New Lake County Convention Center, U.S. Steel investment highlight northwest Indiana growth

Northwest Indiana is turning a corner. In this week’s episode of Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick, we report from Valparaiso University as part of IBJ Media’s Innovate Indiana Series. From Gary to Michigan City, billions in infrastructure, tourism, and redevelopment projects are fueling growth across the region. We examine Gary’s new convention center partnership with Hard Rock Casino, major investment in U.S. Steel’s Gary Works plant, and a downtown revitalization effort led by Mayor Eddie Melton and the University of Notre Dame. Also in this episode: Matt Schuffert, CEO of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, on Gary’s hotel and convention center development Plans for a $1 billion expansion at the Digital Crossroads data center campus in Hammond Completion of South Shore Line double tracking and new real estate projects in Michigan City BP’s Whiting refinery and the Mammoth Solar Project advancing new energy initiatives The Dean and Barbara White Foundation’s investments in education and quality of life IU students launch 9AM Club, a hangover-friendly cocktail made in partnership with Cardinal Spirits Yelp’s Brittany Smith highlights five outdoor dining destinations across Indiana News around the state: Muncie approves outdoor drinking districts, Columbus extends public art display, and a $13 million apprenticeship pathway launches statewide Next week: We’re in downtown Indianapolis covering the economic impact of the WNBA All-Star Game.