement and intellectual stimulation and enjoyment they can get from doing a scientific

The composition of the STEM education pipeline needs to include more women and underrepresented minorities, Rivers says.

Although women fill close to half of all jobs in the U.S., they hold less than 25 percent of STEM related jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Snedden says “The girls don’t even think about engineering classes but once they get into these projects they see what it’s all about.”

Muhammad Anan and Besma Smida are assistant professors of electrical and computer engineering at PUC. Anan says he has seen more women entering the field of software engineering because working conditions are generally better. “It’s a challenge but it’s still not where we’d like it to be,” he says.

Besma Smida says the numbers remain far too low and that its time to drop old stereotypes and myths of science and technology as being dull and boring. A career in engineering occupations can be varied, exciting, glamorous, she says.

Rivers says girls frequently emerge as leaders during submarine simulations.

“In many cases, the girl is the captain in our teams. You see them working together with skills and concepts they have developed. You see the confidence in their faces and watch them giving orders. It is amazing to see.

“Lighting the fire early on helps build the pipeline so they are ready for the challenging and experiences at the high school and college level.”

John Vasos, of Valparaiso, is living partially off the power grid, but that doesn’t mean he’s living in a tree house with no electricity or running water. Vasos has joined a tiny but growing number of forward-thinking Hoosier homeowners, schools, farmers and businesses to plug solar panel and wind systems into the power grid.

ENERGY PIONEERS

TAKING CHARGE OF THEIR OWN POWER

Words by Louisa Murzyn, BusINess contributor // Photography by Tony V. Martin

John Vasos is living partially off the power grid, but that doesn’t mean he’s living in a tree house with no electricity or running water. // “From late spring to early fall I have so much hot water I have to cover part of my solar hot water system, otherwise it will sit there and cook,” says Vasos, 53, of Valparaiso. // “During the summer my gas bill is less than $1 a month. Even in the winter when it’s below zero, I can generate hot water, which is 120 degrees, and I shower energy-free.”

40 | IN BUSINESS

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asos has joined a tiny but growing number of forward-thinking Hoosier homeowners, schools, farmers and businesses to plug solar panel and wind systems into the power grid.

They are doing their best to improve their impact on the environment, which gives them the positive feeling of being good citizens. Going green allows them to save some green, even at a time when it can be difficult to justify it in dollars and cents.

NIPSCO has a total of 112 of its 457,000

customers participating in its two renewable energy programs, says NIPSCO spokesman Nick Meyer. About half receive a check and half are credited.

Kankakee Valley REMC has nine customers out of 18,000 participating with wind or solar, says member services director John Mack.

SHOWERING ENERGY-FREE

“I hate pollution and value fresh air,” Vasos says. “I don’t think anything should be wasted, especially when there’s a better way, and for me this is. I’m making a difference. It’s cumulative. Eventually the kilowatts I put back will be equal to getting one year of electricity free.”

Vasos saves 20 percent annually with his seven photovoltaic solar panels, which generate electricity when the sun is out.

The electricity either goes to items such as appliances, smoke alarms, and lights or back to the grid.

When residential solar power systems are configured to sell power back to the electric utility, a two-way meter is installed to measure the amount of current flowing back to the company’s electric grid. “Net metering” allows customers to offset part of their energy costs and feed the excess back to the utility for credit.

Vasos does not sell energy back because it would cost him more to receive a credit since he doesn’t produce more than 88 kilowatts of extra electricity. His electricity goes back to the grid and he receives nothing. “It’s unfair and pushes people away from using solar,” he says.

He installed his solar panels two years ago and has given 1,460 kilowatts back. His usage previously was about 11 kilowatts per day compared to nine kilowatts today. In the summer, when there is more sunlight, his usage drops to five kilowatts. He installed 90 evacuation tubes for his hot water solar heating system, which also heats the concrete flooring in his home and saves him 15 percent.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697 in Merrillville built a 42,000-square-foot facility, which boasts a long list of energy efficient and sustainable features.

“We wanted to be at the forefront of technology and the movement for doing the right thing not only for the environment but also the community,” says business representative Ryan Reithel. Being eco-friendly isn’t necessarily cheaper and he compares it to a healthy diet.

“It’s cheaper and more convenient to go through the drive through at a fast food restaurant and eat off the dollar

value meal menu. Eating healthier foods is the way to go and better for you but costs more. It depends on what you value — the environment and our future or the project you are building.”

