SUMMER 2014
19
PROFESSIONALS
TO WATCH John Cain Richard Christakes Marci Crozier Kathy DeGuilio-Fox John Diederich Heather Ennis Mike Finissi Jennifer Fredericks Mark Lopez Brent Martinson Marlon Mitchell Kelly Schwedland Ruth and Duke VanDerVeen Tyson Warner Beth Wrobel Chenn Zhou Susan Zlajic
ALSO INSIDE ■ The BBB assists consumers, businesses ■ Local food producers make healthier products
Columnists: Scott D. Fech Jeremy Miller
Norma Serrano Williams
Owner of Excellence By Design
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Contents
19
FEATURES
COVER STORY
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH 18-36
19
John Cain South Shore Arts and Northwest Indiana Symphony Executive Director. By Diane Poulton
20
Richard Christakes Alsip Home & Nursery co-owner and CEO. By Diane Poulton
21
Marci Crozier General Manager of Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection. By Diane Poulton
22
Kathy DeGuilio-Fox Director of the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana. By Diane Poulton
23
John Diederich Executive vice president of Munster-based Peoples Bank and its parent, Northwest Indiana Bankcorp. By Andrea Holecek 18 | IN BUSINESS
24
Heather Ennis Executive Director of the Northwest Indiana Forum. By Andrea Holecek
25
Mike Finissi NIPSCO Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. By Christine Bryant
26
Jennifer Fredericks Vice President of Product Program and Retail Operations for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. By Christine Bryant
2 | IN BUSINESS
27 28 29
12
Better Business Bureau: Organization has guided consumers to trustworthy businesses since 1912.
14
Leading the way: Highland native was first female firefighter at BP, first to serve 20 years.
15
Changing tastes: Local food producers making healthier products as consumers seek more options.
16
Built pop can tough: Automakers try aluminum to meet gas mileage mandates.
Mark Lopez Chief of Staff for U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky. By Christine Bryant Brent Martinson Principal at Hobart ■ John Cain ■ Richard Christakes High School. By Christine Bryant ■ Marcie Crozier ■
Kathy DeGuilio-Fox
■ John Diedrich Marlon Mitchell Ivy Tech ■ Heather Ennis Community College Gary campus ■ Mike Finissi Jennifer president.■By RobFredericks Earnshaw
Mark Lopez ■ Brent Martinson ■ Marlon Mitchell ■ Kelly Schwedland ■ Ruth and Duke VanDerVeen ■ Tyson Warner ■ Norma Serrano Williams ■ Beth Wrobel ■ Chenn Zhou ■ Susan Zlajic
30
■
Kelly Schwedland Entrepreneurin-Residence at Elevate Ventures. By Rob Earnshaw
31
Ruth and Duke VanDerVeen Owners of Classic Journeys travel agency. By Rob Earnshaw
32
COLUMNS
37 38
Jeremy Miller, Chief Operating Officer, Lake Area United Way
Scott D. Fech, Principal — University High School, The University of Chicago
Tyson Warner Executive Director for the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. By Louisa Murzyn
33 34 35
Norma Serrano Williams Owner of Excellence By Design. By Louisa Murzyn Beth Wrobel CEO of HealthLinc. By Lesly Bailey
Chenn Zhou Director of Purdue University Calumet’s Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation. By Lesly Bailey
36
Susan Zlajic Manager of State and Local Tax and Government affairs at ArcelorMittal USA. By Lesly Bailey
CALENDAR
40
Business calendar: Check out upcoming events in your area.
The Porter Regional Hospital Health At Work program provides a full suite of job-related medical services. Our goal is to help prevent and reduce workplace illnesses and injuries and to avoid lost-time accidents, and lower your healthcare-related expenditures. At Porter Regional Hospital, we know a healthy workforce contributes to a healthy bottom line. To learn why more employers are choosing Porter Regional Hospital’s Health At Work program, or to schedule a consult, call 219-263-7200.
• Workers’ compensation coordination • Occupational health services • Preventive health and wellness services • General health service coordination • Personalized health coaching with certified nurse health coaches
HEALTHIER EMPLOYEES CAN MEAN A HEALTHIER BOTTOM LINE. Health At Work Clinic
809 LaPorte Avenue, Valparaiso
Portage Clinic Opening Soon Portage Hospital 3630 Willowcreek Road, Portage
Occupational Health and Corporate Wellness Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
Publisher’s Letter SUMMER 2014
As transformative times continue, professionalism, leadership remain constant
L
BY CHRIS WHITE
Publisher, BusINess, The Times Media Co.
We want to hear from you Email pat.colander @nwi.com or write to BusINess Magazine, The Times, 601 W. 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321
4 | IN BUSINESS
ooking over the roster and the resumes of the mid-career success stories that have caught our attention this year, there are some common denominators that stand out in my mind. Whether the names are familiar is not as important as the fact that these are people who have changed the game and gone outside of what used to be an easily defined comfort zone or traditional career path. Good leaders in a comeback economy have always been challenged to create, to invent new paths and solutions as members of this group certainly know well. There is no denying that luck sometimes plays a role in a bend in the road, but staying in the game is the tough requirement for getting the chance when it matters the most. The Director of the Purdue Technology Center, Kathy DeGuilio-Fox, has been helping entrepreneurs in NWI transition ideas into successful startup businesses so often that we tend to forget that starting and overseeing programs like Purdue Portals was once its own big idea. Where would those dreamers be without a resource person willing to fight for them through the dark days? Others on the list like John Cain, John Diederich, Marci Crozier and Mark Lopez are individuals who have turned their traditional roles upside down and re-invented themselves, their jobs and at times their organizations as they move towards their goals. John Diederich, who spent much of his career at a large commercial bank, now sees himself in a job that is very close to public service. He is active on numerous boards, but his reward for working at Peoples Bank is taking part in building businesses – businesses that service and sustain communities in Northwest Indiana. As Chief of Staff for U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, Mark Lopez has found his passion and commitment to this Region, in going the last few miles to make the dream of expanded public transportation into reality. Once Marci Crozier was known as the manager of a large health club. She is now a legend who had the courage to use her personal struggle as an example to improve the health and wellness of the area. She encourages businesses to achieve healthy workplaces. John Cain feels similar obligation to introduce the arts to enrich the lives of people in the community. He is driven to promote the arts, artists and arts education as a vital component to enriching everyone’s lives. There are other stories I know you’ll enjoy reading. Some involve mid-career changes in profession that led to new insights in a traditional field. Others have re-invented their organizations as well as themselves by applying qualifications and skill sets that are not necessarily the norm. These people have often made it to the top of well-known organizations and companies through sheer talent and creative new ideas. And then there are the entrepreneurs, the no-guts, no-glory business owners who bet everything on themselves and won. Thanks to all who shared their insights and stories. They remind the rest of us to deliver on being the best we can be. These are the people we will definitely keep watching.
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2
Publisher Christopher T. White Founding Editor William Nangle Associate Publisher/Editor Pat Colander Managing Editor Matt Saltanovitz Design Director Ben Cunningham Designer Deborah Hile Contributing Writers Lesly Bailey, Christine Bryant, Rob Earnshaw, Scott D. Fech, Andrea Holecek, Lauri Harvey Keagle, Jeremy Miller, Louisa Murzyn, Joseph S. Pete, Diane Poulton, Vanessa Renderman Lead Photographer Tony V. Martin Director of Marketing Deb Anselm Director of Audience Development Kim Bowers VP of Advertising John Tucker Director of Digital Advertising Joe Battistoni Advertising Managers Craig Chism, Eric Horon, Dee Dee White BusINess Advisory Board David Bochnowski, Peoples Bank; Wil Davis, Gary Jet Center; Nick Meyer, NIPSCO; Barb Greene, Franciscan Alliance; Tom Gryzbek, Franciscan Alliance; William J. Lowe, Indiana University Northwest; Anna Rominger, Indiana University Northwest; Thomas J. Coley, Ivy Tech Community College; Susan Zlajic, ArcelorMittal Copyright, Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland BusINess, 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.
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BizWorthy Emerson Power planning expansion TIMES STAFF VALPARAISO | Emerson Power
Transmission Corp. plans to renovate and equip its engineering research and development lab in Valparaiso as part of a $1.87 million investment there. The move, which the company expects will add up to seven new jobs by the end of the year, was announced by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. The Florence, Ky.-based company manufactures bearings and power transmission components. It currently operates a 158,000-square-foot facility in Valparaiso and plans the renovations at its 20,000-square-foot facility there. “The new engineering lab in Valparaiso will enable us to consolidate several labs throughout the United States,” said Jim
JOHN J. WATKINS, THE TIMES
Emerson Power Transmission is planning a $1.87 million renovation and expansion of its engineering research and development lab in Valparaiso.
Porter, vice president of worldwide make it more cost efficient to upgrade our facilities now and in engineering for Emerson Power the future.” Transmission, in a statement. “... “We’re so pleased the Emerson Having a consolidated lab will
has chosen Valparaiso for its upcoming consolidation and expansion project,” said Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. “It’s gratifying to see local commitment to Valparaiso, adding new jobs and new ideas.” The IEDC offered Emerson up to $70,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim the incentives. Emerson, which currently employs more than 550 people in Indiana, is already hiring test engineers, engineering test specialists, reliability engineers and a quality assurance technician in Valparaiso. It also has a facility in Monticello. Interested applicants can learn more about available positions online at www.emerson.com.
Crown Point named a top spot for job seekers in Indiana DIANE POULTON Times Correspondent
TIMES FILE
Crown Point ranks ninth in the state for job seekers, according to a study conducted by NerdWallet. NerdWallet said the city’s workingage population grew by more than 20 percent between 2009 and 2012.
6 | IN BUSINESS
CROWN POINT | Crown Point has been named a top spot for job seekers in Indiana as a result of a study conducted by NerdWallet. Ranked ninth in the state, NerdWallet considered three factors when making the determination. First, it looked at growth in the working-age population, ages 16 and older, from 2009 to 2012 to ensure that the city was attracting workers and exhibiting a trend of upward population growth. Affordability was assessed by comparing the city’s median household income to monthly homeowner costs including mortgage payments. NerdWallet also considered the most recent unemployment rate. In ranking Crown Point,
NerdWallet said the city’s working-age population grew by more than 20 percent between 2009 and 2012. “While the city’s unemployment rate, at 8.3 percent, is higher than the state’s average, the median income in 2012 was $61, 300,” NerdWallet stated. Employment opportunities in the health care field were cited as a positive factor for job seekers as were the professional development opportunities and career support offered by local universities. Crown Point Mayor David Uran said it is an honor for Crown Point to be listed as one of the top 10 locations for Indiana job seekers. “Our tag line of ‘Building a Stronger Community from Within’ resonates with this distinction as our residents and business community work together to make
Crown Point a great place to live and work,” Uran said. “The city is a proud partner by providing the essential services to help protect and complement those investments. This investment is measured by the number of new home starts, the quality employment opportunities and an above-average medium income.” Crossroads Regional Chamber Director Sue Reed said Crown Point is a great community for families. “Crown Point has an excellent school system, great programs and services for families and a variety of housing options,” Reed said. “The new Sportsplex, as well as the many parades and festivals the mayor’s office brings to the city, show Mayor Uran is dedicated to making the city of Crown Point a great place to live and work.”
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Experience the newly-built Family Birthing Center • Proudly part of Community Hospital – the only Indiana hospital awarded Healthgrades® America’s 50 Best Hospitals 7 years in a row (2008-2014) • One of the most experienced hospitals in the region, delivering the most babies per year • The only NW Indiana hospital with board-certified neonatologists in-house around the clock • Ultramodern medical facilities and equipment, including Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
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BizWorthy
South Shore CVA debuts Brewery Trail in Valparaiso, Shoreline Brewery in Michigan City and Three Floyds Brewing Co. and Brew Visitors and natives now have Pub Restaurant in Munster are a new tool for finding local craft included on the trail. breweries, courtesy of the South The CVA said it plans to Shore Convention and Visitors expand the South Shore Brewery Authority. “As more visitors are becoming Trail listings as more craft brewers interested in craft beers and brew- come to the region. Crown Brewing General eries, the South Shore CVA wanted Manager Chris Stanek said to provide them with a place to easily locate those along the South Northwest Indiana is becoming a brewing hub in part because of Shore,” said Speros Batistatos, nearby training schools and “good president and CEO of the South brewing water.” Shore CVA, in a statement. He believes the trail will Seventeen local breweries are showcased on the map on the CVA “pull people off the highway” and benefit nearby stores and website. People may plan their attractions. own brewery tour by clicking on Details on the South Shore “View on Map” on the site. Brewery Trail are available at www. Crown Brewing in Crown Point, Figure 8 Brewing in southshorecva.com/restaurants/ Valparaiso, Back Road Brewery breweries/brewery-trail/. in LaPorte, Bulldog Brewery in Whiting, Hunter’s Brewing in Inside Indiana Business Chesterton, Ironwood Brewing contributed to this report. TIMES STAFF
JONATHAN MIANO, FILE, THE TIMES
Crown Brewing in Crown Point, pictured here, is among nine craft breweries in the region featured on the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s South Shore Brewery trail.
Your people. They’re what sets your business apart. But in today’s environment, even the best employees need to keep pace with changing industry knowledge. That’s where Ivy Tech Corporate College can help. Our world-class training team is committed to one goal: providing the training you need to improve performance, productivity,
8 | IN BUSINESS
and profitability. Whether you’re looking for an industry certification or a customized program, we can help you get the highest possible return out of your investment in your employees.
Excellence in Patient Care
Methodist Hospitals has received the Studer Group Excellence in Patient Care award in recognition of its outstanding patient care and satisfaction performance compared to more than 850 nationwide institutions.
More Evidence of Excellence Methodist Hospitals’ commitment to delivering high quality care has attracted attention from some of the most respected names in health care.
