A bonded community is an empowered community, and Powering Indiana: Lake County has dedicated its mission to enriching the lives of those within the Lake County area. Powering Indiana: Lake County includes members of the National Electrical Contractors Association and IBEW Local 697.

“Not only are they your neighbors, they’re also powering a lot of the businesses and community centers in Lake County. They want to give back and keep their community thriving,” said Powering Indiana: Lake County’s Marketing Representative Cynthia Prieto. “They live and work here, and they want it to be the best it can be.”

Supporting causes that directly impact the lives of the community is at the forefront of Powering Indiana: Lake County’s overarching goals to strengthen and empower. Investing and donating to local causes and sponsoring development organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, the American Heart Association, Pirates, Inc. and committing itself to campaigns are only one part of the work volunteers do to bring those goals to fruition.

Tending to the community on a closer basis is also part of their efforts to make change. Volunteers take time to visit schools and pass on knowledge to the next generation.

During school visits, union workers and contractors talk to students about life after graduation and the options on their plate. The skills learned by tradesmen are irreplaceable, and volunteers wish to express this to the next generation of the workforce. Bringing in future tradesmen who will grow up and replace the current volunteers in the workforce will ensure the community’s success.

“The trades are not a consolation prize if you don’t go to a university,” Prieto said. “It’s a lucrative career, and your skills are needed.”

Bonding together is as important as investing in local causes. Sharing a meal across a picnic table built by volunteers, enjoying a parade with your neighbors, or taking in the incredible Gary Air Show are all endeavors that Powering Indiana: Lake County is involved in.

“They are part of the fabric of the community,” Prieto said. “Your kids go to school together;  you’re sitting on the same bleachers at the baseball game or the Friday night football game.”

A community who appreciates one another, who can enjoy time together while admiring the individual work every citizen puts into making it a great place to live is a strong one. Powering Indiana: Lake County is Lake County, and each union member and contractor who takes time to volunteer, understands the significance of community involvement. Bringing people together to shape the future into a vibrant place for current and future residents is what they do.

To learn more about Powering Indiana: Lake County, visit its website at poweringindiana.org.

To learn more about its community enrichment efforts, visit its website at poweringindiana.org/community-enrichment.