Society of Innovators, The Times

innovation
the society of innovators recognizes
ingenuity and creativity in the region

Congratulations Innovators
2 society of innovators . march 26, 2010 a special publication of the times media company

‘ innovation is the
lifeblood of our region!’

W
Dear Friend of Innovation:
elcome to this special publication of The Times celebrating the individuals and project teams of
“The 2009 – 2010 Class” of The Society of Innovators. These innovators are re-imagining ways to
do things better, faster and differently for the good of their organizations and our region. In most
cases, these innovators go unheralded. This is the reason the work of The Society is important!
The Society of Innovators inducted new Members with innovative ideas, from health care to
manufacturing, from residential developments to underground utilities. The “2009 – 2010 Class”
was remarkable on several levels. Our most recent class represented the largest number of single
nominations since The Society was launched by Ivy Tech NW and our partners. Also, the scale of innovation was impressive. For
example, our Chanute Prize co-recipients for Team Innovation consisted of projects launched by the largest dairy in the United
States and, respectively, the largest steel company in the world. There is nothing small about innovation in the seven counties
of Northwest Indiana. But you will also read about other innovations of all varieties from our newest Members – individuals as
well as project teams!
Most important, this gives us an opportunity to say thank you to deserving individuals and organizations. First, we thank
the Times for this wonderful insert. Next, we thank our Board of Governors who render great service and countless hours,
along with Committee Members and other volunteers who help The Society in so many ways. Next, we thank our “Principal
Sponsors” that are listed below for their continuing support. Last but not least, we thank all of you across this region
who support The Society, our ”Innovators Cafes” and other creative projects through the Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation &
Entrepreneurship Center. Our purpose is to promote growth and innovation across our Northwest Indiana Region. Please join
us in encouraging innovation in your workplace and community!
Sincerely,

J. Guadalupe Valtierra O’Merrial Butchee
Chancellor Interim Chair
Ivy Tech Community The Society of Innovators
College of Indiana of Northwest Indiana
Northwest

principal sponsors

a special publication of the times media company society of innovators . march 26, 2010 3

governors of the society
of innovators of northwest indiana
The Society of Innovators is governed by a volunteer group of leaders representing Northwest Indiana. We are grateful for
the service of those who serve as elected Governors, as well as those who serve on Committees.

board of governors
O’Merrial Butchee, Gayle Faulkner-Kosalko, Janice Tazbir, Member, Mike Worosz, Assistant Vice
Interim Chair, The 2006 - 2007 Fellow, 2007 Member, Chancellor of Academic
Society, Director, Gerald The Society, Editor of The Society Affairs, Regional WED
I. Lamkin Innovation & Whiting’s Write Stuff, Assistant Nursing Academic Services,
Entrepreneurship Center Times Columnist Professor, Purdue De LaGarza Campus, East
University Calumet Chicago; Ivy Tech Community
College of Indiana NW

Richard Sussman, Kathy DeGuilio-Fox, Eric Horon, Advertising Keith Kirkpatrick,
Ph.D., Interim Vice Executive Director, Operations Manager, KPM Group & Executive
Chair, The Society, Purdue Technology The Times Media Director, Leadership
General Manager, Center of Northwest Company Northwest Indiana
Global R&D Center, Indiana
North America,
East Chicago

Richard Marrell, Rich Barnes, Ph.D., Maggi Spartz,
2005 - 2006 Fellow, 2006 - 2007 Member, President, Unity
Interim Secretary/ The Society, Foundation of LaPorte
Treasurer, The Society, Hokey Spokes County
RLM Prosthetics, International
Valparaiso

committee members
Michelle Golden, Mitch Barloga, Cal Bellamy,
2008 - 2009 Member, 2007 – 2008 Member, 2006 - 2007 Member,
The Society, The Society, The Society, Partner,
Golden Studios Northwestern Indiana Krieg DeVault Law Firm
Regional Planning Schererville
Commission

a special thank you!
Roy E. Evans, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at Roy E. Evans, Ph.D., Tom Cera,
Purdue University Calumet and Tom Cera, Chief Operating Officer, Chair, The Society Chair, The Society
Court Holding Limited, have served as Chairs of the Society of of Innovators of Innovators
(2007 – 2010) (2005 – 2007)
Innovators. We thank them for their outstanding service, countless
hours, and inspired leadership in support of The Society of
Innovators of Northwest Indiana


facts about the society of innovators
of northwest indiana - our fellows,
members & chanute prize recipients
The purpose of The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana is to
1) Celebrate Innovators, 2) Promote innovation across the seven counties
of Northwest Indiana, and 3) Encourage innovation across the generations.

”Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest The Society honors Gerald I. Lamkin who for over
is proud to have launched The Society of Innovators 40 years had the “cherished dream” of a truly
of Northwest Indiana with our Principal Partners listed comprehensive community college for Indiana, which
below. Innovation is recognized as the lifeblood has been realized today with Ivy Tech Community
of organizations. The purpose of The Society of College of Indiana. It is with great pride and our hope
Innovators is to inspire innovation across all walks of to encourage future dreamers, visionaries, and innova-
life as our contribution to Making Indiana Great.” tors that we establish this regional award to be given
J. Guadalupe Valtierra, Chancellor for outstanding achievement in innovation and service
to our community, region and world.

The Chanute Prize for Team Innovation is dedicated The Society selects up to six outstanding
to promoting 21st Century innovation in the private, innovators each year as Fellows from among our
public, and not-for-profit sectors. It was created to Members. Our Fellows must live or work in Northwest
honor the path-breaking glider flights of Octave Indiana and can be found across all walks of life. The
Chanute and his team in 1896 whose historic flights innovation must demonstrate a new way, a different
helped get the Wright Brothers off the ground seven way, or a better way, and have a positive effect on
years later. The Chanute Prize is sponsored by Krieg our quality of life. ArcelorMittal sponsors the Fellow
DeVault Law Firm. Awards. In the event a teacher rises to the level of a
Fellow, The Center of Workforce Innovations sponsors
this award.

Individuals and Project Teams are nominated to The Society of Innovators. They are selected through a
rigorous process by regional leaders who confer upon them the honor of Membership. Each Member receives a
Certificate of Membership. Our purpose is to celebrate those among us who are distinguished by their capacity 2009 - 2010

to innovate so that we can encourage a “Region of Innovation.”
“The Society of Innovators celebrates the creativity and diversity of
Northwest Indiana by seeking out and recognizing innovators from
all sectors of our economy who contribute to our quality of life.”


‘1000 stories of innovation
in northwest indiana! ’
F
Dear Business & Community Leader:
or nearly a quarter of a century, I have had the good fortune and great privilege to assist outstanding leaders
in improving our quality of life in times of historic change. From the early days of the Northwest Indiana Forum
to helping launch the Quality of Life Council to organizing The Society of Innovators with Ivy Tech NW, I have
been a helper to leaders in regional initiatives to encourage fresh, imaginative and creative approaches. Many
individuals and organizations have worked diligently for the greater good of Northwest Indiana through hard
work, sacrifices and countless contributions.
During these years, I have experienced the consequences of at least three inflections.
The first had occurred just before I returned to the region with the loss of thousands of steel worker
jobs which adversely impacted workers who had depended for years on accessing steady jobs
in the mills. This caused a loss of confidence and a negativity that infected our belief in
ourselves and capacity to effect positive change. The second inflection occurred as the first
wave of globalization led to hard choices to improve our efficiencies and effectiveness.
No better example than when the five mills along our lakeshore became two giant mills.
This continued to shrink our workforce, but also sustained and even improved our
capacity in steelmaking as well as in other industries. Today, we are entering a time
of hyper-change in which innovation can help find newer, better and faster ways to
do business. Let us continue to put aside the old ways and become the “world-class”
region envisioned in the “Dare to Dream…” initiative. This is led by the Gerald I. Lamkin
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center of Ivy Tech NW and supported by all 7 colleges
and universities and other partners.
Today, there are 1000 stories of innovation in great and small ways in established as
well as new industries. No more are we just a steel or refining economy, but an economy
in which steel, refining and other traditional industries are showing the way through
new and innovative approaches that embrace a skilled workforce that increasingly values
education. There are also new and different industries taking their place in our economy. No
surprise if you have been in business over the years, you are an innovator today! Still, we have
much work to do to build this region and take the steps necessary to be globally competitive.

{ }
Let innovative thinking be our beacon in the 21st century!

John Davies
“Let innovative
Managing Director thinking be our
Society of Innovators of
Northwest Indiana beacon in the
21st century!”


thank you to 13 organizations
for hosting ‘innovators cafes!’

