La Porte and Michigan City Chambers Host State of the County at Blue Chip Casino

La Porte and Michigan City Chambers Host State of the County at Blue Chip Casino

Hearing all the positive efforts local government is making to ensure high quality of life is a great way to spend a lunch break. On April 27th, the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce and Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual State of the County Luncheon, inviting the business community and others to learn about all the improvements happening in La Porte County.

The event took place at Blue Chip Casino, the venue itself a source of economic growth within the county.

“We are grateful to Blue Chip for hosting,” said Drew Gesse, Marketing Director of the La Porte Chamber. “It’s a great venue to use and has been a great community resource.”

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Gesse was one of many who looked forward to sharing good news with members of La Porte County. While the presentation included updates on new codes and ordinances, matters of finance and fiscal stability, and ongoing issues county leaders are continuing to solve, the luncheon best stood to announce all of the positive changes impacting the community.

“I always like looking toward the future and discussing what the plans are [for our county],” Gesse said. “Sometimes you get caught up in this or that, and you don’t really realize the progress that our government is making in improving the quality of life for our area. It’s nice to take it in and reflect on that.”

Both Gesse and Mary Jo Orlowski, President of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, enjoyed the opportunity to merge their two chambers into a joint force.

“This is a cosponsored event,” Orlowski said. “We’re here together to bring resources to our community, so that they can hear from county leaders all of the improvements they’re making within the county.”

Gesse agreed that the partnership was both efficient and meaningful.

“I like that we get to partner with Michigan City on this event,” Gesse said. “It represents a county-wide effort to put this [event] on, and to recognize the state of our county.”

After lunch was served, Orlowski introduced the speakers: Michigan City Chief of Police, Mark Swistek, Michigan City Fire Chief, Randy Novak, and La Porte County Commissioner, Richard Mrozinski.

Chief Swistek updated the attendees on the special attention La Porte County has received in fighting to keep drugs off the streets. Its official High Intensity Drug Area (HIDA) designation has ensured that the county receives additional funding and resources to track, investigate, and stop drug crimes.

Chief Swistek also commended the La Porte County school system, calling its faculty members and facilities “the leading edge when it comes to school safety.”

Chief Novak supported this in his rundown of the county’s current financial situation. He stated that a large financial project went to equipping every member of law enforcement and emergency responder with high-functioning radios and every school with an emergency button that alerts them.

Chief Novak also discussed plans for the Michigan City courthouse to be renovated, followed by the La Porte courthouse. He revealed that tourism had created $680,000,000 and 6200 jobs for LaPorte County.

“This can’t leave the room, but our county is actually in good shape, financially,” Chief Novak joked, citing tourism as a shaper of the community.

More changes included paving Johnson Road, installing sewer systems in Rolling Prairie, and developing a travel plaza around an area off I-94 that already includes plans for the new Franciscan hospital and some hotels. Nevertheless, Commissioner Mrozinski said that the best improvements will only be made with the help of community members.

“We want people to realize that we have a goal—the goal is to make La Porte County better,” said Commissioner Mrozinski. “Our greatest asset is our employees. It takes those truly dedicated employees of ours.”

When Chief Swistek concluded his remarks, he imparted some advice to the attendees:

“Be a positive ambassador to La Porte County,” Chief Swistek said. “La Porte County is a great county. So be a positive ambassador to it.”