Bill Gregory
Interim Regional Director
Bill Gregory is the Interim Regional Director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. He works with organizations in the SBDC’s seven-county area.
His responsibilities include:
- Assisting clients in business planning and execution
- Planning, identifying and promoting conferences and workshops that benefit small and start-up businesses
- Referring small businesses to resources specializing in small business success
- Working with businesses to secure financing for start-up and growth
- Coordinating with Chamber of Commerce and economic development organizations to impact area communities
Bill has more than 30 years of business experience in a variety of management development and training roles. He most recently was Executive Director of the Center for Management Development at Indiana University Northwest. He has been active on the Economic and Business Development and Education Committees of the Gary Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the board of Tradewinds Rehabilitation Services, and on the town council in Ogden Dunes.
Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and master’s degree in Sociology from Miami University.
Margaret Havens
Executive Assistant
Margaret, (Maggie) is Executive Assistant for the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center where she works closely with the Director.
Her responsibilities include:
- Office management
- Maintaining client business files
- Account management, ordering supplies and purchases
- Creating and managing databases, correspondence
- Compiling reports
- Meeting and event coordination
- Scheduling appointments
Maggie has extensive experience in office management working both in the business world as well as in different roles at Purdue University Calumet. She has completed courses at Purdue University Calumet and has been involved in a variety of community outreach efforts, including Tri Kappa Sorority, SAE Fraternity, and Highland Boys Baseball, Inc.
Cindy Bertram
Business Advisor
Cindy is a Business Advisor for the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. She works primarily in Lake County Indiana. She holds a BA in theatre and English from Indiana University and an MBA in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago.
Her responsibilities include:
- Assisting clients in business planning and execution
- Planning, identifying and promoting conferences and workshops that benefit small and start up businesses
- Referring small businesses to resources specializing in small business success
- Working with businesses to secure financing for start up and growth
- Coordinating with Chamber of Commerce and economic development organizations to impact the communities that we serve
Cindy has a background that encompasses a broad spectrum of experience ranging from business ownership, education, training and development, and sales and marketing. She is also a published author and regular contributor to trade publications. She is active on her Loyola University Alumni Board and co-chairs the annual event, “So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur” and has served as judge for the annual business plan competition.
Todd Dickard
Business Advisor
Todd is a Business Advisor for the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. He works primarily with businesses in LaPorte and Starke counties. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University.
His responsibilities include:
- Assisting clients in business planning and execution
- Planning, identifying and promoting conferences and workshops that benefit small and start up businesses
- Referring small businesses to resources specializing in small business success
- Working with businesses to secure financing for start up and growth
- Coordinating with Chamber of Commerce and economic development organizations to impact the communities that we serve
Todd has extensive experience as a business owner, economic development consultant and commercial real estate executive. He is owner of Northwest Business Development Services, Inc. and S & D Real Estate Holding Co.
Todd is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute and is a certified NxLevel instructor. He also serves on a variety of community boards including the Regional Development Company and LaPorte based Butterfly Inc.
Ron Gifford
Business Advisor
Ron Gifford is a Business Advisor for the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. He will focus on assisting businesses in Starke and Pulaski counties through his role with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Albion College and his JD degree from Emory University.
His responsibilities include:
- Helping clients with business planning and execution
- Connecting small businesses to key resources
- Coordinating conferences and workshops geared toward small business growth
- Partnering with businesses to secure financing
- Promoting growth and development of the region’s small business communities
Before joining the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, Ron practiced law for 32 years, having worked primarily with the business community. He has served on or advised numerous boards in Marshall County, including the School Board, Community Foundation Board and the Boys and Girls Club.
Lorri Feldt
Business Advisor
Lorri Feldt is a Business Advisor for the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. She works primarily with businesses and start-ups in La Porte County. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College and an MBA in Marketing from Northwestern University.
Her responsibilities include:
- Assisting clients in business planning and execution
- Planning, identifying and promoting conferences and workshops that benefit small and start-up businesses
- Working with businesses to secure financing for start-up and growth
- Coordinating with Chamber of Commerce and economic development organizations to impact the communities that we serve
Lorri has over 25 years of varied business experience including sales, marketing management and customer service roles at Whirlpool Corp. She has served as a consultant, an instructor at Purdue University North Central, and currently teaches marketing at Indiana University South Bend. She is active with the American Marketing Association – Michiana chapter.
Joe Ubben
Business Advisor
Joe Ubben is a Business Advisor for the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. He works primarily with Porter County businesses. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Illinois State University and his master’s degree in Mass Communications for Western Illinois University.
His responsibilities include:
- Assisting clients with business planning and execution
- Coordinating conferences and workshops geared toward small business growth
- Promoting small business development by connecting clients to key resources
- Working with businesses to secure financing
- Partnering with economic development organizations and region leaders to build a stronger small business community
Joe’s sales and marketing communications background is rooted in his entrepreneurial experience. He has launched and/or operated several businesses including Breakaway Performance Group, Click Bug Studios and three A&W franchise locations.
Joe has worked in various management positions for marketing firms, served as a consultant and has been an instructor at Purdue, Valparaiso and Western Illinois universities. He serves on the boards of directors for the Valparaiso YMCA, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens and Public Education Foundation of Valparaiso.