I
vy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest joins with the Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
and the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana in saluting the forward-looking organizations below for hosting our
“Innovators Café” over the past five years.
Our purpose has been to familiarize NWI leaders with out-of-the box thinking and innovation in all sectors in
Northwest Indiana as we work toward becoming a “Region of Innovation.”
We thank these organizations and their leadership teams for hosting a “Café” and for generously encouraging
innovative best practices while opening their doors to visitors in the spirit of celebrating outstanding creativity in
our workplaces:

April 11, 2006 September 14, 2006 January 25, 2007 May 31, 2007

May 25, 2006

September 20, 2007
January 10, 2008
June 19, 2008
September 25, 2008

January 22, 2009 September 24, 2009 January 14, 2010 September 23, 2010


society of innovators // cLass of 2009 & 2010

Dr. Peter Kesling

Frank
2008-2009 fellow

Brummett
2009 – 2010 fellow
the society of innovators of northwest indiana

F
rank Brummett is founder,
BerylMartin, Griffith.
On visiting his printing
operation, a 747 cockpit
can be seen on the exterior
of the building. Frank was
nominated for his “Feed
the Future” initiative hosting massive
Christmas parties over several years free
for thousands of urban children in Gary and
East Chicago. These parties involved big
name bands and legends such as the late
Koko Taylor. He is perhaps better known for
creating the near lifesize “Statue of Liberty.”
More recently, he has launched a new
funeral casket business nationwide.
Frank is a former merchant seaman,
entertainer, and entrepreneur.
Unity Foundation
Congratulations to Frank Brummett! of LaPorte County

A Proud Supporter
Frank Brummett was nominated by Gayle Faulkner-Kosalko, retired Chamber of Innovation
Executive, a Governor for The Society, and a Fellow. “Frank has produced a
program called ‘Feed the Future’ that is performed for the entire Gary and East
Chicago school systems. He provides most of the money plus conceptualizes and
directs the shows. He builds fabulous sets that go into school gyms and provides
age-appropriate gifts for
each student at no cost
to the school system. In
addition, a number of
students are randomly
selected to receive a
professional drum set
or piano.”

Award sponsor: ArcelorMittal Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest
1-800-843-4882 Ext/ 4428
©2009 Bukva Imaging Group
www.bukvaimaging.com
www.arcelormittal.com


society of innovators // class of 2009 & 2010

sarah H. Givens

T. Clifford
2008-2009 fellow

Fleming
2009 – 2010 fellow

T.
Clifford Fleming, an
attorney and developer,
created the nation’s
first green residential
community – The Village
in Burns Harbor. This
community is visible on
I-80/94 by the brightly colored homes.
Cliff was inspired by growing up in a
Gary neighborhood. He realized that this
neighborhood encouraged a “sense of
community.” When he saw a 60-acre parcel
available in Burns Harbor, he recognized the
opportunity to create a community unlike
any other. This new urban design community
is located in a place many thought unusual,
but he knew it was just right. His vision
was an affordable, environmentally-sound
community that would send a message that anything is possible in Northwest
Indiana. The Village in Burns Harbor became the first development to be certified
A Proud Supporter of Innovation under the National Homebuilders Ansi-approved National Green Building
Program. Congratulations to T. Clifford Fleming!

Cliff was nominated by Don Babcock, NIpSCo, and Bryce pickering, porter
County Builders Association. “Cliff Fleming has set a benchmark for home
and land development in Northwest Indiana. He has earned the distinction of
becoming the first residential development in the nation to be certified under the
National Association of Homebuilders’
Ansi-approved National Green Building
program. He has had another first: His
development hosted the first-ever ‘Green
Homes on parade.’”

Award sponsor: ArcelorMittal
Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
1-800-843-4882 Ext/ 4428 Cliff and Joyce Fleming



robert steingass

Mark
2008-2009 fellow

C. Kime
2009 – 2010 fellow

M
ark C. Kime
is Director of
Cardiology and
Neuroscience at
Porter Health,
Valparaiso. He
created several
medically-motivated inventions. The
I-Cart™, along with the Endoscope Cleaner/
Sterilizer, are both patented and sold to
the medical market, including sales as far
away as Australia. Porter has benefited
from his “test site,” getting firsthand benefit
of his innovative thinking. For example, as
inventor of the I-Cart, this was designed
to solve a problem. Several employees
were facing job shifts because they were
physically unable to move heavy equipment
necessary to complete their jobs. He developed a device using an electric motor
drive coupled with an accelerator that enabled employees to move large carts
—and even beds—easily. His I-Cart is helping A Proud Supporter
of Innovation
many other employees worldwide. This became
the world’s first detachable moving invention.
Congratulations to Mark C. Kime!

