Building Indiana: July/August 2013

jULY/AUgUST 2013 $6.95

Inside This Issue 40 | Bridging the Gap

54 | Building for the Future

62 | Hoosier State’s New

Marketing Initiative

INdIaNa’S LoGIStIcS FraMework

(219) 662-2380 / www.acmsgroup.com

Construction Management

Full-Service Mechanical Contractor

Facility Maintenance

Safety

EPC Support

CRITICAL THINKING. COLLABORATION. COMPLETION. RESULTS.

I never thought it would happen to

me. But when it did, I just wanted

it out. But my cancer wasn’t just

lying there waiting to be taken

out—it was right next to my spine.

As my doctor started discussing

treatment options, I immediately

started to assume the worst. After

all, it was my spine. But then he

said, “I know exactly what to do.”

My spine-tingling cancer story.

When facing cancer, you want the best possible care. The hospitals of Franciscan Alliance are committed to providing state-of-the-art treatment using the most advanced cancer-fighting technology available—all right here in your community. In fact, Franciscan Alliance hospitals are nationally recognized for providing outstanding cancer care. You would go anywhere for world-class cancer treatment. It’s nice to know you don’t have to go far.

World-class cancer treatment— right here at home.

inspiring health

FranciscanAlliance.org

I never thought it would happen to

me. But when it did, I just wanted

it out. But my cancer wasn’t just

lying there waiting to be taken

out—it was right next to my spine.

As my doctor started discussing

treatment options, I immediately

started to assume the worst. After

all, it was my spine. But then he

said, “I know exactly what to do.”

My spine-tingling cancer story.

When facing cancer, you want the best possible care. The hospitals of Franciscan Alliance are committed to providing state-of-the-art treatment using the most advanced cancer-fighting technology available—all right here in your community. In fact, Franciscan Alliance hospitals are nationally recognized for providing outstanding cancer care. You would go anywhere for world-class cancer treatment. It’s nice to know you don’t have to go far.

World-class cancer treatment— right here at home.

inspiring health

FranciscanAlliance.org

4 www.buildingindiana.com

Did you know that 75% of the nation’s people and businesses are within a day’s drive of Indiana? That singular fact is one of the best features of our

state – we’re perfectly suited to conduct business. From the north to the south, Indiana is plugged-in to a vast logistics network.

It’s one of the best selling points used to attract new business operations here – move your business to Indiana and you’ll have access to a wide array of shipping options. We have the number one spot on the list of states with the best highway access, we’re in the top ten states with the most railway miles, and the top twenty for freight shipped by water and air. It’s plain to see why the manufacturing industry loves the Hoosier state; getting materials in is a breeze, and sending goods out is just as easy.

Indiana is presently the number one state in the nation for attracting manufacturers. It is predicted that more than 5,000 manufacturing jobs will be available in Central Indiana over the next year as businesses grow and older workers retire.

Here at Building Indiana, we’re exceptionally proud of our state’s reputation for being welcoming and accommodating to the businesses community. Indiana’s reception of new business prospects, especially in manufacturing, is what kept us afloat during the economic recession and what’s led us into our current positive financial situation.

Many new developments are taking place across Indiana to maintain, and further, this initiative; new infrastructure is being put in place, and older structures are being renovated for the future. As a community taking advantage of all the logistical options available to us, our state has nowhere to go but up.

This summer as you take a ride down an Indiana highway toward your vacation destination, or as you listen to a train roll by on a warm August evening, or watch ships sail past the beach toward the Indiana Ports, think about all the effort that’s gone into designing one of the best logistically laid out states in the world. Consider that without these routes in place, our state’s industries would be facing the great problem of how to export goods to their customers, and advances in business would be at a near stand-still. Appreciate all of the opportunities that Indiana offers, and enjoy your summer as our home state continues its progress as one of the best places in the world for business.

Kind Regards,

Andrea M. PearmanPublisher

2006 communicator awards’award of distinction

2009 communicator awards’ award of excellence

2011 communicator awards’award of distinction

2006 Marcom Gold award winner2007 Marcom Gold award winner2008 Marcom Gold award winner2010 Marcom Gold award winner2013 Marcom Gold award winner

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

2007 Summit creative award2010 Summit creative award2012 Summit creative award

2009 Silver award2010 Gold award2012 Bronze award

2008 Hermes Gold award2009 Hermes Gold award2010 Hermes Gold award2011 Hermes Gold award

2009 NicheeMagazine award

andrea M. Pearman2009 Small Business Journalist of the Year

2009 davey awards Silver award 2011 communicator

award for Print & design distinction

Keeping Things MovingPublisher’s Desk

2006, 2008, 2012, 2013 aPeX award for

Publication excellence

Copyright ©2013 Building Indiana News is published six times a year. Address correspondence to: 1330 Arrowhead Court, Crown Point, IN 46307. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manu-scripts or art. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of the publisher. For general reprint information, contact Building Indiana News at [email protected]. All opin-ions and views are solely those of the participants or editors and are not necessarily the views of magazine sponsors.

corPorate HeadQUarterS

1330 Arrowhead CourtCrown Point, IN 46307

Publisher/editorAndrea M. Pearman

[email protected]

director of advertisingLiza Hilliard

[email protected]

writerNick Dmitrovich

[email protected]

creative directorJen Labriola

[email protected]

Graphic designerCarlo Labriola

[email protected]

accountingCraig Marshall

[email protected]

INdIaNaPoLIS oFFIceBusiness development Manager

Lee Ann Richardson888.226.0330

warSaw oFFIceBusiness development Manager

Julie Monteith888.226.0330

Building Indiana is published by diversified Marketing Strategies

WBE / DBE Certified

Visit us at thinkdiversified.com

Subscriptions:Standard rates: $25.95/year

Single copy price: $6.95

219.226.0300 • 317.632.1410www.buildingindiana.com

www.buildingindianablog.com

The Porter Regional Hospital Health At Work program offers 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 219-263-7285.

U.S. Hwy. 6 at SR 49 Valparaiso

• Electronic health risk assessment • Electronic personal health record • Occupational medicine services • Workers’ compensation coordination • Preventive health and wellness services • General health service coordination • Personalized health coaching with certified nurse health coaches

Covered!We’ve got your Corporate Wellness bases Covered.

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.

71335_PORTE_OccMed_8_75x11_0625c.indd 1 7/16/13 2:51 PM

The Porter Regional Hospital Health At Work program offers 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 219-263-7285.

U.S. Hwy. 6 at SR 49 Valparaiso

• Electronic health risk assessment • Electronic personal health record • Occupational medicine services • Workers’ compensation coordination • Preventive health and wellness services • General health service coordination • Personalized health coaching with certified nurse health coaches

Covered!We’ve got your Corporate Wellness bases Covered.

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.

71335_PORTE_OccMed_8_75x11_0625c.indd 1 7/16/13 2:51 PM


40 BEING PRODUCTIVE

Creating a Work Space that

Promotes Your Productivity

48 CONSTRUCTION FEATURE

Five Places where

Commerce, Technology &

Ideas Grow

54 FUTURE OF LOGISTICS

Building for the Future

56 WELL BEING

A Clean Place to Work

58 LIFELONG LEARNING

Growth through

Partnerships

62 MARKETING

Hoosier State’s New

Marketing Initiative

66 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Gateway to Growth

70 THE LAST WORD

Commuter Logistics

ContentsJ U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

04 Publisher’s Desk

08 Contributors

09 Main Buzz

26 People News

E V E R Y I S S U E D E PA R T M E N T S

30 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY Employee Misclassification

32 SAFETY zONE Training on a Cloud

34 THE BOTTOM LINE Indiana’s Infrastructure Investments

E X P E R T A DV I C E

28 PHOTO FEATURE

40 COVER STORY Bridging the Gap

44 MASS PRODUCTION Mass Production in the 21st Century

46 FACTS & STATS Logistics Statistics

52 LOGISTICS

Getting From Point A to

Point B

F E AT U R E S

30

40

48

Contact JBI Insurance Group Todayto Ensure That Your Business is Protected.

877.351.5011 • JBI-Group.com

InsuranceExpertise

You Can Build On

InsuranceExpertise

You Can Build OnProviding Insurance Programs for theConstruction Industry with Expertise in:

Cost ContainmentClaims AdvocacySuretyDesign BuildConstruction ManagementRisk Transfer Techniques


DaviD W. Holt

David W. Holt is Vice Pesident of operations and business de-

velopment for Conexus Indiana. In his role with Conexus, Holt

drives the logistics agenda and developed, recruited and led

the formation of the Conexus Indiana Logistics Council Execu-

tive Committee, a forum of prominent logistics executives,

throughout the state of Indiana. Holt formerly served as the Indiana Cham-

ber of Commerce’s Vice-President of Health Policy and Federal Relations.

SHerri Ziller

Sherri Ziller, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, was

named Chief Operating Officer of the RDA in 2012, responsible

for day-to-day operations, strategic planning and fiscal man-

agement of the organization. Previously she was the organiza-

tion’s Finance and Grants Manager. Ziller has been with the

RDA since its inception in the spring of 2006 and provides leadership to our

efforts to support economic development and redevelopment throughout

the region. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s in

Political Science from Purdue University Calumet.

Kevin eiKenberry

Kevin Eikenberry is a the bestselling author of “Remarkable

Leadership” and “From Bud to Boss” and the Chief Potential

Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership and learn-

ing consulting company that has been helping organizations,

teams and individuals reach their potential since 1993, and

is based in Indianapolis. Kevin’s specialties include leadership, teams and

teamwork, organizational culture, facilitating change, organizational learn-

ing and more.

Kelly o’brien

Kelly O’Brien is the Senior Vice President for Economic Devel-

opment and is responsible for leading the Alliance for Regional

Development at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Her

career spans both the public and private sectors. Professional

highlights include serving at the U.S. Department of Com-

merce Economic Development Administration (EDA) as Director of Public

Affairs and as the liaison for the Secretary to the nation’s premier leaders of

business, government and academia regarding American competitiveness.

She has a degree in Political Communications from The George Washington

University and her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Scott DoboS

Scott Dobos is a lecturer in the Kelley School of Business, Op-

erations and Decision Technologies at Indiana University in

Bloomington. Scott teaches various courses including Global

Sourcing, Logistics and Transportation Management, Lean Six

Sigma Greenbelt Certification and Operations Management.

Research interests include Supply Chain Management, Lean Systems and

Strategic Sourcing. Prior to IU, Dobos spent 20-years in private corpora-

tions within various functions including accounting, finance, manufacturing,

sales and sourcing.

ContributorsDeWey Pearman

Dewey Pearman serves as executive director for the

Construction Advancement Foundation. He has a Mas-

ter’s in Economics from Indiana State University. The

foundation promotes the union construction industry

of northwest Indiana by helping to enhance its efficien-

cy and competitiveness via labor relations and government manage-

ment, education, training, safety and workforce development.

PortS of inDiana

The Ports of Indiana is a quasi-governmental organization that oper-

ates a statewide system of ports, foreign trade zones and economic

development programs under the authority of the Indiana Port Com-

mission, a seven-member bipartisan board appointed by the gover-

nor. The state’s three-port system serves the world’s most productive

industrial and agricultural region through a combination of strategic

location, intermodal connections and specialized facilities.

219.513.2500 • sehinc.com9200 Calumet Ave., Ste. N300, Munster, IN 46321

ENGINEERS | ARCHITECTS | PLANNERS | SCIENTISTS

Building a Better World for All of Us TM

9www.buildingindiana.com

by Patrick S. Harbour, leeD aP, Harbor contractors inc.

Logistics. It’s a word that’s been used a lot lately. But beyond being a catchy word, what do we really

know about it? Logistics is defined as the management of materials flow through an organization, from raw materials through to finished goods and it can have a huge im-pact on your company’s finances. Higher transportation costs lead to higher overall prices (without additional profit) and have been estimated to be 25% of a company’s bottom line.

As with many things, it often comes down to location, location, location! Prox-imity to transportation options (road, rail, air, or water) may produce a higher up-front cost for headquarters, production facilities, and warehouses, but can realize significant savings in shipping costs over the lifespan of a company.

A private rail spur, for example, puts you in control of your goods and materi-als. There are costs involved with upkeep and maintenance, but compared to the po-tential lost revenue for personnel time and sales when relying on an outside source for movement of goods, they’re miniscule.

Leveraging volume can also help keep overall costs down. We often think noth-ing of spending a small amount on a regu-lar basis, but balk at a large capital output for the same thing. If your company alone doesn’t have output that would be consid-ered “bulk,” coordination with a supplier or distributor to co-locate may produce similar savings results related to logistics costs.

Another way that improved logistics practices can help a company realize in-creased profitability is through reliabil-ity. As the distance of a product to travel decreases and the less touches it has in transition, the lower the chance of an error

(delay, damage or misdirection) prior to fi-nal destination. Decreasing these wasted costs increases the bottom line regardless of industry. This reliability in transport also improves the probability of on-time delivery and heightens customer satisfac-tion and the likelihood of repeat business.

The environmental impact of logis-tics considerations is often understated as well. Reducing the amount of energy used for transportation through improved logistics practices decreases the volume of greenhouse gases emitted. These changes can also reduce the carbon footprint of products over their entire life cycle and, perhaps, even qualify for grants or other savings options through environmental ini-tiatives and programs.

Is your company investing for its fu-ture or are you looking at your bottom line now? A little planning for logistics now can pay big dividends in the long run and result in increased overall profitability.

How Logistics can affect Your Bottom Line

M

AIN

BU

zz


B

US

INE

SS

BU

zz

Central

Microsoft Obtains Hoosier-Made Software

Blue Horseshoe announced a collaboration agreement with Microsoft that includes the acquisition of Blue Horse-shoe’s Warehousing for AX (WAX) and Transportation for AX (TRAX) solutions. This technology will help Microsoft accelerate its Microsoft Dynamics AX supply chain man-agement roadmap with plans to make the functionality available to the broader Dynamics AX channel partner and customer community.

Both WAX and TRAX are products within Blue Horse-shoe’s Supply Chain Suite for Dynamics AX. These solutions embed industry-specific functionality directly into the busi-ness layer of Microsoft’s Dynamic AX architecture to offer identical performance, user-interface, and business logic as Dynamics AX.

The Warehouse Management & Transportation Man-

agement capabilities within WAX and TRAX can empower channel partners to focus on delivering packaged, end-to-end, vertical solutions to customers operating businesses in the manufacturing, distribution or retail industries. The additions will help streamline distribution and warehouse operations, including: Improved Inventory Control, Em-bedded Radio Frequency, Improved Inbound & Outbound Warehouse Operations, Rate, Route and Load Planning, and Freight Reconciliation.

State approves $20 million for Ivy Tech campus in Anderson

State Rep. Terri J. Austin (D-Anderson) announced today that Ivy Tech Community College has been authorized to proceed with construction of a new facility in Anderson. Austin said members of the State Budget Committee gave final approval to the $24 million project during the group’s monthly business meeting today in Indianapolis. The new 76,000-square foot facility will be built on nearly 40 acres of land – located on 60th Street near Interstate 69 – that was donated to the college by the city of Anderson.

With the new facility on line, Austin said the existing Ivy Tech buildings at Main and 53rd Streets will be turned over


BU

SIN

ES

S B

Uz

zto the School of Health Sciences and allow for expansion of programs there. Ivy Tech officials have been planning for new construction at the Anderson site as far back as 2007, when the Indiana General Assembly gave them the authority to start preparing for it. In 2009, lawmakers ap-proved bonding authority for the project.

New Urban Farm Announced in IndyCommunity leaders including Mayor Greg Ballard

and Lieutenant Governor Susan Ellspermann announced the development of a new urban agriculture site. Bright-Farms 100,000 square-foot farm will create up to 25 green collar jobs and grow millions of pounds of produce that conserves natural resources and is thousands of miles fresher for the greater Indianapolis community. The farm will be built at 2219 W. Michigan Street. The nearly 5-acre parcel of land on which the farm will be built has been vacant since 1996. BrightFarms joins five new businesses, locating in this section of the Michigan Street corri-dor. The area near the site of this greenhouse farm has become a redevelopment hub, connecting commercial revitalization to residents of the community.

3D Parts Manufacturing Growing in Downtown Indy

3D Parts Manufacturing, LLC, an additive plastics and metal parts manufacturer, announced plans today to expand its operations in Indianapolis, creating up to 65 new jobs by the end of 2018. The company will invest $6 million to lease and equip 25,000 square feet of space in Indianapolis. Formerly producing parts overseas, 3D Parts will now house all part production at this new loca-tion. With equipment installation completed, the com-pany has already begun producing plastic and steel parts. 3D Parts is currently filling engineering and manufactur-ing positions.

3D Parts produces metal, plastic and composite prod-ucts through selective laser sintering and Polyjet additive manufacturing technologies. Founded by Brand, a former engineer and local businessman, the company uses three dimensional modeling systems as part of its manufac-turing process and supports the medical, aerospace, automotive, defense and plastic molding industries. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered 3D Parts Manufacturing, LLC, up to $625,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans.

We have the expertise, experience and resources to perform:• Process and power piping fabrication and erection• Mechanical and process equipment rigging, erection and alignment• Instrumentation• Boiler erection and repair• Civil, Structural & General Construction• Complete plant maintenance services• Construction management and general contracting• Full service fab shop as well as value engineering• Unparalleled safety record

• Pipefitters• Millwrights• Ironworkers• Teamsters• Boilermakers

• Laborers• Operating Engineers• Carpenters• Cement Mason/ Finisher

AMEX NOOTER is an aggressive unionized general mechanical contractor providing service and quality since its founding in 1979, utilizing the following skilled craftsmen in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana:

AMEX NOOTER, LLC - A Subsidiary of

Nooter Construction

PreferredChoice

Your

Contractor

INDIANA1636 Summer Street

Hammond, Indiana 46320219-937-6100

ILLINOIS16720 New Lenox Road

Joliet, Illinois 60433815-722-1080

amexnooter.com

Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities and experience.

OUR VISION: To be our customers’ preferred choice!

amexnooter.com

Refinery & PetroleumAlternative Fuel

Plant MaintenanceChemical

SteelPower

Air & Gas

INDUSTRIES SERVED


B

US

INE

SS

BU

zz

SmartFile Plans Indy ExpansionSecured FTP Hosting, LLC, d/b/a SmartFile, an online file

sharing and FTP hosting service, announced plans today to expand its operations in Indianapolis, creating up to 30 new jobs by 2016. The Hoosier company will invest $2.1 million to expand and equip its existing facility located at 212 W. 10th Street in Indianapolis. The 7,500 square-foot facility is expect-ed to be operational by September.

SmartFile has already begun hiring new software engi-neers, web developers and systems administrators. SmartFile is a secure file sharing platform that allows companies to easily access and manage files of any size through the inter-net. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Secured FTP Hosting, LLC up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $20,000 in training grants based on the com-pany’s job creation plans.

