New President of the Northwest Indiana Forum Speaks to the Hobart Chamber of Commerce about Opportunities for Growth in the Region

All Ships Rise with the Rising Tide

Heather Ennis, new President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, served as guest speaker today at the Hobart Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon. Having just moved out of her role as executive director of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce and president of the Duneland Economic Development Corporation, Ennis touched upon her new position at Northwest Indiana Forum and what the forum provides to the region in terms of economic development.

In her presentation, Ennis described the Northwest Indiana Forum as a group venture, with over 130 member organizations and an elected 30 member Board of Directors. The Board, comprised of a diverse mix of top executives and experts in their respective fields, are helping to drive business development in the Northwest Indiana region.

Ennis went on to explain that the forum is much like a chamber of commerce; it acts as the voice of area businesses and industry, while at the same time promoting expansion, investment, and job creation in the area.

When asked why it’s important to build bridges between local chambers and the forum, Ennis responded, “Chambers of Commerce, like the Hobart Chamber, are excellent venues for mainstreaming grassroots efforts. They do a lot for smaller businesses and they are a key component to the effort.”

Barbara J. Hodges, a CSA for Hobart-based Pinnacle Insurance Group of Indiana, attended the luncheon in lieu of Pinnacle’s owner, Rick Smith. As a member of the Hobart business community, Barbara commented on the importance of taking part in the chamber and networking with other business owners and representatives:

“We’re here to get our names out there and make sure that we’re updated on everything that’s going on in the community. Our office is on Third Street, right off of Main Street, so there are a lot of businesses around us. It seems as if the town and businesses are always working hard to upkeep the buildings there and make things in Hobart better.”

Kevin Kosek, current treasurer of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, also believes that the chamber is doing great things, but must continue to “educate itself on economic matters.”

"This past year, the Hobart Chamber has been putting an emphasis on economic development in Hobart and its surrounding areas. The chamber’s goal is to be the catalyst that attracts businesses to the community. Hobart has already been selected as the home to many great companies, but there is always room for growth and development." he continued. "We believe that working with the Northwest Indiana Forum and learning about the resources that are available to us, will only make our community and our relationship with the forum, stronger."

The chamber’s eagerness to build a strong bond with the Northwest Indiana Forum is far from unrequited. Ennis, who spoke with NWIndianaLife.com in an earlier interview, pointed out the importance of cooperation between municipalities and the greater region. “All ships rise with the rising tide,” she said. “Working with chambers is a good opportunity to tell people our story and make people aware of what we can do and how we can help one another.”

After opening up the floor to questions and answers, Ennis wrapped up her presentation by thanking the Hobart Chamber of Commerce for their hospitality and support. Board member Dana Liss, who had introduced Ennis at the beginning of the luncheon, took a few minutes mention upcoming events. She also re-announced Lisa Winstead (who was not able to attend the luncheon) as the new Executive Director of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce.

To read more about the Northwest Indiana Forum, please visit their site: http://www.nwiforum.org/ 

Learn more about the Hobart Chamber of Commerce at: http://www.hobartchamber.com/