LaporteCounty.biz Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Brokers

A warm welcome for “the single best source for industrial location prospects”

La Porte, Indiana (July 22, 2008) – LaPorte and Michigan City, IN – Laportecounty.biz hosted the second annual Broker Excursion, an economic development event attended by approximately 30 industrial real estate brokers, investors and consultants from the Chicagoland, Indianapolis and South Bend areas. The two-day event showcased available industrial and commercial properties in throughout La Porte County, and highlighted the business advantages of the county as well. A reception at the Blue Chip Casino on July 17 provided networking opportunities for local industrial and commercial real estate agents and an opportunity for local officials to boast about La Porte County’s business advantages.

On July 18, participants enjoyed golf at Briar Leaf Golf Course or charter fishing, lunch at Briar Leaf followed by presentation and a tour of available properties.

"Real estate brokers are the single best source for industrial location prospects," said John Regetz, Executive Director of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). “Events such as our Brokers Excursion are effective economic development tools that connect the right people with the right opportunities.”

"La Porte County has wonderful recreational attractions, quality industrial sites and a great business tax climate," said Tim Gropp, Executive Director of the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC). “This event provides a great opportunity to showcase what La Porte County has to offer to new industrial prospects.”

Local economic development officials assisted with guiding the participants during activities and were available to answer questions the participants may have had.

La Porte County Commissioner Bill Hager acknowledged the value of the countywide participation as initiated by laportecounty.biz. “The county is working together with the cities to bring in and retain the right kind of businesses for our County. Cooperation is key to future economic development success.”

Laportecounty.biz is the marketing collaboration between La Porte County Government, the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation. The La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad and the La Porte County Redevelopment Commission helped fund and organize the event.