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.