The IBEW roof has a solar array, which saves the organization up to $30 per day but does not produce excess electricity to feed back to the grid. The panels were used while they were being erected — before the building was even complete — for power tools and site lighting. Plans call for future expansion of solar panels.

The organization is scheduled to install a 100-kilowatt wind turbine that will produce what equates to powering 10 homes each year. The electricity will be sold to the grid and IBEW will receive an energy credit per kilowatt

BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND

Wolfgang Rubsam, of Valparaiso, installed a 120-foot-high wind turbine five years ago and until it got hit by lightening for the third time, it had been generating enough electricity to reduce his electric bill by about 50 percent. His monthly bills dropped to $40. “If it was working right now it would run the whole house and would be fantastic,” he says. “Our dream was busted by a thunderstorm. We can’t afford to fix it, and I will never get that money out of energy savings.”

He and his wife had invested about $38,000 in the turbine, which generated about 20 kilowatts and is beyond the state cap of 10 kilowatts, he says. “Indiana is the worst state for becoming green,” he says.

“That is the root of why people have almost no interest.” The larger size of his system required the sell-back to take place with Wabash Valley Power Association, REMC’s wholesale power supplier.

Rubsam’s wind machine endured three lightening strikes and he found it nearly impossible to find a repair technician.

He says it doesn’t make sense to go with wind unless you are a farmer and can reap the additional benefits. As a private homeowner, he says investing in wind was a mistake and he wouldn’t do it again.

He enjoyed the degree of energy independence. “The point of wind power and thinking green touches on religion,”

Vasos’ home is equipped with solar panels. He has both and incoming and outgoing electricity meter.

Rubsam says. “You believe in it and want to save on pollution and all that. You don’t mind spending the money because you get a lot of joy out of it when it’s working and powering your entire house. It’s really a nice feeling.”

LOW-HANGING FRUIT

Solar panels have dropped in price by 80 percent in the past five years and can provide electricity at a cost that is at or below the current retail cost of grid power in 20 states. Still, most agree it will be a few more years before it’s economically viable.

The American Wind Energy Association reports that in 2009 and 2010, Indiana increased its wind capacity ten-fold and is one of the fastest growing states for wind power.

Bill Keith, owner of SunRise Solar in St. John, is an advocate of the “low-hanging fruit” model for cutting greenhouse gases and fossil fuel consumption. Energy efficiency improvements can meet a substantial portion of demand and are relatively easy, cheap and within the scope of current technology.

Intelligent house layout and design and home features such as dual-pane windows, airtight ductwork and high-caliber wall and attic insulation can curb energy consumption.

“The early adopters in the energy movement bear the brunt of the costs and get the technology out there and as it becomes more mainstream those costs will come down,” he says.

Vasos gets irritated at people who question his investment in sustainability when others pay thousands for other household items such as vehicle, swimming pool or furniture. “I like feeling more energy independent and in control,” he says. “I say put the solar panels up, enjoy the environment and know you have contributed to a greener world.”

SUMMER 2013 | 41

Reflection

Dear Class of 2013

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BY HARRY VANDEVELDE III Legacy Foundation

42 | IN BUSINESS

elcome to the club! One year ago a group of us was in the very position you are in today.

To be recognized as a Professional to Watch in the Region. This is a very humbling experience and a great honor at the same time.

After all, here you are doing good things every day and the next thing you know a reporter is calling you, a photographer is coming to see you and you are in newsstands around the region wondering how all of this happened!

Once you get past the friendly barbs you may get from some folks, and the nice note or email from others in your circle, I encourage you take a moment to reflect upon what this means.

I contend that we can take away a few things from this experience. The first being it is humbling. You can’t help but read the profiles of your fellow classmates and say “Wow, these are some talented folks! How did I get in here?”

I remember being taken aback by the breadth and depth of talent, education, commitment, life experience and diversity in my class. This class exemplifies the same traits. This reiterates something that I speak about often when I am asked about the region and what makes it special—the people.

We are blessed to have such a diverse, talented treasure trove of human capital in the region.

The second thing that jumps into my mind about this class, previous classes and other groups that are highlighted in the region—BusINess Hall of Fame Inductees, 20 Under 40 classes

and others—is their desire to make the Region a better place to be, not just for themselves or their business but for everyone in Northwest Indiana. Embrace this, build it into your toolbox, but here I am preaching to the choir. The third thing that jumps into my mind when I see these types of groups is the brain gain/brain drain concept we hear about. The lists verify that the region is a great place to be a part of, to be a player in and to be an active member of society in. I don’t see much drain here.