Ogletree Deakins Recognized as a Top Ranking Law Firm

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters, announced that the firm’s Indianapolis office has been recog-nized by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as one of the 2013 Best Places to Work in Indiana for the fourth consecutive year. Ogletree Deakins ranked third overall in the Major Companies (1,000+ U.S. employees) category, and was the top-ranking law firm in the category.

The 2013 list, included in a special section of the May/June issue of the Indiana Chamber’s BizVoice® magazine, rec-ognizes companies that have set the standard for workplace excellence in the state of Indiana. The companies included in the 2013 Best Places to Work in Indiana list were determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys.

Aerospace Parts Manufacturer Expands in Johnson County

L&E Engineering Company, a manufacturer of tube and sheet metal fabrications for the aerospace industry, an-nounced plans to expand its operations in Greenwood, Ind. creating up to 52 new jobs by 2016.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Franklin, Ohio-based Ferco Aerospace Group, will invest $3.7 million to add equipment and almost double the size of its existing 23,000 square-foot facility at 254 North Graham Road in Greenwood, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Reported. The expansion is slated to be complete by the summer of

P• Steel Pipe; CW, ERW & SMLS

• CS & SS Weld, Ftgs/ Flgs

• Online MTR’s

• PVC Pipe Valves & Fittings

• Stainless Steel PVF

• Stainless Flgd Valves

• Full Valve Actuation

• 24 Hour Emergency Service

Indiana: 219-844-1900Addison: 630-543-8145Chicago: 312-347-1600

porterpipe .com

PORTER PIPE AND SUPPLY

PIndustrial Pipe, Valve & Fitting Wholesaler

Serving the Industrial Pipefitting and Construction Trades in the Midwest since 1976


BU

SIN

ES

S B

Uz

z2014. The company plans to begin hiring new manufactur-ing, administrative and engineering associates later this year. L&E Engineering produces sheet metal and tube fabri-cations for aerospace and industrial gas turbine engines.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation of-fered L&E Engineering Company up to $400,000 in condition-al tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. Until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Greenwood will consider additional tax abatement at the request of the Johnson County Development Corporation.

Indiana Biosciences Research Institute Unveiled

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, the first industry-led collaborative life sciences research institute in the country, was unveiled by Indiana Governor Mike Pence and numerous Indiana-based global life sciences and research university executives. Officials stated that the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute will be a statewide public-private partnership advanced by BioCrossroads and led by Indiana’s life sciences industry, with support from the State of Indiana and partnerships with Indiana’s research

universities to discover, develop and deliver biosciences innovations in Indiana.

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute is the result of leadership from industry executives from Eli Lilly and Company, Dow AgroSciences, Roche Diagnostics, Cook Medical, Indiana University Health and Biomet and the Gov-ernor of Indiana, with active support in initial development by BioCrossroads. Indiana’s research institutions, including Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame also are participating in the development process.

The estimated $360-million Indiana Biosciences Re-search Institute is a non-profit entity that is anticipated to be supported largely by corporate and philanthropic funding with oversight from a largely donor-based board of directors representing the life sciences industry, the state of Indiana, academia and nonprofit donors. The State of Indiana has appropriated $25 million for the biennium for start-up costs. An additional $25 million in start-up funding is being sought from industry and philanthropic sources, which will be used in part to recruit a nationally recognized CEO and research fellows. The remaining capital funding will be sought from corporate and philanthropic sources, and ongoing operating costs will be funded through Institute endowment proceeds, industry-sponsored research and federally funded research.

A Mile of OpportunityHealth Care • Retail • Offi ce • Entertainment

Harrison County EconomicDevelopment Corporation

www.hcedcindiana.org

812.738.2137

◆ Corydon, Indiana - 25 miles from Louisville, Kentucky◆ 100 acres of Commercial Property now available◆ Wal-Mart Supercenter anchors the east side◆ Harrison County Hospital Campus on the west side◆ Less than a mile from I-64, S.R. 135 interchange


B

US

INE

SS

BU

zz

NASAA Conference Could Boost Indy Economy by $500,000

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson announced that her office won its bid to host the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) Fall 2014 Conference in In-dianapolis. The NASAA estimates its October annual conference will pump more than $500,000 into the local economy.

Securities Commissioner Chris Naylor, a NASAA board member, and the team at Visit Indy made the bid presentation to NASAA earlier this year. An estimated 400 participants will attend the October meeting which brings together securities regulators, securities law professionals, financial services industry professionals, consumer advocates and legislative and regulatory policymakers for an in-depth look at key financial services policy issues.

According to NASAA, the fall 2014 conference is expected to bring up to half a million dollars to the local economy through lodging, meals and meeting related expenses by its members. NASAA is the association of all state, provincial and territorial securities regulators in North America. The Indiana Secretary of State’s office, which regulates the Securities industry in Indiana, is a member of NASAA.

OU asked for a small business loan that is a fit for you.

Knowing your business is our business. Your goals are our goals. Putting your business first is at the essence of everything we do. So when you need a loan to start up or grow your business, count on us to give you the best fit.

Plus... you’ll be dealing with local lenders awarded “Bank of the Year” for SBA 504 lending from the Regional Development Company.

So why go anywhere else?

personal banking » business banking » wealth managementMember FDIC

ibankpeoples.com • 219.836.4400

For more information, or to reserve your spot:

Contact Jill Ewing(317)[email protected]

Network with Economic Development leaders throughout the entire state of Indiana.

Tuesday, September 24 through Thursday, September 26, 2013Westin Indianapolis

50 S. Capitol Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204


BU

SIN

ES

S B

Uz

z

Maxwell Milling Expanding in Richmond

Maxwell Milling of Indiana, a division of Goldsboro Milling Company, will receive a $35,000 Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) grant from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County for an expansion project in Rich-mond, Ind. The company is located at 4359 State Road 1 near Hagerstown and pro-cesses grains and minerals for production of swine feed. Maxwell Milling will invest $1.7 million in the project which will create five new, full-time equivalent jobs paying an average hourly wage of $16.35.

The expansion project will include construction of a 24 by 70 foot receiving building with two 125,000 bushel grain storage bins. The company will also purchase various bin loading and unload-ing equipment. The expansion project will allow the company to increase production from 3,200 tons of finished feed per week to 5,000 tons per week. The project will also enable the company to increase the amount of grain purchased from Indiana farmers.

Simon to Buy $569M Stake in European Mall Operator

Simon Property Group Inc., the largest U.S. mall owner, has agreed to invest $569 million in McArthurGlen Group, Europe’s biggest outlet-center operator. Simon, based in Indianapolis, will gain an owner-ship stake in six McArthurGlen properties and become a partner in the London-based firm’s real estate management and devel-opment business.

The investment will include properties in Austria, the Netherlands, Italy and the United Kingdom. Simon, the largest owner of U.S. outlet centers, also operates similar properties in Asia and has a minority stake in European mall owner Klepierre SA, which is based in Paris.

Facing the industry’s toughest challenges head-onYou want a contractor who can keep you a step ahead. Graycor Industrial brings over eight decades of experience to the power, metals and process markets. We deliver expertise for your toughest challenges, self performance capabilities for your most sophisticated jobs, and planning for the long term. Think beyond what you need today. Start building something more. Call (630) 684-7110

Industrial Constructors Inc.

Metals Power Process www.graycor.com

Muncie Council Backs $60M Project Near Ball State

The Muncie City Council has approved financing for a six-story park-ing garage as part of a planned $60 million project with apartments and commercial storefronts near the Ball State University campus.

Council members voted 7-2 Monday night in favor of plans for a $5 million bond issue. That money will go toward building the city-owned 342-space parking garage. The city will be repaid through the leasing of the garage’s parking spaces.


B

US

INE

SS

BU

zz

Bio-Response Solutions, Inc Grows in Hendricks County

Bio-Response Solutions, Inc., a waste treatment systems manufacturer, announced plans today to expand its opera-tions in Danville, creating up to 25 new jobs by 2016. The homegrown-Hoosier company will invest $1.1 million to build and equip a 14,500 square-foot facility at the Danville Commerce Park. The facility, which will house the com-pany’s entire operations, is expected to be operational early next year and features heating powered by solar panels.

Bio-Response Solutions has already begun hiring ad-ditional assembly, welding, sales, service, technical and engineering associates. The company designs, produces and installs decontamination systems that destroy infec-tious organisms in waste water produced at research facili-ties, universities and pharmaceutical companies around the world.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation of-fered Bio-Response Solutions, Inc. up to $160,000 in condi-tional tax credits and up to $95,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The town of

SERVING NORTHWEST INDIANA FOR OVER 30 YEARS WITH

SCAFFOLD

• RENTAL

• SALES

• MAST CLIMBERS & SWING STAGES

• TRAINING

• INSTALLATION & DISMANTLE

2 1 9 - 9 3 2 - 3 0 4 5

Danville approved additional tax abatements at the request of the Hendricks County Economic Development Partner-ship.

Businesses founded in Indiana continue to grow our state’s economy. Already this year, more than 30 home-grown-Hoosier companies have made plans to create upwards of 2,200 projected new jobs and invest more than $142 million in their Indiana operations.

Duke Energy Looks to Boost Economic Development

Duke Energy has selected five Indiana properties for participation in its 2013 Site Readiness Program to prepare the properties for potential industrial development. They are:• The River Ridge Commerce Center, 100 acres in Jeffer-

sonville (Clark Co.)• The East Side Industrial Park, 100 acres in Seymour

(Jackson Co.)• The Industrial Business Complex, 135 acres in Wabash

(Wabash Co.)• The North Warrick Industrial Business Park, 236 acres

in Eberfield (Warrick Co.)• A 181,000-square-foot building at 2100 East Lincoln

Road in Kokomo (Howard Co.)The Site Readiness Program is the cornerstone of Duke

Energy’s economic development model. It identifies, evalu-ates and improves industrial sites in the company’s service territory to help communities served by the utility compete for new companies and jobs.

Duke Energy has hired McCallum Sweeney, a nationally known consulting firm, to conduct studies on four of the five sites.

Duke Energy will collaborate with county leaders and local economic development professionals to develop a strategy for providing water, sewer, natural gas and elec-tricity to the sites. The parties may also recommend road improvements, easements and rights-of-way that will be required to develop the sites, as well as steps necessary to mitigate any potential environmental impacts. Banning Engineering will produce final drawings and conceptual site plans.

Duke Energy will present its findings - including a de-tailed report and conceptual drawings – to county officials when the studies are completed.


BU

SIN

ES

S B

Uz

z

Indiana University Kokomo Plans $14 Million Renovation

Indiana University Kokomo’s Main Building will receive its first major renovations in nearly two decades, with $14 million in funding from the Indiana General Assembly. In-terim Chancellor Susan-Sciame Giesecke said the upgrades are critically needed on the building, which was the first on the Washington Street campus. It was built in 1965. Faculty Senate President Chris Darr said faculty members are en-thusiastic about the plans.

Renovations will include upgrades to the heating and cooling systems and electrical systems for the entire build-ing, along with installing more energy efficient windows and doors. It also will include asbestos removal and replace-ment of ceilings and fixtures where it is removed. The IU Board of Trustees approved the plans at its recent meet-ing. John Sarber, director of physical facilities, anticipates that IU will assign architects and engineers to the project quickly.

The Cellular Connection Opens New OfficeinCarmel

The Cellular Connection (TCC), the largest Verizon

Premium Wireless Retailer in the U.S., announced the opening of its new office in Carmel at 525 Congressional Blvd. The company is looking to hire as many as 145 employees over the next three years. TCC operates nearly 900 locations across 28 states and employs nearly 500 Hoosiers. The company’s headquarters will remain in Marion. Positions being filled include accounting and finance, IT programming engineers, software programmers, legal staff, trainers, call center support, sales operations, graphic designers and marketing.

In the new single level 47,000-square foot office, there will be substantial space dedicated to TCC’s training department, including a fully functioning mock store. There will also be a call center for customer service and retention as well as technical support.

Over the past three years, TCC has grown revenue by 217 percent. The company was recently ranked No. 41 in Inc.’s Hire Power Awards listing, which recognizes small and mid-sized businesses that have generated the most jobs in the U.S. during the past three years.

The listing comes on the heels of TCC ranking No. 1,294 on the Inc. 500|5000 listing of America’s fastest-growing private companies for the third consecutive year. TCC also announced a partnership with entertainer Jennifer

The BesT PickuP For You MighT NoT Be a PickuP aT all

souThlake NissaN | (219) 947-1600 | 4201 e. liNcolN hwY | Merrillville, iN 46410 Ncv commercial Manager larry Frame (219) 945-4866 southlakenissan.com

Ncv commercial vehicles

6’4” 6’4”


B

US

INE

SS

BU

zz

Lopez and distribution and services company Brightstar to launch a chain of wireless stores focusing on the shopping preferences of Hispanic consumers, called Viva Movil.

For daily news from Central Indiana and around the state, visit our blog at www.buildingindianablog.com and follow us on Twitter @BuildingIndiana.

Northeast

Artworks Galleria of Fine Arts Opens in Fort Wayne

Artworks Galleria of Fine Art LLC celebrated its grand opening recently in Fort Wayne. Located at the Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center, the ribbon cutting ceremony fea-tured a champagne artist reception and a featuring of new exhibits from local artists Karen Moriarty, Vicki Junk-Wright, Terry Ratliff, Santa Brink, Penny French-Deal, Janet Blumen-thal, Diana Miller-Pierce, and Edward Alvarez. All original art

is for sale. Music was provided by Maestro Robert Nance. The mission of the Artworks Galleria is to serve as a leader in the presentation and promotion of contemporary fine art; to support and inspire both emerging and established artists from the local and regional communities; to foster creativity and art excellence; to provide exhibitions, educa-tional programs, and events/activities that encourage public awareness, participation, and appreciation; and to actively contribute to the cultural enrichment in the community.

Arts United Breaks Ground on New ArtsLab in Fort Wayne

Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new $1.6 million ArtsLab black box space, which will be built as an addition to the Auer Center for Arts and Culture, 300 E. Main St. The project should be done by Thanksgiving for use during the holiday season.

The space will be designed for innovative artistic programming and to encourage new cultural industries. Possible uses include small theatrical productions, mu-sic and dance performances, temporary art exhibits, and educational programs. The design includes an overhead technology grid for sound and lighting and chairs that can seat 200 people or can be removed or set up in any desired


BU

SIN

ES

S B

Uz

zconfiguration. The project will add 5,000 to 6,000 square feet of new construction to the Auer Center and involve renova-tion of 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of existing space for dressing rooms and other uses, Sparrow said.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry; Indiana state Sen. David Long, R-Fort Wayne; and Sarah Bodner, director of communications and community relations for Indiana Michigan Power, also stressed the economic value the ArtsLab will have by contributing to attracting and retain-ing jobs and young people.

Indiana Michigan Power Planning Major Wind Farm

An agreement between Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an operating company of American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP), and EDP Renewables North America (EDPR) will result in the construction of a wind farm in Randolph County, Indiana. I&M will add 200 megawatts (MW) of wind power to its generation portfolio under the 20-year power purchase agreement.

Headwaters Wind Farm will be built in Randolph County, about 85 miles south of Fort Wayne and 85 miles east of In-dianapolis. The wind farm’s turbines will be connected to the AEP transmission system to deliver power to I&M customers in both Michigan and Indiana. Construction on Headwaters Wind Farm is slated to begin before year’s end and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2014.

The wind power contract resulted from a request for pro-posals that I&M issued in February to fulfill its commitment to add 200 megawatts of new wind energy. EDPR expects to create the equivalent of more than 150 full-time jobs through-out the construction phase and more than 20 permanent jobs once the project is completed in 2014. EDPR owns and oper-ates 29 wind farms throughout the United States, including the Meadow Lake Wind Farm in White County, Indiana.

Nyloncraft Aquires NYX Fort Wayne Facility

Nyloncraft Inc., a major supplier of under the hood and structural plastic components from Mishawaka, announced the acquisition of the NYX Fort Wayne facility, a leading manufacturer of highly engineered, pressurized fluid handling vessels and components for under-the-hood vehicle applica-tions. The business will operate as part of Nyloncraft Inc., and will be called NCI Fort Wayne.

The NCI Fort Wayne facility provides products and technology for several automotive applications such as brake reservoirs, surge tanks and suspension components. These additional competencies will deliver benefits for customers of Nyloncraft, who will now have access to more world-class,

“We did not review our credit card processing for years. David not only brought us to compliance but also saved us money!” – Accent Dental PC – Valparaiso, IN Dental PC – Valparaiso, IN

For a FREE assessmentof your business’ payment processing needs, contact:[email protected] | (219) 201-9916

ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH TO PROCESSCREDIT CARDS?

ARE YOU PROCESSING CORRECTLY & SAFELY?

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR A BREACH IN CUSTOMER DATA?

ARE YOU MEETING PCI COMPLIANCE REGULATIONS?

"Technology has changed & we needed to manage repeat customers and get paid faster! David improved our processing while saving us money & time!" – Direct Waitsta Apparel - Chesterton, IN

2012 NWIBRTINNOVATION AWARD RECIPIENT

EXCELLENCE IN SAFETY AWARD RECIPIENT

2 0 1 2

A

WA R D W I N N ER

EXCELLENCE


B

US

INE

SS

BU

zz

under-the-hood capabilities from an existing, trusted partner.Nyloncraft is part of TECHNIPLAS, a group of specialized leaders in plas-

tics that includes Dickten Masch Plastics based in Nashotah Wisconsin and Vallotech based in Vallorbe, Switzerland.

Hertzler Systems Makes Big Investment in Solar Energy Hertzler Systems Inc. has made a substantial investment in reducing its car-bon footprint through Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s (NIPSCO) Feed-in-Tariff program that “buys back” electrical power from customers that are generating their own clean energy.

Herztler is presently finishing the installation of 48 solar panels at its Goshen location that will feed electricity directly into NIPSCO’s power grid, generating an estimated 13,317 kWh per year and providing the equivalent of 44 percent of Hertzler’s current yearly electricity consumption.

The installing company estimates that over the next 25 years, the system will save 522,275 pounds of CO2 emis-sions, 1,676 pounds of smog-producing NOx, 1,517 pounds of acid rain-producing SOx, and 103 pounds of asthma-producing particulates. All of this is the equivalent of taking an average car off the road for 849,794 miles, or planting 4.5 acres of trees.

Shambaugh & Son Expanding Fort Wayne Headquarters

Shambaugh & Son, LP, the third larg-est specialty contractor in the country, announced plans to expand its headquar-ters in Fort Wayne, creating up to 110 new jobs by 2016.