Leading the Way to Better Health
BizWorthy PROFESSIONALS ON THE MOVE Richard (Rick) H. Lohmeyer Jr.,
of Anderson Insurance in Valparaiso, has achieved his designation as Accredited Adviser In Insurance.
Theresa Valade, CEO of
Success Trek Inc. LOHMEYER of Valparaiso, has joined the Chicago Society for Human Resource Management Board of Directors for 2014 as Chair of the Education: Human Resource Development Committee. Legacy Professionals LLP promoted Janice Keene, of Valparaiso, to manager in the firm’s Chicago Compliance Audit Department. Nicholas Otis
has become a partner of the law firm Newby, Lewis, Kaminski & Jones LLP in LaPorte. Illinois Super Lawyers has selected OTIS Gary RailCats Owner Patrick A. Salvi to its Top 10 Illinois Super Lawyers 2014 list. Salvi is the managing partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. in Chicago. SALVI The partnership of Kightlinger & Gray LLP has elected attorney John H. Halstead to the partnership. Halstead practices in the law firm’s Merrillville office. Robert Ordway joined Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative here in Valparaiso. Agent Linda Fillippo was recognized at Century 21 Alliance Group for the most closings at the agency in 2013. Agents Adam Skingley, Sandy Burns, and Diane and Natalie Worstell of the Worstell Group also were the agents with the most sales in December. Casondra Ayling is now the director of business development for Certified Electrician, the joint collaboration of the Northern Indiana NECA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697.
10 | IN BUSINESS
JOB WATCH
Employment in the Calumet Region Lake County MARCH ’14
MARCH ’13
CHANGE
Labor force
220,598
219,637
+961
Employed
202,164
198,186
+3,978
Unemployed
18,434
21,451
-3,017
MARCH ’14
MARCH ’13
CHANGE
Labor force
83,243
82,418
+825
Employed
77,484
75,959
+1,525
Unemployed
5,759
6,459
-700
MARCH ’14
MARCH ’13
CHANGE
Labor force
48,458
48,464
-6
Employed
44,311
43,339
+972
Unemployed
4,147
5,125
-978
MARCH ’14
MARCH ’13
CHANGE
Labor force
2,605,418
2,593,561
+11,857
Employed
2,389,524
2,348,132
+41,392
215,894
245,429
-29,535
MARCH ’14
MARCH ’13
CHANGE
Labor force
372,346
370,226
2,120
Employed
339,662
333,778
5,884
Unemployed
32,684
36,448
-3,764
Percent of workforce unemployed 8.4 percent
Porter County Percent of workforce unemployed 6.9 percent
LaPorte County Percent of workforce unemployed 8.6 percent
Cook County
Unemployed
Percent of workforce unemployed 8.8 percent
Will County Percent of workforce unemployed 8.3 percent
Sources: Indiana Department of Workforce Development/Illinois Department of Employment Security Note: Data is not seasonally adjusted
BizWorthy MADE IN NORTHWEST INDIANA
Former iron worker crafts couture apparel
JOHN LUKE, THE TIMES
Michele Rentas is shown in her Michigan City store, Couture by Citi, where she sells her own creations of gymnastics apparel.
LESLY BAILEY Times correspondent
For your information
MICHIGAN CITY | A former iron-
WHEN OPENED: 2005
worker with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, fashion designer Michele Rentas found a new path during daughter Alyssa’s gymnastics meets. Complaints about leotard fit and quality prompted Rentas to launch her gymnastics, dance, cheer and yoga apparel business, Couture by Citi, after a bad knee injury kept her grounded. “I was a union ironworker for 17 years as a welder and I put up high rises … a few of the nice, beautiful buildings in Chicago. When I got a bad knee injury, I knew I wasn’t going back to that,” Rentas said. “At my daughter’s gymnastics meets, I would listen to what was going on in the gymnastics world
NAME: Couture by Citi
LOCATION: 222 W. Fourth St. in Michigan City PHONE: (219) 221-6330 EMAIL: michele@couturebyciti.com WEBSITE: www.couturebyciti.com TYPE OF BUSINESS: Couture gymnastics, dance, cheer and yoga apparel OWNER: Michele Rentas
… the fit issues and problems the girls were complaining about.” Rentas took nine months to draft a complete pattern for a design that allows room for growth spurts. “The issues were necklines and armholes that were too tight,”
she said. “With a daughter in gymnastics, I was in the same boat as other parents. I was paying for this. I would ask where is that new leo(tard), and my daughter would say it doesn’t fit. So I was spending lots of money. “I design apparel that gives growing room. So every time there is a growing spurt, parents aren’t buying another product. I use U.S.A.-made materials, and they are all made in Michigan City.” Her designs focus on sizing and quality, and she creates the items by hand. She has specialty sizes including tall and juniors, as well as yoga and dance apparel for both women and children, handmade T-shirts and jewelry. “I’ve always sewed. … I want to offer better fitting and better quality products instead of being disposable,” she said.
Earn a prestigious Indiana University degree. Quality n AACSB Accredited n Longest running AACSB school
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SUMMER 2014 | 11
BBB Better Business Bureau advances marketplace trust
Programs aimed at both consumers and businesses Today, the local Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana encompasses 23 Hoosier counties. Executive director Connie Kann represents Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties and was compelled to take the job several years ago. TONY V. MARTIN
12 | IN BUSINESS
LOUISA MURZYN
A
year ago, Christine Villiare convinced James Ellenberger, owner of the three-decadeold Hobart landscape contracting firm Ellenberger’s Maintenance Services, to seek accreditation with the Better Business Bureau because of his honest, ethical and transparent business style. “I think being accredited represents a code of customer trust and confidence because our standards are higher,” says Ellenberger’s office manager in Hobart. “It’s self-regulation. On a daily basis we remind ourselves that we proud to be affiliated and we think about what that means. We tell people about it and discuss our rating and it allows us to use the BBB seal on our directory and in our advertising.” The Better Business Bureau has been driving consumers to trustworthy businesses since 1912. Early in the 20th century, the business landscape was wild with deceptive advertising and had little regulation. Samuel Dobbs, then a sales manager at Coca-Cola, became committed to the truth-in-advertising cause and went on to be the founder of the bureau. Today, the local Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana encompasses 23 Hoosier counties. Executive director Connie Kann represents Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties and was compelled to take the job several years ago. “I liked what they stood for which is trust and integrity,” she says. “There are people out there who try to take advantage of others and its nice to educate the
public and show them ethics in business is possible.” Last year, consumers turned to the BBB 124 million times for free business reviews on more than 4.5 million companies and charity reports on 11,000 charities, at www.bbb.org. Search engines place BBB on their top pages because they know BBB lists highly trustworthy companies, Kann says. Among its services, BBB evaluates business and charities based on ethical standards and provides free dispute resolution between consumers and businesses. Marie Gambetta, chief executive officer at Advanced Dental of Dyer, says her first experience with dispute resolution occurred long ago before the office sought accreditation. The business has been certified ever since. “The process was fair and I was so impressed by what they had done to mediate the issue that I decided it was something our practice should be a part of. As consumers, our dollars are limited and people are less willing to trust just a shingle on the front door. People are looking for a
For your information Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana Schererville office 222 Indianapolis Blvd., Ste 201-A Schererville, IN 46375 (Phone) 219.227.8400 (Fax) 219.440.7388 www.bbb.org/northernindiana Connie Kann — Area Director
trustworthy referral source such as the BBB.” Russell Hodge, co-owner of Erwin Tree Service in Hobart, likewise had a dispute many years ago. Hodge provided the required documentation to the BBB and the case was cleared and closed. “It wasn’t a negative mark against us,” he says. “They go out of their way to see that the company also gets a fair shake in the process so you feel like there’s just not someone throwing stones and you have way to respond. BBB’s process was definitely fair on both sides. As a business owner, it holds your feet
to the fire and that’s a good thing for everyone.” BBB also provides on its website business reviews for millions of businesses and gives each a letter grade to help consumers evaluate the company. For charities, consumers can visit the BBB website and check how much funding is going to actual programs. Lake Area United Way requires the agencies it supports to be accredited. “The BBB evaluation tools are comprehensive and helps agencies operate in a healthy, effective manner,” says Angie Williams, director of community impact for LAUW. “All their components of excellence are well thought out. Trust is the most critical factor and we take it very seriously. It’s being a good steward with dollars that are entrusted. We strive as much as possible that dollars are being put to good use and that we are being good stewards of community resources.” Hodge says many of his customers mention they have visited the BBB website.
“Especially those people who have had problems in the past with another provider,” he says. “Those are the ones who go to the website the next time and do their homework first. “The accreditation is definitely a feather in your cap. In our industry, any guy with a pickup truck and a chain saw can call themselves a tree service. We target a more care-conscious client and the accreditation helps because it pre-screens customers. We’re not looking for a customer once – every time we make a contact our objective is to turn them into a lifelong client.” Villiare is a BBB loyalist. “They are customer service oriented and have a well-oiled machine,” she says. “The right hand knows what the left hand is doing. They are always offering programs to keep our business in tip-top shape. We are constantly improving our customer relations, business and ideas for advertising. The list just goes on and on. Jim (Ellenberger) says he wishes he would have done this along time ago because he’s so happy with it.”
SUMMER 2014 | 13
Leading the way Warnecke the first female BP
firefighter to serve 20 years
JOSEPH S. PETE joseph.pete@nwi.com, (219) 933-3316
W
HITING | Sharon Warnecke is a woman of firsts. The Highland native was the first female machinist to serve on the USS Holland (AS-32), a U.S. Navy ship that supports submarines. She was the first female firefighter at the BP Whiting Refinery, and the only one for 17 years. There’s still only two now. She recently became the first female refinery firefighter to serve 20 years at BP. “She’s been first in a lot of areas,” BP spokesman Scott Dean said. Warnecke is now a maintenance planner with refinery-wide responsibilities who can serve as an engineer or fire truck driver for the refinery’s fire department. Her father, Eugene Warnecke, who worked at Inland Steel, raised her to believe she could do anything. Her journey began after graduating high school in 1981 and began working as a waitress at MinerDunn Hamburgers on Indianapolis Boulevard in Highland. The eatery made waitresses wear name tags that identified the year they were hired. “Another waitress has started there when I was a year old,” she said. “I thought, ‘Wow, I don’t want to be pushing hamburgers for the rest of my life. I want to do something. I want to travel.’” Warnecke enlisted in the Navy, scored high in mechanical aptitude tests and was trained as a machinist. The job was intense. Warnecke worked on repairs for submarines, including the power plants in nuclear subs. Top secret clearance was needed to enter certain parts of the vessels, and Warnecke had to be blindfolded and escorted by Marines to some areas, such as when she had to work in a missile bay. She was often chosen to install equipment
14 | IN BUSINESS
JONATHAN MIANO, THE TIMES
BP Whiting Refinery Firefighter/Engineer Sharon Warnecke stands at the station on the grounds of the refinery in Whiting.
or make repairs because she could crawl into smaller spaces than her male counterparts. After her enlistment ended, she planned to kick around her hometown for a while. Her aunt, Ann Hovan, suggested she get a job at the then-Standard Oil refinery in Whiting where Hovan’s husband worked. Warnecke was so fresh out of the military she had to borrow nice clothes from her cousin for the interview. The company called to say it needed a security guard. She ended up working security for nine years before a maintenance position opened up and she landed that job. She was not the first female machinist there, but was among the first 10. Knowing she had served in uniform, then-assistant fire chief Dick Wilson approached her about joining the refinery’s volunteer fire department. “Sharon was always a driven and inquisitive individual,” he said. “She used to sit and ask questions about the fire department at every opportunity. We’d discuss calls and tactics and she would soak it all up like a sponge. I finally realized that she needed to join the department and was going to be a solid asset.” The massive refinery – 1,400
acres along Lake Michigan’s south shore – is like a self-contained city. About 2,000 people work at the site, which includes its own fire department. The plant has more than 400,000 gallons of highly flammable substances at any given time. Fires are now rare at the refinery because of technology and safety procedures, Dean said. But when Warnecke started, there were at least 200 fire calls a year. “I still remember rolling up to my first major fire at night,” she said. “I was so scared. I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, what have I gotten into?’ But with more training and development, I got to know what to do and how to do it. With each training session, with each call, I learned more.” She was wide-eyed at her first few fires. The more calls she went on, the more confidence she gained in herself and her fellow firefighters. “You work in concert with the person next to you. We train so much that you find your groove, and it’s like a well-orchestrated concert.” Warnecke is a strong person who has made major contributions to the department over the years, Wilson said. “I remember one call, we were short-staffed and I was useless
after accidentally injuring myself,” he said. “I wanted to, and tried to help, but Sharon wouldn’t have it, so there I sat on the back of the truck as this woman pulled out about 500-feet of 5-inch line by herself. That’s no easy task for one person alone but she did it. She really made me proud that day and it’s that type of intestinal fortitude that she possesses.” Like all volunteer firefighters, Warnecke was on call 24/7, and often was roused out of bed at 2 a.m. to race down Indianapolis Boulevard. The work could be grueling. In 1994, during a cold spell not unlike this winter’s polar vortex, pipes froze and thawed at the refinery, causing leaks. The leaking pipes sparked three major fires within 24 hours. “I was exhausted,” she said. “That was 24 hours of running on pure adrenaline. We didn’t have time to eat. Just when we got the trucks back in service order and were about to go home, the second call came out.” Warnecke was most gratified when she could serve as a role model, such as when she marches during Highland’s Fourth of July parade. She remembers the 2002 parade, when they proceeded in silence to honor the firefighters who died during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. She was driving the fire truck and heard little girls along the route excitedly telling their mothers a girl was driving the fire truck. Every year, she visits local schools. The kids pepper her with questions, like how much water her fire truck can hold and how hard it is to drive. She lets them try on her gear. “It’s a huge responsibility,” she said. “One of the reasons I do this is for the women behind me. When we go to the schools for Fire Prevention Week, I like to show the little ones that anybody can do anything. My father raised me that I could do anything I wanted and nobody was going to hold me back, and I want to show other young woman that.”
