EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: State, NWI doing great things through RDA

The 2013 Indiana General Assembly has convened, and the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is talking with legislators about extending the state’s portion of its funding beyond 2015, when it is now scheduled to end. And in those conversations, the RDA is demonstrating that the …

Nonprofit organizations can expect growth, complex challenges

When asked by The Times to look into our crystal ball and forecast the future of the region’s nonprofit sector, we can predict two things for sure: Today there are 3,000 nonprofit health and human service organizations in Northwest Indiana and that number is only certain to grow. Second, the…

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Early direction needed for tomorrow's workforce

Earlier this year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce unveiled its new long-range economic development plan called Indiana Vision 2025. The plan’s ambitious goal is to make our state an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Volunteer to help improve communities

Here's an interesting tidbit: A recent national survey found that when shown the United Way logo, 97 percent of all Americans can readily identify it and have a positive response to it. But when asked what United Way does or what we stand for, most folks are stumped.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Many ways to give, advocate, volunteer

On Oct. 13, Lake Area United Way will celebrate 40 years of service to this community. Our history is one of helping. Last year alone, nearly 207,000 local residents received assistance from United Way-funded agencies.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: LAUW is adapting to changing conditions

Throughout 2010, Lake Area United Way's Board of Trustees engaged in a strategic assessment of the entire organization and now is taking steps to transform and reposition United Way for many years to come.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: United Way listening to younger ideas

Lake Area United Way took its first plunge into social media this month by launching a new promotion called "Give 5 Tell 5". The idea is to reach out to young people via Web sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Learn how to manage your money wisely

On Oct. 17, the fourth annual Money Fair will be held at Indiana University Northwest from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is one of more than 250 free classes, and activities that will take place during Money Smart Week in Indiana designed to help consumers learn how to achieve financial stability.

Indiana needs to pay its fair share for 2-1-1 service

In the coming weeks, members of the Senate Appropriations and House Ways and Means committees will go into conference committee to determine the final state budget. State funding for 2-1-1 will be under consideration.

Financial savvy is important for healthy families

Across the country, local United Ways are exploring how they can incorporate a new initiative known as "Live United" into their existing efforts to advance the common good. The "Live United" strategy, advanced by United Way of America, places emphasis on education, income and health as three…

United Way is transforming nonprofit sector

Three years ago, Lake Area United Way undertook a significant challenge as it launched the State of Giving Report funded by generous and forward-looking donors.