The homegrown-Hoosier company, which is a subsidiary of EMCOR Group (NYSE: EME), will invest $4.37 million to lease, expand and equip two facilities in Fort Wayne, bringing its total footprint in the community to 36.3 acres. The com-pany will expand its existing facility to 140,000 square feet to house its admin-istrative and engineering functions. In addition, Shambaugh will lease a 70,000 square-foot fabrication shop approximate-ly 2.5 miles from its main campus. Both facilities are expected to be operational by September.

Shambaugh, which currently employs 528 full-time associates in Fort Wayne, 1,195 across Indiana and more than 1,800 nationally, has already begun hiring ad-ditional mechanical, process and refrig-eration engineers, pipefitters and metal trades associates. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Sham-baugh & Son, LP up to $1,000,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans.


BU

SIN

ES

S B

Uz

z

800-994-2339 www.CertifiedSafety.net

Our world depends on energy – the safety on your project depends on people. Our people, methods and work performance have eliminated thousands of safety hazards. As the global demand for energy and manpower increases, you can count on us to meet those demands…safely!

SAFETY FOCUS

The right people, with the right focus…

GM Supplier Announces Facility in Indiana Ground Effects, LLC, an automotive installer of spray-in bed liners, announced plans to locate a new facility in Roanoke, creating up to 160 new jobs by 2017. The Ontario, Canada-headquarted company will invest $3.4 million to lease and equip a 40,000 square-foot facility located at 13204 Aboite Road in Roanoke. The facility, which will be operational by December, will process bed liners and other automotive accessories for Roanoke’s General Motors plant.

Ground Effects, which currently employs more than 600 full-time associates across North America, will begin hiring for all production-related positions later this year. By cen-tralizing operations near the General Motors assembly plant, the company plans to initially install 20,000 bed liners a year, with full production expected to eventually reach 50,000 a year. Ground Effects also operates locations across Canada, Michigan, Kentucky and Missouri. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Ground Effects, LLC up to $825,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans.

For daily news from Northeast Indiana and around the state, visit our blog at www.buildingindianablog.com and follow us on Twitter @BuildingIndiana.

Northwest

State Approves $45 million plan to replace IUN’s Tamarack Hall

Indiana University Northwest’s plans for a new build-ing to replace Tamarack Hall in Gary has been approved by the State Budget Committee. A plan approved by Indiana University trustees will cost $45 million, and will serve both Indiana University Northwest and Ivy Tech Community College Northwest. During flooding in 2008, Tamarack Hall sustained too much damage to safely hold classes in the building, according to state Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, and an IUN professor.

Ivy Tech classes that may move to the new facility include some nursing programs as well as transfer programs set up for students planning to continue their education at IUN, said Jeff Fanter, Ivy Tech’s vice president of communica-tions and enrollment.


B

US

INE

SS

BU

zz

Youth Development Corporation Receives $1 Million Grant

Congressman Visclosky announced that Anew Life Youth Development Corporation of Gary will receive a grant in the amount $1,041,983 from the U.S. Department of Labor. Youth Development plans to use the money for its Youth-Build Gary program.

Anew Life Youth Development Corporation works with partners throughout Northwest Indiana to assist youths looking to build professional skills while earning their de-gree. According to Anew Life Youth Development Corpora-tion Executive Director Pastor Marvin Davis, this grant will enable the organization to raise its profile and expand on its existing framework, which has developed over 20 years as the YouthBuild program presence in Gary.

YouthBuild is a nonresidential, community-based alternative education program that provides classroom instruction and occupational skills training. YouthBuild par-ticipants learn valuable job skills and work toward indus-try-recognized certifications in a variety of occupations. Students may earn AmeriCorps education awards through their homebuilding and other community service. At exit, they are placed in college, jobs, or both.

Falk-PLI Plans to Expand in PortageFalk-PLI Engineering & Surveying, Inc., an engineering

and surveying firm, announced plans to expand its head-quarters in Portage, creating up to 34 new jobs by 2016. Falk- PLI, which currently has 33 full-time employees in Indiana, has already begun hiring engineers, technicians and adminis-trative support associates.

The homegrown-Hoosier company will renovate and equip a 9,000 square-foot facility at AmeriPlex at the Port business park in Portage. The facility, which will be fully operational this fall, will allow the company to expand its market for engineering services to include the power genera-tion industry.

Falk PLI specializes in laser scanning and tracking technology; it was the first company in the steel industry to utilize laser technology, allowing for the greatest possible accuracy and speed for precision measurements.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Falk PLI Engineering & Surveying, Inc. up to $350,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax cred-its are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Portage approved additional tax abatement at the request of the Portage Economic Development Corporation.

ATI Physical Therapy Opens Two New Indiana Clinics

ATI Physical Therapy continues its expansion in Indiana with the opening of two new clinics at 906 N. Main St. in Crown Point and 1675 N. National Road, in Columbus. The new clinics provide physical therapy and sports medicine services in a friendly and motivating environment.

Named “Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation” by Advance Rehab Magazine, ATI has also achieved URAC Core Accreditation, a mark of distinction that recognizes ATI’s commitment to quality health care. ATI Physical Thera-py now has nearly 50 locations in Indiana and more than 220 locations nationwide.

Electrical Workers and Contractors Donate $160,000 to TradeWinds for Building Fund

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 697 and the local chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association joined forces last week and donated a total of $160,000 to the TradeWinds Building Fund.

TradeWinds Services, founded in 1966 to serve people with special needs, announced last year that it is moving from its current Gary location to a newer facility in Hobart to both enhance programs and expand outreach in the Northwest Indiana community. The Hobart building, valued at $1.25 million, was presented to TradeWinds by an anony-mous donor and is currently under renovation.

On behalf of IBEW 697 Waldrop presented a check for $100,000 to TradeWinds CEO Jon Gold and Board Director Jim Dye to fund construction costs of the new sign shop — a TradeWinds business endeavor that employs adults with special needs. At the same time, Dody Russell, Treasurer of the local chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, signed and presented a check for $60,000 to underwrite a sign shop annex and fund a state-of-the-art computer lab.

Construction Safety Programs are a BenefitforFirms,AccordingtoReport Contractors are reporting business benefits from instituting

strong safety programs, according to a new report by McGraw

Hill Construction on safety management in the construction

industry. In particular, construction companies report the


BU

SIN

ES

S B

Uz

z

As an employer, you know that a happy, healthy workforce is a productive workforce. And one of the keys to health and happiness is great health insurance, which is exactly what PHP provides. We have an array of options that we can custom fit so that the coverage you provide is exactly what your employees need and you can afford. Give us a call or visit us on the web and let’s get started on providing you with a more productive workplace.

800-982-6257 www.phpni .com

A healthy workforce.The first step to building a healthy community.

Building Indiana - Workforce - 0511.indd 1 5/11/2011 2:51:08 PM

As an employer, you know that a happy, healthy workforce is a productive workforce. And one of the keys to health and happiness is great health insurance, which is exactly what PHP provides. We have an array of options that we can custom fit so that the coverage you provide is exactly what your employees need and you can afford. Give us a call or visit us on the web and let’s get started on providing you with a more productive workplace.

800-982-6257 www.phpni .com

A healthy workforce.The first step to building a healthy community.

Building Indiana - Workforce - 0511.indd 1 5/11/2011 2:51:08 PM

following benefits due to the implementation of safety management

practices:

• 51% report increases in project ROI; with a fifth of those reporting increases of greater than 5% • 43% report faster project schedules, with half reporting schedule improvements of a week or more• 39% report a decrease in project budget from a safety pro-gram, with a quarter reporting decreases of 5% or more. • Only 15% reported that safety programs cost firms more—debunking the myth that safety has to negatively affect a firm’s bottom line.• 82% report an improved reputation• 71% report lower injury rates• 66% report they have a greater ability to contract new work• 66% report better project qualityFirms are reporting that onsite safety training and educa-

tion programs are currently most widely adopted (reported by 95% of firms) and considered most valued to jobsite work-ers (82% find it valuable). Online training programs are still an emerging trend, though the increase in mobile tools onsite will likely influence that.

The study’s premier partners include CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training, ClickSafety, United Rentals, and the National Institute of Building Sciences, its as-sociation partner.

Nooter Construction Receives Subcontractor of the Year Award

Nooter Construction Company announced that it was re-cently named Bechtel Power’s Subcontractor of the Year at the annual Subcontractor and Supplier Recognition Awards event in Frederick, Maryland.

Nooter Construction was selected by providing outstanding support for Bechtel Power based on multiple factors including: overall performance; the ability to deliver quality equipment on time; the ability to work collaboratively to meet milestones; and meeting or exceeding project expectations in aspects of safety, construction performance, technical expertise, and environ-mental compliance.

WhitingBPRefineryHitsMilestoneBP announced that it has completed commissioning and

start-up of its new 250,000 barrel-per-day crude distillation unit at the Whiting Refinery, marking a major milestone in the multi-billion dollar upgrade of the facility in Northwest Indiana.


B

US

INE

SS

BU

zz

Construction of the Whiting Refinery upgrade project is more than 95 percent complete. BP expects to commission a new 105,000 barrel-per-day gasoil hydrotreater, a large 102,000 barrel-per-day coker and other associated units in the second half of 2013.

When all of the new equipment is in full operation, the refinery will have the ability to significantly increase heavy, sour crude processing to roughly 80 percent of its overall crude run.

The multi-billion dollar investment in the refinery is the largest private sector investment in Indiana history and also includes several hundred million dollars in state-of-the-art environmental controls for water treatment and air emis-sions, according to Whiting Refinery manager Nick Spencer.

Spencer also credited the 1,900 Whiting employees and large contractor workforce for safely reaching today’s impor-tant milestone in the project.

ACMS Contracted to Work on Modern Forge Project

ACMS Group, Inc. has been contracted to install all of the process and power piping on the Modern Forge project. Additionally ACMS will be completing some of the structural work for Modern Forge’s presses.

Modern Forge manufactures connecting rods and is in the process of relocating their facility from Illinois to Mer-rillville, Indiana. ACMS’s role on the project is expected to last about eight months, and will employ between 15 and 20 craftsmen.

ACMS’s administration said that Indiana materials will be used throughout construction, and that the company is excited to diversify its business beyond the industrial sector. They also stated that they were happy to be working on a project that will bring more jobs into Indiana and will foster growth in the community.

633 Safety Services Opens New Location in Munster

633 Safety Services, comprehensive safety consulting agency specializing in minimizing risks to employees and companies, has recently opened a new location in North-west Indiana. 663 has worked with companies in construc-tion, commercial and industrial settings, and over the last three years has tailored its techniques to the work environ-ment of the Chicago and Northwest Indiana region. 633’s safety management system can be customized to a compa-ny’s specific needs, and additionally 633 assists companies

with site auditing, safety training, accident investigation, injury case management, professional representation, staff-ing assistance and safety program development.

For daily news from Northwest Indiana and around the state, visit our blog at www.buildingindianablog.com and follow us on Twitter @BuildingIndiana.

South

ExpandingPharmacyBenefitManager Chooses Jeffersonville for New Facility

One Southern Indiana (1si) today announced Catamaran Corp.(NASDAQ: CTRX, TSX: CCT), a provider of pharmacy benefit management and technology services, will build a facility that will employ pharmacists, technicians, call-center personnel and others at the River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville, Ind. Catamaran , an Illinois-based company, has already begun site work to construct the facility to sup-port BriovaRx™, its national specialty brand that delivers personalized, holistic care to patients with complex, chronic conditions.

This good news marks One Southern Indiana’s (1si) 96th economic development announcement since the organization’s creation in July 2006. As the local economic development organization, 1si serves Clark and Floyd coun-ties in southern Indiana. The decision by Catamaran Corp. to establish a new facility in southern Indiana means the company will inject new payroll dollars annually into the regional economy, and it will invest in new taxable capital in Clark County.

The build-to-suit facility, to be located on Patrol Road, is scheduled to open for business in November. Catamaran currently operates 11 other specialty pharmacy facilities across the country. The company also recently opened a Center of Excellence in Indianapolis.

Japanese Automotive Parts Manufacturer Expands in Columbus

Sunright America, Inc., a Japanese manufacturer of auto-


BU

SIN

ES

S B

Uz

z

We help minimize the pain of workplace injuries.

633 Safety Services L.L.C.P.O. Box 3166, Munster, IN 46321 / Phone: (219) 228-2282

www.633Safety.com

Comprehensive Safety ConsultingMinimizing risks to employees and companies

Site Auditing • Safety Training • Accident Investigation • Injury Case Management Hazard Abaitment • Staffing Assistance • Safety Program Development

Helping companies recover from a workplace injury

• Lowered workers comp costs• Improved employee morale• Faster recovery times

motive nuts, bolts and specialty fasteners, announced plans to expand its operations in Columbus, creating up to 103 new jobs by 2016.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Japan-based Sugiura Seisakusho Co., Ltd., will invest $34.7 million to construct and equip two additional facilities on its 33-acre campus at the Northwest Industrial Park in Columbus. The new 176,000 square-foot and 160,000 square-foot facilities, which will stand next to its existing 322,000 square-foot facility, will house additional lines for automotive nuts and bolts. The first pro-duction line is expected to be operational in April 2014.

The company is a tier 1 supplier to Toyota, with most of all nuts on Toyota cars in America manufactured - 5 million pieces per day - at the facility in Columbus. With approximately 80 customers includ-ing Toyota and Hino, Sunright has more than 130 full-time employees in Indiana and plans to begin hiring additional manufactur-ing associates, engineers, supervisors and manufacturing managers this fall. The Indi-ana Economic Development Corporation of-fered Sunright America, Inc. up to $700,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans.

Proposed Evansville Sports Complex Moves Forward

The Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECVB) Board of Commissioners voted to approve a purchase agreement for 99-acres of land in northern Vander-burgh County as the site for the proposed softball/baseball complex. The sale will be contingent on final approval by the Vander-burgh County Council. The sale price for the land is $1.35 million.

In Evansville and Vanderburgh County, there are approximately 16,000 youth and adults who play softball/baseball. For over a year, the ECVB staff and board members have spent countless hours evaluating the feasibility of building a softball/baseball complex. They traveled to five cities in

our region that built similar complexes – ones capable of hosting 35-45 team tournaments.

After studying multiple sites, it was determined that the best location for building a combined first-class multi-sport facility is at the Goebel Soc-cer Complex. Based on a Sports Facility Plan approval by the Vanderburgh County Council, the proposed facility will be built on land located southwest of Goebel Soccer Complex with an estimated base cost of $10.6 - $13.5 million. This cost does not include the land acquisition and projected $2.4 million for needed upgrades to the existing Goebel Complex.

With this addition to Evansville’s sports facility inventory, the ECVB can begin to capitalize on several years of attending sporting tradeshows to estab-lish relationships with organizations such as National Association of Sports Commissions, Amateur Softball Association, National Softball Association and Independent Softball Association. All of these are points of contact for hundreds of organizations that schedule softball (and other sporting) events across the country. Events like these held in Evansville would generate an es-timated $13-$16 million annually in direct expenditures to the local economy.

For daily news from Southern Indiana and around the state, visit our blog at www.buildingindianablog.com and follow us on Twitter @BuildingIndiana.


lake area United Way names Jeremy miller as ‘2012 volunteer of the year’

Jeremy Miller, regional vice president of Centier Bank, has been

recognized as Lake Area United Way’s 2012 Volunteer of the Year. He was cited for his outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the regional community impact and fundraising organization. The award was made during the Indiana Association of United Ways’ Volunteer of the Year Awards Banquet held recently at the Fountains Banquet and Conference Center in Carmel, Indiana. Miller was cited for his outstanding contributions serving as Centier Bank’s employee campaign manager and captain of the company’s United Way Day of Caring team which built a children’s play area at Haven House, a LAUW-funded shelter for abused women and their children.

riley Hospital appoints Williams as new coo

Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana U n i v e r s i t y Health has

appointed Russell Williams as its new chief operating officer. Williams joins Riley at IU Health from Fairview Health Services, a non-profit academic health system that includes the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, and the University of Minnesota

Amplatz Children’s Hospital. Williams was formerly vice president of operations for Fairview Southdale Hospital, one of Fairview’s community hospitals. He has been leading the expansion of the emergency department, overseeing the growth of the cancer service line and directing operations of nearly 10 hospital-based clinics.

Greenawalt appointed vP of berry Plastics Group

Berry Plastics Group, Inc. a n n o u n c e d today that it has appointed

Rodgers Greenawalt, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of Product Management for Berry Plastics’ Rigid Open Top division, to the position of Executive Vice President – Operations. As EVP - Operations, Greenawalt will provide strategic leadership for the Company-wide Operations, Safety, Product Development, and Creative Services teams. Becker will remain with the Company for a short period of time to help with the transition of his operational responsibilities. Greenawalt joined Berry Plastics more than 17 years ago through its acquisition of Venture Packaging. Throughout this time, he held a broad range of management positions, most recently serving as EVP of Product Management for the Company’s Rigid Open Top division. Greenawalt holds Bachelor of Science and

Master of Science degrees in Management from Clemson University.

indianapolis Power & light Promotes Huntington

K e l l y Huntington has been promoted to president of I n d i a n a p o l i s

Power & Light Co. She most recently served as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Huntington joined IPL in 2011 after serving in business and financial leadership positions for parent company, AES Corporation, at its global headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Prior to joining AES, Huntington worked in private equity investment and investment banking. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, master’s degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and is a CFA charterholder.

bryan moll named vice President at american Structurepoint

Bryan J. Moll, Survey Group leader, has been promoted to Vice President

of Indianapolis-based architecture and engineering firm American Structurepoint. Since joining the firm, Moll, who has a background in civil engineering and land surveying, has led the charge

of expanding the Survey Group, growing the firm’s client base in Indiana, Ohio and beyond. During his career, Moll has been involved in hundreds of ALTA/ACSM Land Title surveys throughout the state of Indiana. He has also worked on large-scale route surveys ranging from two miles to 22 miles. Moll also works closely with INDOT on managing many right-of-way engineering projects throughout each district in Indiana.

buchanan named new regional chamber Director

The Regional Chamber of N o r t h e a s t Indiana has named Vince

Buchanan to be its new Executive Director. Buchanan is a business entrepreneur who has served as the president of the New Haven Chamber since June 2005. During his tenure there, the Chamber’s membership more than doubled and membership revenues grew by 300%. He has been closely engaged in regional activities over the past several years with both the Regional Chamber and the Chamber Coalition. Buchanan has been involved in several business ventures over the past 32 years, most of which have been in the restaurant industry. He attended Ball State University, majoring in Business Administration.