Mark was nominated by Jonathan Nalli, CEo,
porter Health. “Mark Kime uses his talent and
imagination to make life better for patients and
employees. His position has inspired Mark to
create several medically-motivated inventions.
No better example than his I–Cart in which
he fashioned a device using an electric motor
drive coupled with an accelerator that enabled
employees to move large carts as easily as
steering a wagon.”
Award sponsor: ArcelorMittal 1-800-843-4882 Ext/ 4428

10 Education GuidE . MaRcH 12, 2010 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA COMPANY


Lee Botts

John “Jack”
2008-2009 Gerald i. Lamkin fellow

Moreland
2009 – 2010 fellow

J
ohn “Jack” Moreland is visualization
specialist for the Visualization Lab
of Purdue University Calumet. Using
technology, he helps unravel the
complexities of problems affecting
engineering, business and the
sciences. He has collaborated on
projects that have allowed corporations to
get people to think in a new way in seeing
a problem or find a solution. Experts and
novice alike step into a virtual world using
3D glasses and interact with computer-
generated imagery that simulates data of
complex industrial processes and concepts.
Working with diverse organizations such
as steelmakers and the European Space
Agency, he draws on a unique combination
of knowledge, human ingenuity, and
the capacity to draw information from teams to solve real-world problems.
Congratulations to John “Jack” Moreland!
A Proud Supporter
of Innovation
He was nominated by Regina Biddings, purdue University Calumet, and Chenn
Zhou, ph.D., who is also a Fellow in The Society. “Jack sees complex problems
from engineering, business and the sciences on a daily basis. Using cutting edge
visualization technology, he helps unravel the complexities of a given problem
and gets people to see things
in a new way. Jack helps
others—including faculty and
students—see data in a more
natural and intuitive way,
helping them learn a new
generation of immersive and
3D technologies .”

1-800-843-4882 Ext/ 4428

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA COMPANY Education GuidE . MaRcH 12, 2010 11

Doctors, patients see benefits
from robotic technology
da Vinci Si Surgical System comes to Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region

T
he da Vinci Si Surgical System, now available
at St. Margaret Mercy’s Hammond Campus
and at Saint Anthony Memorial Health Centers
in Michigan City, and available through referral
from the other hospitals in Sisters of St.
Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region, consists of
a sophisticated robotic platform that is designed to enable
complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach.
According to the manufacturer, California-based Intuitive
Surgical Inc., da Vinci Si consists of an ergonomic surgeon’s
console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms,
a high-performance 3-D HD vision system and proprietary
EndoWrist instruments. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic
technology, the da Vinci system is designed to scale, filter and
seamlessly translate the surgeon’s hand movements into more
precise movements of the EndoWrist instruments. The result is Left photo (from left): Melissa Ortiz, RN; Sandi Christian, OR tech; Sally Pustai, RN/OR supervisor; Sara Velligan, OR tech; and charge nurse
an intuitive interface with breakthrough surgical capabilities. Kelly Mendez, RN; will assist surgeons during da Vinci procedures at Saint Margaret Mercy. Right photo (from left): Dr. Lisa Hendricks, Dr.
The system’s main features include Intuitive motion, high- Michael Messina and Dr. Alfred Pamintuan show the da Vinci unit at Saint Anthony Memorial Health Centers.

resolution 3-D vision and the EndoWrist instrumentation.
Intuitive motion refers to the System’s interface, which helps surgeon to operate from a seated position at the console. To The procedure, for which individual results may vary, allows
make da Vinci surgery look and feel like traditional “open” move the instruments or to reposition the camera, the surgeon patients potential benefits of a minimally invasive procedure,
surgery. But this is where the similarities end. simply moves his/her hands. including less pain, less blood loss and less need for blood
A high-resolution 3-D stereo viewer is designed to provide da Vinci makes it possible for more surgeons to perform transfusions. It also can make for a shorter hospital stay, a
surgeons with an immersive experience. Unlike conventional minimally invasive procedures involving complex dissection or quicker recovery and faster return to normal daily activities.
approaches, the target anatomy appears in high magnification, reconstruction. This ultimately raises the standard of care for
in brilliant color and with natural depth of field. To perform a complex surgeries, translating into numerous potential patient
procedure, the surgeon uses the console’s master controls benefits.
to maneuver the patient-side cart’s four robotic arms, which
securely hold the patented EndoWrist instruments and high-
resolution endoscopic camera. “Saint Anthony Memorial and the Sisters of St. Francis have always been most committed
The EndoWrist instruments’ jointed-wrist design exceeds to women’s health. Another example of this commitment is the recent purchase of the da Vinci
the natural range of motion of the human hand; motion scaling
Surgical platform. This will allow more patients to undergo surgical procedures in a minimally
and tremor reduction further interpret and refine the surgeon’s
invasive fashion, resulting in less pain, quicker recovery time and shorter disability time from
hand movements. da Vinci also offers what it calls a fail-safe
place of employment. This is cutting-edge technology and as a regional health system, we remain
design, incorporating multiple, redundant safety features
designed to minimize opportunities for human error when
at the forefront of women’s care”
compared with traditional approaches. Lisa Hendricks, MD, OB/GYN, Saint Anthony Memorial medical staff president
da Vinci has been called a remarkable improvement over
conventional laparoscopy, in which the surgeon operates while
standing, using hand-held, long-shafted instruments, which
have no wrists. With conventional laparoscopy, the surgeon For more information
must look up and away from the instruments to a nearby 2D
about Sisters of
video monitor to see an image of the target anatomy. The
St. Francis Health
VISION |
surgeon also must rely on his/her patient-side assistant to
position the camera correctly. Services Inc., INNOVATION|P
visit www.ssfhs.org
RECISION
In contrast, the da Vinci’s ergonomic design allows the
For more information, call 219/933-2087
or visit www.smmhc.com


Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region
Leading the Way with Distinction
Saint Anthony Medical Center, Crown Point • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Stroke – Eight Years in a Row (2003-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Repair – Three Years in a Row (2008-2010) • Ranked

among the Top 5 in Indiana for Overall Orthopedic Services – 2010 • Recipient of the 2009 HealthGrades Patient Safety Excellence Award TM • Ranked among the Top 5% in the Nation for Patient Safety – 2009

Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond • Best in Gary, IN Region* and Only Specialty Excellence Award Recipient for Cardiac Surgery 2010 • Recipient of the 2010

HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence AwardTM • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Cardiac Surgery – 2010 • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall Cardiac Services – Two Years

in a Row (2009-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 5 in IN for Cardiac Surgery - 2010 • Recipient of the 2009/10 HealthGrades Women’s Health Excellence Award™ – recognizing excellence in vascular,

cardiovascular, orthopedic, stroke and pulmonary care for women • Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Women’s Health – 2009/10 • Five-Star Rated for Women’s Health – 2009/10

Dyer and Hammond • Recipient of the HealthGrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the

Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services - Two Years in a Row (2009- Row (2009-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Repair – Two Years
2010) • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall in a Row (2008-2009) • Ranked Among the Top 15% in the Nation
Pulmonary Services – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • for Hip Fracture Repair – Two Years in a Row (2008-2009)
Dyer Campus • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Cardiology • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Spine Surgery – 2009 •
Services – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure – Four Hammond Campus • Ranked Among the Top 5 in IN for
Years in a Row (2007-2010) • Received the Highest Possible Star Ratings A Driving Force Cardiac Surgery – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for Coronary Bypass Surgery
for Treatment of Heart Failure – Three Years in a Row (2008-2010) • With five hospital campuses, 47 affiliated clinic – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure – Three Years
Ranked Among the Top 15% in the Nation for
locations, over 1,050 physicians and 5,900 in a Row (2008-2010) • Received the Highest Possible Star Ratings
employees, the Northern Indiana Region hospitals
Treatment of Heart Failure – Three Years in a Row (2007-2009) • of the Sisters of St. Francis are a driving force in for Treatment of Heart Failure – Three Years in a Row (2008-2010) •
Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall Cardiac Services – 2009 • healthcare today. Our hospitals are not only Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Cardiology Services – 2009
Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Cardiac Surgery – 2009 • Ranked
highly ranked by national ratings experts, • Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Repair – Five Years in a Row (2006-
but they provide compassionate care guided
Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services – by principle and mission. In 2008, we provided 2010) • Ranked Among the Top 15% in the Nation for Hip Fracture
Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for over $142,650,000 in community benefits Repair – Four Years in a Row (2006-2009) • Recipient of the Healt-
and will continue to work with all
Overall Pulmonary Services – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Grades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ – Two Years in a Row
the communities we serve with
Five-Star Rated for Overall Pulmonary Services – Two Years in a purpose and superior care. (2009-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall
Row (2009-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pulmonary Services – 2010 • Ranked Among the Top 5
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Four Years in a Row (2007- in IN for Overall Pulmonary Services – 2010
2010) • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pneumonia – Two Years in a • Five-Star Rated for Overall Pulmonary Services – Two Years

in a Row (2009-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of

Pneumonia – Three Years in a Row (2008-2010) • Received the Highest Possible Star Ratings for Treatment of Pneumonia – 2010 •

Saint Anthony Memorial, Michigan City • Recipient of the 2010 HealthGrades Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award™ • Only Recipient of the 2010 HealthGrades

Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award™ in the Region** • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for GI Surgery – 2010 • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN

for GI Services – 2010 • Ranked Among the Top 5 in IN for GI Surgery – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for GI Surgery – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for Cholecystectomy – 2010

Franciscan Physicians Hospital, Munster • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010)

* As defined by the federal government’s Office of Management and Budget. **Region is Michigan City–LaPorte, IN as defined by the federal government’s Office of Management and Budget.



