New Office, New Year for Lake County IN Economic Alliance

New Office, New Year for Lake County IN Economic Alliance

Lake County IN Economic Alliance (LCEA) showcased their new office in Merrillville Thursday evening, welcoming in the new year with a new space. 

President and CEO of LCEA Karen Lauerman said this is the first time the LCEA brought investors, partners and other guests into the new office.

“We are housed within the Crossroads Regional Chamber,” said Lauerman. “We participated in the capital investment plan for the new building, which Crossroads purchased. They were generous to house us initially and now with the new building  bring us along and build out an office suite for the Lake County economic development team.”

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Lauerman said she is proud of their development and is enthusiastic in being able to further extend their impact in Lake County.

“It’s great that we can expand our office operations, so we can better serve our project partners, investors, and other stakeholders Companies, communities and consultants have a place to meet with us to talk about future plans and current projects,” said Lauerman.

Above all, Lauerman was excited to welcome the everyone to the new space. She said that it’s a great opportunity to continue growing the organization thus growing the number of opportunities to bring jobs and investment to the area.

“With a wonderful event space on the lower level and a state of the art Board room on the main level we can hold special events programs and educational seminars. Through our contribution to the capital campaign for the Crossroads building, we have been a part of creating a wonderful environment for the chamber and its members with a benefit to LCEA and our stakeholders,’’ said Lauerman.

Lauerman sees the expansion as a crucial part of the LCEA mission: growing jobs and investment.

“ Expansion of new office space was the next step in organizational development and we hope to continue that growth pattern in 2018 with new investors, new projects and new job announcements,” said Lauerman.

The evening also brought in local businesses for the opportunity to network. President of Kusiak Construction, David Kusiak said he appreciates that the LCEA gets local businesses involved.

“As a small business owner in Lake County, we appreciate the fact that there is a possibility in bringing in new businesses. That brings additional people and population, which can hopefully be future customers of Kusiak Construction,” said Kusiak.

Kusiak is a Northwest Indiana native and said he wants to see the area flourish.

“The LCEA is laying the ground work for businesses to come here bringing additional money into the area and people go where there is business opportunity. Northwest Indiana really gives the chance for a young family to lay their roots for the next 20 to 40 years,” said Kusiak. “I’ve seen so much change and progress in Lake County. As a lifer here, it’s great to see this area prosper in population and in business.”

Town Manager of Merrillville, Bruce Spires, serves on the LCEA board and sees this organization as the catalyst for job growth in the area.

“LCEA’s mission is jobs and investment, bringing new business while expanding and retaining existing businesses.. We’ve always relied on manufacturing for jobs and manufacturing is important. At LCEA, they look at all the industry sectors that may benefit the community and the economy,” said Spires. “Tonight’s new year kick off allows people to foster and build relationships which are critical everyone’s business network but more importantly, focus on relationships that can help them grow as an individual or as a company in Lake County.”

The night ended with a “cheers” to the new office, new year, and continued prosperity for Lake County. The LCEA, investors and guests toasted to 2018, as another year of economic excellence.

To learn more about the LCEA, check out their website http://lcea.us/