In this issue

While artificial intelligence dominates discourse these days, I keep hearing a growing drumbeat that Gen Z and millennials are tired of constantly scrolling. They increasingly are seeking analog ways to connect, especially when making financial decisions.

Our banking article shares that sentiment as young workers look for advice about life’s big decisions. Bank branches are filling that need with experts who can answer questions, and maybe, provide a little hand-holding.

Risk managers are offering that kind of guidance too. They can help business owners decide what kind of insurance is right for them or point out unnecessary expenses.

Renovations come with lots of risks, but the entrepreneurs we feature in our architecture/design story are willing to bet on places that once were abandoned. A former corn silo now hosts weddings!

Projects like these often call for a little faith in the outcome, a little like business owners who decided there is a better way to wellness. They noticed their patients were tired of prescriptions as the only answer to their pain. Nurse practitioners and other healthcare providers have found functional medicine offers an alternative to traditional office visits — and the waiting room.

Parents also are looking for ways to make life easier, and regional employers are answering the call. They are recognizing that access to daycare affects their bottom lines too, and flexibility means more than unlimited PTO. Despite the paperwork hurdles, one business owner opened a daycare for his employees’ children.

Leaders like Jay Buckmaster of the Crossroads YMCA wants to help families too. He is opening and expanding new locations that offer more than fitness routines.

Lithographic Communications also is expanding. Owner Richard Pietrzak Jr. launched a wide-format printing facility in December. He is confident that print products continue to be the standard.

Werner Graf II is committed to helping children live the virtues of their heroes by learning about them at his Gallery Arcade and Museum in Michigan City. His nonprofit Graf Dairy Hero Foundation also offers grants to help children improve their lives.

Finally, business owner Yolo López DeMarco shares her perspective on parenting, and what mothers really want: understanding. We all could use a little of that!

Enjoy this issue!

Read more stories from the current issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.

Lori Johnson Kuykendall

Building city of readers

The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $45,000 donation will help the Gary Literacy Coalition start a new program to support reading skills.
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Envel Facade

Project beyond imagination

Craig Heaney, South Bend-based Envel Facade president, said his team pushed the limits of concrete design when working on the Obama Presidential Center lettering project.
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4th Street Theater

Creative economy

Spending on arts and culture brings strong return on investment and community identity that attracts visitors, residents and businesses.
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Gabby Latchford

Purpose meets prosperity

The Northwest and North Central Indiana’s nonprofits are more than charitable organizations but employers with the power of more than 33,000 workers.
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American Precision Services

Steel support system

Secondary firms, such as American Precision Services, Indiana Steel Carriers and Northern Steel Industries, benefit from proximity to three of the nation’s largest steel producers.
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Stefan May

Growing legal opportunities

Northwest Indiana law firms provide incentives for new attorneys, while experts consider alternatives to traditional legal services in underserved communities.
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Allison Allman, Allison Leffert, Rajdeep Deka

Professional advancement

Businesses and organizations share good news about new hires, promotions, accolades, including Bill Gertner who joined Wintrust Financial Corp.
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2026 October - November Northwest Indiana Business Magazine Cover

In this issue

A Purdue Global law school graduate, steel support services, Indiana tax benefits, nonprofit jobs and an emerging creative economy make the October-November issue one packed with reasons to live, work…
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Author

  • Heather Pfundstein 2024
    Publisher/Executive Editor - Linker Media Group

    Heather Pfundstein is the publisher and executive editor of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine and NWIndianaBusiness.com. She is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years of experience in Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois newsrooms. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She has been part of the magazine's team since 2018.

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