The Calumet Collaborative aims to blur state lines to build stronger region

Some community and industry leaders believe finding solutions to long-standing problems, from redeveloping abandoned industrial sites to preserving the environment for future generations, requires a group effort.

Organizers of a new initiative bring together representatives from Indiana and Illinois, including major corporations, government officials, preservation groups and various nonprofits. They believe pooling collective knowledge and leveraging resources is the best way to get something done.

“I believe we have a unique opportunity,” said Bill Steers, general manager, communications and corporate responsibility, for ArcelorMittal, who along with Mark Bouman, with the Field Museum in Chicago, are co-chairmen of the Calumet Collaborative, a group dedicated to sustainable development in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area…Please click here to read Larry Avila’s story in the Times.