Date:
May 6, 2010

Time:
7 AM - 12 PM

Location:
The Avalon Manor
3550 E. Route 30
Merrillville, IN 46410
Directions

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2008 Conference

The Build Indiana Conference was the first of its kind centered on transportation-related development in northwest Indiana. It sparked immense interest from brokers and developers about the many economic development possibilities that exist in our area. In May 2008, more than 230 influential decision-makers from northern Indiana, Chicago, and Indianapolis learned about northwest Indiana’s cargo, rail, air, highway, and lakeshore assets.

The daylong conference was a prime opportunity for area leaders to showcase all the good that encompasses northwest Indiana, including informative presentations and discussions on the Northwest Regional Development Authority, Indiana Toll Road, South Shore Commuter Rail Line and other rail development, Port of Indiana Burns Harbor, logistics and industrial park development, and the plan to enhance public access to Lake Michigan.

“There’s a new energy in northwest Indiana and we are in the process of redefining it. Transportation will be the key to that,” said State Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville.

Here you can find materials from the 2008 Build Indiana Conference. Please select a link below.

News Coverage

Guest Speakers

  • Honorable Joseph Stahura, Mayor of Whiting
  • Matt Reardon, Partner SEH, Inc.
  • Mark Lopez, Office of Pete Visclosky, US Congressman
  • Dan Gardner, Deputy Director Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
  • Leo Pauwels, Dir. of Industrial Dev. & Pricing Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad
  • John Parsons, Director of Marketing & Planning Northern Commuter Transportation District
  • Charles Weaver, Executive Director Starke County Economic Development
  • Donald Babcock, Director NIPSCO Economic Development
  • Vincent Galbiati, President & CEO Northwest Indiana Forum
  • Peter Laman, Director Port of Indiana, Burns Harbor
  • Henry Lampe, President Chicago South Shore & South Bend Rail Road
  • Leigh Morris, Executive Director Indiana Toll Road Authority
  • Tim Sanders, Executive Director Regional Development Authority

Guest Attendees

  • Cynthia Walker, Office of US Senator Evan Bayh

Attendees

View the list of companies who attended the 2008 Conference.

Sponsors

Click here to view the 2008 Conference Sponsors.

Testimonials

"I feel the Build Indiana Conference is a 'must attend' event for anyone interested in being a part of improving the quality of life for all residents of Northwest Indiana." George Vukelich, V3 Companies

"Very informative on the up & coming projects and future growth of Northwest Indiana. Real exciting stuff!" Paul J. Wiltjer "PJ", P&C Trucking Enterprises, Inc.

"We enjoyed your seminar very much. We were able to obtain an abundance of information concerning the growth of our region. We, as builders, are ready to move forward as all development and growth progresses." Vanessa L. Bland, Van Gogh Builders Enterprises, LLC.

"Confirmation that NWI has finally decided and committed to leveraging its most valuable asset: LOCATION." Rosalyn Mitchell, Forms+Funktion, Inc.

"Lots of data about NWI Transportation. Action needs to be taken on real projects (too much red tape). Most of the ideas/projects have been talked about and studied for over 20 years." David Rainford, Sekerez Real Estate

"Excellent first time effort. Very informative day." Leo Pauwels, Indiana Harbor Belt R.R.

"Great scope of content. Events of this caliber are critical to keep Northwest Indiana on track towards growth and development as a Chicagoland suburban market." David Lasser, Commercial In-Sites