People News


methodist Hospitals Promotes Howe to relations managerDavid Howe was recently promoted to Relations Manager at Methodist Hospitals, working out of the Valparaiso Family YMCA. With 30 years of healthcare, hospitality and community service experience, he is responsible for building a strong

relationship with the community to promote better health and wellness in Porter County. David Howe has been a long time resident of Valparaiso Indiana.

banning engineering Hires eric Walthen as Project mangerBanning Engineering announced that Eric Walthen has joined its team as a Project Manager. As a former Hendricks County Commissioner, Walthen has an extensive background in local government, Drainage Boards and Regional Sanitary Sewer

Boards, which will add to the already existing expertise of the Banning Team. Walthen will focus on engineering services for municipal clients. With over 16 years of experience, Walthen most recently comes from the National Precast Concrete Association where he served as a Technical Services Engineer. Over the course of his career, Walthen has specialized in civil engineering and business development, including project management, construction management, transportation design, and QC/QA. He is registered as a Professional Engineer in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Illinois and received his Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from Rose‐Hulman Institute of Technology.

boone eDc Hires lePage as new marketing DirectorThe Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) has hired Joe LePage as the Director of Marketing and Communications. LePage will be responsible for developing, maintaining and enhancing all channels of communication and

branding for the Boone EDC. A resident of Boone County, LePage comes from a successful career in broadcasting, most recently serving as a news reporter/anchor for Fox 59.

Grubb named Partner at cripe architects + engineersMichael J. Grubb, AIA, LEED BD+C has been named partner at Cripe Architects + Engineers. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Mr. Grubb serves as Director of Architecture as well as overseeing day to day operations. A registered architect in

Wisconsin and Missouri, Mr. Grubb holds an Associates Degree in Architectural Engineering Technology; is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional; and a graduate of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Executive Leadership Program. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and is a past president of Chamber Action with the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

EVENT VENUE DATE & TIME

NWIBRT SOUTHSHORE RAILCATSFAMILY SAFETY DAYThis day will embrace the safety culture we work in everyday.

nwibrt.org/railcats

SouthshoreRailCatsStadium

August 4, 20132:10 P.M.

AIST GOLF OUTINGMidwest Chapter.

aist.org/mc_midwest.htm

White Hawk Country ClubCrown Point, IN

August 15, 2013

NIPSCO PORTER COUNTY SAFETY DAYSGas, Line & Meter departments participate in safety education. For exhibitor information call 219-226-0300.

Radisson Star PlazaHotel Merrillville, IN

September 10-11, 2013

7:00-12:30 P.M.

Each DayAIST MIDWEST CHAPTER VENDOR FAIRFree buffet dinner, cash bar, no ticket required, all welcome. Over 96 exhibitors.

aist.org/mc_midwest.htm

Radisson Star PlazaHotel Merrillville, IN

September 17, 2013

3:00-8:00 P.M.

JAK’S WAREHOUSE & FOOD BANK OF NWI ANNUAL GALAJAK’s Warehouse has partnered up with our local Strack & Van Til stores to hold a food drive and raise funds to benefit the HOPE Project.

www.foodbanknwi.org/index.php/main/helper/jaks_warehouse/

JAK’S Warehouse

Schererville, IN

September 25, 2013

5:00-9:00 P.M.

NWIBRT 2013 FALL SAFETY SEMINARThe Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBRT) and the Greater Calumet Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) will hold a safety seminar.

www.nwibrt.org

Purdue University Calumet Hammond, IN

October 10, 2013

8:00 A.M–12:00 P.M.

THE BIG SCHMOOZEShake hands, exchange cards, & SCHMOOZE at this networking-focused fundraising for the Lake Area United Way & United Way of Porter County.

thebigschmooze.com

Avalon Manor Merrillville, IN

October 17, 2013

5:00–8:00 P.M.

FRANCISCAN ALLIANCE GALA The 7th annual black tie gala proceeds will benefit the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region Mission Programs.

www.franciscanalliance.org

Navy Pier Chicago, IL

October 19, 2013

BEYOND SAFETY EXPOCome learn from the industries BEST Safety experts, CEUs available. Discuss topics related to safety and network.

beyondsafetyexpo.com

Radisson Star Plaza

Merrillville, IN

February 11-12, 2014


top Notch Honors excellence

Top Notch of Indiana held it’s fourth annual Standards of Excellence Awards program honoring a select group of organizations that have earned the highest level of distinction over the past year in Indiana’s union construction industry. The awards program and luncheon took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.Two award winners were selected to be the overall winners.

Nearly 600 guests attended the event, including a wide variety of professional tradesmen, contractors, construction users, political officials and civic leaders from around the state. The awards program was hosted by Todd Connor of WRTV6. Special remarks were made by former Indianapolis 500 winner Tom Sneva.

Awards were presented in four categories to the following organizations: Training Excellence Award, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 440 Apprenticeship Program; Union of the Year Award, Ironworkers Local 22; Contractor of the Year Award, Taylor Brothers ConstructionLabor/Management Foundation Award, Quality Connection of Central Indiana.

The awards program mirrors the Top Notch Standards of Excellence, which cover such industry areas as training, continuing education, safety, productivity, economic development and user/owner satisfaction.

Awards for 2013 were decided upon by a distinguished panel of judges including: Thomas Snyder, Ivy Tech Community College; Matt Gutwein, Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County; Thomas Morrison, Indiana University; Jim Schellinger, CSO Architects; and Bob McMains, Purdue University.

Photo Feature

Briane House, Tom Sneva, Chris Chastain and Tom O’Donnell pose together for a photo at the 4th annual Top Notch Standards of Excellence Awards program.

The Labor Management Foundation award was given to Quality Construction of Central Indiana at this year’s Top Notch awards program.

The Apprentice Training Program of Plumbers and Pipefitters 440 Earned the Training Excellence Award at the Top Notch awards program.

This year’s Top Notch Contractor of the Year award went to Taylor Brothers Construction, pictured here with their award.

The Union of the Year award at the 2013 Top Notch awards program was given to Ironworkers Local 22.

28 www.buildingindiananews.com


Ground Broken on dunes kankakee trailThe project will link Lake Michigan to the Kankakee River via a

pedestrian-bike trail. Regional Development Authority Chief Operating

The groundbreaking kicks off construction of the first section of the

trail connecting Indiana Dunes State Park to the Dune Park NICTD

Station on U.S. 12. This section of the trail will stretch from the entrance

to the Dunes back across the new bridges over routes 12 and 20 and

connect to the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center.

The trail has received funding from a number of sources, including an

earmark of $500,000 in federal funds secured by Visclosky; matching

funds through NIRPC and the Indiana Department of Natural

Resources; and a $19 million grant through the Regional Development

Authority, which also includes economic development work for the U.S.

20 and Ind. 49 corridor.

Officials gather together to commerate the groundbreaking of the Dunes Kankakee Trail. Congressman Pete Visclosky is pictured on the far right.

MECHANICAL SERVICES

(219) 763-1177correctconstruction.com

Correct Construction, Inc. has been delivering excellence to commercial and industrial clients across the Midwest.

29www.buildingindiananews.com


S

TA

TE

OF

TH

E IN

DU

ST

RY

by Dewey Pearman, executive Director, construction advancement foundation

There is a growing epidemic of dishonest employment practices across a broad spectrum of business sectors which is putting honest business people at a severe

cost and price disadvantage. While these practices are seen in virtually all areas of business it is particularly problematic in the construction industry, especially in states such as Indiana where enforcement of proper employment practices is virtually non-existent.

This practice is commonly referred to as “misclassification” of employees. It’s a rather simple matter where an employer will falsely claim that an employee is an “independent contractor”. This results in the employer avoiding numerous and significant tax obligations that are being paid by honest business owners. By claiming an individual is an independent contractor the employers avoids paying payroll taxes such as Social Security and Medicaid, workers compensation, unemployment taxes and overtime – all required by law. This practice reduces labor costs by 30% or more. That’s a significant cost, and therefore

bidding disadvantage for the honest contractor who is properly claiming his employees as legitimate employees. Winning a bid for a project where your competition has a labor cost bidding advantage of 30% or more is almost impossible. It’s also hard to swallow when you know that cost advantage is the result of illegal business practices.

Those who try to defend this practice often argue the state and federal law allows them to contract out work to independent “sub-contractors”. While the use of legitimate sub-contractors is an important part of the contractor business model, there are State and Federal rules that determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The companies improperly classifying employees as independent contractors simply ignore Internal Revenue Service and other regulations that clearly define who is and is not an employee.

Misclassification negatively impacts all citizens and business of Indiana in several ways. A 2010 study, The Economic Costs of Employee Misclassification in the State of Indiana, done by Dr. James I. Sturgeon and Dr. Michael P. Kelsey of the Department of Economics, University of Missouri-Kansas City quantified some of costs of misclassification to the State of Indiana. These findings

Illegal Practices Create an Unfair Playing Field for Honest Businesses

eMPLoYee MIScLaSSIFIcatIoN


Circle “R” Electric, Inc.(219) 762.5588

Current Electric, Inc.(219) 872.7736

DJL, Inc. d/b/a K.B. Electric

(219) 872.4639

Ellis Electric, Inc.(219) 926.7400

Residential Electric(219) 362.8886

K V Electric(219) 987.2646

Stephani Electric(219) 362.2219

• For the years 2007-2008, state audits found that 47.5% of audited employers had misclassified work-ers as independent contractors.

• 16.58% of employees in Indiana were misclassified as independent contractors for the period 2007-2008. The number of employees statewide that were affected by improper misclassification is es-timated to have average 418,086 annually for the period 2007-2008.

• The workers were directly impact-ed by being denied the protection of various employment laws and by being forced to pay costs nor-mally borne by employers. State and local income tax revenues, the unemployment insurance system, and worker’s compensation in Indi-ana are adversely affected as well.

• The unemployment insurance sys-tem lost an average of $36.7 mil-lion each year for the period 2007-2008 in unemployment insurance taxes that were not levied as a result of misclassification.

• $147.5 million annually of state income tax revenues were lost in Indiana for the years 2007-2008. An average of $59.9 million of In-diana local government income tax revenues were lost annually during the period 2007-2008 due to unre-ported income.

• The practice of misclassification shifts the burden of paying work-er’s compensation insurance pre-miums onto those employers who properly classify their employees. It has the further effect of destroy-ing the fairness and legitimacy of the bidding process.

• For the period 2007-2008, $24.1 million annually of worker’s com-pensation premiums were not properly paid for misclassified workers. For the period 2007-2008 an annual average of $4.2 million of worker’s compensation premiums were not properly paid by construction employers in In-diana.

are based on audits conducted by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development based on criteria and guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. Here are some of the key findings of the study.

Tens of millions of dollars of lost revenue to federal, state and local governments, including unemployment compensation and worker compensation programs must be made up by passing along additional costs to employers who properly classify their employees.

What’s the solution to this problem - enforcement? A more aggressive effort by the state of Indiana to enforce existing laws and regulations regarding the proper classification of employees will benefit all citizens and businesses in the State. A small investment in better enforcement will not only generate badly needed tax revenue for local and state government, it will also level the playing field for honest

business people.

eMPLoYMeNt BY tHe NUMBerS


by nick Dmitrovich

Construction industry professionals have begun taking ad-vantage of new software designed to streamline the entire safety training process; online programs that can be ac-

cessed anytime, anywhere and provide the ability for host com-panies and contractor companies to schedule, manage, track and verify training history for individual employees.

With software like this, personal data and training records stay with the individual person; for example a person’s OSHA and TWIC (Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential) date are universal require-ments at many job sites and as a per-son switches back and forth between contractor companies, the training he/she has, no matter where, will always be part of his/her record.

“Software like this is a valuable tool for project planning,” said Mitchell Surovik, CSP and Consulting Manager with 633 Safety Services. “Instead of using your resource loaded schedule to identify your training needs, this type of software allows man-agers to easily identify previously trained employees to use for tasks requiring specialized training. This technique eliminates the need for additional training while ensuring employees have been training for the task at hand.”

Surovik also said that programs like these can help with regu-

latory compliance. “If a company is visited by an OSHA compli-ance officer, especially to address any of the National Emphasis Program items, one of the areas they give special attention to is training records,” he said. “Companies should always be prepared to provide detailed training records for each individual employee. Companies should also remember that in the compliance world, the days of training records being complete with no more than a sign-in sheet displaying a company logo and a training topic are gone. Neither can companies assume that because every em-

ployee has their OSHA 10 that training require-ments have been met. To show that an em-ployee has been properly trained, companies need to maintain records that include not only the training material used but also the name of the instructor who taught the class and his/her credentials. For employers in the NWI region, one of the best avenues for accomplishing their training goals is through the Construction Advancement Foundation.”

One such program helping companies is the Virtual Training Management System (VTMS) managed by Safety Training & Tracing, Inc. (ST&T). “This software helps contractors

and their employees by providing an efficient method of schedul-ing, administrating and reviewing contractor training. This sys-tem is currently in place at the BP and Unilever sites and is used to access policies, procedures and other contractor specific com-munications,” said Beth Sciackitano, Communications Coordina-tor for Safety Training and Tracing.

S

AF

ET

Y z

ON

E

Managing training on a cloudOnline System Helps Companies Easily Manage Employee Training

“If you think of your company as if it were like a modern vehicle, train-ing tracker software would be the dashboard computer screen that tells you what the vehicle needs. It lets you know if your tire pressure is low, that it’s time to change your oil, or that you need to get the car to a mechanic.”- Mitchell Surovik, cSP and consulting Manager, 633 Safety Services


“Over 50 Years of Quality Service”

QUALITY

INTEGRITY

RELIABILITY

• Industrial & Process Piping

• Equipment Rigging & Setting

• Special Alloy Welding

• Code Welding

• Plant Maintenance

• Power Generation

• Steel Manufacturing

• Alternate Fuels

• Chemical & Petrochemical

• Petroleum & Refining

Indiana Location: Toll-Free: (800) 794-5033 • Tel: 219-392-3000

Illinois Location: Toll-Free: (800) 794-5033 • Tel: 630-887-7700

www.amsmechanicalsystems.com

VTMS is similar to other training management software such as the IndustrySafe Training Tracking Software and the Intelex Safety Management Program in that they all provide contractors the ability to easily establish training schedules and follow employee progress.

“Our web-based application allows contractor companies to check/track training history for individuals, easily register employees for training courses, it can be customized for individual contractor companies and much more,” said Sciackitano.

Using the software like this, contractors have the ability to view all available training courses that are offered and can schedule their employees for training at any time. Because all of the data is tied to the individual employee, the software allows for a more efficient check-in process and ease of access for all parties involved, thereby augment-ing productivity of the user company.

“Beside the “training side” of VTMS, there is also much informa-tion that is useful and convenient for answering safety program ques-tions. Access to the BP Manual of Safety Procedures, process safety information, safety personnel contact information, list of who is BP’s “Subject Matter Expert” and how to contact them for various topics has greatly improved our ability to perform our jobs as “safety consul-tants” for our company,” said John Kasang, Site Safety Manager, Brand Energy Services, LLC.

The program is designed to be customized to meet the needs of the hosting company, providing contractors access to specific host policies and procedures and special reporting capabilities. This en-ables different host companies to track unique training, role and insur-ance requirements that are specialized to their project.

“I frequent ST&T’s website daily to ensure our manpower has the necessary training when assigned to various jobs. I am never farther than a few clicks away from registering individuals for training as need-ed. I would highly recommend the use of ST&T’s services to help assist companies in managing their employee’s current and future training needs,” said Casa Piasky, Safety Administrator with Solid Platforms In-corporated.

“VTMS is an efficiency and cost saving application vital in contrac-tor management, saving both host and contractor company time and money. It has been instrumental in allowing contractor companies se-cure 24/7 access to host company policies and procedures, employee training information, availability of training classes and scheduling of training sessions,” said Michael Mantich, Chief Operating Officer for Safety Training & Tracing, Inc.

Surovik went on to discuss how technology like this might impact the construction industry in the future. He said, “If you think of your company as if it were like a modern vehicle, training tracker software would be the dashboard computer screen that tells you what the ve-hicle needs. It lets you know if your tire pressure is low, that it’s time to change your oil, or that you need to get the car to a mechanic. Training tracker software keeps you apprised of upcoming needs allowing you to then create an adequate training plan. It’s a valuable tool.”

“In my opinion,” he added, “The largest impact technology is bringing to the industry, particularly when it comes to safety, will be through the use predictive analytics. Companies can now track and trend hazards in a way that allows them to predict future injuries with an accuracy rate of 80 to 97 percent! The ability to predict future inci-dents is the most valuable aspect of an effective safety management system.”


B

OT

TO

M L

INE

by nick Dmitrovich

Indiana is a state that likes to keep things moving. One of the major selling points used to attract new business to the Hoo-sier state is the wide array of logistics options Indiana offers

– especially when it comes to the highway system. 75% of the population of U.S. and Canadian citizens live within a day’s truck drive of Indiana, making the highway system essential for the shipping needs of manufacturing, agricultural and many other businesses.

Governor Mike Pence has stated that his infrastructure phi-losophy is based on three priorities: taking care of existing struc-tures, finishing major projects and planning for the future. Cur-rently across the state there are more than a dozen major high-way infrastructure projects taking place that are meeting those priorities, and more than 20 smaller projects. $7.5 billion has been invested in roadway improvements over the last year. Here is a look at of some of the larger projects currently underway:

New US 31, HaMILtoN coUNtYThe goal of the new U.S. 31 project taking place in Hamil-

ton County is to upgrade U.S. 31 to federal freeway standards between I-465 and State Road 38. Upgrading these thirteen miles of highway will be, in terms of dollars, the largest single road con-struction project ever conducted in Hamilton County.

The estimated construction cost of this project is $400-436 million, and funding will come from federal and state transpor-tation dollars that are part of former Governor Daniels’ Major Moves program; financing that began with the long-term leasing of the Indiana Toll Road several years ago. Construction began in 2011 and is expected to be completed in 2015. Currently, con-struction is underway on the U.S. 31 from 146th Street to south of 169th Street.

The purpose of the project is intended to reduce congestion, improve safety, and provide continuity of commerce and regional

travel for a U.S. 31, which stretches from Michigan to Alabama. The project’s components either upgrade or bypass congested sections of U.S. 31 that, when completed, are expected to cut a half hour off travel time between Indianapolis and South Bend.

coNStrUctIoN For tHe VarIoUS SectIoNS oF tHe ProJect HaS BeeN coMPLeted BY SeVeraL dIFFereNt coMPaNIeS. SoMe oF tHe BUILderS tHat HaVe deSIGNed aSPectS oF tHe road are:

Beaty Construction of Boggstown, awarded $6.3 million to widen the 146th Street bridge; Milestone Contractors, awarded $19.6 million to build a new U.S. 31 freeway exit at State Road 38

Walsh Construction Company, awarded $35.7 million for new interchanges at Keystone Parkway and 146th Street

Rieth-Riley Construction of Goshen, awarded $58.4 million for the stretch of U.S. 31 between 146th Street and 169th Street, including new freeway exits at 146th, 151st and 161st Streets

Separately, there are also sections of U.S. 31 being improved in Kokomo and near South Bend. These projects are funded by the same means as the U.S. 31 Hamilton County project.

