Mr. Charles “Chuck” Hughes, Regional Director

serves as the President / CEO of the Gary Chamber of Commerce. His mission, along with that of the Chamber is to attract new business, retain existing businesses and to promote and further develop all of the business interests in the City of Gary. Chuck also has collaborated with Mayors, Partners, Investors and Developers in helping to bring economic development to the city of Gary. Mr. Hughes recently served as the Board Chairman for the Gary-Hammond East Chicago Empowerment Zone. Currently he serves as a member of the Indiana University Executive Council, the I.U. Chancellor’s Community Engagement Committee, the Indiana University School of Business Advisory Committee, the I.U. SPEA Advisory Committee, Northwest Indiana Chamber Executives Association, the Regional Development Corporation Board of Directors, Ivy Tech Society of Innovators, the Indiana Black Expo Board of Directors, Friends of the Gary Airport and the Salvation Army Board of Directors. Among his many affiliations are the National Association of Black Journalists, Firefighters Local 359, Indiana Association of Fire Firefighters, Retired Fire and Police Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the I CHANGE NATIONS 3M Project Global Initiative.