Changing
tastes Health-conscious consumers look for more from local food producers VANESSA RENDERMAN
vanessa.renderman@nwi.com, (219) 933-3244
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rom lowering sodium and cutting fat to adjusting recipes to exclude gluten, region food producers are trying to keep up with the evolving dietary demands of their customers. At Branya’s Bakery in St. John, serving customers who avoid gluten means waking up three hours early for the work day. The made-without-gluten items are produced first, then brought to a separate place before production begins on the traditional baked goods, bakery owner Jean Theile said. The demand for gluten-free items was there when the shop opened six years ago. But because there is gluten on site, the label “gluten free” could not be used. When the “made-withoutgluten” labeling option was introduced, it created an opportunity for the bakery to start creating. “Two years ago, one of our regular customers was diagnosed with celiac disease,” Theile said. “She would come in and cheat, and it would make her so sick. Her cheat was our butter cookies.” So the owners spent thousands of dollars to perfect a madewithout-gluten version of its popular butter cookie. They sold it secretly for six months and slowly introduced it to a wider audience. They asked customers to serve as guinea pigs as they expanded their made-without-gluten line, requesting honest feedback about the products. Now, they label an assortment of their products, from muffins to doughnuts to breads and cookies, as
JOHN LUKE PHOTOS, THE TIMES
Torti Products Inc. owner Fernando Gutierrez makes whole wheat tortillas in addition to the traditional flour ones.
fiber and protein, he said. His next focus is on products without gluten, but Gutierrez made-without-gluten, Theile said. needs time to develop it properly. “What’s holding me back is you Finding the right taste is a matter of trial and error, combined have to be certified,” he said. That means needing a bigger with years of experience between facility with a separate space for the owners who know which non-gluten products and even a ingredients complement each filter so the flour won’t travel in other. the air and cross contaminate, he “We ruin a lot of product,” said. Theile said. “It was $5,000 just “It’s coming,” he said. “I’m to be able to replicate our butter working hard.” cookie.” Land O’Frost, a lunch meat They also feed the madewithout-gluten treats to their twin manufacturer with a Lansing facility, began offering a line of heart10-year-olds. If the children do healthy products called Simply not make “that face,” then Theile Delicious to meet consumer knows the recipe is a success. demands. The demand for products “Parents have been looking without gluten has been lucrative for ways to improve their kids’ for the shop. lunches – and their own – for “The last eight months, I have sold double the first year and a half quite a while,” said Keith Hill, director of brand management at in sales,” Theile said. The bakery is working on a line Land O’Frost. “We did research and focused on the top six issues of vegan products, eliminating consumers have with lunch meat.” dairy and egg. As they worked to meet those Developing sugar-free options requests for lower sodium, lower is more difficult. Replacing sugar with a chemical substitute is hard, fat and lower cholesterol, the company realized it was falling because things don’t bake the in line with American Heart same way, she said. Association guidelines, he said. Fernando Gutierrez, owner of The healthy lunch meat line is Torti Products Inc. in Highland, certified by the American Heart sells his raw tortillas in 26 local Association’s Heart-Check Food stores. Aside from his aunt’s traditional recipe, Gutierrez offers Certification Program. “The retailers are looking for whole wheat tortillas for customthings like this,” Hill said. ers seeking an option with more
He said the company’s team of food scientists worked to produce a line of healthier products without sacrificing flavor, color and texture in its traditional line of lunch meat. At 50 calories per 1.8 oz. serving, the Simply Delicious line includes slow roasted turkey breast, black forest ham, rotisserie seasoned chicken breast, honey roasted turkey breast, honey cured ham and slow roasted beef. Food safety is another concern for consumers, said Chantel Arsenault, digital marketing specialist for Davidson Safest Choice. The Lansing-based egg pasteurizer offers its products in more than 5,000 grocery stores. Their volume has grown 40 percent in the last year. Safest Choice pasteurizes eggs in a patented process involving a hot water bath. Eggs are not cooked, but the bacteria is killed, making the eggs safe for homemade mayonnaise, ice cream, egg nog and other recipes. “Mostly what we’re hearing from our consumers is peace of mind,” Arsenault said. It opens up culinary options they may have been hesitant to try, because of safety concerns. “Unless you’re cooking the egg completely through, there’s still a potential for bacteria,” she said of traditional, non-pasteurized eggs. SUMMER 2014 | 15
The new 2015 Ford pickup truck on display during the North American International Auto Show in January. The Ford F-150, which has reigned as the top-selling vehicle in America for 32 straight years and the best-selling pickup for even longer, now has a body that is made mostly with aluminum. Associated Press
Built pop can tough? Ford F-150 goes aluminum, as steelmakers try to make lighter metal Joseph S. Pete joseph.pete@nwi.com, (219) 933-3316
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teel goes into skyscrapers, tank armor, the little metal cutting clips on dental floss containers and – up until now – the body of the best-selling pickup truck in the country. But the Ford F-150, which has reigned as the top-selling vehicle in America for 32 straight years and the best-selling pickup for even longer, now has a body that is made mostly with aluminum, the
16 | In Business
same material that’s used in foil, pop cans, takeout containers and Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cup wrappers. In a setback for the steel industry, Ford switched to the lighter metal to cut 700 pounds off the F-150 in order to improve gas mileage and comply with stricter federal emissions standards. The truck has high-strength steel in its frame and parts, but is the first mass-market vehicle to consist of so much aluminum. The metal that is used in Reynolds Wrap generally costs three times as much as steel, so it has mainly been used
in expensive luxury cars like the Jaguar XJR and the Tesla Model S. Most vehicles are made with about 60 percent steel, and much of that metal is made in Northwest Indiana mills, who count both foreign and domestic automakers as some of their biggest customers. Engineers at ArcelorMittal’s Global Research and Development Center in East Chicago and others in the steel industry have been investing in and promoting lighter advanced high-strength steels and new lightweight car designs in a bid to maintain steel’s market share in the automotive business.
Steelmakers have new resolve to continue efforts to develop lighter advanced high-strength steels for cars and trucks, said Ron Krupitzer, vice president of automotive applications for the Steel Market Development Institute, a trade group. “We’re pushing the envelope further and further into more weight savings,” he said. “In the end, this is a motivation to provide car companies with better and better steel solutions, to make vehicles thinner and lighter.” The Ford F-150 had accounted for a lot of the steel shipped out of
the mills, Krupitzer said. A single truck had as much as 3,600 pounds of steel, and the automaker first needed to order 5,000 pounds of steel to winnow it down to that amount during production. Ford sold more than 760,000 F-Series pickups last year, and aspires to sell 1 million annually. Steel Market Update, a trade publication, estimates that the Ford F-150 alone had used 380,000 tons of automotive galvanized sheet steel a year. Beyond the lost business, there is the possibility other automakers will follow Ford’s lead down the path of alternative metals. The aluminum industry has been trying to wrest market share away from steelmakers, the way they did with beer cans after brewers starting switching to aluminum in the 1950s and 1960s. Automakers are under pressure to cut weight, because a federal mandate requires their fleets reach an average of 54.5 mpg, nearly double what it is now. “It could be revolutionary in the industry,” said Tim Roper, president of Smith Chevrolet, which has dealerships in Hammond and Lowell. “Automakers have to make these emissions standards, and are looking at lighter metals as a way to get there.” But Ford is making a huge gamble on the alternative metal, Krupitzer said. The automaker could face production delays because the aluminum body will change the whole production process. The aluminum could be less durable, harder to repair and more expensive to insure. The new Ford F-150 likely will cut into the company’s profitability, since aluminum costs about three times as much and Ford is not raising the retail price of the pickup, though it may have a special arrangement to buy aluminum in bulk below cost, he said. A consumer preference for steel also could affect sales. MindClick Global performed a study commissioned by the Steel Market Development Institute of more than 3,000 truck and SUV owners in the United States, and found that steel is far more strongly associated with strength, safety and protection of the family than other automotive materials. They told pollsters the strength of material would affect purchasing decisions as much as brand and cost, and that they felt safer in steel vehicles than they did
in ones made with the same metal they wrap their leftovers in. “Based on the brand analysis, awareness of the use of advanced high-strength steel directly correlated to an overwhelming amount of consumers, 90 percent, citing a strong preference for and likelihood to purchase brands that make use of advanced high strength steels,” said Jo Anna Abrams, CEO of MindClick Global. “Approximately half of participants surveyed agreed that replacing steel with other materials would undoubtedly lead them to question how the vehicle handles normal wear and tear, and raises concerns about the potential cost of vehicle insurance and repair.” The survey found that 58 percent of respondents said alternative metals would make them question a vehicle’s safety, while 93 percent said they strongly preferred steel over aluminum in fenders, hoods and door panels. “We were aware that people appreciate what steel does in a vehicle in terms of added safety and durability,” Krupitzer said. “But we were taken a little by surprise by how overwhelmingly they prefer steel.”
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SUMMER 2014 | 17
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PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH
■ John Cain Richard Christakes ■ Marci Crozier ■ Kathy DeGuilio-Fox ■ John Diederich ■ Heather Ennis ■ Mike Finissi ■ Jennifer Fredericks ■ Mark Lopez ■ Brent Martinson ■ Marlon Mitchell ■ Kelly Schwedland ■ Ruth and Duke VanDerVeen ■ Tyson Warner ■ Norma Serrano Williams ■ Beth Wrobel ■ Chenn Zhou ■ Susan Zlajic ■
18 | IN BUSINESS
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: JOHN CAIN
SHARING HIS PASSION FOR THE ARTS primary spokesperson for the arts in Northwest Indiana,” he is responsible for programming, hether he is introducing planning, budgeting, fundraising, a Northwest Indiana public relations and working with Symphony concert or the board of directors. performing his annual Under Cain’s leadership there holiday reading before a local have been many accomplishments. audience, South Shore Arts and “In 1997, we were appointed Northwest Indiana Symphony to serve as a Regional Arts Partner Executive Director John Cain of the Indiana Arts Commission,” is doing what he loves most – Cain said. “In 1998, we opened sharing his passion for the arts. For Cain, who has worked with our two branch locations, one in Hammond and one in Crown Point. South Shore Arts for 20 years and In 1995, we started our ‘everykid’ the Northwest Indiana Symphony for six years, his interest in the arts arts education program for children and youth, which has grown to was nurtured by his family. serve 28,000 students annually. “I grew up in a family that valued the arts, collecting, attend- In 2008, we assumed the management of the Northwest Indiana ing theater, etc.,” Cain says. “My Symphony Orchestra, which kept it father loved jazz. My great uncle from being dissolved.” collected 19th century French Kirk Muspratt, Music Director/ paperweights. My parents took me Conductor for the Northwest to the theater and when I went to Indiana Symphony Orchestra the Art Institute for the first time, and South Shore Summer Music I started my own art collection Festival, has known Cain for by purchasing as many postcards 10 years. They started working in the gift shop as I could afford together about six years ago, and pasting them into an album at Muspratt says. home.” “What I think many people After graduating from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, where do not know about John is that he is really an excellent writer,” he majored in theater, Cain operMuspratt says. “I have read many ated an art gallery/antiques shop of his articles and he is truly in the Old Court House in Crown someone in love with the English Point for 11 years before serving as language. He is a fine wordsmith. executive director of the Crown This is such an important quality Point Chamber of Commerce for given the number of people that he four years. As chamber director, Cain was responsible for fundrais- has to communicate with and the plethora of subjects that he has to ing and learned about nonprofit address in any given week.” management, he said. Also, Muspratt says, most “I made a lot of connections people don’t know that Cain is an and this led to becoming involved accomplished actor. in a volunteer capacity with “When I saw him in ‘Capote’ at Northern Indiana Arts Association, the Towle Theatre in Hammond, as South Shore Arts was then I was completely blown away,” called,” Cain says. Muspratt says. “To perform a In his current position, which one-man show like that and to pull Cain describes as “serving as the DIANE POULTON
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John Cain it off with such aplomb is a huge accomplishment.” Cain says his biggest challenge is raising sufficient funds to support all of the South Shore Arts programs. “Which is probably true for almost any nonprofit,” Cain says. “About 45 percent of South Shore Arts’ income is earned and the rest is contributed. We start at zero every July 1. Our annual operating budget is currently $1.3 million. The Symphony’s is around $1 million.” Cain has been involved with many local organizations. Most recently, he has advised the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District. He has also served on the boards of Theatre at the Center, the Wirt-Emerson School for Visual & Performing Arts and the Old Lake County Courthouse Foundation. In addition, Cain has advised many local groups, mainly art-related, in his capacity as executive director of the Indiana Art Commission’s
Regional Arts Partner organization for Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. Many people have supported Cain and the two organizations he works for, Cain says. “They are far too numerous to mention,” Cain said. “But somebody who had a profound impact on me early on was the first board president I worked for in my nonprofit career. That was Attorney Vladimir Gastevich, who was the board president of the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce when I was hired in 1989. He was a very smart man. One of the most important things he taught me was always to say ‘we,’ not ‘I.’” Cain says his personal and business philosophy is “live full and free.” “I don’t know what that means exactly, and who among us is truly free, but it helped me through a crisis in college once and I’ve never forgotten it.” SUMMER 2014 | 19
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: RICHARD CHRISTAKES
BELIEVING IN HIS TEAM
we had to rebuild our client list,” Christakes says. “We sell to other garden centers throughout lsip Home & Nursery co-owner and CEO Richard Chicagoland. We have 140,000 square feet under roof greenhouse Christakes loves his job and I cannot sell any more plants and everything about the than I am already selling. We are successful family business. maxed out there.” As company CEO for 18 Christakes, who grew up in months, Christakes oversees the family business, enjoys being both Alsip retail locations in St. around plants. John and Frankfort, Ill., as well as “I love working in a greenhouse Kingsbury Acres Greenhouse. Alsip but most of all I love having every currently is expanding by building day be something different,” a retail garden center adjacent to the Kingsbury wholesale operation Christakes says. “This job is never boring. It is always changing. I love in LaPorte, Christakes said. finding what the next thing is we “The biggest thing I focus on can do to change and grow.” is team building and delegating Among Christakes’ proudest all these responsibilities down accomplishments is Alsip’s pet throughout the team,” says center. Christakes, who has implemented “Before I took over as general an online employee training program. “I really focus on spend- manager, we used to buy breeder puppies and sell them,” Christakes ing a little bit of time with each of says. “With the help of our Pet my key people on a daily basis and staying on top of communications.” Department regional manager Christakes, who takes a hands- Sandy Richwalski, we changed on approach to his job, can often be that to a 100 percent animal rescue found on the sales floor selling and adoption center for dogs and cats. It was something I felt was very even unloading trucks. Christakes near and dear to my heart. My own said business is brisk. dog is a rescue dog.” “When we bought the greenWith a $200,000 investment house as a wholesale business, DIANE POULTON
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Richard Christakes
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by Alsip and a local veterinarian, a beautiful veterinary facility was built inside each of the retail stores, Christakes says. “We are averaging eight to 10 adoptions per day between our two stores,” Christakes says. The longevity of Alsip employees is impressive, Christakes says, with low turnover. Christakes says he is proud to have and run a successful profitable business that provides an opportunity of employment with good benefits. “I am empowering people,” Christakes says. “I am giving them a job. I am proud to see my staff having some upward mobility.” Christakes says in the past seven years Alsip’s landscape business has grown from scratch to the biggest landscape supplier in Northwest Indiana. “All of those things I don’t attribute to me personally but attribute to my staff and my brother and co-owner David,” Christakes says. “He is just as deserving of any recognition.” Christakes believes it is important to surround himself with good people. “I try to hire people who are better than me,” Christakes says. “We raise each other up. Byron Angerman and Travis Mahan have really driven our landscape business supply to the next level. They are examples of people I have brought in who are better than I am.” Christakes says that includes not only staff but customers, clients and suppliers. He said reputation is extraordinarily important. “I intend to be in business for a long time and I want to continue to develop these good relationships for years to come,” Christakes says. Alsip provides employment for many mentally challenged individuals. “I feel strongly about it and have always had a soft spot in my heart for people who are mentally challenged,” Christakes says. “The job gives them some activity and a sense of purpose. It warms your heart.” An Indiana state accredited
horticulturist, Christakes also hosts My Chicagoland Garden radio show on WJOB, where he answers questions on gardening and highlights experts each week. “It’s a lot of fun,” Christakes says. “The listeners love it. People are very grateful to get that kind of free advice.” Jim Dedelow, general manager of WJOB Radio, says he is impressed with Christakes’ knowledge and business skill. “He really gets it,” Dedelow says. “First of all he has plants on the brain and he is thinking about them all the time – how to better stock the store, how to get better plants and the best quality in there. It is really kind of cool to see somebody who has a true passion for what he is doing. Obviously, it is in his blood line.” Dedelow says Christakes also understands marketing in a digital age. “I think that is part of the reason he has been so successful,” Dedelow says. Christakes has had many mentors in his career. He says his father allowed him to make his own mistakes in business. “He really let me out on my own to learn from my own mistakes and I am grateful for that,” Christakes says. Another mentor is his father-in-law, Rick Hiller, whom Christakes calls upon when he has a big decision to make. “I’ll bounce it off him,” Christakes says. “He has never steered me wrong once.” Another mentor is Redbud Landscaping owner Ray Linz, who helped Christakes break into the landscape supply business. “He has gone to bat for me with other landscape companies bringing in materials and setting up the landscape supply center,” Christakes says. Christakes’ goals are to expand by building a scalable business model and watching it grow. to provide great quality products and services for the area that Alsip’s currently serves and to find homes for as many rescue animals as possible.