alan Harre

Mike
2008-2009 fellow

Sanders
2009 – 2010 fellow

M
ike Sanders is
President of CPX
Inc., of Kentland
Indiana, which is
one of Newton
Counties largest
employers. Mike
came from humble beginnings. He ‘grew up’
visiting the city dump and collecting parts
to make go carts. He gained a passion to
learn and a tenacity to succeed. Perhaps his
best known story happened years ago when
as a young tool and die maker he proved
to GM engineers how to manufacture a
part that they had designed but couldn’t
figure out how to make. His company got
the business! More recently, he solved a
problem in his own company causing 30%
waste that involved injecting a decoration label on GE washers. Though the
solution eluded engineers, he figured out that air was being trapped under the
A Proud Supporter
label. So he had a brush installed on robotic arms to squeeze out air. of Innovation
This has become standard practice in the industry. Mike’s capacity to solve
complex problems is almost legendary in Newton County. Congratulations to
Mike Sanders!

He was nominated by Larry K. Dowty,
Kentland Bank. “Mike learned to ‘think
outside the box’ long before that
became a cliché phrase. He never
understood that some things just
weren’t supposed to be possible so he
was never discouraged about taking
on projects that other thoughts to be
unobtainable. In his early career, Mike
devised a way to manufacture a part
that Detroit engineers said was impossible to do, particularly by someone with no
more extensive background, education and experience as Mike. He proved them 1-800-843-4882 Ext/ 4428
wrong and they left scratching their heads!”
Award sponsor: ArcelorMittal www.arcelormittal.com



richard Bender

Patrick
2008-2009 fellow

A. Wilkins
2009 – 2010 fellow

P
atrick A. Wilkins is founder
and president of Boss
Industries, LaPorte. His
company introduced a
rotary screw PTO air
compressor integrated
within a truck chassis
that is safe, dependable and practical for
the underground utility industry. He took
an existing technology and took it to the
next level creating benefits to the utilities
industry that includes less equipment,
lower liability, improved safety, and savings.
Traditional air compressors are typically
pulled behind trucks or dangling from
cranes, and are free standing units. By
contrast, the Boss compressor is built into
the truck chassis. This has reduced the “footprint” on the job site because less
equipment is required by the utility. Today, Boss Industries has 60% of all rotary
screw PTO compressor sales to the utility and municipal markets. Headquartered
A Proud Supporter
of Innovation in LaPorte, this corporate facility is a state-of-the-art complex with over
50,000 square feet. Today, Boss innovations are found on every continent.
Congratulations to Patrick A. Wilkins!

He was nominated by Maggi Spartz,
president, Unity Foundation of Laporte
County and a Governor for The Society.
“patrick Wilkins has successfully taken
an existing technology and is innovative
in applying it to new applications and
meeting needs of their customers
worldwide. patrick has been innovative
in three fundamental ways: 1) to start his
Patrick Wilkins with model of PTO own company in his 30’s based upon his
rotary screw air compressor. dream for the future; 2) to get the right
people on the bus in the right seats and
1-800-843-4882 Ext/ 4428 keep them dedicated to the vision—especially a trusted and competent brother
paul; and 3) solving his customer’s complex problems. one innovation saved
www.bukvaimaging.com workers from injuring themselves on the job.”




ArcelorMittal
Global R&D T eam,
North America
co-recipient of the chanute prize for team innovation

T
he co-recipient
of the Chanute
Prize is the
ArcelorMittal
Global R&D
Team, North
America based
in East Chicago that helped
develop the advanced high
strength steel hydroformed
structures project. This enabled
Ford to engineer the 2009 F-150
truck with a new hydroformed
steel body structure that
included an industry-first use of
tubular ultra-high strength steel,
earning a top safety rating. This
collaborative effort by multi-
disciplinary teams involved Ford,
ArcelorMittal and Vari-Form in
the United States and Canada,
which led to the development
of the second generation
reverse mechanism body
structure design for trucks. This
project earned the Henry Ford
Technology Award, effectively
utilizing ArcelorMittal’s advanced steels meeting or exceeding FMVSS 216 requirements for roof crush resistance. This also earned new
business for the Indiana Harbor Plant in East Chicago. Congratulations to the ArcelorMittal Global R&D, North America Team!

The ArcelorMittal Global R&D Team, North America based in East Chicago was nominated by engineer Ravir Bhatnagar. “Demonstrating
expertise in materials and applications technology, ArcelorMittal R&D executed several enabling technology projects to help Ford engineer
the 2009 F–150 truck, with an all-new hydroformed steel body structure including an industry-first use of tubular ultra-high strength steel.
The all-new body shell structure is more weight efficient and easier to manufacturer.”

