Expansion of information technology will be a major economic development tool for Northwest Indiana in the 21st Century, according to local economists.

Developing this area for the expansion of IT is the focus of a community discussion from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors headquarters in Merrillville. This fifth in a series of Economic Empowerment Education (E-3) programs is being presented by GNIAR, Operation Ten, area colleges and community organizations.

Among those who will benefit from the discussion are community leaders, state and local government officials and their staffs, Realtors and other interested individuals, said Pat Pullara, GNIAR's chief operating officer.

Panel members presenting information during the meeting include:

* Ranjan Kini, professor of management information systems (MIS) at the Indiana University Northwest school of business and economics.

* Bell Vendramin, professor of MIS at Calumet College.

* Robert Johnson, president of CIMCOR.

* Johnny Mathis, Jr., president of Livemercial.

* Morton J. Marcus, economist and director emeritus of the Kelley School of Business at IU Bloomington.

Pat Colander, associate publisher with The Times, will serve as panel discussion moderator.

"We have come to realize that some of the best information and minds available for the future development of Northwest Indiana come from those that are right here," Pullara said. "Working together, we can develop our region to provide for expansion in the area of Information Technology that will benefit future generations of employers and citizens."

Operation Ten is sponsored by area firms including GNIAR, The Times, Kramer Leonard and the Midwest Business Economic Research Group.

"Once again, this group of exceptional entrepreneurs and academics will continue the important discussion on the expansion of Information Technology," said Joe Gomeztagle, executive director of Operation Ten.