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: MARCI CROZIER
PROMOTING FITNESS, HEALTHY LIFESTYLE DIANE POULTON
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est known as a contestant and part of a mother/ daughter team on NBC’s The Biggest Loser Season 11,” Marci Crozier’s expertise in the fitness and weight loss industry began many years prior her appearance on the show. During the past 29 years, Crozier has been employed by Omni 41 Health and Fitness, which is now under the auspices of Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region. As General Manager of Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection, Crozier is highly involved in the club’s daily operations. In 2012, she was named regional director of marketing and sales covering both Omni’s Schererville and Chesterton facilities. which have a combined total of about 180 employees and 9,000 members, Crozier said. During the acquisition of Omni 41 by St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers in 1998, Crozier said she worked to enhance the transition between the two entities striving to develop, coordinate and implement new programs. Crozier says her priorities are to stay educated and abreast of trends in the industry including the federal healthcare initiative. “Business development will always be a priority,” Crozier says. “We have been reframing fitness and educating individuals about wellness for many years, and now it is more important than ever with the conditions of health care reform. We are important on the
Marci Crozier
spectrum of an individual’s and/ or corporation’s health in relation to the continuum of care. One of my goals is to continue to help companies, including ours, see the value of preventative medicine and wellness – wellness/fitness is good business.” The best thing for Crozier about working in the health and fitness industry is the ability to impact human lives. “We – and I say we, because I am nothing without our front line, back office and other supervisors – help people move so they can get off of medications, de-stress, have better relationships and even want to eat right,” Crozier says. “Food and exercise are medicine. We add years to individual’s lives and life to their years. It can’t get better than that. I do love my job and we do it all in God’s glory.” One of Crozier’s proudest accomplishments is representing Franciscan Alliance in the community. “Any acknowledgements I get, I humbly accept on my dear Sisters of St. Francis behalf,” Crozier says. “They give me the opportunities that otherwise would not exist.” Crozier also is a business owner. For 21 years, Crozier and her husband Kevin, whom she describes as a great business man, have owned Valparaiso’s Dairy Queen. “He is a wonderful mentor to many teenagers at the Dairy Queen,” Crozier says. “He has taught me more about patience and love than I can tell you about.
He is my hero.” Courtney Crozier said her mom and dad’s 30-year marriage inspires her. “Their love for each other, their kids and others is what always gives me hope and makes me want to love people unconditionally,” Courtney says. Courtney said her mom has inspired her in every way imaginable. “Yes, we were on a weight loss show together but she inspires me way more than just number on the scale,” Courtney says. “She has helped me learn to be a good businesswoman, a kind friend, a loyal sister, an honest girlfriend, a hard worker in all that I do and to be the best person I can be. She has taught me that it is not how many times you fall but how many times you get back up even stronger that count.” Crozier said being contestants together on “The Biggest Loser” positively impacted their mother/ daughter relationship, and she learned more from Courtney than anyone else on the Biggest Loser Ranch. “She has also been my biggest support in being successful for these past three years,” Crozier says. “Her incredible focus, determination and perseverance, then and now, have kept me going in maintenance.” Crozier’s proudest accomplishments include being the endorser and marketer of Omni’s newest program, Thin & Healthy, which offers a weight loss guarantee based on the relationship of nutrition and exercise; publishing a
Fitness Is Good business corporate sales manual; being active on the Board of Directors for the Wellness Council of Indiana; receiving the 2005 Industry Legend Award; and receiving the Health & Wellness Award from Sen. Richard Lugar and the Indiana Volunteer of the Year award from the state Chamber of Commerce in 2012. Although Crozier has had many mentors, she says she believes “you can learn from everyone – some on characteristics you want and some from characteristics you want to avoid.” Crozier says her parents, Ralph and Angeline Iatarola, taught her a good work ethic. She considers Sharon Sporman, regional executive director for Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness, and LuAnne Cofran, regional business office manager for Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness, mentors as well. “By the grace of God, Sharon came into my life when her husband, Len, hired me 32 years ago,” Crozier says. “She has taught me things from budgets to God’s will.” Crozier says Cofran has taught her to think differently. “She treats everyone she meets with grace,” Crozier said. “I have worked with her for 25 plus years and she still amazes me with her attention to detail and data.” A member of the Gabriel Rocha Foundation, named after a dear friend of hers who died in a mill accident, Crozier also volunteers for many speaking engagements in schools and at nonprofit organizations. SUMMER 2014 | 21
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: KATHY DEGUILIO-FOX
HELPING DREAMS BECOME REALITY DeGuilio-Fox finds it incredibly satisfying to work with people who have an idea and then help s director of the Purdue them to develop that idea into a Technology Center of success product or service. Northwest Indiana, Kathy “Offering coaching and an DeGuilio-Fox’s main introduction to resources that priority is helping entrepreneurs take their dreams from an idea to a help companies overcome hurdles and move toward success is very successful startup business. satisfying,” DeGuilio-Fox says. Her main responsibilities at “The best part of my job is the the center include assuring the success of the incubation program entrepreneurs with whom I get and services; recruiting high-tech to work. I have the privilege of spending my days with some very companies and providing direct smart, forward-thinking people assistance to support the growth who are the most diligent and and development of early-stage hardworking professionals I’ve businesses; coordinating the known and who are accomplishing activities associated with the Purdue Portals program and facili- incredible goals. They inspire me to keep moving forward.” tating access to resources on a Highland Clerk-Treasurer daily basis; overseeing the day-toMichael Griffith, who has known day public relations and marketDeGuilio-Fox since 1994 when ing; establishing a process for she was appointed to the town’s assessing and reporting program outcomes and facility growth; and Redevelopment Commission, sees her work as extremely important reviewing and reestablishing the center’s mission, goals, milestones to the future vibrancy of the Northwest Indiana economy. and processes as needed. DIANE POULTON
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Kathy DeGuilioFox
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“She is assisting with startup businesses that wouldn’t flourish on their own because they couldn’t afford the technical assistance they might need,” Griffin says. “She puts them in an incubator where they and other startups pool the costs so that no one has to pay very much to get much needed technical assistance.” Griffin says these startups are not traditional businesses but more likely involve information technology and research. “In the future they will be great for this economy and it will lead to employment growth,” Griffin says. “New technologies will just essentially diversify this economy in a meaningful way. It is significant. All will be very enduring in my opinion as well.” Griffin describes DeGuilio Fox’s work as “seed planting for the long term.” “She is constantly helping our region, of which she is a native of Hammond,” Griffin says. “Her passion for service is a family trait. Her mother was a committeeman in Hammond for many years and very active in public affairs.” Griffin says DeGuilio-Fox is highly skilled and passionate about her work. “She has both a head and a heart for economic development,” Griffin says. “By heart, I mean that has a passion for it. And she has the head for it. She is smart at what she does. She has all the skill sets that are necessary and part of that is because of her own temperament and part of it is about the body of experiences that she has accumulated. All were component parts of economic development that seemed to have aligned her to get her ready for the good work she is doing now.” DeGuilio-Fox’s goals are to help technology-based companies move successfully from idea to commercialization, to provide sound services to client companies that lead to their success in the marketplace and their ability to create good paying jobs, and to strengthen the forward-thinking community that has developed at the Purdue Technology Center by continuing to add to the
population of growing companies. One of her proudest accomplishments is, as a single parent, raising a son who is respectful, hard-working and accomplished in his own right. “At age 29 he has already forged a successful career path after working diligently to earn advanced degrees and quickly began to move up the professional ranks,” DeGuilio-Fox says. “The second accomplishment is having played an integral role in planning and executing the revitalization of the Highland downtown through infrastructure renovations, streetscape projects and remediation of contaminated property through the use of phytoremediation. This facelift was the jumpstart to renewed life and increased commercial traffic for Highland’s aging downtown.” Job challenges include finding better ways to deliver the center’s message to the right market in Northwest Indiana. “It is a major challenge,” DeGuilio-Fox says. “Finding ways to reach the tech-based startups and/or tier-two companies that need the services we offer in order to move forward is what keeps me up at night. Encouraging the commercialization of new technology is especially challenging in an economy where capital is still tight. But when we achieve success together, it’s all the more rewarding.” Her mentors include two men who have supported DeGuilioFox’s professional activities and endeavors over the years, Cal Bellamy and Dennis Rittenmeyer. “Their leadership, willingness to fight for what they believe in and ethical behavior has always inspired me,” DeGuilio-Fox says. DeGuilio-Fox says she has had some challenging life events occur over the years. “Each one has brought me to the same place — remembering where I came from, remembering the strong values I was taught by my parents and believing that I can make it through any situation if I just stay positive, continue to look forward and take one day at a time.”