I know that the region has its faults; I am not naive to that, in fact by nature of the position I hold I am acutely aware of the needs in the region. With this being stated, I believe that those very faults, each and every one of them can be overcome. Why do I believe that? I believe that because I believe that good conquers evil. I believe that love trumps hate. I believe that the quality of all of our lives improves when we share our talents, treasure and time.

I ask that this class reflect upon this as they reap the attention brought upon them by this placement as a Professional to Watch in region. How are you going to use this recognition? I hope you keep doing the things that brought you to this point. I hope that you always utilize the influence and affluence that you acquire in the future to invest it in ways that enrich the lives of your loved ones as well as your fellow man.

Leaders need to communicate, collaborate, create sustainable plans and overcome weaknesses with the strengths that exist on their team.

A review of these profiles indicates that this class is chock full of these attributes. I encourage this class to advance the region!

I hope that you always utilize the influence and affluence that you acquire in the future to invest it in ways that enrich the lives of your loved ones as well as your fellow man.

Harry VandeVelde III is President and CEO of The Legacy Foundation and a Professionals to Watch honoree in 2012.

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Development

Evaluating your goals and options

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BY HEATHER MCCARTHY Geminus Corp., Merrillville

44 | IN BUSINESS

ith the current unemployment rate at 8.1 percent and the cost of education skyrocketing across the nation, the decision to obtain advanced training and degrees is not one to be taken lightly. It is common now for those in the workforce to seek higher education and training for advancement and job security.

However, consideration must be given to whether there will be a return on the investment of time, effort and the costs necessary for additional degrees or specialized training. While in the past, advanced degrees often were the ticket to advancement and higher-paying jobs, we are seeing this is no longer the case. Now consideration must be given to the value of any newly acquired skills in regard to their ability to enhance career opportunities.

That being said, the appeal of knowledge for knowledge’s sake leaves little to be desired. The key to career advancement in our strained economy requires identifying the core knowledge and basic skills necessary in a given field then further refining and developing those skills for advancement. So how does one audit their current skills within the context of their chosen field? And having done so, how do we determine which of our skills sets are obsolete and need to be updated?

In my personal career development, I wish I could say I had taken a methodical approach to my education.

After a bachelor’s degree, two graduate degrees, and a law degree, it has been my experience higher education in itself is not the ticket to job advancement. Rather it is the ability to target your approach to the desired position or career and feel confident that potential employers will similarly value those skill sets. For myself, as a nonprofit professional, the addition of administrative and legal skills has been instrumental in opening doors for new opportunities ensuring I am marketable within my field. Often career advancement requires a variety of employment experiences, so while narrowing your skills to fit an occupation is necessary, keeping a broad view of the types of employers that will provide the experience necessary to match the educational credentials is key.

My advice to those seeking to advance their careers through obtaining additional education and training is to begin with a self auditing process. Your initial step should be to take the time to formulate a strategy for success. In a highly competitive workforce, the options for increased training and educational opportunities are often overwhelming. The process of self-auditing can allow the clarity to identify the best path for success.

Some areas to think about while evaluating your goals and options include:

1. First and foremost enjoy what you do. Is your goal a rewarding career or a higher paycheck? While both are attractive, committing to extra training and skill building requires time and energy. Make sure the investment will meet your personal goals and well as professional requirements.

2. Catalog your current skills and compare them to those required in your chosen field. Review job descriptions and talk with others in your social and professional circles that have been successful in advancing in their careers. Listening to their experiences and strategies for advancement is motivating and insightful.

3. Remember we all have our own path in terms in professional growth. Not all steps in the process are a cookie-cutter approach. Doing research in your field provides the confidence to determine the best course for you as an individual.

4. Find a balance between your personal life and professional goals. Maintaining a career in addition to obtaining advanced training often leaves us neglecting our important relationships and personal needs. Make sure you take time for yourself. The cost of advanced job skills should not be at the price of personal well-being.

5. Explore different options to obtain your goals.

Graduate degrees are not always the answer – there are certificate programs, apprenticeships, and a variety of learning communities available depending on your field of study. Often these additional options provide mentoring and relationship building opportunities unavailable in traditional classroom environments.