Award sponsor: Krieg DeVault Law Firm


community Healthcare system
rize
The ChanuteoPation
n v
for Team In2009!
for 2008- F Oaks
air
F
arms
co-recipient of the chanute prize
for team innovation

T
he co-recipient
of the Chanute
Prize for Team
Innovation is
Fair Oaks Farms.
This remarkable
destination is
owned by 9 families who operate
10 dairies, with 450 employees
and 100 employees who staff
the Dairy Adventure Center. It
is the largest dairy farm in the
United States and the premier
agricultural destination in Indiana
that attracts 400,000 visitors a
year. At a time when most Americans no longer have an opportunity to visit a
farm, Fair Oaks Farms offers a wonderful opportunity. Its uniqueness is not only
celebrated as a ‘showcase’ for agriculture, but Fair Oaks Farms is also visited
by leading business organizations that want to learn about Fair Oaks’ leading
energy and environmental features. Fair Oaks Farms has upwards of 25,000
acres and 32,000 cows. Launched in 1998, it was established by dairy farmers
who relocated here from out west because this location met the objectives of a
business model for a dairy to be successful in the 21st century. Congratulations to
the Fair Oaks Farms Team!

Fair Oaks Farms was nominated
by Jennifer Whaley, Director,
Economic Development, Newton
County. “FOF is an approved
component of the National Dairy
Farmer promotion program and
represents Indiana’s largest
agri-tourism destination. These
are large dairy operations, each
barn a quarter of a mile long,
Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center but thanks to this investment
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest at Fair Oaks, children, adults and families can re-connect with agriculture, which
1-800-843-4882 Ext/ 4428
remains one of Indiana’s and the nation’s most important industries.”
Award sponsor: Krieg DeVault Law Firm


northwest indiana innovators
2009 - 2010 members of the society of innovators of northwest indiana

members
Robert Koval, Principal, Evans John P. Hodson, Kouts multiple
Elementary School, Lake Station He launched a longterm R&D media,
He led a six-year initiative that project between the Kankakee including
turned an asphalt area into an award- Valley Historical Society and the public radio.
winning outdoor environmental Department of Anthropology at
classroom. the University of Notre Dame with John (Jack)
a unique grassroots focus using Moreland, Visualization
Leon Dombrowski, Accucraft archaelogy to help preserve and Specialist, Purdue University
Imaging, Hammond He launched interpret local history. Calumet - Fellow 2009 - 20
10
interchangeable signage, filling a He uses cutting edge visualization
void with adaptable, affordable, and T. Clifford Fleming, Village technology to better understand
accessible products. in Burns Harbor - Fellow complex challenges from
He launched the first residential engineering, business, and the
David Cook, Hoosier Bat, development in the nation to sciences that help unravel daunting
Valparaiso This co-owner invented, be certified under the National problems and inspire people to see “The So
ciet
Northwes y of Innovators
t In cele
patented and manufactured a more Homebuilders Green Building things in a new way. all sector diana by seekin brates the crea
s of our
econom
g out an
d
tivity an
d divers
y who co recognizing in ity of
durable wood bat made of an ash Program next to steel mills and ntribute no
to our qu vators from
ality of lif
e.”
handle, hickory hitting area and soft interstates. Mark C. Kime, Director, Cardiology
maple on the barrel end, giving more & Neurology, Porter Health - Fellow
durability in the hitting area. Robert Rivers, Ph.D., Purdue He makes life better for patients
University Calumet Dr. Rivers, and employees, creating several
Denise Koebcke, Media Specialist, Dean School of Education, launched inventions used in other states and
Jefferson Middle School, Valparaiso a curriculum called “Mission Ocean, countries such as the world’s first Diha Feije, Ph.D., President, Euclid
She launched the Team Lead Exploration Earth” for middle single-wheel movable machine. Diagnostics, LLC This business is
Program that encourages student school students featuring deep-sea developing methodologies to detect
leadership among bystanders to cope submarine research and research Bart J. Wolf, Ph.D., Director, gene-specific technology to reduce
with bullying behavior. computer simulation in three states. Department of Geography and the number of unnecessary biopsies
Meterology, Valparaiso University performed for routine prostrate
Myra Spearman, Gary This survivor Dan Plath, Westville He created He created a scientifically rigorous cancer screening.
of domestic violence for 18 years new ways to explore Northwest and nationally recognized
launched “The Weaker Vessel,” the Indiana through underutilized meterology program for students, Patrick A. Wilkins, President,
nation’s only online data base of waterways and launched the including the annual storm-chasing Boss Industries, LaPorte - Fellow
domestic violence abusers to save Northwest Indiana Paddling trips to the Great Plains. His company introduced a rotary
lives and prevent domestic abuse. Association, including the Burnham screw PTO air compressor system
to Marquette Water Trail Expedition. David J. Saylor, President, Utility integrated within a truck chassis that
Mary Hunter, Gary Services Corporation, Valparaiso was safe, dependable and practical
This grandmother invented “Mary’s Thomas E. Carroll, President, He patented technology to isolate for the underground utility industry.
Marinating Stick” to enhance the Lakeshore Public TV & Radio He restrictions in collection systems and
flavor of meat that is now available brought a new energy to the station, help small communities rehabilitate Robin Bisseker, President True
to chefs throughout the country making Lakeshore a unifying force to their storm sewer and sanitary Blue Pool Products, Valparaiso
which solved the problem of regionalism and connecting people, collection systems at a much He launched “Pool Python,” a
overnight marinating. ideas, and information through lower cost. patented pool skimming device that