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: JOHN DIEDERICH
PEOPLE’S CHOICE ANDREA HOLECEK
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is long career on banking and his attitude toward the customer truly make John Diederich a people person. Diederich is executive vice president of Munster-based Peoples Bank and its parent, Northwest Indiana Bankcorp. “Banking is about the helping people,” he says. “If you don’t want to help people you’re not going to enjoy the business. We (bankers) provide a service. Everybody’s money is the same color. Without passion it’s just a commodity, and as a banker I’ve never viewed it as a commodity.” Diederich has been in banking since he graduated from college in the mid-1970s. He has a degree in finance from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer and a degree in accounting from Calumet College of St. Joseph. “I wanted to be in banking and I think both degrees have helped a lot especially on lending side and they continue to help,” he says. Before coming to Peoples five years ago, Diederich retired as Northwest Indiana regional vice president for J.P. Morgan Chase, where he had been with the bank and its predecessor organization for 35 years. “I took time off before I decided to get back into banking,” he says. “I came to Peoples because it was a community bank on the rise and wanted to grow. It’s an organization that I viewed would be able to help a lot of the commercial customers I had done business with over the years. “At this time in my career happy to be in an organization the size of Peoples,” Diederich says. “It’s still making decisions here, and it’s a size that we can take care of commercial customers in
Northwest Indiana.” David A. Bochnowski, Peoples chairman, president and chief executive officer, says Diederich has a “great gift of knowledge in regards to banking.” “He’s well known in community because of his life-long involvement with a number of banking institutions,” Bochnowski says. “He came to us from Chase and we’re happy to have him on board.” After four decades of experience in banking, Diederich says he still enjoys the work, the challenges it offers and the rewards it produces. “I deal with customers on sales side of business,” he says. “If you can help someone, whether it’s a loan or a wealth product, it’s rewarding.” Diederich’s involvement with Northwest Indiana doesn’t stop when he leaves the bank. Bochnowski says Diederich and he have known each other since the 1980s through both banking and their efforts to help the Region. “He’s a great friend and really the kind of guy and kind of person that bends over backward to help everyone.” Bochnowski says. “He’s been involved in numerous community affairs and organizations such as the Boy’s & Girl’s Club, the Lake County Fair. ... The list goes on and on.” Diederich currently serves as one of the five trustees of the John W. Anderson Foundation, which supports various nonprofit charities dealing with youth, secondary education, social service agencies and health care. The Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana and of Porter County are the Foundation’s Iargest recipients. Diederich has been a member and past chairman of the board of the Northwest Indiana Forum,
John Diederich the Crisis Center Inc., and a former member of the board of the Northwest Indiana Boys & Girls Club. He has also been a director of the Crown Point Community Foundation, the Valparaiso Family YMCA and the Adult Education Alliance. “I think bankers do tend to get involved with the community,” Diederich says. “The only two I get involved with are for kids or economic development. For me, it’s more of a passion than a job responsibility.” The father of two grown children, Lisa and Brian, Diederich says golf is his one hobby beside
his family. “Now that the kids are grown, my wife and I do more things together,” he says. “I really enjoy spending time with family.” Diederich has made Northwest Indiana his home most of his adult life and plans to always stay in the Region. “I think it’s a great place to live and raise a family,” he says. “… There’s a lot of culture here, a lot of things going on. I’m excited to be here and not the guy that’s going to retire and move someplace else. Northwest Indiana has been very good to me and my family.” SUMMER 2014 | 23
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: HEATHER ENNIS
SEEDS FOR DEVELOPMENT bringing people together to make things happen.” A graduate of Chesterton High oving her community and School and Purdue University being civic minded are traits with a degree in communications, that have spurred Heather Ennis’ career in public service Ennis moved to Indianapolis after college and worked in sales and and economic development. marketing for manufacturing A lifelong resident of the firms there, and then in Cincinnati Region, the Porter resident was and in Louisville before coming recently appointed executive director of the Northwest Indiana back to the Region with her husband, Joe. Forum. “We love the Region. My “If I weren’t a Region person husband and my family is from and didn’t love it here, I wouldn’t here,” she says, adding that living be the person for the job,” Ennis in the area means she’s only a says. “I love living here and I like ANDREA HOLECEK
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Heather Ennis
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short distance from her parents and majority of her four siblings, and close to her husband’s residential and light-commercial construction business, Ennis Builders LLC. After her son, Joe, was born, Ennis worked for Chicago Title and Trust, a position that allowed her to have the flexible hours to be with him. When the position as executive director of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce became available, her parents urged her to apply. “My parents – Michael and Sue Harris – told me about it,” Ennis said. “They’re both civic minded and believe in giving back, supporting the community any way you can and using your talents to do that. They thought the job would be a good fit with me.” Ennis was hired by the Chamber and stayed on the job until leaving for the job at the Forum. She is the first woman to lead the Forum, which aims to promote business investment and job creation throughout the region. “I love people,” she said. “The best way is to get things done is to build relationships and be with people. Dealing with people and getting to know them better is always beneficial.” Jeff Trout, Chesterton Town Councilman and owner of Trout Glass & Mirror, says through Ennis’ leadership the Chamber grew and became a much more proactive economic development organization than it had been in the past. “Heather is very goal driven,” Trout said. “Once a project is put before her, she works really hard to make it happen. She knows how to get things done. She’s a hard worker who’s made a lot of connections for the Region and she will continue to benefit the Duneland Chamber in her new position that will give us added exposure.” Ennis agrees. “Through my job at the Chamber I did a lot of economic development things and often worked with the Forum,” she says.
“I love people. The best way is to get things done is to build relationships and be with people. Dealing with people and getting to know them better is always beneficial.” “I know that will be a benefit. I always say, ‘You don’t have to be in same boat, but let’s all row in the same direction.’ “ Ennis sees great things ahead for Northwest Indiana. “I think we’re seeing a tremendous amount of opportunity here,” she said. “There are more companies looking at us every day. The leads we’re seeing are outstanding.” Yet people need to realize that economic development doesn’t happen at warp speed. “One of the hard things about economic development and infrastructure is that it happens slowly,” Ennis says.” It takes a lot of planning and it takes years for things to come to fruition. But if you don’t plan for it today, tomorrow never comes. Me, I like to rock the giant rock. It’s awesome work.” Because of her many commitments to the Region through her job and membership and participation in various organizations – such as the Northwest Indiana Forum Economic Development Committee, the Porter County Economic Development Alliance, Porter County Jobs Cabinet and Porter County United Way – Ennis said she relishes the time she gets to spend with her family. “I have an 8-year-old son and spend as much time as I can with him and being with my husband, my family and friends,” Ennis said. “I’m fortunate because I’ve grown up in the area and have an excellent support system here.”
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: MIKE FINISSI
DOING THE RIGHT THING from NiSource, were getting out and supporting the organization’s orporate social responsibility community efforts. It was overwhelming to see our folks wanting is an important focus area for most local businesses and to give back and get involved in such a big way.” leaders. And, as part of the Diane Kemp, executive only Fortune 500 Company in the region, NIPSCO has an important director of the American Heart role in leading by example when it Association, says Finissi’s leadership has prompted comes to giving back. employees and even other Look no further than Mike companies to embrace the Finissi, NIPSCO’s senior vice organization and its mission. president and chief operating Through Finissi’s initiatives, officer. Responsible for the programs have been put in place company’s entire electric and that ultimately result in a worknatural gas system, customer force that is more keenly aware service and field operations, of the importance of risk factor Finissi has also helped forge modification and the understandrelationships with community ing of signs and symptoms of partners in an effort to serve the community in more than one way. heart attack and stroke, she says. “This ultimately impacts “We’re much more than just lifestyle changes and improves a utility company,” Finissi says. the cardiovascular health of our “We are fortunate to serve such communities,” Kemp says. “The a diverse customer base, and it’s legacy Mike created has inspired critical that we understand the and motivated other community unique needs of each community leaders to take action and lead the to better align our resources to charge by inspiring a healthier support their interests.” Each year, NIPSCO contributes community.” This year’s Charity of Choice more than $1.5 million to hundreds of organizations across the region campaign is focusing on The Wounded Warrior Project, with and many of its more than 3,000 employees are actively engaged in previous years including the Boys & Girls Club and the American the communities where they live Red Cross. and work. But, Finissi and the company’s The American Heart focus on corporate social responAssociation is one of several sibility goes beyond community that have benefited from the giving. company’s charitable endeavors. “It plays a role in everyday Through NIPSCO’s Charity of decision making including Choice campaign that Finissi our attention to inclusion and initiated, employees choose the diversity, hiring practices, supplier nonprofit recipients of dollars selection and commitment to raised among employees through employee safety,” Finissi says. pledge drives and other fundrais“Doing the right thing for our ing activities. In the campaign’s customers and communities is first year, staff raised an inspiring $200,000 for the American Heart something that is woven into the fabric of our culture.” Association. Internally, Finissi has “NIPSCO was one of the top demonstrated that commitment contributing companies in the by improving the quality of life of country,” Finissi says. “But it was his own employees by instituting more than just donations. Our employees, including participation safety measures that have resulted CHRISTINE BRYANT
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Mike Finissi in a drop of employee incidents. “The recordable rate has improved significantly over the past three or four years, and the severity of injuries has also diminished,” he says. “We accomplished this through human performance initiatives and we brought in industry experts to teach us more about ergonomics and safety hazards.” Reducing the number of incidents from vehicles backing out of parking spots was a top initiative for the company in recent years. So, the company instituted a new policy that required all employees to back into a parking spot and to have passengers serve as spotters
to direct the vehicle if available. In a matter of time, the company’s vehicle incident rate dropped. “It sends a great message to the organization that we really care about our employees,” he says. Finissi also is leading a significant $800 million capital project that will play an important role in improving the region’s environmental quality. “From investing in clean air technology to investing in our local communities, we take great pride in our responsibility to lead the way and develop relationships that result in making this area a great place to live, work and play for future generations,” he says. SUMMER 2014 | 25
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: JENNIFER FREDERICKS
GIVING GIRLS THE KEYS TO SUCCESS Jennifer Fredericks
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CHRISTINE BRYANT
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eaving a successful career with JPMorgan Chase’s Worldwide Security Services, Jennifer Fredericks has set her sights on building the next generation of leaders through the nonprofit community. Now serving as vice president of product program and retail operations for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Fredericks says the work of building leaders she and her colleagues do at the organization is the most important work she can be doing. “I saw the opportunity of working for this Girl Scout council as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mix my corporate skill set with my passion for the Girl Scout organization in my very own backyard at a key time in the organization’s 100-year history,” she says. While women have and continue to be leaders of families, organizations, corporations and political arenas, Fredericks believes there is still work to be done. “It’s important that organizations such as the Girl Scouts continue to help girls know that they have a place at the table to discuss important issues, and that their voice and opinions are key to making the best decisions possible,” she says. Fredericks’ first involvement in Girl Scouting was as a girl, serving in Troop 265 in DeMotte. As a professional, she continued her involvement by joining the board of her local Girl Scout council. A short time later, that local council aligned with six other councils as part of a national strategy to streamline the business structure of the organization, she says. “I served on the realignment committee overseeing that merger, joined the board of the unified council and then transitioned from the board to being a staff member,” Fredericks says. In her current role, she oversees a team of people who ensure that girls of all ages learn goal setting, decision making, people skills, money management and business ethics by participating in the largest girl entrepreneurship program in the country, she says. “Our fall product and Girl
“It’s important that organizations such as the Girl Scouts continue to help girls know that they have a place at the table to discuss important issues, and that their voice and opinions are key to making the best decisions possible.” Scout Cookie programs help girls understand the principles of running their own business, even at the age of 5,” she says. Fredericks also is responsible for the six retail locations, as well as the organization’s camp trading posts where girls, families and volunteers can buy program supplies, uniform components and girl-centric items that reinforce the leadership development program for girls. Christa Ojeda, chief financial officer for Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, said Fredericks takes the organizations analytics to a whole new level. “Responsible for the (organization’s) largest revenue stream, she is a proactive thinker, quick to implement what is needed while keeping everyone informed of the process and results,” Ojeda says. “Always willing to take more on, she is the type of person you can’t help but feel lucky to have on your team.” As in any business, for-profit or nonprofit, relationships are the key to success, Fredericks said. “We have a group of more than 24,000 incredibly dedicated volunteers who make Girl Scouting in Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana possible,” she says. The primary difference between her nonprofit work and her former career is that every day she has an opportunity to make a difference and help make the world a better place, she says. “It’s one thing to help influence the global economy, it’s a whole other level to impact the life of a girl who may someday change the world,” Fredericks says.
