Top 10 business articles on LaPorteCounty.Life in 2022

Top 10 business articles on LaPorteCounty.Life in 2022
By: Alayna Wilkening, Anekah Fish, Aubrey Thomson, Chris Mahlmann, Curtis Hankins, Emily Fouts, Lauren Grasham Last Updated: December 19, 2022

From highlighting some of the amazing employees across the many organizations in our Region, to celebrating businesses through their successes, to supporting various groups' accomplishments during the year, 2022 involved a lot in the world of business that we were proud to share on the GreatNews.Life sites.

Veterinarians continued to care for beloved pets in the community, new developments were made and ground-breaking events were held, workers celebrated work anniversaries, doors were opened to brand new complexes, and nonprofits continued to support those with the greatest need.

Take a look at the top 10 business articles on LaPorteCounty.Life here to recap the best of 2022!

LEAP makes the jump to its new Downtown La Porte location

After 20 years at the Norfolk Southern Railroad Train Depots, La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) recently made the move in early December to its new location at 605 Michigan Avenue, right in the heart of downtown La Porte.

Bert Cook, executive director for LEAP, said they acquired their old property at the Depots when the city leased it to them a couple of decades back. However, when the Railroad made the decision to take the property back, it was time to find a new place to set up shop.

Northwest Health – La Porte’s New CEO Keith Nichols talks healthcare with La Porte Kiwanis members, provides updates on hospital plans

Offering quality healthcare to La Porte County and the surrounding areas was the focal point on Monday as Keith Nichols, the newly appointed CEO for Northwest Health La Porte, presented to the Rotary Club of La Porte and other community members at T-Bones Pier Eleven Restaurant in La Porte.

Just 91 days into his new position, this event gave Nichols the opportunity to show what the hospital has accomplished and what is to come while allowing him to introduce himself to many La Porte community members.

Surf Internet expanding fiber internet in rural Indiana

Surf Internet, a leading provider of Fiber-Optic internet access to homes and businesses across Indiana, plans to continue its expansion to underserviced areas this year. As part of their strategy, this past October they began the application process to receive a Next Level Connections Broadband Grant.

The Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, hosted by the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs, is investing $270 million towards internet access in Indiana.

Economic Development Corporation Michigan City celebrates its Silver Anniversary – 25 Years of Economic & Community Development

This year, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) is marking its Silver Anniversary – celebrating 25 years in the community. From helping launch and develop homegrown businesses, offering assistance to international companies looking to make a foothold in the states, to working to analyze and address community needs like hunger, education, and more, EDCMC has become a lynchpin for Michigan City.

Over the years, EDCMC has played a role in billions of dollars’ worth of investment coming to the city, the creation of thousands of jobs, the formation of new education programs and community initiatives, and much more. Clarence Hulse took over as the organization’s executive director nine years ago, playing a big role in that success.

La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership’s 48th Annual Play Day is a hole-in-one

On Friday, July 15, golfers from all over La Porte county gathered for a tee-riffic day at Briar Leaf Golf Course for the 48th annual Play Day golf outing, hosted by the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP).

Although the outing has been a tradition for almost 50 years, LEAP only recently took charge of the event in 2018. LEAP’s involvement continued to expand the outing’s reach, causing the day to consist of two nearly sold-out flights.

Larson-Danielson Project improves La Porte’s School Bus System

On Stevens Road, Larson-Danielson Construction is building a new transportation structure to better meet the needs of the La Porte Community School Corporation. The new building will solve a variety of problems for administrators, bus drivers, and other staff.

“The new building will have a bus repair facility and will also support their food service. The school corporation’s general construction and maintenance department will also have space in this building,” said Project Director at Larson-Danielson Construction David Merkel.

American RENOLIT makes its mark in La Porte through quality products and community service

For three generations, American RENOLIT, a 76-year-old global plastic fabrication business, has manufactured plastic film at its plant in La Porte, Ind. This plastic film has various applications, ranging from use in furniture to vehicles to hospitals and more. Ever since the American RENOLIT staked its claim in La Porte, it has grown quickly, and President Nils Dietz sees a great future for the company in Indiana and the U.S.

Part of the future includes prioritizing sustainability—both the creation of sustainable products and the recycling of waste.

American Licorice Company supports teachers with supplies and spa packages

American Licorice Company recently joined together with other businesses at an event for the Kids in Need Foundation in Minneapolis, where they provided supplies for students and teachers. Around 1000 teachers came to the event where American Licorice Company gave out classroom supplies and extra goodies. 

“We handed out some little sticky tabs and candy, of course, and even some spa packages just because the teachers need a break. We want to give them that moment of relaxation,” said Account Coordinator and CRM representative Chad Wert. “That's what we were there for: to help support the teachers and help them support the children that they teach.”

Gov. Eric Holcomb, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and South Shore Line officially break ground on Double Track Project

On Monday, June 20, state officials including Governor Eric Holcomb broke ground on the transformative $649 million South Shore Double Track Project in Michigan City. Construction is now underway on a second main line stretching between the La Porte county community and Gary that can cut more than 30 minutes off a trip from Michigan City and Chicago.

On Monday, June 20, state officials including Governor Eric Holcomb broke ground on the transformative $649 million South Shore Double Track Project in Michigan City. Construction is now underway on a second main line stretching between the La Porte county community and Gary that can cut more than 30 minutes off a trip from Michigan City and Chicago.

LPC OCED highlights how keeping people in the center of economic development pays big dividends

Helping existing companies expand, creates local jobs and that increase in new jobs creates more demand for new housing these are just two examples of the work La Porte County Office of Community & Economic Development (LPC OCED) does for the area, but it certainly is not all that it does to enhance the quality of life for La Porte Countians. Tony Rodriguez, EDFP., director of LPC OCED, is proud to be part of a “dream team” and pours his experience in economic development into bettering La Porte County.