In terms of leadership in business, often people feel the right leadership behaviors are reserved for the good times, said Bob Johnson.

"So when times get tough and we're worried about money, now is the time to kick butt and take names," he said. "I think in bad times being an effective leader is even more important and is going to differentiate you from your competitors."

Johnson, of Liberty Floor & Window Coverings as well as an expert in training in leadership development and executive coaching, was among a panel of experts who spoke Wednesday during a Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce general membership luncheon at East Chicago Marina.

Joining Johnson on the panel were Jacqueline Kennedy of Identity Theft Awareness Group and Julie Olthoff of VIA Marketing.

The topic of the meeting was "Fight Fire with Fire in a Challenging Economy."

"Have you ever seen a downturn like this?" asked Olthoff of her audience. "If you've been in the business world for less than 10 years you haven't. This country has not seen a significant downturn like this since after the Gulf War started in 1991."

Olthoff said she was an optimist and that "things will change."

"You are not the first to think the American dream is surely gong to die in your lifetime," she said. "We're seeing tough times now, but you'll see that change. New business is out there for you."

Olthoff, who offered tips on marketing during tough economic times, said companies are still developing new products and investing in new technology.

"Those are the things that are going to drive us out of this recession," she said.

Kennedy, a certified identity theft risk-management specialist, warned business owners that identity theft is no longer just worrying about what we throw out in the trash.

"Identity theft is now a big business," she said. "The FBI says there is more revenue generated by identity theft than there is in illegal drugs."