CHICAGO (AP): A team of economic development pros from northwest Indiana have pitched the region to a Chicago rail summit as a less expensive option for businesses looking to locate in the Chicago area.
They made the argument to about 20 railroad industry officials and developers Thursday at the event in Chicago. The move comes after the governors of Indiana and Illinois have increased efforts to lure jobs from one another's states.
Rex Richards, CEO of Valparaiso Economic Development Corp., says companies usually are surprised to learn how much lower operating costs are in northwest Indiana compared to Chicago.
Richards says Indiana has a favorable tax climate, capped property taxes and lower workers compensation costs. He says several industrial parks also are located near railroads or airports.
