In this issue: October – November 2024

Heather Pfundstein

Momentum building for good things to come in Region

I attended the Ignite the Region luncheon in August, and I was struck by the electricity in the ballroom.

I am not sure it was because those in attendance were truly excited to see each other or that the speakers infused some magic in the day. Sen. Todd Young said it best: “I think the Region’s already ignited. It’s on fire!”

That sense of momentum that good things are on the horizon for the Region also can be found in this issue’s stories.

We start with manufacturers who are embracing Industry 4.0 with a little help from some state grants. The program is so popular that last year’s funds ran out.

Companies also are creating a culture of wellness in the workplaces. Programs are no longer only gym memberships and apples in the common area, but realizing that happy and healthy workers are more productive.

Tax professionals in the Region also offer ways to negate stress by planning for next year — as much as possible. But a little uncertainty faces business owners and individuals alike in 2025.

Some organizations find creating community for their employees is the best way to draw the best talent — and keep them. And they are making good on that promise with remarkable donations that support some of the new recreational facilities and social services that build quality of place and life here.

The town of Schererville is on the cusp of creating that kind of change also. With five big projects in the works, including space for a downtown, officials have been saving a long time to make their dreams come true.

Plus, we highlight eight women who are blazing trails and setting their own schedules. Each focused on their passion to pursue their financial goals.

We also feature cousins who came up with a way to manage construction runoff. A new leader at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. A nonprofit that gives entrepreneurs space to collaborate, and musicians at the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra who stay in top form while they pursue other career goals.

We also hear from our partners about a new state tax study, a look at the historical economic impact of elections and six building blocks for embracing innovation.

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

Anthony Sindone

 Region on prosperous path

Anthony Sindone, visiting clinical associate professor at IU Northwest, says that despite ‘elephants in the room,’ numbers looking bright for Northwest Indiana’s economy.
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Michigan City Entrepreneurship Development Program Bootcamp

Support for big ideas

Careful planning by Northwest Indiana organizations will help build a framework for educating the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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Brian Konkol

 Professional advancement

Businesses and organizations share good news about new hires, promotions and accolades, including the Rev. Brian Konkol, who was named the 20th president of Valparaiso University.
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Paladin President and CEO Steve Hobby

Paladin’s dream hub

Longtime Michigan City nonprofit, which serves children, people with disabilities and seniors, opens space with economic development in mind.
Read More
February-March 2026 cover of NWI Business Magazine

In this issue

Northwest Indiana Business Magazine's February-March 2026 issue is the start of our 35th year of shining a light on the Region's business community. Find stories about transportation, health care, marketing,…
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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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