The workforce can be a hostile environment with threats of layoffs and jobs becoming obsolete due to advances in technology. However, with a strategy for success coupled with the right skills we can ensure our advancement and longevity. Researching your chosen field for key skill sets is a start but remember to keep a plan in mind that provides for your growth professionally and personally.

Most importantly, know what your current skills are and also those you need to acquire to advance in your career. This knowledge is not isolated to classroom learning alone, interacting with colleagues provide opportunities for sharing information and relationship building that is instrumental in career advancement.

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek out new opportunities, often career advancement demands the willingness to explore a variety of employers and employment opportunities. Envisioning your success is the starting point, only you can take the first step.

Heather McCarthy is Vice President of Prevention Services at Geminus Corp. and was Professional to Watch honoree in 2012.

Education

A take on lifelong learning

I

BY DAN LOWERY

President, Calumet College of St. Joseph

t’s amazing how many 35- to 45-year-old students I meet say they never expected to be back in school.

They earned a first degree in their early 20s and never expected to read a textbook, take a test or do homework again. And yet that’s exactly where they find themselves: back in the classroom.

So what explains this change of heart? It’s certainly not because it’s easy. Yes, a good instructor can make a course engaging, but it’s a lot of work, too. And a formal course of study requires time away from the family and from other interests. Even more surprising, the pursuit of a second or third degree often has little to do with money. A possible increase in pay rarely explains the blood, sweat and tears typically involved in pursuing a degree. For many adult students, something more fundamental is often involved. Three alternative explanations follow.

First, adult students often report they’ve enrolled in an academic program simply to make sense of their careers. They’ve had some success. They’ve mastered – to the extent that they can – the profession in which they find themselves.

And now they’re looking for context.

They feel a need for a theoretical framework that can help them make sense of the career to which they’ve dedicated so much of their time and effort.

This is particularly so in the case of adults who enroll in for-profit, public and nonprofit management programs.

Second, it’s amazing how many adults feel a calling to a new profession. Again, they’ve had some success, but their day-to-day tasks are no longer fulfilling at a deeper existential or ontological level. They want more from their work lives. Many who enroll in our “transition-to-teaching” program at Calumet College of St. Joseph report this newly discovered sense of calling.

They often describe the second or third career to which they aspire as the “other path not taken.” Certainly, many of us reach a point in life at which money and position mean less than they once did. We now want to

make a difference in someone else’s life. And it’s not just teaching the holds out the promise of greater intrinsic satisfaction. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in the human services, in social work, and in health care can scratch this same itch.

And there is a third explanation as well. We all change over time. It often happens that a new passion or talent is discovered later in life. As a 20-year-old, I felt a deep aversion to mathematics of any kind. I didn’t want to study math, and I certainly couldn’t perceive any relevance that it might hold for me. By my 40s, however, I had developed sufficient self-discipline and the kind of broader perspective needed to do well in math. And in my 50s, I found myself in front of a graduate class teaching statistics. (Several of my math teachers from high school and college would find this to be quite amusing.

And, if they knew, those who have passed on to their just reward, would probably be spinning in their graves.)

But that’s the way life is. Most of us mature over time. And so the same William Shakespeare who seemed so boring in high school, now seems witty and deeply insightful about the human condition. And the same philosophy or theology curriculum that once seemed irrelevant now “feeds your soul.”

It’s commonplace to hear today that education is a lifelong process. Indeed, it is.

We continue to grow as individuals and as members of the various communities in which we hold membership. And our responsibilities and our interests change over time. And that’s why adult education—undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education—is so valuable. It allows us to reinvest in ourselves so that we can get on with the rest our respective journeys.

Most of us mature over time.

And so the same William Shakespeare who seemed so boring in high school, now seems witty and deeply insightful about the human condition. And the same philosophy or theology curriculum that once seemed irrelevant now “feeds your soul.”

Daniel Lowery is the President of Calumet College of St. Joseph and has been a Professionals to Watch honoree.

SUMMER 2013 | 45

Marketing Yourself

Using Personal Brand to advance your career

I

Planning your personal brand involves the same key concepts as planning a business strategy. It takes time and consistency to develop your brand into something people will respond to. Think about how and who you influence as well as who the influencers are within your current organization. If you are working toward a specific job, pay attention to the decision makers within your organization. These can be executives, managers or office assistants. Like any good business strategy, your personal brand strategy needs to have an accurate audience.

