THE TIMES BOARD OF ECONOMISTS: No economic tonic for uncertainty

Northwest Indiana business executives are seeing the signs of a sustained -- yet slow -- economic recovery in the region this year. But the 22-member Times Board of Economists is split on how quickly challenges such as elevated unemployment will be resolved.

Board of Economists welcomes newest members

The Times Board of Economists this month will welcome four new members who will contribute insights from their respective industry sectors of agriculture, nonprofits, groceries and retail.

LARGE RETAIL: Motorists may find 4Q relief at the pump

Oil refineries in the region producing higher product volumes compared to last year and the switch from summer blends of fuel to winter blends are helping to drop gas prices at the pump, Tom Collins Sr. said.

THE TIMES BOARD OF ECONOMISTS: Election no cure-all for economy

Northwest Indiana business executives are seeing the signs of a sustained -- yet slow -- economic recovery in the region this year. But the 22-member Times Board of Economists is split on how quickly challenges such as elevated unemployment will be resolved.

MEDIA: Local and social drive growth

The smaller the media market the bigger the gains in the current recovery, and that may be because small operators have the flexibility to instantly adapt, said Leigh Ellis, president of Radio One Communications.

LARGE RETAIL: Improving economy lifts sales

Sales at the pumps and sales inside the convenience stores improved last year and continue on an upward arc this year, according to Tom Collins Sr., president of Luke Oil.

TRANSPORTATION: South Shore riders up, freight mixed

Freight railroads continue to see mixed results so far this year, with total carloads down but intermodal traffic – mainly containers carried on freight trains – turning in consistent gains so far this year.

UTILITIES: Low natural gas prices ripple throughout economy

Historically low natural gas prices are ushering in big changes for the energy industry and the customers it serves.

THE TIMES BOARD OF ECONOMISTS: Post-recession realities caused shifts in business

Northwest Indiana business executives are seeing the signs of a sustained -- yet slow -- economic recovery in the region this year. But the 22-member Times Board of Economists is split on how quickly challenges such as elevated unemployment will be resolved.

MEDIA: Local content drives local investments

Local media is doing just fine in the aftermath of the Great Recession, unhindered by the highly leveraged debt of big media companies and focused on slaking people's thirst for information on their own community.

THE TIMES BOARD OF ECONOMISTS: Despite opinions, RTW impact hard to quantify

Northwest Indiana business executives are seeing the signs of a sustained -- yet slow -- economic recovery in the region this year. But the 22-member Times Board of Economists is split on how quickly challenges such as elevated unemployment will be resolved.

TRANSPORTATION: Recovery lifted freight, now commuter rail

The recovery in national rail traffic is finally touching commuter railroads, most of which saw steep declines in ridership during the recession.

CASINOS: Expansion not in public interest

The effect of the new Rivers Casino, in Des Plaines, Ill., has become exhibit No. 1 against any expansion of gaming in Illinois or Indiana.

REAL ESTATE: Hope rebounds for 2012

Realtors are looking forward to the March-to-May sales season, traditionally the strongest month for home sales.

RESTAURANTS: Eateries feel heat from higher prices, gas costs

Restaurants of all stripes are making a recovery, but for many it is slower going that expected even with the mild winter and falling unemployment.

EDUCATION: As recession ebbs so will enrollments

Displaced workers and the young alike flocked to colleges during the recession, a trend that is now ebbing as job growth accelerates.

GOVERNMENT: Budgets remain tight

Local governments are holding their breath to see how the first general reassessment since the implementation of property tax caps in 2008 will ultimately affect revenues.