Whole Bakers, a gluten-free specialty baked goods company, is partnering with PacMoore to deliver the finest gluten-free baked goods. PacMoore is a privately held food packaging company founded over 18 years ago in Hammond. To ensure that all Whole Bakers products are created in a gluten-free environment, PacMoore is currently building a new gluten-free bakery. All Whole Bakers products are not only gluten-free but also kosher-certified.

New Web Site Launched to Assist Indiana Businesses The Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority (INCOLSA), the leadership network for Indiana libraries has launched a new resource focused on Indiana business development. Indiana Business Builder (IBB), http://www.indianabusinessbuilder.net, is a web-based business resource center to assist Indiana businesses of all sizes.

The Center of Workforce Innovations, in conjunction with the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board (NWIWB), is looking for faith and community based organizations throughout Northwest Indiana who want to work with other organizations that recognize and leverage each others resources to the benefit of those we all serve.

Fifty companies from 19 Indiana counties have earned a place in Indiana’s inaugural field of “Companies to Watch,” including Falk-PLI Engineering & Surveying Industrial Engineering in Portage.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Acting Indiana Agriculture Director Ken Klemme presented 79 families, including 6 local, with the Hoosier Homestead Award on Friday, Aug. 15. at the Indiana State Fair grounds.

The Indiana State United States Bowling Congress Bowling Association (IS USBC BA) has named Northwest Indiana Bowling Association as the official host of the 2009 Indiana State Bowling Association’s Men’s State Tournament. The tournament is scheduled for Camelot Lanes in Portage and Stardust Bowl II in Merrillville.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (South Shore) and the Northwest Indiana Regional Bus Authority are discussing a future as one agency. The efforts were summarized at a Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority meeting on August 14.

Northwest Indiana's labor force in July 2008 stood at 410,194 individuals, with 386,729 of them employed in jobs throughout Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, and Starke counties.

The Center of Workforce Innovations, in conjunction with the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board (NWIWB), is looking for faith and community based organizations throughout Northwest Indiana who want to work with other organizations that recognize and leverage each others resources to the benefit of those we all serve.

The following students will receive gift cards from a drawing held on July 23, 2008.

The U.S. Census Bureau released to Indiana University's Indiana Business Research Center the population estimates for all cities, towns and townships in the United States (as of July 1, 2007).

Source: CNBC.com, By Scott Cohn Senior Correspondent, 09 Jul 2008

The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board (NWIWB) and the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI), nonprofit workforce development organizations in Northwest Indiana, received a grant from Performance Excellence Partners, Inc. (PEP) of Huntington Beach, California.

The Center of Workforce Innovations, regional operator of the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, announces the unveiling of a website integrating the 12 WorkOne offices of the region. The website, http://nwi.gotoworkone.com, launches today.

The latest monthly statistics show Indiana's unemployment rate continues to be significantly lower than neighboring states and remains below the United States average, according to the monthly employment report released today by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD).In May, Indiana's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, while the national average was 5.5 percent.  The unemployment rate in Michigan is 8.5 percent - the highest of the surrounding states.  Michigan was followed by Illinois at 6.4 percent; Ohio at 6.3 percent; and Kentucky at 6.2 percent.

INDIANAPOLIS (May 16, 2008) - The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in April and is now three-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate, which is at 5.0 percent, according to the monthly employment report released today by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

The U.S. Department of Labor has released a new online resource that makes it easier for Americans to prepare for a financially secure retirement. Using interactive worksheets that were developed as a companion to a 2006 publication, individuals who are 10 to 15 years from retirement can calculate their income and savings as well as their projected expenses in retirement.

The Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) is offering 20 final-year college students a Career Advancement Account (CAA) scholarship opportunity in the amount of up to $3,000. Students must be completing a degree by May 2009 in one of the following areas: engineering, logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology, or healthcare. To be considered, students must meet the following criteria and cite it in the letter of interest: A U.S. citizen and resident of NW Indiana Completing a degree or certification by summer 2009 Course study related to one of the above cited industries Have a limited income—but can be working ($18,000 for an individual) Deadline date to apply is April 26, 2008. Interested applicants are urged to submit a letter of interest to CWI/CAA: Mail 2804 Boilermaker Court, Suite E Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 Fax 219-465-6860 Email tstump@innovativeworkforce.com Questions, contact CWI at 219-462-2940.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development announced the awards of tech prep grants to Tri-Creek School Corporation and School City of East Chicago. The grants, to help students better prepare for high-wage/high-demand jobs.

Twenty-seven Indiana high schools or postsecondary institutions received grants totaling $114,000 that will fund teams competing in the FIRST Robotics program. Three Region 1 schools were among the recipients.

The 24th Indiana Career and Technical Education Awards for Excellence ceremony was held on February 12 to recognize outstanding career and technical education students, programs and personnel throughout Indiana.

The Northwest Indiana Job Market Reports can be downloaded from CWI's Resources section now.  The NWI Job Market Reports, presented by the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board and prepared by CWI, are in depth and local looks at occupations in demand in each area of Northwest Indiana.

The State of the Workforce Report 2008 for Northwest Indiana, a product of the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board and prepared by the Center of Workforce Innovations, can now be downloaded from CWI's website.  Go to the Resources section to download a free copy of the this insightful report now.

Ivy Tech’s Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (TDL) certification program graduated a second round of students on August 15 at its Gary campus. The program an initiative developed by the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) and was launched with funds from the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board (NWIWB) and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development in response to the state’s Strategic Skills Initiative.

The WorkOne system is offering to assist students seeking the  WorkKeys Assessment as required for the Indiana Technical Honors Diploma.  Schools who find students in need can contact the Center of Workforce Innovations, Inc. 2804 Boilermaker Court Suite E, Valparaiso Indiana 46383  or call 219-462-2940 extension 32; fax 219-465-6860 for more information.  Or simply click on the link below and download the form then fax, mail, or e-mail to admin@innovativeworkforce.com

The Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Educating Business workshop, "Resources That Support Your Business" from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Hammond Innovation Center, 5209 Hohman Ave.