DEVELOPER, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALS AND CONGRESSIONAL SPOKESMAN AGREE: LAKESHORE BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE (LBJI) HELPS TO SOLIDIFY ECONOMIC IMPACT OF HEALTHCARE IN LAKE REGION
LBJI the Cornerstone Facility of the New Coffee Creek Medical Campus
Brings 70 New Jobs to Chesterton Area and Offers World Class Orthopedic Care to Keep Patients in Lake Region
Chesterton, Ind. --- A common theme ran through the addresses of each of the distinguished speakers at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute’s (LBJI) VIP dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, Dec. 3. Each speaker made reference to the economic importance of this new, state-of-the-art Orthopedic Institute, projected to be a catalyst for the economic development and growth of the medical industry throughout the entire Lakeshore Region. Located in Chesterton’s new Coffee Creek Center (CCC), LBJI will serve as the cornerstone facility for CCC’s new medical campus.
“Forward-thinking medical facilities such as the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute will help our community fight the current ‘brain-drain’ that has been such a factor in this region. The “flight” to Chicago and Indianapolis that currently drains us of our youth, and other talented workers educated in local schools and universities will be alleviated by the availability of quality job opportunities in our region,” stated T. Clifford Fleming, Developer of the Coffee Creek Center medical campus of which the LBJI is the first medical facility. “This new facility, and the 70 jobs it brings to Chesterton, is just the first phase of what we believe will be a truly phenomenal medical campus surrounded by quality residential living.”
Fleming, a native of the Lakeshore region, acted as the master of ceremonies, for the media event and dedication ceremonies of the evening that also included, speakers Mark Lopez, District Director for the Indiana 1st District for Congressman Pete Visclosky; Edward E. Charbonneau, JD, President of the Northwest Indiana Forum; and James A. Malayter, MD, current President and primary partner of the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute.
Each speaker expressed their pleasure at the outcome of this project, and what it will mean to the future of the Lake region. Mark Lopez spoke on Congressman Visclosky’s behalf, expounding on his belief in the importance of projects such as this. “We worked with this group in making the Sand Creek development a reality, and now again with Coffee Creek Center. I’m very impressed by the dedication to improving the quality of life in this area through innovative projects such as the Coffee Creek medical campus and look forward to working with them again in the future.”
Edward Charbonneau sees opportunities in high-tech fields, such as the medical field, as the avenue to economic expansion and the construction of the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute as further proof that Chesterton, and the Lake region’s economy is beginning to swing back in a positive direction. “Just think, this single business has created 70 jobs. That’s 70 households supported. That’s 70 people staying in, or even moving to, this region. Numbers like that can have a far-reaching impact on our area. “
Dr. James A. Malayter described how the economic impact of this goes a step further simply keeping workers in the area, it keeps patients in the area as well. “Those with complicated orthopedic problems no longer need to travel long distances to get first-class care,” Malayter explained. “We see ourselves at LBJI as becoming an integral part of the network of healthcare that is already in place in this area. Patient retention, the ability to treat locally those who previously would have had to drive an hour, or two, or three to receive specialized care is a major goal of ours.”
Over 400 doctors and their spouses, as well as members of the press, attended Friday’s dedication and ribbon cutting event, enjoying the chance to mingle with the LBJI doctors and nursing staff, enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting and take a tour of the new, state-of-the-art facility.
Over 350 Attend Free Health Seminars at LBJI’s New Chesterton Facility
As part of the Grand Opening weekend, LBJI also put on a series of free health seminars, open to the public, corresponding with Saturday’s Community Open House. These free health seminars were well received, with over 350 community members attending the 10 seminars held throughout the morning, or simply stopping in to tour facility. The free health seminars covered such orthopedic topics as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Foot Care for Diabetics and Osteoporosis in Ageing Females.
Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, formerly Valparaiso Orthopedic Clinic, is located in the new Coffee Creek Medical Campus in Chesterton, Ind., and serves as the primary facility for LBJI. Satellite clinics are located in Valparaiso, Portage, Hobart and Michigan City. The new LBJI offers one centralized orthopedic facility possessing the technologies, therapies and patient amenities found only in much larger medical settings. For more information about the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute call (219) 921-1444.
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