You can’t always do everything you want to do inside the office to help increase the trajectory of your path, but don’t be afraid to ask for new opportunities. Raise your The first step: know yourself. When developing your personal brand, it is important to understand who you are hand and volunteer to take on projects.

Develop passions outside the office that can also help and what you want to be known for. Are you a creative, with your career advancement. For example, if you’re innovative, connector? Your first task is to develop your heavily involved with volunteering in the community, “brand mantra.” Basically, this is the “heart and soul” of your experience to transfer into your day job. There your brand, according to branding expert Kevin Keller. have been many documented instances where an It’s the foundation of all of your branding efforts. This employee’s passion outside of the workplace has become can be a difficult task for some. I recommend thinking about how celebrities or businesses position themselves. so successful that positions have been created at their workplace for them to do the same.

Know what differentiates you.

A woman at GE was very involved in volunteer efforts Some excellent examples of brand mantra’s are: for a local nonprofit that raised money to buy shoes Ivanka Trump who identifies herself as an “American for children. She volunteered for five years and worked wife, mother, entrepreneur.” Looking at this from a diligently to raise awareness and increase funds every business perspective for inspiration, Nike’s mantra is year. An executive at GE caught wind of the initiative “authentic athletic performance.” When determining and, after realizing one of his own employees was behind what you want to be known for, take time to think about the effort, he created a position within GE where she is your emotional appeal, description and function. If now the head of charitable giving. you’re unsure what words to use to describe you, ask friends, family and even coworkers for help. It is crucial that your mantra is authentic and something you can The third step: connect your brand with your web follow through on. presence. People are looking you up online whether you realize it or not. Fellow employees and future employers are looking on social media outlets to see how you The second step: develop a plan of action. Identify present yourself. Today’s trends in career management your intentions and set short-term and long-term and social media make it extremely easy to showcase goals for yourself (i.e. 18 months or two years). Career changes won’t necessarily happen overnight. Events will your experience and capabilities while easily networking with professionals in your field. Pay attention to your unfold as they are intended to, but taking initiative to online connections to make sure the image you’re set yourself up for opportunities will allow for greater working for is consistent across all mediums. success when the time is right. Think about where you No matter what you do in your professional and would like to be one year, three years and five years from now. What do you need to do now to be where you want personal life, your primary product is yourself. By taking the time to carefully invest in these three steps, you will to be in the future? be able to leverage your personal brand to advance in Perhaps within the next year you’d like to earn your career. your master’s degree and develop a scholarship fund.

In five years your goal is to be published and to speak at conference seminars. Whatever your goals are, it’s important to think of the end result and work your way Megan Marrs is Marketing Manager for The Times back to the present.

Media Co. and the author of “The First Step to Building Identify the key events that will need to happen in Your Personal Brand.” She also is a contributor to the order for your goal to be accomplished. Remember that Daily Muse, a career- and lifestyle-focused magazine plans are plans. Don’t get discouraged if it takes longer and community for professional women, and Forbes than expected to get to your end goal.

Magazine. She guest lectures at Valparaiso University. n today’s complex and highly competitive marketplace, it is more important than ever to take the reins of your career. While there are many approaches you can take, developing and maintaining your personal brand is an integral piece to progressing in your career.

Personal brand is not a new concept; it is your reputation. Your “brand” is you, it’s your way of telling the world what you stand for, your values, your expertise and why should people care. Developing and maintaining your personal brand will allow you to not be trapped into thinking you can only be or do one thing.

BY MEGAN MARRS

Marketing Manager for the Times Media Co.

46 | IN BUSINESS

nwi.com

Your Automotive Source for Northwest Indiana

Locate Auto Dealers with Ease, in NW Indiana & Chicagoland AcurA joe riza acura • 3 8150 West 159th Street Orland Park, IL 60462 708-403-7770 acura.rizzacars.com

smiTh chevroleT - hammond • 37 6405 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN 219-845-4000 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

webb ford • 71 9809 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 888-869-8822 • www.webbford.com

Thomas kia • 16 9825 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 219-934-2266 • www.thomasautogroup.com

smiTh chevroleT - lowell • 7 700 W. Commerical, Lowell, IN 219-696-8931 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

GMc

MiTSuBiSHi

circle gmc • 65 2440 45th Street, Highland, IN IN 219-865-4400 • IL 773-221-8124 www.circleautomotive.com

nielsen miTsubishi • 22 5020 U.S. Highway 6, Portage, IN 888-503-4110 • www.nielsenmitsubishi.com

muller acura of merrillville • 8 3301 W. Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN 219-472-7000 mulleracuraofmerrillville.com

