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.

Society of Innovators Awards

Culture of innovation

Gary Johnson and Jason Williams of the Society of Innovators at PNW discuss innovation as the engine of regional renewal in Northwest Indiana.
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Leigh Morris

Measuring up

Longtime regional leader Leigh Morris shares how the Region's 12 colleges and universities build minds and contribute to the regional economy.
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Heather Hahn Sullivan

Natural leader

Heather Hahn Sullivan said her journey came full circle when she returned to Chesterton in 2018 to work at the Dunes Learning Center —— she now is executive director.
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Newton County Student Conservation Internship Pilot Program

 Rooted in generosity

Community foundations power regional growth, fill gaps in funding In the heart of the Midwest, where steel mills meet sand dunes, a quiet but powerful movement is shaping the future…

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Don Babcock

Next acts

Professionals who just can’t quit working look for new opportunities after retiring from their official careers.
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Jeffrey Berglund

Professional advancement

Businesses and organizations share good news about new hires, promotions, accolades, including Jeffrey Berglund who was named president of Berglund Construction.
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December 25 - January 26 magazine cover

In this issue

The issue includes stories about E-Day, the Society of Innovators, accounting, succession planning, the Future of Lowell and community foundations.
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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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