The 2024 Good Life Awards brought together professionals and community members from across northern Indiana to celebrate those making a positive difference in their communities. Held at Uptown Social in Michigan City, this ceremony was filled with excitement as individuals from a wide range of industries gathered to honor those who exemplify positivity, dedication, and a commitment to being the good they wish to see in the world.
The evening began with a warm welcome from GreatNews.Life Executive Director Jenny Craig-Brown, whose opening remarks set the tone for the night.
"We’re in positive media every day, which is fantastic, but it can be tough at times," she said. "Seeing community members who don’t get paid to be good people or to create and share good – but do it anyway – reminds us that we’re on the right track. If they can do it, we can do it too."
Craig-Brown emphasized the importance of bringing together people who focus on spreading positivity.
"The Good Life Awards create a space where people can connect and meet others they might not otherwise know. When you bring positively inclined people together in one room, good things are bound to happen."
After Craig-Brown’s introduction, Chris Mahlmann, founder of GreatNews.Life, took the stage to express his gratitude and share the mission behind the awards.
"This all started nearly 16 years ago as a crazy mission – an idea that if we focused on the good in our community, we could make a difference," Mahlmann said. "It was inspired by something my mom always told me: 'If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.'"
Mahlmann continued, explaining that what began as his idea has grown into something much larger, now driven by an incredible team that works year-round to share positive stories from the community. He urged attendees to take action in their own communities.
"Go out into your communities and choose good. Share positivity in your actions, your conversations, and your online interactions,” he said.
The ceremony honored six individuals whose actions have positively shaped their communities. The handcrafted awards – each a unique piece of art welded by GreatNews.Life’s Kyle Boyd – were presented one by one, with Mahlmann sharing heartfelt stories about each recipient. These awardees embody the core values of integrity, grit, and kindness that the Good Life Awards were created to celebrate.
Among the honorees was Ashley Spargo, whose work as the director of operations at GreatNews.Life has been integral to the company’s success. Mahlmann highlighted her dedication.
"Ashley embodies both sparkle and strength in everything she does for GreatNews.Life,” he said. “Whether she’s in the office, out in the field, or managing our crew, Ashley’s presence is unmistakable."
In her acceptance speech, Spargo expressed her gratitude for the team’s unwavering support.
“There’s not a single day I don’t feel supported by the team here,” Spargo said. “It’s incredible to work with two people who believed in one man’s dream and have supported it every step of the way. Jenny and I stand behind that dream every day. We support Chris, this company, and the mission it stands for. Of course, none of this happens alone. I’m so grateful for everyone behind the scenes who helps make everything come together- I couldn’t do it by myself.”
David Hall, CEO of NorthShore Health Centers, was also honored for his commitment to accessible healthcare in Northwest Indiana. Mahlmann praised Hall’s strong moral compass and work ethic.
"Husband, father, leader, friend - all roles David Hall serves, and he does it all with a farmer's mentality," Mahlmann said. “You have responsibilities in life that deserve your attention, and doing them well is usually hard, so you best get going and get it done. His down-to-earth mentality and dedication to each of those roles are ones that I learn from and serve as an example for our team.”
Heather Becerra, a dedicated leader in the tourism industry, has spent over 25 years with the South Shore CVA, helping create memorable experiences for visitors to Northwest Indiana. Chris Mahlmann highlighted her positive influence.
"Heather has been a positive constant in all our years of partnering with the South Shore CVA," Mahlmann said. "She is respected and appreciated by our team, and we feel that reciprocated by her and her team. That makes working together fun – ideal for tourism and good news."
Kevin Brown, a volunteer firefighter with the North Judson Volunteer Fire Department and a machine operator at Merit Steel, is known for his quiet strength and unwavering support, especially for his wife, Jenny Craig-Brown.
"Every time Kevin Brown is called upon, he stands up. Quietly, calmly, loyally, and with great inner strength, he shows up in his work – as a firefighter, as a husband, as a friend, and as a man-crush to me after all of his years as Jenny's rock. He has fixed, installed, moved, attended, and supported each of us, and most importantly, been the foundation in life for Jenny as Natalie has been for me. That is essential to success," Mahlmann said.
Deann Patena, president and CEO of Crossroads Chamber, has been a respected leader in the region for years, known for her dedication to bringing people together.
"I first started working with Deann back when we were Valpo.Life, and she treated me like I belonged, even though I was a nobody and she was a somebody," said Mahlmann.
Through her work with Crossroads, she has built strong partnerships, making others feel like a part of her team. Her leadership exemplifies the essence of collaboration, and her efforts continue to strengthen the community and the connections within it.
David ‘Dave” Brubaker, general manager of Team Chevrolet, has earned recognition not only for his professional achievements but also for his deep personal integrity and dedication to his community.
"Dave has been so much more than a partner to me personally; he has become a close friend,” Mahlmann said. “Our values and mindset align, and his respect and appreciation for our people shines through every interaction. Doing things the right way in business, family, and your community earns my respect forever."
As Mahlmann concluded the evening, he reminded attendees that these awards are simply about celebrating the goodness in people.
"These awards celebrate people who stand up for good- not for personal gain, but to make a meaningful impact," Mahlmann said. "They’re not the biggest donors or the loudest voices. They’re just genuinely good people who make their community stronger by living their values."
The 2024 Good Life Awards were a powerful reminder of the impact that kindness, dedication, and community can have on the world. The evening highlighted the exceptional individuals who work tirelessly to create positive change, not for recognition, but because it’s simply the right thing to do. As the night unfolded, it became clear that the true essence of these awards lies in the connections they foster and the shared commitment to making the world a better place. In celebrating these remarkable individuals, the event reinforced the belief that, together, we can build a more supportive and compassionate community, one positive action at a time.
The event would not have been possible without the incredible support of sponsors who help make the Good Life Awards a reality each year. A special thanks to NorthShore Health Centers, LEAP, Service Doctor, South Shore CVA, Strack & Van Til, Villing & Co, Surf Internet, CertaPro Painters of Northwest Indiana, and Leggett & Platt for their generous contributions.