Christine Bryant IN Business
Emma Hutchinson’s career took an unexpected turn when she discovered the Regional Development Company — thanks to her parents.
“They had taken out their first business loan through the RDC to finance our family’s automotive shop in Lowell, Trace Automotive,” Hutchinson said.
Growing up in a small business household, she saw firsthand the hard work and passion it takes to be an owner, as well as the ripple effect a successful business can have on its community. That’s when Hutchinson decided to join the same organization that helped her parents’ business, starting with an internship where she quickly fell in love with commercial real estate financing.
She now serves as the marketing and business development manager where she gets to combine her love for storytelling that she strengthened in journalism school, with the ability to make a tangible difference.
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“I love the challenge of learning the SBA’s eligibility requirements, and most importantly, seeing small business owners step into their new spaces and facilities,” Hutchinson said.
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In her role with the RDC, Hutchinson leads the organization’s digital marketing efforts, from managing its social media presence and email communications to creating content that connects with audiences. She also uses data analytics to keep the RDC’s strategies sharp and relevant.
“On the business development side, I focus on building relationships with brokers, municipalities, contractors, developers and local chambers of commerce, and most importantly, business owners,” she said.
In addition to attending community events, Hutchinson maintains strong ties with borrowers and organizes signature events throughout the year.
“Every part of my role centers on promoting the SBA 504 Loan Program, supporting economic growth and helping businesses get the tools they need to succeed,” she said.
Stepping into a career in finance with no background has been one of her Hutchinson’s greatest challenges.
“In the beginning, I sat in my office with stacks of flashcards, determined to learn everything I could,” she said. “It’s taken hands-on experience, a lot of studying and endless questions to get to where I am today. I’ve learned so much already, but I know there’s still plenty more to master, and that’s exactly what keeps me excited about what I do.”
Emma Hutchinson
Age: 23
Residence: Lowell
Position and employer: Marketing and Business Development Manager, Regional Development Company
Training and education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago
Family: Bradley Bertola, husband
Free time/hobbies: Playing with her two dogs, Bucky and John, attending Chamber events, taking South Shore Line into Chicago, beach days at the Dunes
Community activities: Highland/Griffith Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Committee, Lakefront Career Network, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, member of Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Association
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