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: MARK LOPEZ
PART OF THE
SOLUTION CHRISTINE BRYANT
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veryone has two choices: either be part of the problem or be part of the solution. As chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, Mark Lopez says he’s fortunate to have an opportunity to be part of the latter. A professional that is on many lists of those to watch here and in the nation’s capital, Lopez is responsible for developing and implementing all policy objectives, strategies and operating plans for the representative of Indiana’s 1st congressional district. “I manage and direct all activities and staff of the Washington, D.C., and district office, as well as coordinate all activities with his responsibilities on the Appropriations Committee,” Lopez says. Though he spends about 75 percent of his time in the Region, he is on the road often, traveling to Washington to assist Visclosky in implementing plans that work toward improving the economy and adding jobs to the Region. “I believe strongly the role of government is to provide the economic infrastructure to support a healthy economy,” Lopez says. “The office is focused on working with private, nonprofits, local, state and federal officials to make improvements along our Lake Michigan shoreline, improvements on the three river systems, improvements at the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal, improvements to our freight rail network and most pressing, the continued maintenance and extension of the existing South Shore Rail Line.” For Lopez, an extension is not about building a train – it’s about building an economy. “Northwest Indiana’s economy
“I believe strongly the role of government is to provide the economic infrastructure to support a healthy economy.” will improve if the public and private sector work together to build on our many assets – most noteworthy, the hard working individuals who want a brighter, better future,” he says. While Visclosky partners with local elected officials, often it’s Lopez who initially reaches out to community members. “Congressman Visclosky entrusts a great deal of confidence in Mark, and as someone who works with him on a regular basis, it is easy to understand why,” says North Township Trustee Frank Mrvan. As a township trustee, Mrvan has worked with Lopez on a variety of projects to address transportation-related needs and revenue generating activities within the township. “This partnership supports North Township’s efforts to provide constituents the most cost effective and efficient delivery of government services,” Mrvan says. As a political science major in college, Lopez always had a strong interest in working in the public arena. He interviewed with Visclosky in February 1996, and was chosen to serve as his campaign press secretary during that election cycle. At the end of the campaign, Lopez moved to Washington to take an internship opening, and after a few years working in the nation’s capital, was selected
Mark Lopez for an opening in the Northwest Indiana office that allowed him to focus more on infrastructure development for the region rather than policy. Lopez has served as the Congressman’s chief of staff since June 2009. His interest in public service stems from his upbringing, Lopez says, learning about politics and community activism from his mother and stepfather who were successful business owners. “Most evening dinners, the discussion centered around my siblings and I receiving a good education,” Lopez says. “Conversation often turned to the topics of the day and about the role of government, and the impact – positive and negative
– of providing government services.” He learned to have a healthy democracy, participation is required. “I have been very fortunate in my life, and I have received great support from my family along the way,” Lopez says. Now he focuses on providing the same opportunities for his two sons. “My responsibilities are to stay focused on the responsibilities that the Congressman has entrusted in me, to help facilitate his efforts to improve the economic infrastructure of Northwest Indiana, so my two sons, Joey and Jack, have the choice to live and work in Northwest Indiana,” Lopez says. SUMMER 2014 | 27
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: BRENT MARTINSON
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS CHRISTINE BRYANT
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teacher for 13 years, Brent Martinson saw an opportunity to reach out to even more students. Taking the leap from the classroom to administration, Martinson is finishing his second year as principal at Hobart High School. “The biggest difference
Brent Martinson
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between a teacher and a principal is that as a principal, I get to interact with all of the students on a daily basis,” he says. “Also, working with all of the teachers and sharing what others are doing on a daily basis is inspirational.” Though the decision to leave the classroom came with much consideration, Martinson says becoming a principal gave him a chance to build the next
generation of young leaders. “I feel that we need to train our future leaders to model a strong work ethic and challenge others to take initiative in leading others,” he says. “I feel that as an educator we need to put our young leaders into leadership positions and situations to help them develop strategies that they can use to influence others. If we can get our students to believe in themselves, then they can achieve excellence.” Prior to taking on the role as principal at Hobart High School, Martinson spent the first nine years of his career in education as a social studies teacher at Tolleston Middle School in Gary, followed by four years at Pierce Middle School in Merrillville. He also served four years as assistant principal at Hobart High School. “When I was teaching at Tolleston, I had an assistant principal encourage me to go into administration. And when I began the course work, I started to see how we could make an impact on more students,” he said. “I feel I have the greatest job on earth and just want to get better every day.” Peggy Buffington, superintendent of School City of Hobart, said Martinson has already made an impact on the lives of his students and the educators around him. “Brent Martinson is an incredible leader who facilitates a climate where every student, teacher and parent believes that all will succeed by building positive relationships,” she says. This mindset started with his vision of Mission Possible, an initiative that encourages students to succeed by meeting their needs. “Mission Possible is displayed throughout the school with banners, but more importantly, it is displayed by the positive attitudes of all stakeholders,” Buffington says. “If you ask the students, they will recite Mr.
“I feel that we need to train our future leaders to model a strong work ethic and challenge others to take initiative in leading others.” Martinson’s creed, ‘If you believe it, you can achieve it.’” Martinson often inquires about academic progress as he interacts with students, opening his iPad and looking at grades before sending students on their way to success with a cheer, she says. “The students and staff know he genuinely cares, which is the model for them to all follow,” Buffington says. “It makes Hobart High School a unique place for students that impacts families and has a positive effect on the community of Hobart.” Since taking over as principal, Martinson has also looked for ways to help students better be prepared for college or a career upon graduating high school. “We have implemented a College and Career Readiness Homeroom to focus specifically on this area,” he says. The school also has implemented a Positive Behavior Program that focuses on students who are exhibiting positive behaviors on a regular basis, and recently introduced a new Work Ethic Certification Program through The Center of Workforce Innovations that will go into effect next school year. This program promotes behaviors that will help students be successful beyond high school, Martinson says. “The greatest reward of being a principal is seeing the students accomplish their goals,” he says. “Whether they are short-term or long-term goals, they feel a sense of accomplishment, and seeing the joy on their faces is worth every late night and stressful moment.”
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: MARLON MITCHELL
TRANSFORMING THE COMMUNITY ROB EARNSHAW
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he new Ivy Tech Community College Gary campus president has plans to engage the community into inspiring people to want to innovate and transform their community by learning more about it and learning how to make a huge impact. Marlon Mitchell plans to make an impact in the community since being named president of the Gary campus in January. Mitchell graduated from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University and went to work at IBM as a system engineer. After six months there he realized he loved the corporate world and was good at what he did, but didn’t believe he was helping people. At that point, Mitchell made the decision to return to school and pursue higher education. “I’m happy,” Mitchell says. “I know I help people and I still find myself in the technology space creating solutions that make people’s lives better.” During his 20 years as a college administrator, Mitchell has had progressive experience in the higher education environment ranging from large universities, to a historically black college university to a technical college. That experience helped him take a systems and holistic approach to issues and problems that institutions face. Mitchell also focuses on people first. “I believe people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” he says. “And once you get the people on board, then implementing a system or change becomes a little easier.” Mitchell says Ivy Tech supports the residents of Northwest Indiana not only educationally but also developing skills that fit the community. “I believe Ivy Tech in particular is really in a prime position to be that catalyst of change and
“I’m happy. I know I help people and I still find myself in the technology space creating solutions that make people’s lives better.” the vehicle people can attach themselves to and begin to change their lives and the community,” he says. Mitchell says Ivy Tech has been going through a lot of change for the better to become efficient and effective in the delivery of its services and seeing those services are not just educational. “It’s like a huge buffet of things we do,” he says. “And getting people to know our story is something we haven’t done well at but that’s one thing we hope to get better at – being able to tell the Ivy Tech story and how it fits within the community for the greater good of Northwest Indiana.” Prior to his arrival at Ivy Tech, Mitchell was the regional dean for Indiana Wesleyan University. He was also dean at Atlanta Technical College. “One of the things I’m most proud of in higher education is the work I’ve been able to do with governmental agencies,” he says. While in Atlanta, Mitchell served on a steering committee that revamped the teacher education programs for colleges and universities. He was involved in a program called the African American Male Initiative that took males and helped them begin to transform their lives by removing the excuses or barriers to college. “We put in a mentoring program, childcare and addressed transportation needs,” he says. “We also helped them clean their records if they were incarcerated
Marlon Mitchell or had a run-in with the criminal justice system so they would be employable.” Mitchell says he hopes he can duplicate that in the Region. “Being a community college we need to maintain a pulse of the community and what the ills are and try to assist in that area,” he says. In addition to his role as president Mitchell serves the community by serving on the boards of the Urban League and Lake Area United Way. Mitchell also is involved with the Empowerment Conference, which consists of a group of ministers from Northwest Indiana that meets to discuss social justice issues.
“I believe I was called to serve and not just in higher education but to empower people overall,” he says. “And what better way to empower people than through grassroots organizations where you know you’re effecting change in a community you live?” Lake Area United Way President and CEO Lou Martinez says Mitchell is going to do a great job for Ivy Tech. It’s a great fit for him and a great fit for our community,” Martinez says. “He works hard at what he does and is very focused.” Mitchell says Ivy Tech’s Gary campus is open to having discussions and partnerships “that will make our campus better but also making our community great.” SUMMER 2014 | 29
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: KELLY SCHWEDLAND
FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURS ROB EARNSHAW
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few years ago Kelly Schwedland witnessed a “huge massive explosion” of entrepreneurship activity in Chicago. His reaction? Why not get that going in Northwest Indiana? Schwedland earned his bachelor’s degree in management from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and an MBA in strategy and entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago’s
Booth School of Business. He also has built a couple of companies in Northwest Indiana, as well as worked on a couple of startups in the Chicago area. The entrepreneurship activity he witnessed in Chicago was due to Accelerate Labs, now called Techstars, which is a program that brings in seed money to startups. It was during a time when investment capital was only going towards established companies. With Accelerate, people started to build companies
Kelly Schwedland
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“gunning for that money.” In 2012-13, Schwedland says about 250 new companies formed in Chicago and a lot of them becoming successful without Accelerate, which only took in about 10 companies a year. “It was the catalyst to drive all this startup activity,” he says. So in January 2013 Schwedland researched online and found about 500 people within 25 miles of his home who had hardcore tech skills. He began inviting them to a tech group he created on LinkedIn to gauge their interest. That led to about 50 people showing up at a startup event that April at Figure Eight Brewing in Valparaiso. The idea was for it to lead to Northwest Indiana’s first Startup Weekend, which teaches tech entrepreneurs how to take their business ideas from concept to launch. When Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas stopped by one, Schwedland realized that “this may have legs.” Schwedland then reached out to Elevate Ventures, which has money at the state level to invest in companies, as a funding source for launching local startups. That’s when Elevate asked Schwedland to join as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence. “My role is to foster entrepreneurial activities,” he says. “These is part of why we’re spending the time and effort doing the startup weekend and spend a fair amount of time coaching entrepreneurs through meet-up event and trying to help who are the entrepreneurs or those who have ideas they’d like to develop further.” Schwedland hopes to improve the region’s ecosystem and part of that is looking at where the jobs are coming from today. “How do we move ourselves more towards where technology has moved the economy and how do we move our local economy in that direction as well?” he asks. Schwedland says part of the process has been visiting local universities to find out what they are doing and understanding the technologies they might have
available. Then it is talking to various banks and asking what they are seeing and what clients they have that can use money for growth opportunities from an investment standpoint. One of his goals is to identify individuals who want to be angel investors for startups. Schwedland says a report shows that innovation-driven enterprises have the opportunity to draw resources from outside the region and bring them back. “From an economic development standpoint those companies have the potential to drive our economy forward,” he says. “From the state’s perspective, they want to attract those companies here. From my perspective I want to see those companies homegrown so they’ll stay here. I want to take those entrepreneurs and help them develop and create large sustainable growing companies.” Northwest Indiana’s first Startup Weekend took place in April at Purdue University. Schwedland is also hard at work planning Tech Foundry, Northwest Indiana’s first accelerator program set to launch this summer. Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas says Schwedland is a true entrepreneur and understands the needs of young entrepreneurs and what is necessary to bring their ideas to commercial reality. “We’re very excited about his work with Elevate Venture as we explore the partnership here in Porter County to create the Tech Foundry which I think has great promise,” Costas says. “Kelly brings an incredible amount of knowledge as well connections and with the tech community. He’s really at the cutting edge of helping us build a strong tech accelerator here in Valparaiso. He understands a lot of what’s happening in Chicago which is becoming a center for emerging technologies and we hope to capitalize on that as a suburb of Chicago which many young people who are part of the creative class would enjoy calling home.”
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: RUTH AND DUKE VANDERVEEN
OFFERING NEW
ADVENTURES The VanDerVeens service all destinations and have personally traveled to many different places. ne day Ruth VanDerVeen “We get to know the ins and walked into a local travel outs,” Duke says. agency to buy a ticket for VanDerVeen notes that Classic her oldest daughter, who was on her way to study at Oxford Journeys also doesn’t charge service fees and don’t plan too. University for a semester. The She says the business has agent asked VanDerVeen if she grown every year except one, wanted to travel to London also. But VanDerVeen left with only the 2009, when the economy flatlined. ticket for her daughter. “It didn’t go that much The agent called VanDerVeen backwards but it wasn’t quite the a week later asking her if she was year before,” she says. sure about not going to London Duke says he thinks people because she found a good deal for two roundtrip tickets. VanDerVeen are becoming more aware of the need to use somebody who can and her husband, Duke, accepted represent the travel product better the offer. because of the cost to travel today. A bigger offer came “Would you click a computer VanDerVeen’s way a little bit later mouse for $5,000 or would you when the agent asked her if she ever considered becoming a travel rather talk to somebody who’s been there, can represent it and agent. VanDerVeen had been cleaning can support you throughout your trip?” he asks. “Even to the point homes for 20 years and thought when you get back and you had a being a travel agent was a dream bad trip, can they represent you?” job but not a reality because Rachel VanDerVeen has grown she didn’t want to go back to school. The agent offered to teach up traveling with her parents VanDerVeen everything she knew. and credits their success to her mother’s customer service as well. And she did. “She’s very personable and VanDerVeen would go on to knows what she’s talking about,” start her own agency, Classic she says. “She’s going to be honest Journeys, in 1994. Soon she with you. If she’s not familiar with became a Sandals/Beaches preferred agency and a Chairman’s something she’s going to talk to a credible source or get referrals Royal Club Member. It became a family affair. Duke from other clients who have been does the accounting, among other there.” Rachel said they’re not going to things, and another daughter, send clients somewhere they don’t Rachel, handles the company’s social media platforms in addition know anything about just because it might fit the client’s price. to being a travel agent there as “We’re really going to look into well. it and find the most information Classic Journeys now has we can,” she says. clients from all over and a big Duke says Rachel has following, VanDerVeen says. “We keep growing on referrals,” developed a similar passion as her mother’s for the travel business, she says. VanDerVeen prides herself and which means Classic Journeys can exist for a long time. her family’s success with Cedar “It’s up to her what direction Lake-based Classic Journeys on this is going to take in the future,” customer service. he says. “It’s most of the compliments Pamela and Justin Rechter, of we get,” she says.
