GARY – The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana, based at Ivy Tech Community College Northwest’s Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, has announced two innovators of the month.

            Karen Denyse Hannon was inspired by her 3-month-old son to launch a functional children’s wear line, Lounge N Lax, from her home in Portage. She created the patent pending product after become frustrated with keeping Aaydon’s head dry in winter because of perspiration caused by conventional caps.

            Hannon invented a hat that wicks away perspiration and is eco-friendly with a bamboo interior. The clothing is also being marketing to children with cancer and illnesses in hospitals that are hypoallergenic, thermal regulating and odor free.

            In July, Hannon set up LNL Foundation Inc. to raise money and accept contributions to distribute LNL products. Her line consists of a matching cap, lounge pants, carrying bad and teddy bear. A fundraiser is planned for the National Children’s Cancer Society and the LNL Foundation on Sept. 10 in Portage.

            Also recognized was a team at ArcelorMittal in East Chicago led by Mark Atkinson, manager of energy and recycling. The team developed a computer model to assess energy usage at the Burns Harbor plant that looks at the impact major capital project have on energy utilization. It also measures the impact of CO2 emissions.

            The team also includes Frank Huang, Howie Pielet, both members of R&D East Chicago; Albert Kirk at Burns Harbor; Adrien Nicoletis of Metz, France; Kurt Johnson, R&D East Chicago; Helder Silva, Burns Harbor; Larry Fabina, Burns Harbor; Valentine Weber of Metz, France; and Eugene Arnold, a retired engineer.

            The program is being developed for use at other ArcelorMittal plants.