Indiana energy needs focus of WBEZ/Chicago Matters public forum, Oct. 28

Purdue University Calumet is hosting a Community Forum, focusing on Indiana’s energy needs and sponsored by Chicago Public Radio Station WBEZ (91.5 fm) and Chicago Matters: Growing Forward series, Tuesday, Oct. 28.

The hour-long forum begins at 6 p.m. in The Calumet Conference Center, located at the far south end of the Purdue Calumet campus. It will be broadcast live on WBEZ. A pre-broadcast reception starts at 5 p.m.

During the forum, Chicago Public Radio’s Gabriel Spitzer and northwest Indiana reporter Michael Puente will discuss the state of Indiana energy and related needs with Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Otto Doering; Indiana Center for Coal Technology Research Director Marty Irwin; Hoosier Environmental Council Executive Director Jesse Kharbanda; and Celina Weatherwax, director of the Northwest Indiana Office of Indiana Senator Richard Lugar.

"We're excited to invite the public to an open forum to discuss Indiana's energy needs," said Sally Eisele, managing editor of public affairs for Chicago Public Radio. "Here's a great opportunity to get your questions answered by our local reporters, as well as policy makers, business leaders and environmentalists."

The event is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP to secure a seat for the broadcast by contacting Chicago Public Radio’s Alexandra Salomon at asalomon@chicagopublicradio.org or by phoning 312/893-2929.

News Release Date: October 17, 2008