Although Gary Indiana's steel industry has gone through a decline it's still a prominent part of the economy. Light manufacturing including plastics, paper products, rubber and chemical have become integral parts of Gary Indiana. The tourism industry which includes casino boats and a variety of entertainment venues are also significant elements of the economy.
Gary's Urban Enterprise Zones are located in low income neighborhoods and offer special tax credits to companies who employ people in the enterprise zones. Other business incentive programs include the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) and the Job Service Matching System. In addition, the Lakeshore Employment Training Partnership collaborates with the Urban Enterprise Zone programs.
The community Development Block Grants offer federal funding to train people who are part of lower and middle income families. In addition, the Technology Enhancement for Hoosiers program provides a large amount of money each year in order for thousands of workers to acquire technology certification.
The major job providing companies in the Gary Indiana region are:
- U.S. Steel/Gary Works
- Gary Public School System
- Methodist Hospital Northlake
- City of Gary
- Trump Indiana
- Majestic Star Casino
- Gary Community School Corp
- GD Leasing of Indiana, Inc
- The Performance Companies Incorporated
- Superior Construction Co, Inc
- Lake Ridge Schools Inc
- Arc Bridges
- Consolidated Fabrication & Constructors, Inc
- CSU Transport, Inc
- Environmental Building Services Contractors Corp
- Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living Inc
- Crown Corr Inc
- Stanrail Corporation
- U.S. Postal Service
- NIPSCO
- Indiana University Northwest
- Northwest Indiana Water Company
- Industrial Steel Construction
- Gary Steel Products
- Indiana Vocational Tech College
Some of the most popular occupations in the city which are filled by those with college degrees are registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, lawyers, pharmacists, medical and health services managers, mechanical engineers and training and development specialists.
In Gary, Indiana the top employment industries are:
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Health services
- Education
- Government
- Leisure and hospitality
- Professional and business services
- Transportation
Pertinent information about Gary Indiana: The city has been ranked #39 in Forbes Magazine's top 100 best cities for jobs list. In Gary, the estimated median household income in 2007 was $27,000. Regarding the adult population, approximately 10% hold a bachelor's degree or better. In 2008 the cost of living index in Gary, Indiana was near the country's average.
The following business organizations provide assistance to local companies:
- Gary Chamber of Commerce
- Lake County Community Economic Development Department
- Indiana Economic Development Corporation
The Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana is a good resource for local business and industry news.