HooSIer HeartLaNd – Sr 25The State Road (S.R.) 25 project is part of the $415 million

Hoosier Heartland Highway Corridor, which extends from Toledo, Ohio to Lafayette, Indiana, a distance of approximately 200 miles. The purpose of the project is to provide a safe route that meets current design standards such as reducing congestion, improv-ing efficiency and capacity between Lafayette and Logansport, and to enhance the regional and local transportation network by improving and completing the transportation system between Fort Wayne and Lafayette.

Former Governor Mitch Daniels held a ribbon cutting cer-emony for the first stretch of the project that opened to traffic; a 12-mile stretch between I-65 in Lafayette and US 421 in Delphi. The last three segments of the project, spanning from Delphi to

INdIaNa’S INFraStrUctUre INVeStMeNtS

$7.5 billion invested in roadway improvements help attract new business to Indiana.


The Construction Advancement Foundation

Providing World Class Safety to Train and

Improve the Industry.6050 Southport Road, Suite A • Portage, IN 46368

P: 219-764-2883 • F: 219-764-2885

BusinessChallenge

Take theUncertaintyOut ofYourBusinessEquationWhen you factor Horizon Bank into your business equation,you can be sure that our trusted financial experts willdevelop a customized business loan that will addconfidence…and subtract uncertainty...in 2013 and beyond.

LetUsCustomize YourBusiness Loan888-873-2640accesshorizon.com/cash2

Logansport, should be open to traffic at the end of 2013. This part of the state is a major agricultural area, and farmers in the area depend on the corridor to move supplies and products to markets in Lo-gansport and Lafayette.

SeVeraL dIFFereNt coNtractorS HaVe worked oN dIFFereNt PHaSeS oF coNStrUctIoN, INcLUdING:

Crider and Crider, Inc., from Bloom-ington, awarded nearly $16 million for work between County Road 400 West and County Road 100 West

Milestone Contractors of Lafayette was awarded the two contracts for a to-tal of nearly $41 million to complete many different parts of the project, such as new lane construction from County Road 100W to County Road 500S between Rockfield and Clymers, three new bridges, and a new interchange at U.S. 421/State Road 39

Primco Inc. of Fort Wayne was award-ed just over $2 million to construct a bridge to carry the new alignment of State

Road 25 over Kokomo Pike

I-69, eVaNSVILLe to INdIaNaPoLISThe I-69 highway connecting Evans-

ville to Indianapolis has been a dream of many Hoosier planners going back all the way to the 1970’s. Presently, sections of the project from Evansville to the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, IN, are now open to traffic. The next section, from Crane to Bloomington, is slated to open by the end of 2014.

Total estimates for the cost of the entire project range from $1.73 to 1.83 billion. I-69 is included in INDOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan and it will be funded through a mix of federal and state dollars, as well as proceeds from the lease of the Indiana Toll Road. $700 million has been earmarked from the Major Moves Construction Program to fund I-69 con-struction from Evansville to just north of Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center.

One of the most attractive aspects of I-69 for businesses looking to relocate to Indiana is that the road is one of the

longest contiguous new terrain interstate construction projects in the U.S., making it a very viable logistics option for com-panies.

SoMe oF tHe coNtractorS INVoLVed wItH tHe I-69 ProJect are:

White Construction Inc of Clinton,

Ind. was awarded a $57 million contract

for a three-mile section of Interstate 69

in Greene County, beginning near Dry

Branch Road and ending just before the

State Road 45 Interchange

Blankenberger Brothers, Inc. of Cyn-

thiana, Ind., was awarded a $22.2 million

contract for construction of new interstate

roadways from the Pigeon Creek Bridges

to State Road 168 in Gibson County

Crider and Crider, Inc. of Blooming-

ton, Ind. was awarded just under $27 mil-

lion for 4.6 miles of construction in Greene

and Monroe Counties beginning just east

of the new U.S. 231 and I-69 interchange

and stretching to Taylor Ridge Road.


creating a work Space that Promotes Your Productivity

B

EIN

G P

RO

DU

CT

IVE

by: Kevin eikenberry, chief Potential officer, the Kevin eikenberry Group

Everyone reading these words has a place where they work.

And most of you have a place where you work best. The

goal of this article is to help you make sure those places

are one and the same.

If you work in a cubicle or office provided by your employ-

er, you might think you can dismiss this article and move on to

something else. Don’t.

Let’s go back to the start – I want you to find ways to make

the place you work a place you can do great work.

All of the questions and advice below applies to you regard-

less of your working situation. It applies to you if you are an

office designer or architect, creating new working spaces for oth-

ers; as a leader of others who you want to support in doing great

work; or as an individual doing your work as a team member and

individual contributor.

oUr StartING PoINtOur environment impacts our results. When the environ-

ment is right we are more productive, less stressed, healthier and

happier. We are also less likely to leave for another job, more

likely to be more pleasant to co-workers and customers and gen-

erally better off personally and professionally.

QUeStIoNS to coNSIderTo get you thinking about the linkage between environment

and productivity, let’s start with some questions. Get out you

notepad or your journal and answer these questions on paper.

The answers are important enough for you to invest time in

thinking on paper.

• In what situations/spaces/environments do you feel most

personally productive?

• If your current working location isn’t in this list, what keeps

it from making that list?

• What kind of space do you seek out if you can work wherever

you wish?

Contractor of the YearSuperior Construction Co., Inc.

Excellence AwardAmbitech Engineering

Corporation

Amex Nooter, LLC

Atlantic Plant Services, Inc.

CertifiedSafety

CET Incorporated

Cornerstone Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Falk-PLI Engineering & Surveying

Interstate Environmental Services, Inc.

Manta Industrial

Meade Industries

Middough Inc.

R.J. Mycka, Inc.

Solid Platforms, Inc.

Superior Construction Co., Inc.

The American Group of Constructors, Inc.

Pangere Corporation

Total Safety U.S., Inc.

Achievement AwardACMS Group, Inc.

AMS Mechanical Systems, Inc.

Code Red Safety

Correct Construction, Inc.

Hasse Construction Co., Inc.

Morrison Construction Company

Sargent Electric Company

Thatcher Foundations, Inc.

Recognition AwardBMW Constructors, Inc.

BRAND Energy & Infrastructure Services

EMCOR Hyre Electric

Graycor Industrial Constructors, Inc.

KM Plant Services, Inc.

Hayes Mechanical

Korellis Roofing, Inc.

Kvaerner North American Construction Inc.

M&O Environmental Company

M&O Insulation Company

Nooter Construction

Tranco Industrial Services, Inc.

Tonn and Blank Construction, LLC

Innovation AwardSolid Platforms, Inc.

Life Saver AwardSteve Cowsert, of Sargent Electric

Roger Walters AwardTom Owens, of

Superior Construction Co., Inc.

For a List of Members and Information, visit us at www.nwibrt.org or call us at 219-226-0300.

Congratulations to Our 2012 Winners

Save the Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014

Honoring Safety and Construction Excellence

MISSION: Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBRT) provides a collaborative forum to Northwest Indiana business and industry to advance safety, quality, and value of construction and maintenance projects.


• How much of your time do you work in places where you feel productive?

• What could you do immediately (in less than a week) to improve or change your

environment, based on your answers to these questions?

Now wHat?Time spent thinking about those questions is important. Taking action on your

answers is more important. Here are some general steps to take, based on your answers

above.

1. Recognize how important your working environment is to your productivity. It isn’t

just a nice to have, it is critical. As a working professional your productivity is a big

part of what you offer to your company. Make sure you are allowing yourself to bring

your best self.

2. Use any flexibility you have in where you work to your advantage. Use your answers

to the questions above – don’t just go to a coffee shop because that is where everyone

else goes or to the nearest place that happens to have Wi-Fi.

3. Think about how different kinds of work might be work better in different

environments, and be willing to alter your location or environment, based on the work

needs.

4. Think ergonomic. If you haven’t thought about desk space, chair heights, and

computer positioning, include them in your thinking. A small adjustment here could

make a big difference.

5. Think emotional. What could you add or change to your environment to connect

you to other important parts of your life beyond work? A picture could go a long way –

the right picture might go further than you might imagine.

6. Get creative. As I said at the start of

the article, be open-minded about this.

Perhaps the changes you can make to

your space are limited, but what changes

can you make?

7. Challenge assumptions. Talk to your

manager about the options for changing

your working environment. If you come

to them with a plan and reasons why you

want to make adjustments (your answers

to the questions above will likely be

pretty impressive and persuasive), you

might be surprised what you could do –

to change your space or have flexibility

to work from different locations, etc.

These are general questions, valuable

for everyone to consider regardless of

your role. Now, let’s get specific for the

designers and architects, then for leaders.

If you are in a design role, doing the

steps above are great for your workspace

and they can also to put you in the right

frame of mind when designing for others.

Remember though that you are designing

for the client not for yourself! Given that,

consider using the questions (or your own

sub-set) above as a part of your design

process with your clients. When you

meet with them, don’t just learn about

square feet and number of people, but

also learn about the way people work, the

organizational culture and other factors

that might impact workplace design and

layout.

If you are a leader, responsible for the

productivity of your team, remember the

importance of the working environment.

Again, use these questions for your own

workspace, but consider using these

questions to create a conversation with

your team about how they can improve

their workspaces with your help. This

conversation will be welcomed and will

likely lead to very positive results.

If you believe my premise – that our

environment impacts our results – you

know that taking the steps here will make a

difference in how effective and productive

you and those you work with are.



C

OV

ER

ST

OR

Y

by nick Dmitrovich

Governor Mike Pence has stated that he is still committed to seeing the

infrastructure improvement plans from Indiana’s previous administra-

tion come to life. “We’re going to finish what we started,” Pence stated.

“And we’re going to use all the resources that we have at our disposal to do that

in a way that serves the interests of taxpayers and is efficient and effective and

under budget. My philosophy of roads is simply this: you have three priorities

when it comes to infrastructure. Number one, you take care of what you got.

Number two, you finish what you started. And number three, you plan for the

future.”

Several years ago, former Governor Mitch Daniels began the “Major Moves”

initiative; a 10-year campaign to complete a series of significant improvements

and expansions to Indiana’s highway infrastructure and bridges. $2.6 billion

was dedicated to the project, and as of last year more than 720 bridges have

been rehabilitated or replaced (13% of the state’s bridges). By the year 2015, it

is predicted that 1,070 bridges will be replaced (19.5% of the state’s bridges).

The largest bridge construction projects taking place in the state right now

are the Milton-Madison bridge project in Jefferson County, and the Ohio River

Bridges project in Clark County. Between the two of them, thousands of jobs

will be created in both the short-term development stages, and throughout the

BrIdGING tHe GaP

Indiana Bridge Projects Connect the State

eaSt eNd BrIdGe ProJect

CONSTrUCTION•Walsh Construction Company•VINCI Construction Grand Projects

DESIgN•Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

O&M•VINCI Concessions S.A.S.

OTHEr DESIgN/CONSTrUCTION

•Milestone Contractors• International Bridge Technologies, Inc.•Haydon Bridge Company•Bizzack Construction, LLC•American Structurepoint, Inc.•Buckland & Taylor Ltd.•Stantec•Earth Exploration•Guthrie/Mayes•James H Drew•Freyssinet•Advitam•RWDI•PCSI•Macdonald Architects

tHe MILtoN-MadISoN CONSTrUCTION

• Walsh Construction, Inc

DESIgN

• Burgess & Burgess & Niple, Inc

• Buckland & Taylor


future and traffic flow throughout the areas

of construction will be improved.

tHe oHIo rIVer BrIdGeS – eaSt eNd BrIdGe

One of the largest transportation proj-

ects currently underway in the United

States is the Ohio River Bridges project

taking place in southern Indiana, bridg-

ing the gap between the Hoosier state and

Louisville, KY. This project is actually two

separate bridges; Kentucky is responsible

for the Downtown Crossing (which is the

I-65 bridge), and Indiana’s responsibility is

the East End Bridge, a brand new bridge

that will be constructed to run between the

Gene Snyder Freeway in Louisville, KY., and

State Road 265 in Jeffersonville, IN.

WVB East End Partners, a team of Walsh

Investors LLC, VINCI Concessions and Bil-

finger Project Investments, is the team se-

lected to design, build, finance, operate and

maintain the East End Crossing for a total

cost of $763 million, much less (23%) than

initial estimates predicted.

“The Bridges Project will improve

cross-river mobility and increase safety in

one of the nation’s most congested and im-

portant highway corridors. In the process,

it will create thousands of jobs, both in

short-term construction and in long-term

economic development,” a WVB spokesper-

son said.

Site preparation and pre-construction

activities have been underway for months,

but recently towards the end of spring 2013,

Indiana Governor Mike Pence held a com-

mencement ceremony for the start of con-

struction. The bridge is expected to be open

to traffic in October of 2016.

Location description cost

Vincennes,

U.S. 231

Bridge replacement over Friends Creek, 2.4 miles south of U.S. 50 in Martin County

$3.1 million

Seymour,

I-64

Phase 2 rehabilitation of Sherman Minton Bridge over the Ohio River at New Albany

$18.1 million

Greenfield,

S.R. 26

Road rehabilitation and bridge widening from Clinton/Howard county line, through Russiaville, to Dixon Road in Kokomo.

$14 million

Fort Wayne,

S.R. 15

Bridge Replacement over the N&W Railroad, 4.02 miles north of S.R. 14 in Kosciusko County.

$4

million

Crawfordsville,

S.R. 59

Superstructure replacement on the bridge over the south fork of Little Raccoon Creek, 0.81 miles south of S.R. 236 in Parke CO.

$906,978

(Source: “Major Progress” INDOT Capital Report, fiscal year 2012)

Bridges that have already been rehabbed or replaced in 2012/2013

New truss being installed on the Milton-Madison Bridge.

The new cable bridge is proposed to be efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Some

of the key features include: two convex diamond towers rising 300 feet above the

river’s normal pool, four highway lanes (two in each direction) with extremely broad

shoulders allowing the bridge to expand to six lanes in the future by only re-striping,

a boater friendly navigational channel of 900 feet (three football fields) between the

two towers, a 13-foot-wide pedestrian/bicycle path along the downstream (west) side

of the bridge, a design that fits the rural landscape by featuring soft edges and warm

gray tones.

tHe MILtoN-MadISoN BrIdGe ProJectThe Milton-Madison Bridge project will be replacing the old US 421 Ohio River

Bridge between Milton, Kentucky and Madison, Indiana. With the exception of just

a few days, the bridge has remained open to traffic throughout construction. Work

began in November of 2010 and will be completed by mid-2013.

Of the submitted bids for construction costs, the wining bid was awarded to

Walsh Construction

of La Porte, Indiana

at just over $103

million, which came

in under the estimates

of engineers. A $20

million Tiger Grant

was awarded to help

fund the project, and

Indiana and Kentucky

will be splitting the rest

of the costs. Early on in

the project, economists

found the benefits of

bridge construction


Experience PURDUE CALUMET!Purdue University Calumet in Hammond offers a world-regarded

Purdue education in such signature programs as

Hospitality & Tourism Management (and what an HTM facility)!

Dozens of degree programs distinguished by real world, experi-ence-rich learning opportunities are a resumé game maker!

9,000+ students…a neighborhood campus that’s big enough, small enough, far enough & close enough

…apartment-style living…Off I-80/94.

LIKE us on facebook!

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

An equal access, equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that is committed to a diverse workplace

For more info, visit purduecal.edu, or call 219/989-2400, or 800/HI-PURDUE.

Come for a campus visit. Apply now for summer or fall terms!

The Milton-Madison Bridge Project

from would result in the creation of approximately 1,382 jobs, many

of them local, with a positive economic impact on the region totaling

$152 million.

The project utilizes an interesting method of construction

called bridge-sliding; a similar method was used on the Trenton

Ontario Bridge and the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Essentially what

the bridge-sliding method entails is designing support structures

next to the existing bridge where a temporary structure can be

erected to continue to allow traffic through. Then after the original

bridge is strengthened and widened, it will be moved on to the new

superstructure using steel rails and plates. To make a complicated

process short, the construction management team will literally build

the support columns next to the old bridge, and once it is improved,

slide the improved bridge on to the new support columns. Using

this innovative design method, the construction teams will able to

speed up the timeline.

As of right now in the construction process, Traffic has switched

from the old US 421 Milton-Madison Bridge to the new bridge, which

is sitting on temporary piers. With traffic diverted to the new bridge,

workers now begin the task of demolishing the road deck and steel

truss of the old bridge. Using controlled explosives, sections of the

old truss will be severed from the structure. The final construction

step comes later this summer, when the new 2,427-foot-long bridge

will be slid onto the renovated existing piers.

The Milton-Madison Bridge Project has received numerous

awards. It was named one of the top 10 bridge projects in the

country by Roads and Bridges Magazine, received a 2012 Best of

What’s New Award from Popular Science magazine and received

several state and national engineering awards for innovation.


SUPERIOR IN SAFETY, QUALITY & SERVICE SINCE 1938!

OVER 19 MILLION WORK HOURS OVER THE PAST 14 YEARS AT THE BP WHITING REFINERY WITHOUT A LOST TIME INCIDENT

RECENT AWARDS AND HONORS

ICA Golden Summit Award 2008-2012

CAF Contractor of the Year 2009

NMAPC Gold Star Award 2006, 2007, 2011

CAF Highway Project of the Year 2009

ICA Pinnacle Award 2008, 2010, 2012

CAF Industrial Contractor of the

Year 2012

NWIBRT Contractor of the Year 2012

NWIBRT Safety Award 2009-2011

NWIBRT Innovation in Safety Award 2009-2011

Governors Workplace Safety Award 2010

NWIBRT Contractor Safety Excellence 2012

SERVICES WE OFFER:

• PUBLIC WORKS

• MUNICIPAL

• COMMERCIAL

• INDUSTRIAL

• HEAVY AND HIGHWAY

• PETRO-CHEMICAL

219-886-3728 • WWW.SUPERIOR-CONSTRUCTION.COM2045 E. DUNES HIGHWAY • P.O. BOX 64888 • GARY, IN 46401-0888


by Scott Dobos, lecturer, Kelley School of business, operations and Decision technologies at indiana University

Ahistorical perspective of mass production would bring back images of Henry Ford’s Model-T being produced in any color as long as it’s black. The vertically inte-

grated factories would run with top-down management con-trol and highly specialized labor. The uninformed customer would simply chose what was available from large inventories of black Model T’s.

Mass production in today’s environment is entirely differ-ent. A well informed and demanding customer has created highly competitive markets. These markets require product variety and flexibility to respond to market opportunities. Firms that once stressed efficiency are now measuring effec-tiveness. Performance measures still track dollars; but just as important is tracking cycle time. When speaking with today’s firms in Indiana, the ben-efits of mass production’s internal au-tomation and economies of scale are now supplemented with Supply Chain Management (SCM) held together with Integrated Logistics.