ROB EARNSHAW
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Ruth and Duke VanDerVeen Highland, used Classic Journeys for their destination wedding and say it was “the best experience.” “Ruth was always so friendly and helpful,” Pamela Rechter says. “She was experienced in the location of our trip and in how weddings worked on the property. I could always tell she had my best interest in mind. We had a large group of people traveling as well and she made all of us feel stressfree. Everything we requested
or needed was taken care of and done so in a timely manner. I will continue to recommend Ruth and Classic Journeys to anyone looking for an experienced travel agent team.” Despite their busy schedule and frequent trips Ruth and Duke, who have been married for 43 years, find time to volunteer as a host couple at The Ravines, a counseling center for marriages in Lowell. SUMMER 2014 | 31
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: TYSON WARNER
BRINGING ENERGY, VITALITY TO NORTHWEST INDIANA LOUISA MURZYN
As far back as he can remember, Tyson Warner was a devotee of Legos and urban planning. While most youngsters were more interested in Mister Rogers’ fantasy world of make-believe, Warner lived for the opening sequence of the children’s program in which the camera pans slowly over a model of the neighborhood with its electric trolley. When he was older, the Sarasota, Fla., native made routine visits to Disney World but found the amusement park design more thrilling than the rides. “I was more fascinated by the way they created an environment that completely changed as soon as
you turned a corner,” says Warner, of Beverly Shores. “You were immersed in the experience of good urban design. It was how the monorail connected the different parts of the park and how the systems functioned in a very efficient and natural way. That made a huge impression and I was intrigued.” Warner is executive director for the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. He replaced John Swanson, who served as head of NIRPC since 2004. Previously he had been a planning director in Will County, Ill., where he guided development on the urban and rural fringe for the fastest growing county outside the sunbelt. He also oversaw the
Tyson Warner
32 | IN BUSINESS
award-winning Land Resource Management Plan, which brought together the county and its 36 communities and other interest groups. On a regional metropolitan scale, he provided community assistance, regional collaboration and participatory workshops for a population of 8 million across 284 municipalities with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Geof Benson, executive director for the Dunes Learning Center, is impressed by Warner’s wealth of experience. “It’s fun to watch him connect with other leaders out in the communities – 53 commissioners and 41 municipalities in three counties,” he says. “He’s witnessed a lot, has a solid head on his shoulders and is willing to take on challenges. He brings an even keel. NIRPC deals with a lot of personalities on issues ranging from mass transit to highways to planning to the environment. He’s willing to try new things, adjust and not get too flustered. He wasn’t born and raised here but he ‘get’s it.’” Swanson, who is retired, agrees. “He’s got a strong set of skills but also a strong commitment to Northwest Indiana,” Swanson says. “He recognizes its potential. He is looking out for the region long term to see how we can take advantage of opportunities to make this a better place to live, work and play.” In 2009, Warner was recognized by the American Planning Association with its Distinguished Service award for his commitment to the planning profession. He received the honor during the 2009 Upper Midwest Planning Conference, which he co-chaired and which honored the 100th anniversary celebration of Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. Burnham, an American architect and urban designer, is Warner’s role model. Warner sees our pocket of the Hoosier state in the same light as Burnham saw Chicago – as
“Always leave some place better than you found it. That’s the legacy planners want to leave. That’s what gets me up in the morning – a desire to impact peoples’ lives in a positive way.” a vibrant urban community with clear geographic advantages. In Northwest Indiana, there is the Indiana Dunes to the north and the Kankakee River to the south. “First and foremost, you can’t talk about us without talking about our position on Lake Michigan and the fact that this entire region is defined geographically,” Warner says. “What makes us special is we have these great natural resources and communities with old histories and rich character.” For Warner, the themes Burnham set forth 100 years ago have tangible continuity in the present because communities today wrestle with similar issues. Burnham’s plan remains a gauntlet thrown to the future which challenges planners everywhere to dream of big ideas that fire the imagination. By all accounts, Warner can bring beauty out of chaos and legions of politicians, developers and other neighborhood dynamos to act in the public interest. “It can be difficult,” he says. “Bureaucracies can weigh down a person. You get into the field with good intentions and then have to work through a system. But if you hold that vision out ahead of you while you are doing it, it helps propel you forward.” His mantra is simple. “Always leave some place better than you found it,” Warner says. “That’s the legacy planners want to leave. That’s what gets me up in the morning – a desire to impact people’s lives in a positive way.”
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: NORMA SERRANO WILLIAMS
PAINTING FROM THE
HEART LOUISA MURZYN
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acebook executive Sheryl Sandberg maybe be urging women to “lean in” to their careers to achieve their goals, but Norma Serrano Williams is inspiring them with scaffolding and a paint brush. “I thought the world was ready for a woman contractor who came into a house and didn’t talk down to women clients,” says Williams, owner of Excellence By Design, a residential and commercial paint contractor who hires women. “I am up against men who have doing this longer than I’ve had a driver’s license, which can be intimidating. The priority for me is growing a business slowly and methodically with all the dedication it needs for the long haul. You do that by connecting with each client as if they are the only one you have.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that through 2022 the painting industry will have a growth rate of nearly 20 percent, which is almost double the 11 percent average growth rate for other professions. The Lew Wallace graduate, who started her small business out of necessity after her marriage ended, says her revenues have grown 300 percent in the last 12 months compared to 2012 after getting two guaranteed contracts. “It felt like perpetual Christmas,” she says. “There isn’t a word to describe the feeling when you have been struggling for so long. It means buying groceries is no longer an issue.” When she started the business nine years ago, she was a single mother with three children. She had dropped out of ill fitting jobs in corporate America and learned the trade on her own to feed her
family. Today she purposely hires women who are going through tough times and often have no experience. She has hired and trained more than two dozen women, some of which have gone on to start their own companies. “My goal is not to see a total transformation,” Williams says. “For some, their hurt is big. My goal is to love on them while they are with me, let them know I am always there for them and to help them follow their own path to happiness.” Rhese Fallon, 37, worked for Williams and in the process learned to reclaim and trust her intuition, which enabled her to get her own business rolling, a Merrillville-based residential and business cleaning firm called iClean. “She’s all about empowering women,” says Fallon. “Working for her was a godsend. It was exactly what I needed when I needed it and it was coming from a very strong woman with a big heart. I was going through a tough time and she reminded me what I was capable of doing. I needed to hear that from somebody else besides myself.” Williams is equally as passionate about empowering young girls. She has mentored young women who may come from disadvantaged circumstances and tries to make a positive impact on their future while teaching them a valuable skill. She and members of her crew in 2013 trained six girls from the The Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana’s Keystone Club program. The group painted the tech center at the Hammond Club. Robert Montgomery, interim Vice President of Development
Norma Serrano Williams and Marketing for the Boys & Girls Club, says Williams allows the girls to explore new parts of themselves and say goodbye to old stories and patterns. “She helps open their eyes to whatever dreams they may have,” he says. “Their lives are challenging because nine times out of 10 the people that are supposed to be building them up are tearing them down. Williams’ mentoring helps them to visualize someone getting her self worth from herself instead of the world because the world would have told her she wasn’t good enough.” Montgomery says Williams allows the girls to unleash their authenticity. “She goes against the grain,” he says. “You never
see an all woman paint crew, and I don’t see very many women at all in construction or labor. She’s blazing the trail being a native of Gary – to grow up and be something no one would ever imagine. I think that’s remarkable.” Williams in March received the Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s Workplace Diversity Award. She is ecstatic to have earned her recent contracts but insists the benefits aren’t always measured in dollars. “I am a rich woman because I have some incredible women in my life that I get to bless,” she says. “I live a great life with my children and I am happy. Every day of my life makes a difference in somebody else’s life.” SUMMER 2014 | 33
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: BETH WROBEL
EXPANDING THE NWI COMMUNITY’S SAFETY NET LESLY BAILEY
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fter building on her mechanical engineering education, Beth Wrobel found herself at a career crossroads after facing a family challenge. “I spent 22 years at NIPSCO/ NiSource in a lot of different positions: construction, project director, head of research and development ... My dad was
diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2000 and I left to take care of him,” Wrobel says. “After he died, I was working on my MBA at VU and my business law professor, Elizabeth Gingerich, asked me if I knew anyone who wanted to run the health center that was then Hilltop Neighborhood. “I looked at it and thought, ‘How hard is it to run a health center?’” she laughed. “The rest is history.”
Beth Wrobel
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Since 2002, Wrobel has been leading HealthLinc, a federally qualified health center. It serves the uninsured and underinsured through six locations focusing on a patient-centered medical home model. “We treat the whole body and I think that makes us different. We work with the whole person … if you went to the doctor with a stubbed toe, they are going to take care of it and send you home. If you had that and were depressed, we are going to take care of that as well and keep track through electronic health records. We try to coordinate care for patients,” she says. “We are the hospital’s ‘safety net.’ Traditionally, a hospital had no recourse then to serve those who are uninsured in the ER. They fixed the issue of the day but did not have a way to improve their health.” Last year, the center assisted 22,000 patients through more than 100,000 visits. “In the communities we serve, the hospital has a resource to send those without a medical home,” she says. “Our staff wants to improve the health of the communities we serve. We feel we can do this by serving those who traditionally have not had a place to go for primary care.” Under her guidance, HealthLinc has expanded its service area into East Chicago, moved its Valparaiso location to a larger space and created new partnerships in Starke County. Moving Starke County Forward brings together organizations to uncover obstacles hindering a healthier county as well as spark ideas through a health improvement plan. “Sometimes the health of the community is more than just primary care. In all of our communities, we seek out partners who have a like mission,” she says. “At our Valpo clinic,
“We treat the whole body and I think that makes us different.”
we are able to do medical, dental and behavioral care and we added optometry at our new location. We have a partnership with Fagen Pharmacy so we have a pharmacy on site. “It’s a one-stop shop. It gives us room to have a team approach.” The United Way of Porter County recently recognized Wrobel with an Outstanding Professional Award at its annual celebration. “I believe she is a visionary. She looks at the region and looks at what people’s needs are and then works to find a way to meet their health needs … the fact that HealthLinc has expanded throughout the region serving people with no insurance or minimal insurance,” says Sharon Kish, president of the United Way of Porter County. “The new mobile (health center) van is such a wonderful addition to take health care to the schools and where people live in rural communities. She is always looking to see what can improve services here for people.” Wrobel believes her family, which includes husband Joe and sons Chris, Tom and David, as well as her team and professional connections are key to her success. “The business of health care is not always looked at. I had the underlining skills and some of the talents but I network to learn new things. When I don’t know something, I find people I see as experts in the field or who have some knowledge and I network and work with them,” she says. “You learn quickly that you are only as good as the people who work with you. My team makes me look good every day.”
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: CHENN ZHOU
FUSING HER
PASSION
benefits and generated enormous interest from the community. rom blast furnaces to French We found that the integration of CFD simulation and virtual reality poetry, CIVS Director visualizations is helpful in providChenn Zhou and her team ing insights and predictive models are looking at the world in a in the same ways CFD simulations virtual and innovative way. are, but that they are also helpful Purdue University Calumet’s in communicating the complex Center for Innovation through data more easily.” Visualization and Simulation Zhou has a bachelor’s and is a research center that brings master’s degrees from Nanjing together education and applicaUniversity of Aeronautics and tion across a variety of fields and Astronautics in China and disciplines. she received her doctorate in “CIVS allows us to integrate advanced simulation and visualiza- mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in tion technologies to create virtual Pittsburgh. In her career, she has worlds for real problems. This fused together her passion for empowers people to communicate education and engineering. more effectively and to achieve “Growing up in a family of better and faster solutions,” says educators, I dreamed of someday Zhou, who is also a professor in fulfilling a similar role. During mechanical engineering. the college application process, “We were able to create my parents wanted me to major the world’s first virtual blast in liberal arts,” she says. “It was furnace, which has been used in troubleshooting, optimization and my high school teachers who convinced my parents to allow me training in the steel industry. In health care, we’ve worked on brain to major in engineering because I was also good at math and MRI imaging, preparation and virtual Medstation. We’ve created science. I truly appreciated my high school teachers, which in fact virtual French poetry.” enhanced my passion on teaching. At PUC since 1994, Zhou has “Now as a professor, CIVS been leading the center since director and interim associate vice its inception in 2009. She was chancellor for research and gradudrawn to it based on her studies ate studies, I am able to contribute of computational fluid dynamics, to higher education on many levels which uses numerical methods and in many roles through leading, to predict behavior of fluids and educating and collaborating the effects of fluid motions past with students, faculty, staff and objects. “I started to focus on develop- members of external organizations and industries.” ing applications of CFD to solve Zhou has conducted a large industrial problems in 1995, when number of funded research projCFD was not well recognized and ects totaling more than $17 million accepted by industries. When I and collaborated with numerous found out PUC was beginning experts from more than 80 to develop a 3-D visualization organizations. She has published lab in 2008, I decided to explore more than 260 technical papers, the possibility of combining five copyrighted CFD codes and my research with virtual reality two patents. visualization,” she says. “I truly believe that tech“Our efforts with this nologies can provide pathways to immediately demonstrated great
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Chenn Zhou more, better and faster innovations,” she says. “Technologies such as simulation and visualization are an essential part of our future because they can provide faster and better innovative solutions with unlimited applications such as design, troubleshooting, optimization, education and training in all the fields.” “Dr. Zhou’s work at the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation at Purdue University Calumet profoundly benefits Northwest Indiana’s academic research opportunities and industry leaders,” says U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville. “I am proud of the initiatives taking place at CIVS, and I applaud Dr. Zhou for being at the forefront of these efforts and their positive impact on our local economy.”
