At a recent roundtable discussion, executives of Indiana companies gathered to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities for businesses in northern Indiana.  This blog provides their insight as a result of the discussion.

Melissa Cordial is the public relations representative for Vera Bradley.

Fort Wayne isn't what typically comes to mind when thinking about booming cities for young people, but it's trying. The Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) is moving mountains by implementing social gatherings at local restaurants and attractions with a two-fold plan: 1) to encourage young professionals to collaborate on issues important to the future of the city; and 2) to familiarize these young people with the fun culture that many of the restaurants and attractions boast.

YLNI is also making strides with the community by initiating the Barr Street Market (a local farmer's market held in downtown Fort Wayne on Saturday mornings) and hosting leadership forums and seminars for young professionals interested in serving on community boards.

The Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has also taken steps toward a fabulously fun city by erecting hip signage across the city that highlights and directs visitors and locals to attractions like the Botanical Conservatory, museums, performing arts center, and the extraordinary genealogy center.

The CVB's campaign, Room for Dreams, highlights the city's affordable housing, positive quality of life and ample opportunities for businesses to prosper.

Fort Wayne has quite a few hurdles to jump to compete with other cities in Indiana and the mid-west; yet, it's certainly making progress.

Links: www.ylni.org and www.roomfordreams.com

Bob Taylor is the president and CEO of Do it Best Corp.

Northeast Indiana has taken a tremendous step forward in economic development with the formation of the Regional Marketing Partnership.  This well coordinated effort is already off to a great start, and will no doubt prove to be a significant difference-maker in attracting new businesses and jobs to our region.
 
The Indiana business climate, under Governor Daniels' leadership, has improved dramatically.  There are, however, still challenges to overcome.  As the bipartisan Kernan-Shepard Report outlines, one of the biggest challenges, and biggest opportunities, lies in the need for consolidation of local governments.  It is about efficiency to be sure, but, more importantly, it's about effectiveness.  Effectively responding to the needs of current residents and businesses as well as prospective ones.  With regard to business development, both for existing companies and new ones, you cannot overstate the importance of having local governments that are streamlined, organized and developmentally focused in constructively moving new projects ahead, as opposed to throwing up road blocks of red tape.  We still have a ways to go in that regard, both as a state and as a region, but the Kernan-Shepard Report points the way.

Pat Miller is the president and co-owner of Vera Bradley.

During our recent roundtable discussion in Fort Wayne with Gerry Dick, we recognized and applauded the activities of the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI).  This group has become a dynamic force in our corner of the state.  Started in 2005, it now boasts a 1,000+ member network which is strong and growing.

These young leaders come from commerce, education, the arts and civic endeavors.  They are marketing our region as an area that celebrates our past while looking the 21st Century straight in the eye.  This movement is especially exciting to those of us who sat around the table.  We represented a variety of home-grown businesses that has achieved some degree of success while, at the same time, enjoying a quality of life that is to be envied.

Thanks to Gerry, for the opportunity to gather and exchange thoughts.

Joe Ruffolo is the principal at Ruffolo Benson LLC.

Northeast Indiana has a lot to be positive about.  The word that best describes Northeast Indiana economic development efforts is "accelerating."  The public and private apparatus and people necessary to attract and sustain business are now in place and learning to focus their respective strengths on deserving business needs.  The area has lacked corporate leadership which is now emerging through an invigorated corporate council and regional marketing partnership.

Northeast Indiana was built upon the efforts of entrepreneurs using local money to grow.  This legacy continues today as local capital is being focused though the Main Street Venture Fund and other local sources to start companies and help exiting businesses.

The quality of graduates from area educational institutions is surfacing as a prime focus for the area's population.  Although area school systems and universities are involved in developing skills for tomorrows jobs, a great deal more must be done to more aggressively change curriculums and better prepare instructors for the challenge.