The Ramirez family (Olga’s dad Mariano, son Michael, and Olga), Mayor Anthony Copeland, and Natalie Adams

Every dollar counts in economic development

Contributed By:The 411 News

Ramirez Produce got the full welcome treatment for its new business that opened Thursday at 3929 Main Street, in East Chicago’s Harbor section.

There was a ribbon cutting, remarks from Mayor Anthony Copeland, refreshments, and gift tote bags for shoppers. “We’re going to come back in a couple of weeks and film an infomercial so everybody can know you’re here. We are here to make you a success,” the mayor said.

Although it’s only a small fresh fruit and vegetable market, benefits to the community are significant said Marino Solorio, East Chicago’s Director of Planning and Economic Development.

“The neighborhood is mostly residential and there’s not a lot of quality produce. This is a neighborhood store, a good place to get their chiles, avocados, and bananas without going all the way over to Columbus Drive. It’s economic development because it is a new business coming to Main Street, where we want to make it a place for our residents to eat, shop, and play,” Solorio said.

Olga Ramirez plans to expand the store’s offerings in the coming weeks. “We’ll make salads, do fresh juicing, and make aguas frescas (fruit and vegetable waters).”

Mayor Copeland talked about future development coming to the neighborhood at the southern end of the Main Street corridor. Construction of a new medical center will begin at 4016 Main, following demolition of the old AT&T building at that address. A former East Chicago Pentecostal church is moving their office functions to Main Street. And the city will start a façade renovation program in the area.

Solario said the recently opened R&R Caribbean Jerk, next door to Ramirez Produce, has already outgrown its space and will move into the old North Township Office at Broadway and Main, after remodeling is completed.

Story Posted:07/22/2017