The timely exchange of information among business stakeholders in Duneland was the chief topic of discussion at the meeting on Sept. 3 of the Duneland Business Initiative Group (DBIG).

Guest speakers at the meeting were Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce President Mark Chamberlain and Chamber Managing Director Heather Ennis.

Over the course of the meeting, according to a statement released by DBIG, a consensus emerged that, “with so much going on” in Chesterton and Duneland, nevertheless there is “so little known.” Some sort of a “pipeline” is therefore needed to expedite information sharing among the major players: DBIG, the Chamber, the Tri-Towns, and the Porter County Convention, Recreation, and Visitor Commission.

Chamberlain and DBIG President Machelle Blount promised to begin working on a satisfactory mechanism which will ensure the free flow of information to all interested parties.

Meanwhile, Chamberlain told DBIG that the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) is currently identifying land and buildings for sale or lease in Duneland, with a view to making that information easily available to businesses interested in re-locating to Duneland. The EDC is simultaneously updating the Town of Chesterton’s website and the Chamber’s so that the information on land and buildings is accompanied by up-to-date data on zoning and the local economy.

Chamberlain added that he is right now in discussion with “a few” 200-plus employee businesses which “would suit our area perfectly.”

Business Retention

The issue of business retention was raised when a new business owner expressed a concern about shuttered businesses in the Downtown. “We put our life savings into these businesses and do not want to become a casualty and have to shut down,” he said. “It bothers me to see so many empty businesses down Calumet. What does the Chamber have in place to assist us.”

Ennis said in response that she will be involved, in her new role as Chamber Managing Director, in “creating more of an advocacy for its members.” The Chamber’s Ambassador Committee is in the process of becoming more of a “point” body for new members and is also discussing the possibility of forming an advisory committee specifically for the purpose of assisting small business owners.

Banners

In other business, DBIG member and artist Deborah Laundry wondered why, given the Duneland’s artist-rich community, local artists were not employed to design the banners in Downtown Chesterton. Laundry agreed to draft a proposal under which local artists next year would either do the entire banner project or at least the graphics. “Involvement with such projects enables area artists to show their work and the artistic influences within our community,” Laundry said.

DBIG’s members include business owners, tourism officials, members of the Chesterton Town Council and the Chamber, artists, and citizens at large, all working for the betterment of Duneland. For more information call Blount at 926-9900.

Posted 9/8/2008