Meet the Speakers
Regional insights. Industry perspectives. What’s ahead.
Thomas McDermott Jr.
Mayor
City of Hammond
Sherri Ziller
President & CEO
Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA)
Kevin Comerford
Director of Professional Development
Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF)
Steve Skalka
Senior Vice President
Harbour Wealth Management
Marc Oestreich
Partner
Crane + Grey
Luke Wilson
Chief Policy Officer
Indiana Office of Energy Development
Speaker lineup subject to change.
Learn First-Hand What’s Driving the NWI Economy
How will the business landscape evolve in 2026? Join the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) for the 2026 Business & Economic Outlook—an essential briefing for local industry leaders.
Friday, Oct. 30th 2026
Why Attend?
Industry Insights: Hear from key decision-makers in government and business.
Expert Forecasts: Understand the trends influencing regional growth and development.
The Big Picture: Receive a detailed economic analysis of both the NWI region and the U.S. at large.
Stay informed, stay connected, and prepare your business for the opportunities of tomorrow.
Agenda:
Registration/Continental Breakfast: 7:30AM
Program Schedule
8:00 - 8:20 Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:20 -8:50 March Oestreich (Data Center Facts & Myths)
8:50 - 9:20 Kevin Comerford (Regional Construction Industry Outlook)
9:20 - 9:50 Luke Wilson (Advanced Nuclear Energy)
9:50 - 10:20 Tom McDermott Jr. (Investment & Opportunity)
10:50 - 11:30 Steve Skalka (Economic Outlook)
11:30 Don Babcock - Closing Remarks
Ivy Tech Community College 3100 Ivy Tech Dr., Valparaiso, IN
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