Students were invited to better
understand the scope of employment
opportunity available in LaPorte County.

Companies participating in the "Made in LaPorte County USA" Fair know a good location when they find it.

Thanhardt Burger Corporation was one of about 40 companies represented at Made in LaPorte County, held September 25 at Marquette Mall in Michigan City. Nationally known for their handcrafted picture frames, the company won't be going anywhere soon. Mark Krentz, President and CEO, said, "The benefits of LaPorte County for us would include the low cost of business and the proximity to Chicago. Also, the natural charm of the area is important ? it's a good place for families." The company has been in LaPorte since 1927.

The event, organized by Bob Schaefer of the Michigan City-based consulting firm Community Dynamics (and a former NIPSCO employee), was held to impress upon job seekers and students the scope of employment opportunity available in LaPorte County, and to engage the community. (Polly Liebig, Figment Creative Group ? also a former NIPSCO employee designed the Made in LaPorte County logo.) For companies and organizations outside the county, it could be considered an invitation to know LaPorte County's many advantages.

"We're centrally located, and we have a lot of community support, such as tax abatements," said Dina Gasaway, owner of Winn Machine (machined parts).

"It's logistically easy to develop and maintain business relationships," said Dave Shinn of Great Lakes Supply & Chemical, a distribution company of cleaners and paper goods. Lawanna Patikas of Michigan City Baking cited the excellent workforce (as well as their excellent cookies and other baked goods, including products for Nabisco and Maurice Lenell).

Bert Cook of the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC), a sponsor, said, "We wanted to dispel the myth that LaPorte County offers only retail opportunities. We have a strong manufacturing base. We have excellent learning institutions that graduate qualified workers. This has been a good venue to present this to the community."

Bert Cook, Project Manager
Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation
219-324-8584
bertc@gledc.com
www.gledc.com

John Regetz, Executive Director
Michigan City Economic Development Corporation
219-873-1211
johnr@mc-edc.com
www.mc-edc.com

Bob Schaefer, President
Community Dynamics
219-873-0815
communitydynamics@comcast.net