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.

Don Babcock

Count way to success

Purdue University Northwest's Don Babcock argues weak math preparation is closing career doors for students, pointing to the U.S. ranking 34th in math among 78 nations.
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Toyia Moore

Big on housing

The Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance runs HUD-certified counseling and financial literacy classes across Lake County as foreclosures and evictions rise statewide.
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photo of Glow-in-the-Dark Smooth Bore fire hose nozzle

Nozzle worth noting

Elkhart Brass Manufacturing's glow-in-the-dark firehose nozzle won the 2025 Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana contest, beating 48 products from 36 communities.
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Sherry Langdeau and Tabetha Alvarado

Answering the call

Crown Point's Great Lakes Communications handles 24/7 calls for businesses, doctors, and crisis hotlines. Co-founders Langdeau and Alvarado launched the service in 2015.
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Blessing Mene

Essential adviser

Blessing Mene, enFocus's director of entrepreneurship, draws on a career supporting 100-plus startups and $25M raised to coach South Bend-area founders.
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Hammond Sportsplex

Economic power of play

Northwest Indiana's 114 scheduled youth sports events in 2026 could generate $45M, fueled by facilities like the Hammond Sportsplex and Elkhart aquatics center.
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Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart

Sustainable prospects

From a food-waste plant in LaPorte County to PFAS detection in South Bend, Northwest Indiana companies are building sustainability into core business operations.
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“Legacy Leaders” breakfast in November 2025

Lots of buyers out there

Indiana's office of entrepreneurship and innovation is partnering with regional groups to help small business owners plan exits as baby boomer retirements accelerate ownership turnover.
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Valparaiso University engineering students

Trending careers in trades

Northern Indiana's construction industry is pushing to recruit more high school graduates, pointing to paid apprenticeships, major project demand, and AI-resistant job security.
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Best of Business Awards 2026

2026 award winners

Northwest Indiana Business Magazine's 2026 Best of Business winners, chosen by reader survey for the 21st year, share how hiring, technology upgrades, and new offices shaped their 2025.
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Chris Campbell

Professional advancement

Northwest Indiana and Michiana professionals across banking, health care, education, law, and manufacturing announce hires, promotions, and board appointments.
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Cover of April-May 2026 Issue

In this issue

From small businesses to youth sports, discover how community spirit and local leadership are shaping a stronger Northwest Indiana.
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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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