reduces energy consumption, water is designed to shut off a circulation the site at one quarter of the cost of – Chanute Prize Co-Recipient
consumption and chemical usage for pump motor in a drain using sensors other remediation. Fair Oaks Farms developed a 21st
cleaning swimming pools. to save lives. century business model that includes
Dage – MTI, Michigan City educating the public through
Carvel Hoffman, retired engineer, Mike Sanders, President, CPX John and Peggy Moore, co-owners, the Dairy Adventure Center and
ArcelorMittal Global R&D, East Plastics, Kentland - Fellow turned around the oldest camera developing a “closed loop” system
Chicago He engineered first-in-the- His “out of the box thinking” has manufacturer in the United States in that includes utilizing cow waste
world products, including the first made him almost legendary for a two-year initiative to develop the products as a “green” strategy for
tomographic sheet profile gauge for coming up with solutions that have “next generation” digital camera for biomass energy.
measuring modern steels that was even stumped GM engineers and microscopes by laboratories around
inspired by how astronomers look at helped make his company one of the the world for bio/medical research and Advanced High Strength Steel
objects. largest employers in Newton County. other uses. Project – Chanute Prize
Co-Recipient ArcelorMittal Global
Steve Douglas, retired art Mark Reshkin, Ph.D., Valparaiso Wristband Safety Project, School of R&D in East Chicago was involved
instructor, North Newton He did pioneering work, not only as Nursing, Purdue University Calumet in a three-company project in
High School, Morocco His creative a geologist, but also with Lee Botts A capstone course for nursing two countries to develop a new
techniques such as the recreation of in co-founding the Indiana Dunes students launched a statewide color- hydroformed steel body structure
“Whooville” out of pottery sparked Environmental Learning Center and coded system for patient identification earning a top safety rating for the
student’s interest, promoted reading, the Quality of Life Council. with the help of Northwest Indiana 2009 Ford F-150 truck.
and encouraged scholarship. Hospitals and the Indiana Hospital
Kristin Sievers-Banks, Scott Middle Association that standardizes
Reggie Flesvig, Porter Township School, Hammond This Teacher wristband colors for patients to
Schools He uses “technology of the Year as recognized by the save lives.
innovation” as a method of engaging LakeShore Chamber of Commerce Fair Oaks Farms, Newton County
students in authentic learning uses innovative techniques to help
practices, tapping into digital students grasp science.
experiences to help underachieving
students. Jason Lenig, Teacher, New Rolling
Prairie High School He launched
Building and enhancing community and business investment
Gregory Simms, Sr., a teacher a new patented baseball called in workforce, education, and economic development
at Washington Township High “Hitters Eye” for training pitchers that
School He integrates history into his represents “the only idea accepted
teaching, such as creating a dodgeball from the outside every 5 years” by
game that simulated World War II Rawlings Sports Corporation.
that became a highly popular and an
interactive teaching tool.

Elizabeth Ridenour, a teacher at
Kesling Middle School, LaPorte team members
She launched the Dino Dig curriculum Jupiter Oxygen Corporation,
in which student “palentologists” Hammond This company invented a
dig up “dino” artificats from three high flame temperature combustion
tons of sand to study science in her heat transfer technology working with
classroom. the DOE National Energy Technology
Laboratory that saves fuel, reduces
W. Dennis Hodges, Merrillville carbon emissions, and cuts fossil fuel Optimizing Talent, Strengthening Communities
His advocacy in encouraging 21st usage in recycling aluminum products.
century high speed passenger travel
through the Indiana High Speed Rail Highland Redevelopment
Association. Commission, Highland The Bult Oil
Phytoremediation Project involved
Robert Vellines, Jr., Gary the planting of poplar trees on the
He created a ground fault circuit site of the refinery, a brownfield
interrupter for swimming pools that development strategy that cleaned up


Innovation!
let innovation be our beacon of the future

T
his insert is dedicated to individuals
and teams working in organizations,
communities and government
to make the seven counties of
Northwest Indiana a “Region of
Innovation” in the 21st Century!

M E D I A C O M P A N Y


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