IN the news……
Salute to the Governor with Governor Eric Holcomb - December 3, 2024
Over 300 guests gathered at the Blue Chip Casino for a Salute to the Governor event, celebrating the service and leadership of Governor Eric Holcomb. The event, hosted by the Northwest Indiana Forum, honored Governor Holcomb’s dedication to the people of Indiana as his term comes to an end.
The evening featured speeches, a video, and heartfelt remarks from a variety of leaders. Speakers who commemorated Governor Holcomb include State Representative Ed Soliday, Mayor Eddie Melton from the City of Gary, Judge Mary DeBoer, Bill Hanna from the Dean and Barbara White Foundation, and Heather Ennis from the Northwest Indiana Forum. Governor Holcomb was celebrated for his tireless efforts to improve Indiana’s economy, infrastructure, and quality of life during his time in office.
“We are proud to have been a long-standing partner with Governor Holcomb in our shared mission to create a brighter future for Indiana,” said Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. “His leadership in fostering growth and opportunity has made a profound difference for Hoosiers, and we are especially grateful for the work we have done together on initiatives like READI 1.0 and READI 2.0, which will have a lasting impact on communities across the state. The record-breaking business attraction we've seen in recent years and the significant improvements made to the commuter rail line are clear indicators of the progress we are making toward a more connected, thriving Indiana.”
Governor Holcomb’s support of the READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative) programs has been pivotal in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life in Indiana. The Northwest Indiana Forum received funding from both READI 1.0 and READI 2.0, which is estimated to generate over $2 billion of direct economic impact to Northwest Indiana.
As Governor Holcomb transitions to new endeavors, his legacy in shaping the future of Indiana remains firmly rooted in the successes of his administration. The Northwest Indiana Forum looks forward to continuing its work with local and state leaders to ensure that the momentum built during Governor Holcomb's tenure continues for years to come.
To see pictures of this event, click here.
Salute to the Governor Video
IGNITE the Region Luncheon - August 20, 2024
United States Senator Todd Young joined the Northwest Indiana Forum and over 600 guests at the IGNITE the Region Luncheon on Tuesday in Merrillville. The IGNITE the Region Luncheon celebrates the continued success of Northwest Indiana’s first regional economic development plan titled IGNITE–Northwest Indiana’s Strategy for Economic Transformation. This plan fueled our application for the READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 grants, bringing over $95 million in investment to Northwest Indiana. Heather Ennis, President & CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, gave an overview of various initiatives, including the impact of the projects funded by the READI 1.0 grant, what’s next for the READI 2.0 grant, the IGNITE the Region plan, and GoNWI–a regional marketing plan.
“Today’s IGNITE the Region Luncheon is a testament to the transformative power of regional collaboration and investment,” said Heather Ennis, “As we look forward to the next phase of our IGNITE plan, GoNWI, and READI 2.0, we remain committed to driving innovation, growth, and prosperity for our Region.”
United States Senator Todd Young joined Heather Ennis for a fireside chat. They discussed the Chips and Science Act, how Northwest Indiana assets–such as maritime, aviation, energy, and communication–play a critical role in the global conflict defense strategy, policies that will attract workforce to our country, and program opportunities where State, Federal, and local cooperation is essential.
“Every time I return to Northwest Indiana, I’m energized by the incredible optimism and sense of collaboration in the Region. Local governments, the business community, higher ed, and community leaders are dreaming big and working together to move Northwest Indiana forward. When you need a federal partner to unlock transformative investments in our people and places, count me in,” said United States Senator Todd Young.
To see more pictures of this event, click here.
2024 IGNITE the Region Video
IGNITE the Region Luncheon - October 24, 2023
Governor Eric Holcomb joined The Northwest Indiana Forum and over 600 guests at the IGNITE the Region Luncheon Tuesday in Michigan City to celebrate the continued success of Northwest Indiana’s first regional economic development plan titled IGNITE (Northwest Indiana’s Strategy for Economic Transformation). This plan fueled the $50 Million READI 1 award that is now translating to well over $700 million worth of total investment throughout Northwest Indiana.
We also shared some exciting news about what's next in NWI.
Check out IGNITE's "5 Big Ideas" below:
Opportunity Campuses : Create multi-partner opportunity campuses to drive workforce readiness, access to resources and hubs of entrepreneurship across the region.
Advanced Energy Sector : Advancing Alternative Energy technologies that are sustainable and affordable. Building out the infrastructure to fully leverage assets to cultivate investment and innovation in NWI.
Sustainable Destination Development : Refine, develop, and enhance assets that improve accessibility for visitors and residents to our natural assets. Create a convention center in Northwest Indiana and an inn near the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Economic Investment Ready Assets : Assemble land and revolving loan fund to identify and remediate land for target industry sectors and residential development.
Industry Innovation & Creative Culture : Grow NWI’s creative cultural experiences and resources needed to increase industry innovation and business startups.
Governor Eric Holcomb has recognized the outstanding contributions of Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, by awarding her the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash. This honor is a testament to Mrs. Ennis’ unwavering dedication to Northwest Indiana, focus on key economic development initiatives, and her remarkable leadership throughout the Region and State.
Some of her key accomplishments have been the facilitation of IGNITE the Region (Northwest Indiana’s Strategy for Economic Transformation), the attraction of $50 Million through READI 1 funds that is translating to a $700 Million total investment throughout Northwest Indiana, as well as numerous economic development initiatives that continue to garner State and National attention and has driven high quality investment to Northwest Indiana.
IGNITE the Region Luncheon - September 27, 2022
Over 400 leaders joined Congressman Frank Mrvan, Governor Eric Holcomb, and the Northwest Indiana Forum to discuss the impact that IGNITE has had on the region. IGNITE is the region's first economic development plan completed in 2018 by the Northwest Indiana Forum. This plan paved the way for the successful READI application resulting in a $50 million award of federal funds which, over the next 4 years, will incite over $500 million of investment into our communities. The five focal points of the IGNITE plan are Talent, Infrastructure, Placemaking, Business Development & Marketing, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Gov. Holcomb summed the Region’s progress by stating, “There are 16 other regions in our state that are sleeping with one eye open because of what you’re accomplishing here”.
Sept. 27 - Bill Hanna, CEO of the Dean & Barbara White Family Foundation, was honored with a Sagamore of the Wabash award by Governor Eric Holcomb for his consistent dedication to Northwest Indiana and the far-reaching fingerprint on many projects that have come to fruition in the region. The Sagamore award is one of the highest civilian honors awarded in the state of Indiana.
Northwest Indiana READI Presentation - 2021
Indiana Chamber of Commerce Vision2025 Presentation - May 25, 2021
NWI Forum Annual Meeting