A Supply Chain (SC) is the global network of organizations and activities involved in designing, transforming, consuming and disposing of goods and services. A SC is measured and controlled starting with the base raw material through to the final customer. Directionally it is no longer simply a left-to-right single-tier “over- the-wall” direction but now multi-tier and circular in nature encompassing the notion of reverse logistics and cradle-to-cradle marketing. Lean supply chains integrate information and material in the never ending quest of perfect quality and waste reduction.

Integrated Logistics serves to link and synchronize the overall supply chain as a continuous process and is essential for effective supply chain connectivity. Integrated Logistics is the efficient/effective management of the flow of resources

across the entire supply chain of which transportation is a critical element. Resources include the traditional movement of material but now also include people, information, facili-ties/equipment and services.

When speaking to mass production companies there are many initiatives occurring within managing a supply chain. This article will only touch-on mass customization, supplier management, cellular manufacturing, lean six-sigma and busi-ness analytics. Here is simply an introduction to these top-ics. In addition, there are many more initiatives that can be grouped in multiple ways.

In today’s environment, the customer comes first. Com-modity strategies around managing suppliers are now inte-grated with channel strategies with customers to create an overall category strategy.

Using a category strategy, the first initiative is moving from mass produc-tion to the notion of mass customiza-tion. Companies are moving away from make-to-stock to a make-to-order mentality. Mass customization uses advanced technologies to customize products quickly and at a low cost by stressing flexibility to respond to dy-

namic environments and manufacturing postponement. One of a kind orders are quickly and efficiently delivered to many customers.

Most firms today are no longer are vertically integrated and are moving from making 80% of the product to focusing on core competencies and outsourcing or buying 80% of the product value. Therefore, a second major initiative is Supply Management (Procurement) which is the identification, acqui-sition and management of inputs and supplier relationships. In addition to traditional market relationships with suppliers, firms may build collaborative relationships to promote inno-vation. Firms also support Supplier Development initiatives by helping suppliers become more effective across their business.

“In today’s environment, the customer comes first. ”- Scott Dobos, lecturer, Kelley School of Business, Operations and Decision Technologies at Indiana University

Mass Production in the 21st century: Supply Chain Management with Integrated Logistics

M

AS

S P

RO

DU

CT

ION


Meet Our teaM apprOach tO SMall BuSineSS Banking

Your business deserves attention when it comes to financing. that’s why, we’ve developed a specialized

group of business bankers and retail officers who know and understand your small business needs. together, we provide the coaching, counseling, and care that is

required to build or expand your small business. While your eye is on the prize, our focus is on you.

focusing On YOur SMall BusinEss

1-888-Centier (236-8437) • Centier.comMember FDic

Increased outsourcing and customization has created the need for a third initiative of cel-lular manufacturing. Cellular manufacturing is the production of products with similar pro-cess characteristics on small assembly lines called cells and works well in services where information or customer processing needs can be grouped by their similar processing char-acteristics. Dedicated workers for each cell are trained in all of the activities within a cell. Cells can be arranged and developed for inter-nal manufacturing and even external suppliers.

Lean initiatives go by many names, can mean different things and encompass various parts of a business. Lean manufacturing is but one portion of a business. An overall lean sys-tems approach is a philosophy of minimizing the resources needed for the entire business including marketing, research and service. In the fourth initiative, Lean Six Sigma, there are two fundamental pieces working together. The first is lean, which is the notion of waste reduc-tion, that resonates from the bottom-up and empowers everyone in a SC. The second is six sigma with its roots in statistical process con-trol and reducing variability. Together lean six sigma across an entire supply chain can be a very powerful initiative.

A critical portion of integrated logistics is transparency of the SC by using a common and real time Enterprise System (ES). Over the last decade firms have implemented and continue to implement common Enterprise Systems that are collecting vast amounts of data.

Firms are now data rich and information poor thus bringing the fifth initiative of busi-ness analytics. Business analytics is the analy-sis of data as a process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of creating better decision making. Firms are now replacing inventory with information. As the saying goes, information is power. Detailed analysis and modeling enables resource opti-mization but also the forecasting of markets and even customer preferences.

Firms within Indiana have and continue to adapt the notion of mass production to com-pete in today’s global economy. The idea of simple efficiency is replaced with understand-ing effectiveness that centers around both prof-itability and responsiveness. Here is only an introduction of a few of the initiatives within the domain of Supply Chain Management and Integrated Logistics.


LoGIStIcSU.S. manufacturers are the most productive workers in the world.

Twice as productive as workers in the next 10 leading manufacturing economies.

(National Association of Manufacturers, 2011)

Amount each year of freight travel through Indiana, making it the 5th busiest state for commercial freight traffic.

toP 10Indiana is among the top 10 statesfor logistics jobs.

(Conexus Indiana Logistics Council)

regional Grade comparison:Indiana and Neighboring States

75% of the United States and Canadian populations live within one day’s truck drive of Indiana.


Indiana exports manufactured goods to every continent except antarctica.

the percentage of what manufacturing workers earned more than non-manufacturing workers with the same educational levels.

50%

(Conexus Indiana: Indiana State Report, 2011)

(Conexus Indiana: Indiana State Report, 2011)


Taken alone, U.S. Manufacturing would be the 10th largest economy in the world.

(National Association ofManufacturers, 2012)


Percent that Indiana’s manufacturing employment has risen since the end of the recession.

Percent that the US manufacturing employment has declined since the end of the recession.

4.6%

40,000

2% (Conexus Indiana: Indiana State Report, 2011)

• 1st in intersecting highways• 1st in rail tons of primary metals

originated• 1st in rail tons of primary metals

terminated• 1st in shortest distance to median

center of U.S. population

• 2nd in world’s largest FedEx air hubs (Indianapolis)

• 3rd in local freight railroads• 3rd in total freight railroads• 3rd in rail tons of waste & scrap

material terminated

• 4th in Class I railroads• 4th in number of long-distance

trucking companies• 4th in rail tons of food products

originated

(Source: 2012 Indiana Logistics Directory)

the State of Indiana ranks in the top 10 in over 40 national logistics categories including:Estimated green

manufacturing jobs that Indiana can create over the next decade.

INDIANA HAS MOrE MANUFACTUrINg jOBS THAN ANY

OTHEr STATE, BASED ON THE SIzE OF ITS

POPULATION

INdIaNa IS #1 in attracting international manufacturing jobs andin interstate highway access.(“Dream it, Do it Indiana”)

(“Dream it, Do it Indiana”)


C

ON

ST

RU

CT

ION

FE

AT

UR

E

by nick Dmitrovich

Throughout the state of Indiana there are 21 different certified technology parks. Each of these parks is home to a multitude of businesses

that create a tremendous economic impact on the state and supply a massive spectrum of products used all over the world. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation states that “The Certified Technology Parks (CTP) program was created as a tool to support the attraction and growth of high-technology business in Indiana and promote technology transfer opportunities.” But beyond just the intended goals, these technology parks are home to thousands of jobs and have become hubs of commerce and innovation.

Various criteria must be met in order to be deemed a CTP, but it all basically centers around a single concept: the CTP must be a place where technology, collaboration, learning and business come together to further the economic and professional growth of companies in Indiana, as outlined by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

PUrdUe reSearcH ParkS

The Purdue Research Parks are a network of four research sites across the state of Indiana, with locations in West Lafayette,

Indianapolis, Northwest Indiana, and Southwest Indiana – each of which is only a few miles Interstate 65. Developed by the Purdue Research Foundation, these four locations are currently home to more than 200 businesses that cover a wide range of industries; from biology, to information technologies, chemical engineering, materials sciences, and many others.

The West Lafayette location sits on 725 acres of land and provides over 356,000 feet of business space among the 50 buildings, with more than 3,000 people employed. There are many areas of the research park that are considered “business incubators,” meaning they help businesses learn how to grow. Often, technology businesses are familiar with their product but less knowledgeable about business practices. The Purdue incubators help them grow into a fully-functional, well run company. With the help of Purdue’s Office of Technology Commercialization more than 65 Purdue faculty entrepreneurs have started companies based on their own work.

Five Places Where Commerce, Technology and Ideas growIndiana’s Certified Technology Parks Spark Innovation and Economic Development


InformInformInformationthat matters

ww

w.b

crcn

et.c

om

6050 Southport • Suite BPortage, IN 46368

877-988-5400 [email protected]

Contact Us

BCRC is very passionate about what we do. Our services promote the well-being and safety of employees in the workplace. Empowering our members with information is just one way BCRC does this.

It is our purpose to provide a vehicle to help establish and maintain a workplace free of the destructive eff ects caused by the use of drugs and alcohol.

If you require more information or would like to speak with us directly, please feel free to contact BCRC at anytime.

Overall, the West Lafayette location by itself contributes

more than $50 million in taxes to the state every year and is one of Indiana’s top 20 employers; it also has a financial impact of more than $1.3 billion dollars a year, according to Joe Hornett, Purdue Research Foundation’s

Senior Vice President. “The average wage of an employee

here is over $63,000 a year. This external validation took

into account not only full-time jobs, but part-time jobs, student internship

opportunities, and it came out to be significantly higher than we anticipated. It shows that we’re not only creating jobs, we’re creating very good jobs,” Hornett said.

INNoVatIoN Park at Notre daMe

The Innovation Park at Notre Dame is also a business incubator, in that it serves as a bridge between the University and the global marketplace. Dave Brenner, President and CEO of the Innovation Park at Notre Dame, said, “The initial dream for this facility leap-frogs from work at the campus. They’ve decided that research taken to the next level was an important step for Notre Dame. It’s like the Dean’s playground. You send them over here to play in the playground and figure out how to make things work.”

The park helps commercialize applied research in a number of fields, including advanced drug discovery, nanoelectonics, 3D printing, orthopedics/biomedical devices, aerospace and flow physics, imaging and others. The facility provides laboratory space, offices and many other features designed to help businesses flourish.

“It’s a great environment that allows ideas to grow, and allows those ideas to be transferred into society,” said Dan Moriarity, Principal with CSO Architects.

Ann Hastings, Marketing Manager for the Innovation Park, said, “Innovation Park is a place that exists to serve companies in various stages of development and help them on their commercialization path. So we help companies find the right resources and tools to help their businesses grow and achieve commercial success.”

Currently the 12-acre campus is situated across the street from the University of Notre Dame. The Park’s state-of-the-art facility features 55,000 square feet of space for the more than 30 businesses located there.

eaSt SIde INdUStrIaL Park, SeYMoUr, INd. The East Side Industrial Park in Seymour, Indiana was built to take advantage

of the unique location between I-65 and the CSX Rail System. Utilizing the excellent logistical options, the businesses at the industrial park have readily accessible


methods of bringing in their supplies, and sending out their products. Presently, Pet Supplies Plus runs a 700,000 square foot distribution center at the Industrial Park. Aisin Holdings of America operates a 140,000 square foot office. And six other companies operate there, designing products ranging from pharmaceuticals to bio-plastics, and many things in between.

“The park is home to a number of domestic and international companies. Bordered by I-65 and the CSX, it is a wonderful location for business. We are continuing to develop infrastructure here as well,” said Jim Plump, Executive Director of the Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation.

Recently, Duke Energy announced that it had selected the East Side Industrial Park to be one of five sites to participate in its 2013 Site Readiness Program to prepare the properties for potential industrial development. Duke spokesperson described the Site Readiness Program, saying, “It identifies, evaluates and improves industrial sites in the company’s service territory to help communities served by the utility compete for new companies and jobs.”

INNoVatIoN coNNector, MUNcIe, INd. The Innovation

Connector in Muncie,

Indiana serves as a true

business incubator for

more than 13 up-and-

coming technology

companies. The 15,000

square-foot facility

serves as a place for high-tech businesses to start their

entrepreneurships.

Ted Baker, Executive Director of the Innovation Center, said,

“We provide more than just office space for small businesses in

the technology industries. Here, companies can have a home

to connect, meet with consultants, gain accounting assistance,

businesses management education and many other important

elements of running a business. We help them grow their business

and we set them up to work with economic development groups

to continue that growth. We see that as a win for us.”

One of the most important logistical aspects available for

these companies is fiber-optic broadband, which is essential

since most of the companies are technology based. “We work

really close with these companies to empower them and help

them grow. They are all very familiar with their product, but

many do not have much experience running a company. We

like to see them develop their traits and expand into successful

organizations,” Baker said.

INtecH Park, INdIaNaPoLIS, INd.

Intech Park is presently the largest office development in Indiana and it’s Indiana’s only privately held Certified Technology Park. The 200-acre business park has some unique logistical opportunities available; it’s situated just a few minutes from the heart of downtown Indianapolis and the International Airport, and it’s near several major highways.

“The Indianapolis International Airport is a major benefit to support companies located within INTECH Park,” said Robert Stefanski, Vice President, with Lauth Group, Inc, developer of the Intech Park.

The site will contain over 2.5 million square feet of space across all of its buildings. Currently the park has a list of 26 companies that hold locations at Intech, and 2,500 employees. Some of these companies are some of the most premier businesses in their respective industries; such as Eli Lilly & Company, State Farm Insurance, Purdue University, Best Buy, and many others. The Intech Park maintains three central themes at its location: community, technology, and “parkology:” a natural environment conducive to innovation and creation.

These five locations are ideal for business and economic development, but they’re not the only ones - there are an additional 16 certified technology parks across the state. Not only are these parks home to hundreds of businesses, thousands of employees, and billions of dollars in revenue for the state of Indiana, they are also places where new inventions, new products and new ideas are generated. On a daily basis these technology parks are catapulting Indiana into a better and brighter future, both economically and intellectually, capitalizing on Indiana’s unique logistics options and business opportunities.

Great Things are Happening!

Bill HannaPresident/CEO

[email protected]

Sherri ZillerChief Operating O� cer

[email protected]

Jillian HuberAssistant

to the President/CEOSpecial Projects Coordinator

[email protected]

Amy JakubinAdministrative AssistantScheduling Coordinator

[email protected]

Dave WellmanCommunications Manager

[email protected]

Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority9800 Connecticut Dr., Crown Point, IN 46307 • 219.644.3500 (p) • 219.644.3502 (f)

RDA investments in Northwest Indiana are bringing jobs and business to the region. To stay informed about RDA funding of transportation, economic development and shoreline improvement programs, visit rdatransformation.com, sign up for our monthly e-mail newsletter (you can “join our list” on facebook or send an e-mail to Dave Wellman at [email protected])

and follow along on social media.

YouTube Video: Channel NWIRDA

Catalyst Newsletter

Facebook Feed: Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority

At rdatransformation.com/blog the RDA keeps the region apprised of the latest news, announcements and project updates.

Twitter Feed: @nwi_rda


LO

GIS

TIC

S

by David W. Holt, vice President of operations and business

Development, conexus indiana

Have you ever been stuck at Chicago O’Hare Airport

because of flight delays? Sat in a traffic jam on the Dan

Ryan Expressway? If so, you know what a bottleneck

Chicago can be and if you are a business this means time and

money.

Indiana companies have long been plagued by Chicagoland

traffic issues via air, rail and road

for decades. It has cost Hoosier

companies millions of dollars

(potentially billions). In 2008,

Conexus Indiana’s Logistics

Council (CILC), a group of

logistics executives and thought

leaders throughout Indiana, was formed. CILC members felt that

bypassing Chicago for air and rail cargo was of vital importance

to the future of the business community. So, CILC worked

with Indiana companies and built a case, with private sector

intermodal users, on the need for direct intermodal rail access

into Indiana via the West Coast. Many projects were pursued from

2008 to 2012, but fell through until an Indiana rail entrepreneur,

Tom Hoback, president and CEO of Indiana Rail Road Company

(INRD), saw an opportunity to strategically change Indiana’s

logistics and business landscape.

Earlier this year, INRD and Canadian National Railway (CN)

announced a collaborative partnership to provide intermodal

service direct from the Canadian West Coast to Indianapolis.

As a whole, Indiana’s logistics industry moves nearly a billion

tons of freight to and from the state every year. The state has long

established itself as an appealing

location for manufacturing

and logistics, leveraging its

favorable centralized geography,

a business friendly environment

and the largest network of easily

accessible highways in the

country. A key hurdle, however, has always been that inbound/

outbound containers must move through heavily congested

Chicago, negatively impacting Indiana business’ service as well

as their bottom line.

OSP Group, a company based in Indianapolis, is indicative of

many Indiana import supply chains. Thousands of containers are

Direct West Coast Intermodal Access to Indiana

GettING FroM PoINt a to PoINt B

Relocation experts say that one of the leading reasons for lost economic development opportunities to Illinois was companies’ need for direct West Coast intermodal access.


directly imported from Qingdao, Shanghai,

and other points of origin throughout

Asia for OSP Group. Previously, important

containers were typically routed through

the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach or

Seattle, and then railed directly to Chicago.

Once in Chicago, product can sit idle

anywhere from 2-7 days depending on the

time of year, before being placed on a chassis

to be trucked and routed to their facility

in Indianapolis. An increasing shortage

of truck drivers, as well as equipment,

frequently creates delays and subsequently

impacts their customer service.

Last year, OSP Group began routing

all containers through the Ports of

Prince Rupert in Canada, and reduced

transit times by three days. The INRD/

CN partnership will allow OSP’s product

to bypass Chicago beginning July 2013,

reducing transit times by a minimum of 2-3

additional days, and considerably more

during holiday peak time when congestion

is much denser in Chicago. OSP, along

with many other intermodal cargo users

in Indiana, recognizes the opportunity to

take a full week out of the supply chain as

the difference between winning customers

or losing them. It is clearly a decisive

advantage which companies will now be

able to leverage in Indiana.

OSP believes the possibilities are even

more far reaching than indicated above. The

direct rail service can now encourage third

party logistics providers (i.e. consolidators,

trucking companies) to focus more closely

on potential business with local importers

and exporters translating into increased

local jobs. Additionally, the significant

congestion issues in Chicago, coupled with

the growing service demands of customers,

may encourage neighboring states to

consider Indiana as a viable option for direct

rail in the future. Certainly the elimination in

trucking and fuel costs along with detention

charges associated with the container

moving from Chicago to the destination

point is appealing as well. Finally, the direct

rail infrastructure improvement allows

Indiana to now fully leverage its role both

as the “Crossroads of America”, as well as

being a low cost state, which could help

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Get your tickets and/or secure your sponsorship now! Call DMS office at 219-226-0300 or By Fax

at 219-226-0303. Register at nwibrt.org/railcats

This Splash-tastic day at the ballpark is perfect for…

Employee Reward Programs

Company Picnics

Family Outings

Team Building

Incentive Plans

And more!

Amazing luxury suites, package deals and sponsorships available!

The game takes place Sunday, Aug. 4, at 2:10 p.m., featuring…

Postgame water gun fight on the field!

First 500 get free squirt gun!

Families run the bases after the game

Water balloon fights with mascots during the game

And much, much more!

