LaPorte County business groups want closer look at Northwest Indiana RDA

Four of LaPorte County's lead business groups want to examine carefully the advantages and disadvantages of joining the new Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

"We want a chance to tell the public that it is way too early to say no," said Tim Bietry, Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce president. "We are trying to be the voice of reason and moderation."

A number of prominent political figures in LaPorte County already have shut the door to joining the RDA, and business leaders feel it is time to take a deeper look, Bietry added.

In late November, RDA chairman John Clark answered questions about the RDA for business and political leaders at Purdue University North Central. Clark said the RDA would welcome LaPorte County.

Currently, the RDA is made up of Lake County and Porter County. It has annual revenues of $17.5 million from casino revenues and local income tax.

The four organizations that will undertake the examination of joining the RDA are Bietry's organization, the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce, the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corp., and the Michigan City Economic Development Corp.