Team chevroleT • 48 1856 W. U.S. 30, Valparaiso, IN 219-462-1175 • www.teamchevyinc.com

Audi

cHrYSLEr

Team audi • 50 3990 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN (One mile east of the mall) 888-805-3689 • www.teamvwaudi.com

bobb auTo group - chrysler • 15 11009 West 133rd Ave., Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.bobbcars.com

BuicK

griegers chrysler • 5 1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN 219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

circle buick • 65 2440 45th Street, Highland, IN IN 219-865-4400 • IL 773-221-8124 www.circleautomotive.com

souThlake nissan • 34 Rt. 30, 1 Mile E. of I-65, Merrillville, IN 888-471-1241 • www.southlakeautomall.com

HONdA

rAM

Team honda • 51 4613 East Rt. 30, Merrillville, IN 219-947-3900 • www.teamhondaon30.com

bobb auTo group - ram • 19 11009 West 133rd Ave., Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.bobbcars.com

HYuNdAi

SuBAru

webb hyundai • 45 9236 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 219-923-2277 • www.webbhyundai.com

nielsen subaru • 22 5020 U.S. Highway 6, Portage, IN 888-503-4110 • www.nielsen.subaru.com

Thomas chrysler • 11 9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

schepel buick • 10 3209 W. Lincolnway Hwy. (Rt. 30), Merrillville, IN 219-769-6381 www.schepel.com

dOdGE bobb auTo group - dodge • 16 11009 West 133rd Ave., Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.bobbcars.com

cAdiLLAc schepel cadillac • 13 2929 W. Lincolnway Hwy. (Rt. 30), Merrillville, IN 219-738-1900 • www.schepelcadillac.com

griegers dodge • 5 1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN 219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

cHEVrOLET

ToyoTa on 30 • 46 4450 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN 219-947-3325 • www.toyotaon30.com

VOLKSwAGEN

arnell kia • 14 I-94 AutoMall, U.S. 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN 855-472-6718 • www.arnellmotors.com

smiTh ford • 36 1777 E. Commercial, Lowell, IN 219-769-1090 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

ridgeway chevroleT • 1 17730 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL 60438 708-474-4990 • www.ridgewaychevy.com

Team ToyoTa • 44 9601 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 219-924-8100 • www.teamtoyota2000.com

KiA

lake shore ford • 20 244 Melton Rd. (US 20 @ I-94), exit 22A Burns Harbor, IN • 219-787-8600 www.lakeshoreford.com

mike anderson chevroleT • 4 The Chevy Giant on I-65 I-65 and 61st Avenue, Merrillville, IN 2219-947-4151 • www.mikeandersonchevy.com

TOYOTA lake shore ToyoTa • 21 244 Melton Rd. (US 20 @ I-94), exit 22A Burns Harbor, IN • 219-787-8600 www.lakeshoretoyota.com

Thomas jeep • 11 9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

FOrd

chrisTenson chevroleT • 2 9700 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 888-999-9141 • www.christensonchevy.com

JEEP bobb auTo group - jeep • 17 11009 West 133rd Ave., Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.bobbcars.com griegers jeep • 5 1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN 219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

Thomas dodge • 11 9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

arnell chevroleT • 14 U.S. 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN 855-472-6718 • www.arnellmotors.com

NiSSAN

schepel gmc • 18 3209 W. Lincolnway Hwy. (Rt. 30), Merrillville, IN 219-769-6381 www.schepel.com

souThlake kia • 34 Rt. 30, 1 mi. East of I-65, Merrillville, IN 888-478-7178 • www.southlakeautomall.com

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Team volkswagen • 50 3990 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN (One mile east of the mall) 888-805-3689 • www.teamvwaudi.com

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ContaCt your times’ media Consultant to feature your business in the 4 times auto direCtory

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CROWN POINT • (219) 662-5300 MUNSTER • (219) 933-3200 5 poRTagE • (219) 762-1397 VaLpaRaISo • (219) 462-5151

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Calendar MONDAYS

BUSINESS 4 BUSINESS | Merrillville

7:30am-8:30am A J Specialties,1308 E 85th Ave, B4B is a non-compete referral group with 29 active members who are passionate in what they do. Guest are welcome to come and watch the meeting structure.