Zhou is buoyed by the impact CIVS continues to have on the community as well as students. “My favorite part is working closely with students, faculty, staff and other collaborators to solve real-world problems. The close interactions we have with industry and other organizations create win-win partnerships that provide excellent economic and educational benefits for all involved,” she says. “It always makes my day when I hear that the results of our projects have been used for real applications or when students have found jobs or been accepted into graduate programs because of their research experiences at CIVS. “On a personal level, I want to influence others positively by being helpful, positive, happy, friendly and collaborative.” SUMMER 2014 | 35
PROFESSIONALS TO WATCH: SUSAN ZLAJIC
FORGING LASTING TIES WITH THE COMMUNITY LESLY BAILEY
S
usan Zlajic continues to cultivate the connection between a community’s economic development and its businesses’ vitality and prosperity. “Being the director of economic development and
36 | IN BUSINESS
investor relations for eight years at the Northwest Indiana Forum gave me a background and experience in understanding how the economic development of the town, city and state can be impacted by the development of a company, and vice versa,” she says. “I joined ArcelorMittal in 2006 where I was able to utilize
my background in creating awareness of the correlation between the two.” As manager of state and local tax and government affairs at ArcelorMittal USA, Zlajic is building on her more than 15 years of experience in the field. She works with government relations to lobby on issues as they relate to tax matters as well as strives to ensure the viability of ArcelorMittal USA steel facilities. This role allows her to work with a variety of individuals and organizations from plant managers and company officials to governors, mayors and legislators. “No two days are alike, as I’m working with different people and groups on different issues or projects, constantly seeking to identify opportunities, resolve challenges and promote change,” she says. “I enjoy the opportunity to interact with internal management, to better understand ArcelorMittal in the current market, economic and legislative situation, and to represent ArcelorMittal in informing our legislative members about the company and the industry.” The newest member of The Times BusINess Advisory Board, Zlajic believes the employees are a driving force behind her position. “In essence, I define my role as helping to ensure the viability of our 20,000 employees in the United States,” she says. “I work to help make sure that their needs are voiced and heard and that their livelihoods are protected, while also progressing the development of the community as a whole.” Ken Walker, director of state and local taxes at ArcelorMittal USA, sees Zlajic impacting both the company and communities through her role. “Susan is creating an awareness about what ArcelorMittal is doing within the community, how the company can and is addressing
needs within the community, and how both the company and the community are helping one another to achieve our overall goal, which is to be a world-class organization of which the employees can be proud to be a part and on which the community can depend and prosper,” he says. “Susan is passionate about the Chicago and Calumet area communities as well as ArcelorMittal. She builds partnerships between communities and her company, a win-win for both.” Zlajic hopes to be making a difference on a daily basis and finds a feeling of achievement in the process. “In this role, I am able to not only listen to the needs, shortterm and long-term, of others, but also to actively participate in the discussions on how to achieve a solution,” she says. “At the end of the day, there is a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes as the reward. And that is why I stay in this field.” Once a male-dominated industry, Zlajic sees the changes that exist today. “ArcelorMittal has a wonderful culture that promotes diversity. For an industry that has historically been male-dominated, the environment now is vastly different and has been very supportive of women in the steel industry,” she says. Industry opportunities will be fostered by the next generation, believes Zlajic, who names working with youth as a goal for the future. “I hope to get the younger generation involved,” she says. “We all have a hand in shaping our community and our industry, so we must have the fervor and ideals of the young people to guide our future in making steel – and manufacturing in general — a sustainable industry into the next millennium.”
Progress
Lake Area United Way evolves for a better tomorrow in NWI
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BY JEREMY MILLER
Chief Operating Officer, Lake Area United Way
banker talking, but in reality it is truly an evolutionary volution. A process of gradual, peaceful, progressive business model we firmly believe will actually begin to change or development, as in social or economic strucmove the “needle.” TJ Holsen, our director of resource ture or institutions, according to Dictionary.com. The development likes to say “we can’t be a mile long and an 2014 class of Professionals to Watch have “evolved” to inch deep.” I could not agree more with TJ as it is time a level that deserves public attention and acknowledgefor LAUW to evolve into real community impact. We will ment from your family and colleagues. My personal do this in collaboration with our current LAUW agencies congratulations to each of you as you have set the bar and partners, not without them. Great opportunities for others in our community. We can all agree that more will produce tremendous motivated and successful leaders results for all of Northwest equals a more prosperous region. Indiana, and LAUW is About this time a year ago, I had Lake Area United Way truly has proud to be leading the way. the privilege of being selected as a a dedicated and hardworking This evolution is gradual, Professional to Watch by BusINess staff. Sure, as leaders we all so I caution those that are magazine. Little did I know that expecting results tomorrow by the end of 2013 is when my like to say and think that to be patient and understand personal evolution really hit the about our organizations, as we have a strategic plan to next “gear.” I made what some it’s somewhat of a personal pursue. called a transition of a lifetime or Lake Area United Way “what in the world are you doing?” bias that we want to believe truly has a dedicated and I decided to leave a cozy corner hardworking staff. Sure, office with arguably one of the best in. However, I will personally as leaders we all like to places to work in the state (Thanks attest that our group at LAUW say and think that about for 12 great years Centier Bank) to our organizations, as it’s try my hand in the nonprofit world can measure up with any forsomewhat of a personal bias as the chief operating officer of profit or nonprofit in the world that we want to believe in. Lake Area United Way. This, my when it comes to dedication, However, I will personally friends, is evolution on Red Bull attest that our group at and what I can say has been one of effort and determination. LAUW can measure up with the best decisions I have ever made. It was not a completely blind move as I have volunteered any for-profit or nonprofit in the world when it comes to dedication, effort and determination. Early mornings, at LAUW for the past 10 years. long nights, weekends, whatever it takes – our team does LAUW is also in the midst of a significant evolution. the much needed work of helping our community. It is a Our board and staff recognizes that we need to evolve true pleasure just to be part of this dynamic group as the into a new and somewhat different business model, one future looks extraordinarily bright at LAUW. that we have not been accustom to over the prior years. As I end my column, I would also suggest that we What does this mean for LAUW? Well, it is really quite an exciting time for us as we are making strategic changes to continue to personally evolve. Every leadership book I have read and leaders I talk with all agree that the advance the common good for all of the region. personal evolution is truly the key to helping your We have begun the methodical approach of looking professional evolution succeed. My personal evolution outward to our community to find common community has truly made me a better person and it will for you too! issues and develop long-term sustainable strategic So my friends, congratulations again on being recognized impacts that truly will evolve our community and make as leaders to watch. I look forward to seeing you evolve the needed improvements. We are listening directly in your careers and possibly help Lake Area United Way to our community by hosting organized community evolve into the premier community organization we are conversations. We are creating a multi-year resource striving to be. development plan that allows our donors to make a true investment in their communities. Jeremy Miller is Chief Operating Officer of Lake Area Our generous donors will be able to look to LAUW United Way and was named a Professional to Watch in and see a true and real return on their investment 2013. through community impact. Wow, that sounds like a SUMMER 2014 | 37
Impact
Shared success is a double success
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ntering the field of education more than 20 years ago, my success has always been about other people. As a classroom teacher, I invested my time and effort in my students, guiding them along their journeys as they shared dreams, hopes and goals. My success was measured each time a student walked across the stage, received a diploma and took one more step towards his or her future. As a school administrator, the impact I am able to have reaches even further. My work is no longer just about the students in my classroom but about each child in the school. My accomplishments are measured by the success of each teacher with each student across each discipline. I am also privileged to work with parents as they navigate the difficult adolescent years with their sons and daughters. Instead of looking to standardized test scores as the bar by which I measure success, I look to my students as they enter their 30s and 40s. I am fortunate to be in touch with many former students, and hearing from them about their accomplishments — and more importantly about their healthy, balanced lives filled with joy and passion — tells me I have been successful. There is a Swedish proverb: Shared joy is a double joy. As an educator, I see it this way: “Shared success is a double success.” Through the course of my career, I have come to appreciate that success does not come without a price.
BY SCOTT D. FECH Principal — University High School, The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
38 | IN BUSINESS
For me, that price requires I “pay it forward.” Someone once mentored me when I was a student-teacher and then a fledgling administrator. Now, I owe it to my students (past, present and future) to mentor those who will eventually take on these roles. I feel happily obligated to pass on my experiences — both my successes and my failures. It is important to help people see opportunity where others might see obstacles. Success comes from contributing to the greater good of a community, and it’s important to remember that there’s plenty of success to go around. One’s success does not need to come at the expense of another’s. Instead, our shared commitment to the community allows us to achieve even greater things than we can alone. Ralph Waldo Emerson described success this way: “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” There is always more to accomplish. There are, I know, many more successes ahead. Scott D. Fech was named a Professional to Watch in 2013.
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KiA
TOYOTA
aRneLL kia I-94 AutoMall, Hwy. 20 & I-94 Burns Harbor, IN 219-787-9200 www.arnellmotors.com souThLake kia Rt. 30, 1 mi. East of I-65 Merrillville, IN 888-478-7178 www.southlakeautomall.com
MiTSUBiSHi
855-423-5957 www.subarumerrillville.com
LakeshoRe ToyoTa 244 Melton Rd. (US 20@I94, Exit 22A) Burns Harbor, IN 219-787-8600 www.lakeshoretoyota.com TeaM ToyoTa 9601 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 219-924-8100 www.teamtoyotaon41.com ToyoTa on 30 4450 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN
nieLsen MiTsubishi 5020 U.S. Highway 6, Portage, IN 888-503-4110 www.nielsenmitsubishi.com
NiSSAN souThLake nissan Rt. 30, 1 Mile E. of I-65, Merrillville, IN 888-471-1241 www.southlakeautomall.com
219-947-3325 www.toyotaon30.com
VOLKSwAGEN TeaM VoLkswagen 3990 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN (One mile east of the mall) 888-805-3689 www.teamvwaudi.com
Calendar SBDC ADVISER AVAILABLE |
Hammond 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Hammond INnovation Center, 5209 Hohman Ave. Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center business adviser Bill Gregory will be on hand the first Monday of the month. To meet with Gregory, go online and fill out a business assessment and call to schedule an appointment. FYI: Contact Bill Gregory by phone at (219) 644–3513. Visit www.nwisbdc.org.
KIWANIS CLUB MEETS | Hammond
7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, The Wheel Restaurant, 7430 Indianapolis Blvd. Woodmar-Hammond chapter of Kiwanis International meets every Tuesday morning for breakfast. Guests are always welcome. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Buy your own breakfast. FYI: Contact Alice Vockell by phone at (219) 845-8250 or email alicedalla@ aol.com. Visit www.kiwanis.org.
SOUTH SHORE NETWORKING |
Merrillville 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays, Spill the Beans, 7992 Broadway. South Shore Business Networking group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. FYI: Contact Rick Gosser by phone at (219) 808-9888 or email sales@ gossercorpsales.com. Visit www.southshorebusinessnetworking.com.
REFERRAL ORGANIZATION OF INDIANA (ROI) | Schererville
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, ENG Lending, 833 U.S. 30, Suite 400. The Referral Organization of Indiana (ROI) Business Networking Group meets Tuesdays. Networking starts at 11:15 a.m. FYI: Contact Jane Koenig by phone at (219) 662-7701. Visit www.roinetworkinc. com.
ROTARY CLUB OF HAMMOND | Hammond Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Student Union Library Building at Purdue Calumet, 2200 169th St. The Rotary Club of Hammond meets Tuesdays FYI: Contact Rotary Club of Hammond by phone at (219) 513-0549. Visit www.hammondrotary.org.
40 | IN BUSINESS
NORTHWEST INDIANA PROFESSIONAL NETWORK | LaPorte
NORTHWEST INDIANA PROFESSIONAL NETWORK |
ROI BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP | Crown Point
NOON KIWANIS CLUB | Merrillville
1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, LaPorte WorkOne, Sagamore Center, 300 Legacy Plaza. The Northwest Indiana Professional Network, or NIPN, 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: Contact Sharla Williams by phone at (219) 462-2940 ext. 43 or email swilliams@gotoworkonenw.com.
Hammond 8:30 to 10 a.m. Thursdays, Hammond WorkOne, 5265 Hohman Ave. Northwest Indiana Professional Network, or NIPN, 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: Contact Sharla Williams by phone at (219) 462-2940 ext. 43 or email swilliams@gotoworkonenw.com.
Noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, Petro’s Res7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Crown taurant, 6190 Broadway Ave. Merrillville Point Civic Center, 101 S. East St. The Noon Kiwanis Club meets Thursdays. Referral Organization of Indiana (ROI) FYI: Contact Bruce Woods by phone at Business Networking Group meets (219) 794-1259. Visit www. Wednesdays. Networking starts at 7:15 a.m. merrillvillenoonkiwanis.org. FYI: Contact Debra Corum by phone at (219) 769-7787. Visit www.roinetworkinc. NWI NETWORKING com. PROFESSIONALS | Crown Point 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. Fridays, Schoop’s, 1124 NORTHWEST INDIANA N. Main St. NWINP, Northwest Indiana Networking Professionals, meets Fridays. PROFESSIONAL NETWORK | Gary 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Gary NIPN is a networking group for profesWorkOne, 3522 Village Circle (Village sionals interested in sharing information Shopping Center). The Northwest Indiana and resources that would allow them to Professional Network, or NIPN, meets meet their career objectives and work Wednesdays in Gary. NIPN is a networking opportunities. group for professionals interested in sharFYI: Contact Tony Schifino by phone at ing information and resources that would (219) 743-1177. Visit www.nwinetworking. allow them to meet their career objectives org. and work opportunities. FYI: Contact Sharla Williams by phone BUSINESS COUNSELING SERVICES | at (219) 462-2940 ext. 43 or email swilHammond liams@gotoworkonenw.com. 9 to 10 a.m. Fridays, Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, 5246 Hohman Ave. Free ROTARY CLUB MEETS | Merrillville business counseling services are available 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through the Service Corps of Retired Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, 800 E. Executives (SCORE) on Fridays. If starting a 81st Ave. Merrillville Rotary Club is a business, or having problems in business, service club that is active in community call for an appointment. concerns. The membership is composed of FYI: Call (219) 931-1000. business professionals, business owners or partners, administrators of non-profits, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING and retirees. PROGRAM | Gary FYI: Contact Ana Grandfield by 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays, Junedale Park, phone at (219) 769-3541 or email 50th and Madison Street. Gary Precinct agrandfield@lcplin.org. Visit Construction Training Program will be www.merrillvillerotary.org. 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: Contact E. Turner/Eloise Smith by phone at (219) 712-1392 or email monstermtu@att.net.
We want to hear from you To read more calendar, visit nwi.com/business. To include an item in the local business calendar, visit nwi.com/ calendar/business.
Saving energy is a bright idea
From retroďŹ ts to new construction, we have a number of programs and tips to help you save energy and money. Visit us at NIPSCO.com/SaveEnergy to learn more.