JOIN NWIBRT FOR SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS

NWIBRT is pleased to bring Family Safety Days to the Southshore RailCats Stadium. This day will embrace

the safety culture we work in every day.

entice companies to relocate to Indiana

where they can embrace the best of both

worlds.

In fact, relocation experts say

that one of the leading reasons for lost

economic development opportunities

to Illinois was companies’ need for

direct West Coast intermodal access.

CILC believes this service will put that

argument to rest and will give the Indiana

Economic Development Corporation

(IEDC) and local economic development

organizations an additional tool that

will help us attract and retain Hoosier

businesses.

From building the business case

for the need for direct West Coast

intermodal access, CILC is confident

about the significantly positive impact

that direct rail will have on Indiana

businesses supply chain’s, both large

and small, in service, cost and reliability;

and furthermore, they are excited about

the potential impact this will have in

reshaping the future landscape and

growth of the state’s logistics sector.


by Ports of indiana Staff

Customer expansion, increased shipments and new infrastructure projects provide just a snapshot of

the recent activities at the Ports of Indi-ana. To say the past two years have been noteworthy for the statewide port au-thority that is moving industrial cargoes around the globe through port facilities at Burns Harbor, Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon is a bit of an understate-ment.

Briefly, here’s why.The Ports of Indiana is in-

vesting $8 million into new in-frastructure projects at its three ports in 2012 and 2013 - with major projects that include re-placement of the internal sewer system and mainline rail road at Burns Harbor; repair work to mooring cells in Mount Ver-non; terminal roof repairs in Jeffersonville; and expansion projects at multiple ports. Improvements also included security and video surveillance systems for Burns Har-bor and Mount Vernon to improve vis-ibility of activities on the waterfront and around the port.

Several shipping lines are also making major investments by putting new ships on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway, which is an indication that they are op-

timistic about the future and increased need for shipping on the Great Lakes. Fed-nav, Algoma, Canada Steamship Lines and Polsteam are constructing 31 new, more efficient and environmentally-friendly ships with an investment of over $500 mil-lion.

But at the risk of sounding like a game show host - wait - that’s not all.

In 2012, the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor set a record for total cargo by all

modes, which includes rail, truck, barge and ship - an increase of 8 percent from 2011.

Twice, it has handled the world’s larg-est crawler crane, which was made in Ger-many, on its journey to and from BP’s mul-tibillion dollar expansion in Whiting, Ind. The crane weighs 1.65 million pounds, is 473 feet tall and boasts a 3,000-ton lift ca-pacity.

Further, 2012 was the third straight year of strong maritime shipments for the port – up 7% versus the five-year average with significant increases in the cargo

transport of fertilizer (+35%), minerals (+23%), grain (+20%) and steel (+14%).

Through May of 2013, maritime cargo is 15% ahead of the five-year aver-age. Most notably, construction equip-ment and project cargo is 30 times higher than 2012 YTD. Coal cargo is seven times higher than 2012 YTD, fertilizer is almost double the previous year and grain is up significantly.

“This port is a major hub for dimen-sional and mega project cargo ship-ments,” said Port Director Rick Heimann. “The port’s facilities and location allow companies to ship cargoes by water directly into the Midwest, which can significantly re-duce the transportation costs and permitting requirements for mov-

ing large loads over the highway. Because of the experience of our labor force and Federal Marine Terminals, our terminal operator, this port has developed an en-viable track record for handling large car-goes and established a world-wide reputa-tion as a port-of-choice for specialty ship-ments.”

Burns Harbor has welcomed four new companies since the start of 2012: Ratner Steel, Phoenix Services, PI&I Truck-ing and The Franciscan Alliance. Ratner Steel created 30 new jobs when it invested $14.25 million to build and equip a 102,000

F

UT

UR

E O

F L

OG

IST

ICS

In 2012, the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor set a record for total cargo by all modes, which includes rail, truck, barge and ship - an increase of 8 percent from 2011.

BUILdING For tHe FUtUre


Serving northweSt indiana For over 30 YearS

www.pandctrucking.com219-972-0193

Serviced with Integrity...Done with Pride

Dumps • FlatbeDs • lowboys • stretch Flats

tippers/walking Floors • construction aggregates

Commercial Trucking Service

square foot steel processing facility at the port. Phoenix Services created 80 jobs when it signed a multi-year contract with Arce-lorMittal and opened a state of the art slag processing and dis-tribution facility. P.I. & I. Motor Express opened a new trucking facility that will offer improved metal truck service to NLMK and provide new options for other tenants. The Franciscan Alliance is taking over the healthcare facility at the port and will expand services available to port workers, employers and neighboring areas around the port.

The Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville has seen maritime ship-ment increases in steel (34%) and fertilizer (13%) cargoes. It also welcomed a $6.7 million expansion by port customer Idemitsu Lubricants and Roll Forming Corporation added $7.5 million in new equipment, doubling the facility’s tubing production. This created 20 new jobs.

New customers include the Walsh/VINCI Grand Projects Inc. operations center and Walsh Construction Inc. which has in-stalled a staging area for construction related to the $2.6 billion Ohio River Bridges project.

In addition, Airgas Industries is constructing an expanded facility at its new 2.2 acre site on Maritime Road.

The Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon in 2012 experienced an increase in maritime shipments of grain (+59%) and soy products (+34%).

Cimbar invested $5 million in new industry-leading grinders to produce micro-fine talc, which is used in various paints and cosmetic products. The port is working with the Indiana Depart-

ment of Transportation to construct a new road to handle trucks exiting the port, allowing truck traffic to bypass residential ar-eas. Crop Production Services constructed new liquid tanks to expand fertilizer storage capacity and CGB built new grain bins to upgrade its grain storage facilities.

The 2013 Capital Budget for Mount Vernon includes $1.8 mil-lion for replacement of cell and dock repairs.ecoNoMIc IMPact StUdY

Last year, a new economic impact study of Indiana’s ports was conducted by top national maritime economic consultants Martin Associate. The study was peer-reviewed by economics professors from Notre Dame, Purdue University and Indiana Uni-versity and it revealed that business activities at the port facili-ties annually generate 9,783 direct jobs and 51,577 total jobs for the state.

The Ports of Indiana contributes $2.8 billion in total personal income, $895 million in local purchases, $271 million in state and local taxes, and $6.4 billion in total value of economic activity.

Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper said, “Some people would consider it a challenge to operate a port system 700 miles from an ocean. But the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway and Inland Waterway System provide Indiana companies with a tremendous advantage by bringing ocean shipments right to their doorstep at the crossroads of America. The economic and environmental benefits are tremendous when you consider one ship or a single towboat can haul hundreds of truckloads of cargo much more efficiently than other modes.”


W

EL

L B

EIN

G

by nick Dmitrovich

With an estimated 8.3 million American employees us-ing illicit drugs, it is in an employer’s best interest to implement a drug testing program to stop problems

before they start – saving companies a great deal of money in the long run.

Drug and alcohol use inhibit a user’s motor-skills, decision making, worth ethic, heath, and overall well-being leading to de-creased productivity, increased risk of injury of self or another, and taking time off.

Robert Anadell, Executive Director of the Building Con-struction Resource Center (BCRC), states, “Companies with a drug testing program have shown reductions in absenteeism, decreased workers compensation rates, reduced turnover and

increases in productivity. Quest Diagnostics has a “Return on Investment Calculator” (ROI) that tries to calculate the value of a drug testing program and the EBI Knowledge Center tries to quantify that value. Many company insurance policies require a drug testing program for employees before a policy can be initi-ated. Basically the economic value of drug testing employees is a safer and more productive workforce.”

The Quest Diagnostic ROI calculator that Anadell mentioned takes into account things like absenteeism costs, accident costs, worker’s compensation and recruiting/training expenses and works to show employers how much money they save by invest-ing in drug screening. For example, a construction company with 50 full-time employees that see a turnover of about 5% employ-ment on an annual basis and discovers a 5% positive results rate through drug testing will save an estimated $5.87 for every dollar

a clean Place to workThe Economic Benefits of Drug Testing in the Workplace

tHe US dePartMeNt oF LaBor oUtLINeS StatIStIcS SUrroUNdING drUG aNd aLcoHoL USerS: Estimated illicit drug

users that are employed (8.3 million)

73% 15% 8xPercentage of any

given workforce has substance abuse users

Medical costs created by workers with

alcohol problems


Industrial • Healthcare Commercial • Education

With nine decades

of meeting client

needs with

award-winning

construction projects,

Tonn and Blank

Construction brings

vision, confidence,

and experience

to raise your

expectations.

(800) 871-1555tonnandblank.com

2013 CAF Commercial Project of the Year: Tonn and Blank Construction, LLC.Franciscan St. Anthony Health, Michigan CityChesterton Health and Emergency Center

2 0 1 3

A

WA R D W I N N ER

COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF

THE YEAR

they spend on testing. A company in the manufacturing industry with 100 employees

that has an employee turnover rate of 3.3% annually and a 5% positive results rate discovered through drug testing would save an estimated $6.29 for every dollar invested in a screening program.

Quest Diagnostic states, “Whether your company drug tests or not, it’s hard to argue with the fact that employee drug use is bad for business. Drug users miss more work, they have more accidents, and they change jobs more frequently than non-drug users. All of these trends cost employers money.”

The EBI Knowledge Center, a company that conducts employee background investigations and drug testing, lists some less tangible benefits of drug testing such as improved workplace environment, employee morale, and customer satisfaction. While these are less easy to quantify, when the workplace is drug-free they are certainly noticed by the parties involved.

The most common use of drug screening in Indiana occurs during the pre-employment process, but the timing of the test can vary great-ly by profession. For example, individuals holding a certified driver’s license (CDL) are required by state and federal law to be tested pre-employment, randomly throughout employment, post-accident/inci-dent, and during any times of reasonable suspicion whereas many individuals in other careers are typically only tested once before they are hired.

“If the company tests employees up front, they’re going to save money in the long run by avoiding costs incurred from accidents, lost time, things like that. If they have a zero-tolerance policy and test employees randomly, then they generally see a more productive and drug-free workforce. Lots of construction firms test randomly because if they have an accident their OSHA recordable incidents goes up, and they may lose out on bids because of that,” said Tim Ross, Regional Di-rector Occupational / Employee Health with Franciscan WorkingWell.

Dr. Charles Mok, Osteopathic Physician with Franciscan Workin-gWell, said, “One of the initial financial benefits for a company that drug tests is a potential savings on insurance and worker’s compensa-tion insurance rates. Some insurance companies even require their clients to test their employees.”

“Other benefits are increased worker productivity,” Dr. Mok con-tinued. “Much like preventive health care, it’s hard to measure the money you save, but solving problems early generates savings. Like any other tool, drug testing is a factor that companies should use in the interview process. A non-illicit drug using candidate would make for a better employee. Drugs like marijuana stay in the body’s system for quite some time and long term use can impair judgment and reac-tion times, so hiring individuals that don’t use drugs results in fewer

accidents, and saves money in the long run.”

Alcohol abuse costs employers over $130 billion in lost productivity and over $91 billion in on-the-job accidents

(Souce: US Dept. of Labor)

10 to 20 percent of U.S. workers involved in fatal on-the-job accidents tested positive for illicit drugs and alcohol


L

IFE

LO

NG

LE

AR

NIN

G

by: Kelly o’brien, Senior vice President for economic

Development, chicagoland chamber of commerce

Years before the “great recession” (2008) the leadership at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce questioned the sound bite “the fundamentals of the economy are

strong” and decided to engage the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international economic research and discussion organization, to publish an analysis of the Gary-Chicago-Milwaukee corridor.

This groundbreaking economic analysis of the Tri-State Chicago Metropolitan Region (TSMR) includes the geographical areas of the States of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. This internationally recognized study

evaluates our economic competitiveness, attractiveness and sustainability relative to other U.S. and international cities, as well as assess the effectiveness of policies that have been put in place to further these goals.

The OECD Review achieved three objectives:• It cross-referenced the TSMR’s competitiveness and performance with metropolitan areas around the world

• It redefined economic opportunity based on the collective assets within the region rather than a single jurisdiction demarcated by out-of-date boundaries

• Lastly, it developed a guidepost for public and private

GrowtH tHroUGH PartNerSHIPSHow Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin can Lead the Nation’s Economic Recovery

PURDUERESEARCH PARK

30 miles to Chicago Loop6 miles to


sector decision-makers to use as they formulate and evaluate new economic development policies and investment decisions.

“The Chicago Tri-State Metropolitan Area OECD Review” is over 300 pages and focuses on four policy areas: Matching Skills to Jobs, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Transportation and Logistics, and Competitiveness through Green Growth. The report in its entirety can be viewed on the Chicagoland Chamber’s webpage. Key findings from the report include (but are not limited to):• The TSMR is the third most populous area in the United States with an estimated 9.8 million people. Its gross domestic product ranks third behind that of New York and Los Angeles.

• The broad-based regional economy possesses a major transportation and

Get ConnectedWhen you partner with the Northwest Indiana Construction Directory, you are linked to a wide network of construction contacts.

www.nwiconstructiondirectory.com boasts the most comprehensive listing of construction professionals in Northwest Indiana.

Our website offers immediate access to:

• Contractors• Subcontractors• Supplying Companies • Local Unions

Visit Us

For more information, contact Tammy Moore at 219-226-0300 or [email protected].

logistics hub for both domestic and international passenger and freight traffic. Manufacturing continues to be important in traditional and new sectors such as nanotech, biotech, information and communication technology and green engineering. In order to preserve and expand on these logistics options, the hub faces serious challenges: space constraints, congestion, financing issues and poorly integrated region-wide planning.

• The TSMR benefits from a large and well-educated workforce, but struggles to attract and retain high-skilled labor. Reflecting a fragmented workforce-development infrastructure, skills training has been impeded for low- and medium-level labor. • The TSMR possesses significant technology-based innovations and should use them to develop a global knowledge and technology hub. Instead of the current competition between local and state authorities, the region’s public sector needs greater collaboration and a pooling of scarce public resources, all aimed at supporting innovation.

• Green jobs are growing in the tri-state region, with the largest share of jobs in transportation and building-related activities. Reducing the environmental impact of the built environment should be a priority.

• With nearly five million workers, the region is the third largest labor market in the United States. In the “Matching Skills to Jobs” chapter, the Review states: “The TSMR needs to articulate and implement workforce development strategies that respond effectively to the region’s business needs at all levels of activity. Workforce boards and agencies need to work across county and state boundaries to streamline processes and programming and improve data-gathering and information-sharing capacity. Public authorities need to build on existing mechanisms to sustain a true region-wide dialogue between business and training service providers


Laser Scanning: one of the most innovative surveyingtechnologies available, measuring millions of individual pointsat high rates of speed with an accuracy of +/- 1/8". Thecollected data is then used to generate 3D modeling anddrawings of complex structures.

In the settlement monitoring for this shoring wall excavation,Falk-PLIʼs technology was able to provide the results in a fewhours without interfering with construction, whereasconventional methods would have taken all day.

Through the use of the laser scanner, Falk-PLI was able tocomplete the settlement reports sooner, which became vitalto ensuring the safety of the excavation. Knowing thesettlement data was current, the client was confident thedata could be relied upon to assess project safety.

Technology, speed, accuracy, safety – thatʼs Falk-PLI.

Structure Analysis

1

2

3

Toll Free (888) 965-1143www.falk-pli.com

12

3

View Looking into the ExcavationPoint Cloud of the Shoring WallsExcavation Shoring Wall Settlement Report

Falk_StructureAnalysis_ad_Jan2010:FALKSPCSHHEET 1/13/10 1:30 PM Page 1

2 0 1 2

A

WA R D W I N N ER

EXCELLENCE

so that training services better address skills needs in the TSMR.”

Furthering the message of collaboration, the Review encourages both the federal and state governments to prioritize region-wide data collection and sequencing of public investment in transportation infrastructure. The region is North America’s premier transportation and logistics hub and a major continent-wide player in passenger air-travel, air cargo, railways and trucking. These hub functions generate considerable employment and linkages with other business sectors. As suspected by the Chicagoland Chamber, an economic snapshot of the region captured that its growth rate has been slipping. In fact, if employment in the TSMR had grown at the national rate during the 1990-2010 period, the region would have gained nearly 600,000 more jobs. The Review points out that our region possesses

significant innovation potential but faces several structural challenges related to sustaining innovation-driven economic development. In an effort to analyze and implement the recommendations outlined in the Review, the Alliance for Regional Development (Alliance) was created, a neutral platform bringing together leaders from government, academia and the private sector. Leading the Alliance are three Chairmen, one from each state:

PaUL w. JoNeS: Wisconsin ChairmanPaul Jones is the Chairman of A. O. Smith Corporation, a leading global supplier of water heaters and boilers for residential, commercial, and industrial applications and water treatment products.

MIcHaeL M. MULLeN: Illinois Chairman Michael Mullen serves as Advisor to the Blackstone Group and is one of four Founding Partners of CenterPoint Properties.

JIM L. StaNLeY: Indiana ChairmanJim Stanley is Executive Vice President and Group CEO for Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO).

Moving forward, the Alliance is committed to impelling effective, ongoing tri-state collaboration to actuate growth. Such efforts include organizing working committees to draft action plans and hosting a Summit on Regional Competitiveness with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on September 27, 2013. With attention and action, this pioneering initiative can help to demonstrate the region’s economic importance by putting into place truly integrated plans to address regional issues. The potential impact on state and federal decision makers to such bottom-up leadership in the region shouldn’t be underestimated, and together, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin can lead our country’s economic recovery.


by nick Dmitrovich

Recently, the Indiana Economic De-velopment Corporation (IEDC) announced a new marketing cam-

paign designed to showcase Indiana’s characteristics as a pro-business state that strives to promote success for com-panies and organizations. The “Indiana: A State That Works” campaign will draw at-tention to the numerous reasons Indiana is a state that works for business, and will highlight reasons why businesses should consider locating their operations within Hoosier boarders.

“From the passage of the largest tax cut in state history, to our talented workforce and central loca-tion, the spotlight shines on Indiana as one of the few states that actually work for business,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “Our rise to the top in nation-al rankings is proof that Indiana is more than just a good state for business, but a state that is achieving greatness. As Indi-ana separates itself from our competition, it’s important to communicate to corpo-rate decision makers across the globe the countless reasons our pro-growth climate works for companies’ growth and suc-cess.”

The IEDC stated that the new adver-tisements, which began running in early May, have already created the most activ-ity in the history of IEDC marketing cam-paigns. With more than 11 million adver-

tisement viewers last month alone, the campaign had a .64 percent click through rate. This is significantly higher than the industry average of .01-.08 percent. The advertisements are targeted to national print and digital publications in high-tax states, including Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and California. In addition to signage at the Indianapolis International Airport and bus shelters, as well as search-based Google and other na-tional publication advertisements, more than 12 million people have had the op-portunity to see the “A State That Works” campaign.

