Foreign Trade Zone expansion could bring jobs

Local economic development professionals and leaders from individual companies attended a seminar hosted by the Northwest Indiana Forum Wednesday focusing on expanding the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor's Foreign Trade Zone in Lake, LaPorte, Jasper, Newton, Porter and Starke counties.

The expansion, which allows businesses in the six-county area to join the trade zone in as little as 30 days, encourages more international trade activity in communities, said Scott Taylor, National Foreign Trade Zone expert and seminar speaker.

"This new option is only available in a few locations in the U.S. so for companies in the six-county area, they'll be able to apply and receive approval much quicker than before," Taylor said.

Taylor said in some cases it will mean a 30-day approval versus six to 12 months.

"The economic development professionals will have the tools to go back to their companies and discuss this new option for importers and exporters, so I think that will start additional discussion," Taylor said. "For individual companies it will be to see what the financial savings will be under the program and if it makes sense to look at it further."

Attendees included Africa Tarver, business development coordinator for Hammond, who said the expansion will be an excellent marketing tool and an advantage for companies.

Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Ennis said the expansion gives the area a stronger competitive advantage.

"We can attract some businesses that can save money on their operating costs allowing them to be more efficient," she said.

Mirko Marich, president of Contract Services Group in Hammond, said the streamlined option makes an FTZ designation achievable to a company like his.

"As a business owner, you always have to be on the lookout for a competitive advantage and the modifications to the FTZ application process and the proactive work of the ports make this a huge economic benefit to our region," he said.

Taylor, an attorney with Miller & Co., a law firm serving clientele in international trade, customs and foreign trade law, said the expansion also can mean new jobs and additional investment in local communities by companies.