E-Commerce Interest On The Rise in The Region

(Image courtesy of Gary/Chicago International Airport)

The chief executive officer of the Merrillville-based Lake County IN Economic Alliance says manufacturing is still king in terms of interest from new business prospects, but there has been a recent spike from the e-commerce and logistics sectors. Karen Lauerman cites a combination of factors including proximity to the Chicagoland, key road and rail assets and infrastructure improvements at locations such as the recently-expanded Gary-Chicago International Airport. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report Lauerman recently discussed a prospect considering a potential distribution hub in Lake County that would employ upwards of 3,000.

In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, she says the rising interest from companies, consultants and site selectors is pushing her organization to boost its emphasis on promoting the e-commerce and logistics potential throughout the I-65 corridor. "We have a significant push," Lauerman said. "We feel that we’re very strong-suited to that industry cluster and we’re actively seeking people to come in and bring their jobs and investment to Lake County, Indiana — and all of northwest Indiana — and we also tout the great state of Indiana’s business climate."

She says interested e-commerce parties are different from traditional businesses that have dealings in the area. The larger companies Lauerman is hearing from are looking into parcels in excess of 20-acres, instead of the typical four-to-twenty-acre property.