The campaign will be implementing the use of digital, mobile widget and print ads that feature the slogans: “we’re not only a workforce, but a force that works,” “we’re at the crossroads of what’s possi-ble and what’s next” and “integrity is our complexion, innovation is our currency,” in advertisements targeting business lead-ers.

In addition, AStateThatWorks.com highlights Indiana as a state of thinkers, innovators and makers, showcasing a stream of stories focusing on Hoosier in-novation, development and success sto-ries. The site provides assistance to busi-

nesses looking to move to Indiana with site selector tools, links to the IECD and information to help businesses establish themselves here. The IEDC also follows up with interested parties, maintaining communication with businesses that have their eye on Indiana.

“Indiana has developed a reputation as a state that collaborates to solve prob-lems as a family of agencies,” said Smith. “Our ability to seamlessly work together at the speed of business enables us to offer long-term solutions for companies look-ing to grow here. Because we are all am-bassadors for the Hoosier State, it makes

sense for agencies across the state to promote the same message that Indiana works for business.”

The new marketing initiative touts the testing of cutting-edge innovations and products on the blacktop of Indiana’s Motor Speed-way. “Nowhere on the planet will you find a greater concentration

of innovators and technicians, all work-ing toward coaxing out a new benchmark for just how fast a vehicle can go than the Indianapolis 500,” an IEDC spokesperson wrote.

“It is a spectacle and an industry that not only generates high-speed excitement, but also the high-tech products that fuel our economy toward an exciting future of job growth and investment opportunities. Indiana’s motorsports industry alone rep-resents over 420,000 Hoosier jobs in over 24,000 firms, with exports to 20 countries,” they added.

Another focus of Hoosier ingenuity

Hoosier State’s New Marketing Initiative

M

AR

KE

TIN

G

“From the passage of the largest tax cut in state history, to our talented workforce and central location, the spotlight shines on Indiana as one of the few states that actually work for business.” - VICTOr SMITH, INDIANA SECrETArY OF COMMErCE

FRANCISCAN ALLIANCE sevenTH ANNUAL NORTHERN INDIANA REGION GALA

Saturday, october 19, 2013 • navy pier, CHICAGO

Parking included • Black tie preferredMusic by The roy vombrack orchestra

Social Hour 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m.

Tickets $250

LightLinks Us

The

that

For information, call Colleen Lannon, 219.933.2178, or email [email protected]

All proceeds will benefit the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region Mission Programs

special OFFER until SEPTEMBER 1, 2013!Purchase a table of 10 for $2,250

FRANCISCAN ALLIANCE sevenTH ANNUAL NORTHERN INDIANA REGION GALA

Saturday, october 19, 2013 • navy pier, CHICAGO

Parking included • Black tie preferredMusic by The roy vombrack orchestra

Social Hour 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m.

Tickets $250

LightLinks Us

The

that

For information, call Colleen Lannon, 219.933.2178, or email [email protected]

All proceeds will benefit the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region Mission Programs

special OFFER until SEPTEMBER 1, 2013!Purchase a table of 10 for $2,250


is the scientific accomplishments of Indiana’s academic com-munity. Elizabeth K. Gardner, Communications and Marketing Specialist with Purdue University, wrote, “Indiana’s universi-ties are training some of the top scientists in the world. And as we tackle the technical challenges of this planet in the 21st century, you can be confident that Hoosiers will be leading the charge to developing solutions.

Douglas Adams and five other Purdue Engineering grads helped design the parachute that safely landed NASA’s newest rover, Curiosity, on Mars. Also, IU Geology professors David Bish and Juregen Schieber developed two of the ten tools that will analyze the planet’s soil and geochemistry.”

“Indiana is unmatched at developing a collaborative economy that blurs the lines between public and private in-terests, and ultimately allows key players to work together as a family of agencies to deliver new products and technologies that benefit everyone at the table,” Gardner said.

This advertising campaign, combined with all of the facts about Indiana, from its incentives to its infrastructure, will surely propel the state to the front of the line in terms of attracting new businesses to the Hoosier state. Indiana has a lot to offer in terms of logistics, financing, and availability of opportunity, and the IEDC’s new advertising packages are showcasing these items to the world in a way that will present

Indiana as the best state for business.

Above: An advertisement from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s new marketing campaign. This new initiative is designed to showcase Indiana’s pro-business stance that promotes success for companies and organization.



E

CO

NO

MIC

DE

VE

LO

PM

EN

T

by nick Dmitrovich

Nothing stimulates economic growth like investments in infra-structure designed to enhance

mobility between major economic cen-ters, especially when the investment is a high-speed rail line between two of America’s cities. The Indiana Gateway Project aims to provide a faster link through northwest Indiana when travel-ing between Chicago and Detroit while helping to reduce some of the railway traffic congestion at some of Indiana’s junctions.

Congressman Peter Visclosky said, “As a hub of freight and passenger rail commerce for the rest of the nation, Northwest Indiana’s economic success depends on the quality of our rail infra-structure. The Indiana Gateway project will create jobs in the short-term, im-prove the transport of passengers and cargo in the mid-term, and build a foun-dation for a thriving rail infrastructure and a sound regional economy in the long-term.”

The eight different subprojects of the Indiana Gateway Project will be

funded by $71.4 million in stimulus money provided by the American Re-covery and Reinvestment Act. The Indi-ana Department of Transportation (IN-DOT) stated that, depending upon the components and complexity, each sub-project ranges from $4 to $21 million. In addition, INDOT is investing another $2.2 million for project management of the 3-4 year project and Michigan was awarded a grant for $196.5 million more to complete the Chicago to Detroit high-speed route. Construction is ex-pected to begin soon, in mid 2013, and is predicted to last 20 months.

Mike Riley, Manager with the IN-DOT Rail Office, described the eight subprojects. “The seven subprojects on the Norfolk Southern Chicago Line con-sist of five locations where universal crossovers will be added and three lo-cations that will construct a third main-line track. The seven subprojects have an estimated cost of $ 66.9 million.”

“The subproject on the Amtrak Michigan line, located just north of the Porter Interlocking, will construct a new passing siding to enable meeting trains to pass each other,” Riley con-

Indiana’s $71.4 Million Rail Investment

In addition to improved passenger service, some of the other benefits that Indiana anticipates are:

•Temporary job creation during the construction period (More than 700 construction jobs are estimated)

•Improved mobility in Northwest Indiana for both train traffic and the travelling public

•A reduction in railroad crossing blockages because the train dispatchers will have alternatives to keep trains moving

•Improved passenger service to the east, towards South Bend, Elkhart, and Waterloo, Ind., and beyond to/from Washington for the Amtrak Capitol Limited and to\from New York and Boston with the Lake Shore Limited.

Gateway to Growth


Building Indiana News has Got You Covered

Brand image and name recognition is an essential goal of your marketing department. Building Indiana News editorial columns are an innovative way for you to maintain your company’s profile with our readers.

STATE’S LARGEST B2B MAGAZINEREACH 60,000 READERS AWARD WINNINGPUBLICATION

CONTACT: Liza Hilliard; [email protected] RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

219.226.0300 • www.thinkdiversified.com

tinued. “This subproject has an estimated cost of $ 4.5 million. Located in Porter, Ind., near Chesterton, Ind., Porter Interlocking is where the Norfolk Southern Chicago Line, the Amtrak Michigan Line, the CSX Grand Rapids Sub and the CSX Porter Branch inter-sect. The Michigan Line and the Grand Rap-ids Sub head towards Michigan. In addition to the trackwork construction, each sub-project will involve signal work for train traf-fic control and crossing protection where vehicle traffic is affected by the trackwork.”

Each of the eight subprojects will be designed and constructed by the respective railroads. Each organization may or may not use subcontractors for portions or ele-ments determined by the railroads and with the partnership of the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration.

The most important of the eight sub-projects is the Porter Junction portion, IN-DOT said. At this single point, 14 Amtrak trains and 90 freight trains cross paths ev-ery day, making it one of the most congest-ed rail points in the country. Work on this part of the project will have to take place with the tracks remaining open to train traf-fic, and will require a great deal of collabora-tion between The Federal Railroad Admin-istration, INDOT, Amtrak, and the Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Riley said that the planning and staging of construction throughout these busy rail intersections is going to comprise some of the most interesting parts of the project. “One of the most important aspects of the Indiana Gateway Project will be the con-struction coordination,” Riley said.

“The Project involves two railroads, Norfolk Southern and Amtrak, constructing eight subprojects within 28 miles of one of the nation’s most congested railroad cor-ridors leading in and out of Chicago. The sequencing of the projects is critical to suc-cess in keeping the corridors fluid for inter-state commerce, passenger rail service and the traveling vehicular public in congested Northwest Indiana.”

Riley went on to describe some of the benefits to Indiana that this project will cre-

ate. “Each of these subprojects will provide train dispatchers with additional alternatives when they are planning train meetings and passings in and out of Chicago,” Riley said.

“The Indiana Gateway Project will complement passenger service proj-ects such as the Englewood Flyover construction in Illinois and the increased speed for passenger service in Michigan,” Riley added.

A report about the Gateway Project contained additional details about the types of subprojects being conducted. The report stated that improvements include: “Relocation, reconfiguration, and addition of high-speed crossovers and related signal system improvements, minor rail line additions at two loca-tions achieved by lengthening and rehabilitation of existing sidings, and the creation of a new parallel passing siding. The improvement elements will have independent utility and can be constructed and placed into service on an indi-


We are your all-purpose cleaner.

An Indiana company providing jobs for Hoosiers for over 90 years!

Cleaning your business is our business!

3 JANITORIAL SERVICE

3 FLOOR MAINTENANCE

3 WINDOW CLEANING

3 CARPET CLEANING

3 CONSTRUCTION CLEANUP

3 JANITORIAL SUPPLIES

800-358-6951www.performancep.com

vidual and independent basis, thus providing immediate benefits in each proposed location as full implementation progresses.”

When it comes to the actual reductions in travel time that the im-provements should provide, the report said, “A Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) study of the proposed improvements showed a reduction in train delay time for all train types of 11.6 minutes per 100 train-miles, a 24%

reduction; an increase in average speed of Am-trak trains of 3.7 mph, a 6.6% increase; and a reduction in cumulative hours of stop/delay time per week of 1.4 hours, a 61% travel reduc-tion.”

At the 2013 Northwest Indiana Rail Con-ference, Northwest Indiana Forum CEO Mark Maassel stated that not only will the proj-ects help speed the passenger Amtrak trains through the region, but freight shipments will also move through quicker. Reducing the time it take to ship goods brings about a corre-sponding reduction in the cost to ship those items, which is always good for the bottom lines of Indiana companies.

Northwest Indiana Building and Construc-tion Trades Union Business Manager Randy Palmateer stated, “Thanks to the Indiana Gate-way project, working families in Northwest Indiana will be able to count on good-paying jobs and a strong infrastructure that will sup-port a thriving economy long into the future. Projects like this are good for workers, good for business and good for Northwest Indiana’s long-term economic growth.”

Eliminates the “Dead Battery Drama” from your Life!

iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Includes accessory plugs,charging cables, power adaptorand travel pouch to hold all!

NEW!

LCD display showspercentage of charge remaining and status.

Dual USB ports (1.0A and 2.1A)charge multiple devices (iPhoneand iPad) simultaneously!

Bright LED flashlight

As Low As

$59.49

AD-1565

Includes Micro USBcharging cable andtravel pouch.

Charge your phone ordevice “on-the-go!”

NEW!

As Low As

$14.89

AD-1564

4 Blue LEDsindicate availablecharge!

Compact Power2,600 mAh

Charges Phones & Games

Available in 6 stock colors

Bright LED flashlight is integrated into aluminum case for emergency lighting.

Includes USB switching cable, 3 connectors for Apple 30 Pin, micro USB, Samsung, and travel pouch.

Charges mobile phones, iPhone, iPad, tablet P.C.s, cameras, etc.

5,600 mAh ChargesTablet PCs or Phones

“On-The-Go!”

AD-1566

NEW!

As Low As

$30.99

Power To Spare!11,200 mAh Charges Tablet PCs

& Phones Simultaneously

11,200 mAh EXECUTIVE USB POWER BANK

Quantity 25 50 100 250 500

Price $67.95 $63.99 $61.45 $60.49 $59.49

• Li-ion Power Bank will simultaneously charge your USB devices (iPhone, Android phone, iPad, tablet PC, camera, iPod, MP3/4, games, PDA, PSP, GPS, etc.) multiple times

• Intelligent design correctly interprets and adjusts for your devices' voltage & current requirements• Built-in short circuit protection• Power bank can be recharged over 500+ times and features a

6 month shelf life• Blue backlit digital LCD display indicates the power bank’s %

of charge, the USB ports in use, and the power requirements for your device

• Automatic shutoff when power bank is fully charged• Price includes 1 color logo pad printed on aluminum case

2,600 mAh USB POWER BANK CHARGER

Quantity 50 100 250 500 1,000

Price $16.95 $15.95 $15.69 $15.45 $14.89

• 2600 mAh power capacity quickly recharges most phones, cameras, GPS, and game units

• Compact size: 3 ¾" x 7/8" x 7/8"• Li-ion battery can be recharged over 500 times in less than

2 hours time• 4 Blue LEDs visually indicate remaining available charge• Drawstring travel pouch and USB charging cable included• Price includes 1 color or laser etched logo on aluminum case

5,600 mAh USB POWER BANK W/LED LIGHT

Quantity 25 50 100 250 500

Price $34.89 $33.59 $32.49 $31.79 $30.99

• 5,600 mAh rechargeable Li-ion cell provides ample power to quickly charge your device

• Compact solid aluminum case measures a mere 3 5/8" x 1 3/4" x 3/4"

• Features protective IC to prevent short circuit, overcharging, and overheating

• 3 blue LED power level indicator lights to display available charge• Price includes 1 color logo pad printed on aluminum case

[email protected]


The opinions expressed in this article are the views of the authors. We welcome your response.If you are interested in writing an opinion piece, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Imagine there was an Indiana company

with more than 10,000 employees and

an annual payroll in the neighborhood

of $250 million. It would be one of the

state’s largest employers, outranked

only by a few universities, and would be

catered to accordingly by business and

civic leaders mindful of its huge economic

footprint. It would also doubtlessly be

touted as a major Indiana success story

by government officials and economic

development groups looking to attract

new business to the state. And it certainly

wouldn’t have to go hat in hand to the

federal government begging for funds

to upgrade 100-year-old

equipment, right?

Yet that is currently

the situation for the South

Shore commuter railroad

operated by the Northern

Indiana Commuter

Transportation District

(NICTD). Every day, more than 10,000

Hoosiers board South Shore trains to get

to and from jobs in Chicago. They work

in Illinois – but bring their quarter-billion

dollars’ worth of collective salaries back to

Indiana to spend. (Note that salary figure

is from a 2004 survey; NICTD is currently

conducting a new survey to update its

numbers.) The commuter railroad is a

pipeline that exports labor and imports

cash on a massive scale, to the great

benefit of both northern Indiana and the

state as a whole.

This is possible solely because of

geography. There are only a handful of

locations around the country where

one state can take advantage of a major

metropolitan center just across one of

its borders. Examples include northern

New Jersey (abutting New York City) and

northern Virginia (outside of D.C.). And

when you look at those areas, it’s not a

coincidence that they boast strong mass

transit systems designed to move people

to and from jobs.

But in Indiana, not so much. NICTD is

currently petitioning the feds for money to

replace signal equipment, some of which

dates back to the 1920s, in Michigan City

and South Bend. This funding challenge

doesn’t only impact current service, it

also makes expansion of commuter rail

in Northwest Indiana into something

resembling a pipe dream. With NICTD

operating the South Shore on a shoestring

already, where would funds come from

to run trains on the proposed West

Lake Corridor in Lake County or out to

Valparaiso in Porter County? Thus despite

half a billion dollars in federal money

available for construction and the promise

of more than 16,000 jobs in construction

and related industries, rail expansion

remains stalled.

In an effort to address these challenges

and unleash the economic potential of

commuter rail in northern Indiana, NICTD

and the Northwest Indiana Regional

Development Authority (RDA) are jointly

funding the development of a strategic

business plan. Authored by URS Corp.,

the plan will examine operational issues,

expansion opportunities, transit-oriented

development, public-private partnerships

and more, laying out a road map for long-

term success. The plan will be completed

in the spring of next year.

Obviously this is a just a

first step. Implementation of

the report’s recommendations

will be its own challenge, and

whatever happens is not going

to happen overnight. But the

status quo is not acceptable if we

want to grow jobs and promote economic

development in northern Indiana. Rail

expansion brings immediate benefits in

terms of construction jobs and long-term

benefits as more Chicago workers relocate

to Indiana to take advantage of lower taxes

and better quality of life. The Indiana

Economic Development Corporation has

a new marketing campaign lauding us as

“a state that works.” Making northern

Indiana a state that works for commuters

is critical to growth in the region.

Let’s get it done.

By Sherri Ziller, chief operating officer, regional Development authority

commuter LogisticsCommuter rail in northern Indiana is underdeveloped economic development opportunity

The Last Word

NICTD is currently petitioning the feds for money to replace signal equipment, some of which dates back to the 1920s, in Michigan City and South Bend. - Sherri Ziller, chief operating officer, regional Development authority

FOUNDATION STONESTHE AMERICAN GROUP OF CONSTRUCTORS

“A sure foundation inspires confi dence, encourages creative thinking, and enables

us all to achieve wonderful things...”

Phone: 877-937-1508 | Fax: 219-937-1512 www.tagconstructors.com

Determination in our Commitment to Safety

Pride in our Workmanship

Trust in our Relationships

Care in our Stewardship

866-552-WELL(9355) | WorkingWell.org

The Baldrige Criteria for Performance ExcellenceThe Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence

We work closely with employers to create customized workplace wellness programs that promote a healthy workplace and a healthy bottom line.

DRUG TESTING

OUR SERVICES AND PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

• Drug & Alcohol Testing

• Injury Treatment

• Wellness Screenings

• Travel Medicine

• Onsite Services

• Injury Prevention

• Health and Safety Education

• Onsite/Near-Site Dedicated Clinics

• Acupuncture

• Physicals (Pre-Placement & DOT)

• Sports Physicals

• Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Testing)

• Audiograms

• Fit Testing (Quantitative)

A full-range of occupational health tools designed to control medical costs and promote an effi cient and healthier workplace.

:

Scan this code to learn more about all of WorkingWell’s Occupational Health Tools.

We keep Northwest Indiana

.

SERVING THE REGION WITH 5 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN INDIANA: CROWN POINT, HAMMOND, MICHIGAN CITY, MUNSTER, and VALPARAISO

PLUS TWO NEW LOCATIONS IN ILLINOIS: CHICAGO HEIGHTS and OLYMPIA FIELDS

Documents

Building Indiana: July/August 2013