FYI: Tony Schifino, 219.736.0367, ajspecialties1990@yahoo.com

TUESDAYS

BNI, BUSINESS NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL | Highland

8:30am-10am Harry’s Grill, 9400 Indianapolis Blvd FYI: Michael Pelz, 815.370.2940 ROTARY CLUB OF HAMMOND |

Hammond

12pm-1pm Student Union Library Building at Purdue Calumet, 2200 169th St FYI: Rotary Club of Hammond,

219.513.0549, hammondrotary.org THE NORTHWEST INDIANA PROFESSIONAL NETWORK |

Portage

1pm-3pm LaPorte WorkOne, Sagamore Center, 300 Legacy Plaza, The Northwest Indiana Professional Network meets Tuesdays in LaPorte. NIPN is a networking group for professionals interested in sharing information and resources that would allow them to meet their career objectives and work opportunities.

FYI: Sharla Williams,

219.981.4100 x 305, swilliams@gotoworkonenw.com

WEDNESDAYS

ROI BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP | Crown Point

7:30am-8:30am Crown Point Civic Center, 101 S East St, The Referral Organization of Indiana (ROI) Business Networking Group meets Wednesdays.

Networking starts at 7:15am.

FYI: Debra Corum, 219.769.7787,

roinetworkinc.com

48 | IN BUSINESS

THE NORTHWEST INDIANA PROFESSIONAL NETWORK | Gary

10am-12pm Gary WorkOne, 3522 Village Circle-Village Shopping Center, The Northwest Indiana Professional Network meets Wednesdays in Gary.

NIPN is a networking group for professionals interested in sharing information and resources that would allow them to meet their career objectives and work opportunities.

FYI: Sharla Williams, 219.981.4100 x 305, swilliams@gotoworkonenw.com

Networking Group meets the third Thursday of each month, with a presentation, strategizing employment needs in the changing economy and networking.

FYI: Christine Spencer, 219.836.8610, STMCareerGroup@gmail.com.

FRIDAYS

NORTHWEST INDIANA NETWORKING PROFESSIONALS |

Merrillville

7:15am-8:30am AJ Specialties, 1308 E 85th Ave, NWINP, Northwest Indiana Networking MERRILLVILLE CHAPTER OF BNI | Professionals, meets Fridays. NIPN is Merrillville a networking group for professionals 11am-12:30pm interested in sharing information and Innsbrook Country Club, 6701 Taft St, resources that would allow them to The Merrillville Chapter of BNI, Business meet their career objectives and work Networking International, will meet. opportunities.

FYI: Michael Pelz, 815.370.2940

THURSDAYS

BNI BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GROUP | Schererville

7am-8:30am Holiday Inn Express, 1773 Fountain Park Dr, BNI (Business Networking International) business development group meets Thursdays.

FYI: Michael Pelz, 815.370.2940

NWI PROFESSIONAL NETWORK |

Hammond

10am-12pm Hammond WorkOne, 5265 Hohman Ave, Northwest Indiana Professional Network meets Thursdays in Hammond. NIPN is a networking group for professionals interested in sharing information and resources that would allow them to meet their career objectives and work opportunities.

FYI: Sharla Williams, 219.981.4100 x 305, swilliams@gotoworkonenw.com

CAREER NETWORKING | Munster

7pm-9pm St. Thomas More Weis Center, 8635 Calumet Ave, For those looking for employment, new to the job market or wanting to change position, Career

FYI: Carl Watroba, 219.776.7423, nwinetworking.org.

BUSINESS COUNSELING SERVICES |

Hammond

9am-10am Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, 5246 Hohman Ave, Free business counseling services are available through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) on Fridays.

If starting a business, or having problems in business, call for an appointment.

FYI: 219.931.1000

SATURDAYS

CONSTRUCTION TRAINING PROGRAM | Gary

3pm-6pm Junedale Park, 50th and Madison Street, Gary Precinct Construction Training Program will be training young people 17 to 30 in the art of construction weekly. Bring them to the park where there will be instructors to show how they can learn a trade that can provide for life and generations to come.

FYI: E. Turner/Eloise Smith, 219.712.1392, monstermtu@att.net.

We want to hear from you For more calendar items or to submit a listing, visit nwi.com/ calendar/business.

Proud to be a Best Place to Work in Indiana

As one of the largest energy providers in the state, we are powering lives each day through community partnerships, economic development and environmental stewardship.

Together with our communities, we are building a bright future for northern Indiana.

Learn more at NIPSCO.com.

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

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

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

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