The Northwest Indiana Forum elected Don Babcock (NIPSCO) to continue in his role as Chair of the 2012 Managing Board of Directors with a unanimous vote. Jill Ritchie (United States Steel Corporation) will serve as Chair-Elect and Tom Keilman (BP) as Secretary/Treasurer.

Building on the history of strong and effective volunteer committees’ work, Charles Weaver (Starke County Economic Development Foundation) will lead the Economic Development efforts. Chairing Environmental Affairs and Public Policy are Robert Crookston (Microbac Labs) and Jill Ritchie (United States Steel Corporation) respectively. Cal Bellamy (Krieg DeVault) will oversee the Audit Committee while Dewey Pearman (Construction Advancement Foundation) will handle member retention and recruitment duties.
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The Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana (CAF) is inviting high school guidance counselors from around the region on a “field trip” to showcase the cutting-edge facilities, extensive skills and comprehensive training offered by the area’s building trades. The day-long event on Wednesday, February 15th includes a tour of four building trade apprenticeship facilities, a union job site walk-through.

The field trip is free for high school guidance counselors.

“Northwest Indiana is home to some of the nation’s best union tradespeople and top union training facilities,” says Dewey Pearman, CAF’s Executive Director. “Together with the region’s union contractors, they provide critical talent and services for some of the world’s largest corporations, such as BP and ArcelorMittal. And these trades also provide a lucrative potential career path for area students.”
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According to the latest housing data compiled by RE/MAX of Indiana, the Northwest Indiana real estate market remained flat throughout 2011 compared to 2010. The area reported a 0.19-percent increase in homes sold at 6,903 units, and a decrease in the median sold price by 0.87 percent to $124,900.

The data represents actual homes sold, or closed during 2011, rather than pended sales agreements.
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IBEW Local No. 697, a union of electrical workers covering Lake and Newton counties, is celebrating 100 years of commitment to excellence. Chartered on June 12th, 1911, IBEW Local No. 697 started with only nine electrical workers. At the time, the opposition to unions was very much active and bitter. Yet these men prevailed and survived against the insurmountable social and economical obstacles. Over the years, the group has promoted reasonable methods of work, cultivated feelings of friendship among those in their industry, settled disputes by arbitration and assisted each other in times of need. IBEW Local No. 697 has secured a high standard of living and security for their members.

This local electrical worker’s union has not only been instrumental in the industry but has always had a keen focus and interest in community and civic affairs. Over the years, the group has engaged in philanthropic efforts with the United Way, Hoosier Boys Town, TradeWinds, Little League, Parents as Teachers, American Legions and LARRI to name a few. The close-knit group has also served as a support network for aging members who gather regularly at the Local Union Hall.

In addition to the hundred-year birthday, Local Union No 697 has an additional reason to celebrate in 2011. The organization has recently completed construction and moved into a new Union Hall building, which will serve not only as the Local Union Hall and gathering place for the Retiree’s Club but also as the funds offices, a credit union and the center for the state-of-the-art Apprenticeship Training Center. The new facility is the first LEED building in Lake County Indiana, featuring cutting edge environmentally friendly technology and building practices.

This summer, the members of IBEW Local No. 697 will gather to commemorate a century of continued support from members, retirees and contractors. Their 100th Anniversary celebration on June 11th, 2011 will include all members and industry partners for an evening honoring the local union that has served such an important role in its member’s lives and the community over the years.